Sample Traffic Signals questions
The lights are flashing at an Illinois railroad crossing. Within what range from the nearest rail must you stop?
Between 15 and 50 feet Between 5 and 10 feet Between 100 and 200 feet Between 50 and 100 feet Show the answer
Between 15 and 50 feet
Illinois law sets the stopping point at 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), Chapter 4, Traffic Laws: Railroad Crossing (p. 33)
What does a green arrow pointing upward allow at an Illinois signal?
Going straight ahead only Turning right only Turning either way Making a U-turn Show the answer
Going straight ahead only
You may go straight, after yielding to traffic already in the intersection or crosswalk.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), Chapter 10, Traffic Signals and Pavement Markings: Arrows (p. 78)
When may you turn left on a red light in Illinois after stopping and yielding?
Onto a one-way street from a two-way street From any street, if no one is coming Never, left turns on red are banned From a one-way street onto a one-way street going left Show the answer
From a one-way street onto a one-way street going left
This is the only left turn on red the handbook allows. Stop completely and yield first, and watch for signs that forbid it.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), Chapter 10, Traffic Signals and Pavement Markings: Steady Lights (p. 77)
A yellow X appears above your lane on an Illinois highway. What should you do?
Use the lane only to pass Stay in the lane and slow to 20 mph Safely leave the lane before a red X appears Stop until a green arrow appears Show the answer
Safely leave the lane before a red X appears
A yellow X warns the lane signal will change to red. Never drive in a lane showing a red X.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), Chapter 10, Traffic Signals and Pavement Markings: Lane Signals (p. 78)
How does the Illinois handbook say to treat a railroad crossbuck sign?
Like a no-parking sign Like a directional guide sign Like a yield sign Like a speed limit sign Show the answer
Like a yield sign
You must yield to any oncoming trains or railroad equipment. A number below the crossbuck tells you how many tracks there are.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), Chapter 10, Traffic Signals and Pavement Markings: Railroad Crossings (p. 81)
What must you do before turning right on a red light in Illinois, where no sign forbids the turn?
Stop completely, then yield Slow down, then yield Sound your horn, then turn Wait for a green arrow Show the answer
Stop completely, then yield
Make a full stop, then give way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. A sign can prohibit the turn.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), Chapter 10, Traffic Signals and Pavement Markings: Steady Lights (p. 77)
You face a steady red right-turn arrow in Illinois, and no sign prohibits the turn. What may you do?
Turn right without stopping Wait for a green arrow in every case Back up and choose another lane Stop, yield, then turn right Show the answer
Stop, yield, then turn right
Illinois treats a right turn at a red arrow as an exception. Make a full stop and give way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians first.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), Chapter 10, Traffic Signals and Pavement Markings: Arrows (p. 78)
What does a steady yellow arrow tell an Illinois driver?
Pedestrians have finished crossing The signal is out of order The green arrow is ending or red is coming Turn only after yielding to oncoming traffic Show the answer
The green arrow is ending or red is coming
A constantly lit yellow arrow warns of the change. A flashing yellow arrow is the one that lets you turn after yielding.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), Chapter 10, Traffic Signals and Pavement Markings: Arrows (p. 78)
You face a steady red left-turn arrow on an Illinois two-way street. What should you do?
Wait until a green arrow appears Turn left if no one is coming Stop, yield, then turn left Slow down and turn left with care Show the answer
Wait until a green arrow appears
A red arrow holds that movement until a green arrow appears. The left-turn exception applies only from a one-way street onto a one-way street going left.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), Chapter 10, Traffic Signals and Pavement Markings: Arrows (p. 78)
In Illinois, you may cut through a parking lot beside the road to avoid a red traffic signal.
Show the answer
False
You can never drive off the road to get around a signal.
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road (2026), Chapter 10, Traffic Signals and Pavement Markings: introduction (p. 77)
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Full practice test All topics, as in the knowledge test Road Signs What signs mean and what to do when you see them Right-of-Way Who goes first at intersections, crosswalks and roundabouts Lanes & Turns Lane markings, turns, passing and merging Speed Limits Limits and how to adjust your speed Parking Curb colors, hills and where you can't park Safe Driving Following distance, weather, night driving and sharing the road Alcohol & Drugs Blood alcohol limits, DUI rules and medication Emergencies Breakdowns, emergency vehicles and railroad crossings License Rules Permits, restrictions for new drivers and points Insurance & Collisions Required coverage and what to do after a crash Phones & Distraction Phone rules and other distractions
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About these questions
We wrote these practice questions from the facts in the Illinois Rules of the Road (2026 (DSD A 112.47, printed July 2026) edition) and from official sources on road signs. Every answer links to its source, so you can check it and read more.
DMV Decoded is an independent guide, not a government agency. This practice test is not connected to the Illinois Secretary of State, and your actual test will have different questions. Study the handbook, and check the agency's website for current rules.
