Alabama Traffic Signals Practice Permit Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: YOU MAY CONTINUE CAREFULLY THROUGH A YELLOW LIGHT IF:

There is an emergency vehicle crossing your lane
There are no pedestrians crossing
You are turning right
You are within the intersection (Correct answer)

Correct answer: You are within the intersection

A yellow light indicates that the signal is about to turn red. You may proceed through a yellow light if you are already in the intersection or so close that stopping safely would be impossible. Otherwise, drivers should prepare to stop.

Question 2: IF YOU ARE APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION WITH A RED FLASHING LIGHT, WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Go through the intersection without slowing down
Slow down, but allow cross traffic to go first
Wait for the green light before entering
Stop before entering and then proceed when safe (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Stop before entering and then proceed when safe

A flashing red light is treated like a stop sign. Drivers must come to a complete stop before the intersection, yield to all cross-traffic and pedestrians, and then proceed only when it is safe to do so.

Question 3: WHEN A SCHOOL BUS WITH ITS RED LIGHTS FLASHING IS STOPPED AHEAD ON YOUR SIDE OF THE ROAD, YOU MUST:

Stop until the lights stop flashing (Correct answer)
Change lanes, drive slowly, and pass cautiously
Stop until you think all of the children are unloaded
Slow down and proceed unless the bus driver is signaling you to stop

Correct answer: Stop until the lights stop flashing

When a school bus displays flashing red lights, it indicates that children are entering or exiting the bus. Drivers in both directions (unless separated by a physical barrier) must stop and remain stopped until the red lights are no longer flashing, ensuring the safety of the children.

Question 4: IF THERE IS A RAILROAD CROSSING AHEAD AND A MECHANICAL SIGNAL WARNS YOU OF AN APPROACHING TRAIN, YOU MUST:

Stop and then proceed when safe (Correct answer)
Slow down before crossing
Stop only if you see a train coming
Slow down, honk your horn and proceed through the crossing

Correct answer: Stop and then proceed when safe

A mechanical signal (like flashing lights or a crossing gate) at a railroad crossing indicates an approaching train. Drivers must stop completely before the tracks and remain stopped until the train has passed, the signals stop flashing, and it is safe to proceed.

Question 5: A TRAFFIC LIGHT WHICH HAS A GREEN ARROW AND A RED LIGHT MEANS THAT

You may only drive straight ahead
You may drive only in the direction of the green arrow (Correct answer)
You must wait for a green light
Vehicles moving in any direction must stop

Correct answer: You may drive only in the direction of the green arrow

A green arrow displayed with a red light means that traffic is permitted to proceed only in the direction indicated by the arrow, while all other movements are prohibited by the red light. This allows for controlled turns or specific lane movements while stopping other traffic.

Question 6: THIS GREEN ARROW ON A LANE USE CONTROL SIGNAL MEANS THAT:

You may use this lane (Correct answer)
No traffic is allowed in this lane
You have the right-of-way
You must merge into this lane

Correct answer: You may use this lane

A green arrow on a lane use control signal indicates that the lane is open for traffic in the direction of the arrow. Drivers may safely enter and use this lane, while other signals like a red 'X' would prohibit its use.

Question 7: ON THE INTERSECTION, IF YOU SEE A GREEN ARROW POINTING TO THE LEFT, YOU CAN:

Go in any direction
Make a protected turn left (Correct answer)
Make a turn left or go straight
Turn left only if there are no vehicles coming in the opposite direction

Correct answer: Make a protected turn left

A green arrow pointing to the left indicates a protected turn. This means that oncoming traffic and pedestrians are stopped by a red light, granting you the exclusive right-of-way to complete your left turn safely without yielding. Therefore, you can make a protected turn left.

Question 8: IF YOU ARE APPROACHING A RAILROAD CROSSING WITH RED FLASHING LIGHTS, YOU MUST:

Stop and then proceed when safe (Correct answer)
Stop only if you see a train coming
Slow down before crossing
Proceed without stopping if you cannot see the train coming

Correct answer: Stop and then proceed when safe

Red flashing lights at a railroad crossing are a clear signal of an approaching train or immediate danger. Drivers are legally required to stop completely before the tracks. You must only proceed once the train has passed, the lights have stopped flashing, and it is absolutely safe to cross.

Question 9: WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING MUST YOU OBEY OVER THE OTHER THREE

A steady red light
A policeman (Correct answer)
A stop sign
A flashing red light

Correct answer: A policeman

A police officer's directions always take precedence over any other traffic control device, including traffic lights, stop signs, and flashing signals. Officers are present to manage traffic flow and ensure safety, especially during emergencies or unusual circumstances, so their commands must be obeyed first.

Question 10: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRAFFIC LIGHTS WITH RED ARROWS AND THOSE WITH SOLID RED LIGHTS?

You cannot turn against a red arrow, even if you stop first (Correct answer)
Red arrows are only used for protected turn lanes
Red arrows are only used to stop traffic that is turning left
Red arrows are only used to stop traffic that is turning right

Correct answer: You cannot turn against a red arrow, even if you stop first

A solid red light typically allows a right turn on red after stopping and yielding, unless a sign prohibits it. However, a red arrow specifically prohibits turning in the direction of the arrow, even after stopping. You must wait for the arrow to turn green before making the turn.

Question 11: WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU ARE DRIVING AND SEE AN EMERGENCY VEHICLE WITH FLASHING LIGHTS BEHIND YOU?

