Sample Traffic Signals questions
The red lights of a pedestrian hybrid beacon are flashing back and forth. What may you do?
Go without checking the crosswalk Back up behind the stop line Go with caution if the crosswalk is clear Stay stopped until the beacon goes dark Show the answer
Go with caution if the crosswalk is clear
Alternating red flashes mean you may proceed carefully once no one is in the crosswalk.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 2: Traffic Signals (pp. 5-6)
What should you do at a flashing red arrow?
Turn without stopping Stop, yield, then turn when it is clear Slow down and turn Wait for a steady green arrow Show the answer
Stop, yield, then turn when it is clear
Treat it like a stop: stop fully, yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, then turn.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 2: Traffic Signals (pp. 5-6)
A red arrow points right and no sign allows a turn. May you turn right after stopping in Virginia?
Only on a one-way street No, turns on a red arrow are prohibited Yes, if no pedestrians are present Yes, after a full stop Show the answer
No, turns on a red arrow are prohibited
Virginia bans turning on a red arrow unless a sign allows it after a stop.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 2: Traffic Signals (pp. 5-6)
What does a shared lane marking, or sharrow, remind drivers to expect?
A car pool lane Bicyclists riding in the travel lane A lane closing ahead A bus stop ahead Show the answer
Bicyclists riding in the travel lane
Sharrows mark lanes too narrow to share side by side and show where cyclists may ride.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 2: Pavement Markings (pp. 11-13)
On a three-lane road, the center lane has single broken yellow lines on both sides. What may it be used for?
Buses only Passing, by traffic going either way Parking only Left turns only Show the answer
Passing, by traffic going either way
When both sides are single broken yellow lines, drivers from either direction may pass in it.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 2: Pavement Markings (pp. 11-13)
The two red lights of a pedestrian hybrid beacon are steady. What must you do?
Slow down and go Go if no one is in your lane Sound your horn and proceed Stop Show the answer
Stop
Steady red lights on the beacon mean pedestrians have a walk signal and drivers must stop.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 2: Traffic Signals (pp. 5-6)
Is it legal to cut through a gas station lot to avoid a red light?
Yes, if you drive slowly Only during rush hour No, that is illegal Yes, if the lot is empty Show the answer
No, that is illegal
Using a parking lot or field to get around a traffic control is against the law.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 2: Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings (p. 5)
Your light turns green while a pedestrian is still in the street you want to turn into. What do you do?
Turn behind the pedestrian Let the pedestrian finish crossing first Turn if you have a green arrow Sound your horn and turn Show the answer
Let the pedestrian finish crossing first
Wait until the pedestrian has crossed before you start the turn.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 2: Traffic Signals (pp. 5-6)
Your light is red at an intersection with a painted bike box. Where must you stop?
Past the box, at the corner Inside the bike box Behind the bike box In the crosswalk Show the answer
Behind the bike box
Stop behind the box so cyclists can wait in front of you. No right turn on red is allowed there.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 2: Pavement Markings (pp. 11-13)
A center lane has a solid and a broken yellow line on each side. How far may you travel in it?
No more than 50 feet No more than 150 feet No more than 500 feet As far as you like Show the answer
No more than 150 feet
It is a left-turn lane, and you may not drive in it for more than 150 feet.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 2: Pavement Markings (pp. 11-13)
Take this topic's test
More Virginia practice
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
Share this test
Copy link
Email
About these questions
We wrote these practice questions from the facts in the Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39) (April 2026 PDF (created 2026-04-27), read 2026-11-07, plus dmv.virginia.gov pages on the knowledge exam, learner's permits and teen restrictions 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 Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and your actual test will have different questions. Study the handbook, and check the agency's website for current rules.