Drive to the right edge of the road and stop (Correct answer)
Speed up to clear traffic
Stay in your lane but slow down
None of the above

Correct answer: Drive to the right edge of the road and stop

When an emergency vehicle with flashing lights and/or sirens approaches from behind, drivers are legally required to pull over to the nearest edge of the road, usually the right, and stop. This action clears the path for the emergency vehicle to pass safely and quickly, ensuring they can reach their destination without delay.

Question 12: IF THERE ARE STILL OTHER VEHICLES IN THE INTERSECTION WHEN YOUR RED LIGHT TURNS GREEN, YOU SHOULD:

Enter the intersection and wait for traffic to clear
Move ahead only if you can go around the other vehicles safely
Wait until the vehicles clear the intersection before entering (Correct answer)
Enter the intersection because you have the right-of-way

Correct answer: Wait until the vehicles clear the intersection before entering

Even if your traffic light turns green, you must never enter an intersection if other vehicles are still occupying it. Entering prematurely can cause a collision or block the intersection, creating further hazards. It is crucial to wait until the intersection is completely clear before proceeding.

Question 13: FROM TOP TO BOTTOM, THE FOLLOWING IS THE PROPER ORDER FOR TRAFFIC LIGHTS

Red, yellow, green (Correct answer)
Red, green, yellow
Green, red, yellow
Green, yellow, red

Correct answer: Red, yellow, green

Standard vertical traffic lights are universally arranged from top to bottom in the order of Red, Yellow, Green. This consistent arrangement allows drivers to quickly identify the signal's meaning, even if they are colorblind or the light is partially obscured.

Question 14: WHEN YOU ARE IN A DEDICATED TURN LANE CONTROLLED BY A GREEN ARROW, WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING IS TRUE?

All vehicles or pedestrians in the intersection must yield to you
All oncoming traffic is stopped by red lights (Correct answer)
You may turn in the direction the arrow is pointing without checking traffic
All of the above

Correct answer: All oncoming traffic is stopped by red lights

When you are in a dedicated turn lane controlled by a green arrow, it signifies a protected turn. This means that all other conflicting traffic, including oncoming vehicles and cross-traffic, is stopped by red lights, giving you the exclusive right-of-way to complete your turn safely.

Question 15: A TRAFFIC LIGHT IS RED, BUT A POLICE OFFICER IS TELLING YOU TO GO AHEAD ANYWAY. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Wait for the green light
Change lanes and drive slowly
Do as the officer tells you (Correct answer)
Stop and wait for the officer to approach you

Correct answer: Do as the officer tells you

A police officer's instructions always override any traffic signal or sign. Their primary role is to direct traffic and ensure safety, especially in unusual circumstances. Therefore, you must always obey the officer's commands, even if they contradict a traffic light.

Question 16: WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU ARE APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION WITH A FLASHING YELLOW SIGNAL LIGHT?

Maintain your speed but watch for other vehicles
Stop before crossing the intersection
Slow down and cross carefully (Correct answer)
Stop and wait until the signal turns green

Correct answer: Slow down and cross carefully

A flashing yellow signal light means 'proceed with caution.' Drivers should slow down significantly, be prepared to stop, and yield to any vehicles or pedestrians already in the intersection or entering it. Only proceed once it is safe and clear.

Question 17: A GREEN ARROW POINTING TO THE LEFT ON A TRAFFIC LIGHT MEANS YOU MAY:

Turn left or continue going straight
Turn in that direction only after you stop
Make a protected turn in that direction (Correct answer)
Make a turn even if it may cause an accident, since you have the right-of-way

Correct answer: Make a protected turn in that direction

A green arrow pointing to the left on a traffic light indicates a protected turn. This means you have the exclusive right-of-way to turn left, as opposing traffic and pedestrians are stopped by a red signal, ensuring a clear and safe path for your turn.

Question 18: WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN ON A GREEN LIGHT, YOU MUST:

Maintain normal driving speed
Stop and look for oncoming traffic
Yield to pedestrians (Correct answer)
Increase your normal driving speed

Correct answer: Yield to pedestrians

When making a right turn on a green light, you must always yield to pedestrians who are legally crossing the street. Pedestrians have the right-of-way in crosswalks, and drivers must ensure the path is clear before completing their turn to prevent accidents.

Question 19: YOU MAY TURN RIGHT ON RED IF YOU:

Stop first and check for traffic and pedestrians (Correct answer)
Have a right turn red arrow
Are in the left lane
Slow down first

Correct answer: Stop first and check for traffic and pedestrians

In most jurisdictions, you may turn right on red only after coming to a complete stop and yielding to all cross-traffic and pedestrians. This rule ensures safety by requiring drivers to confirm the path is clear and safe before proceeding with the turn.

Question 20: WHAT IS THE APPROPRIATE ACTION TO TAKE WHEN APPROACHING A RAILROAD CROSSING THAT DOES NOT HAVE SIGNALS (SUCH AS LIGHTS OR CROSSING GATES)

Always bring the car to a complete stop.
Slow down and be prepared to stop. (Correct answer)
Do nothing; all railroad crossings have signals.
Increase speed to get across the tracks quickly.

Correct answer: Slow down and be prepared to stop.

When approaching a railroad crossing without signals or gates, it is crucial to exercise extreme caution. You must slow down, look and listen carefully for trains in both directions, and be prepared to stop if a train is approaching before crossing the tracks.

Alabama Traffic Signals Practice Permit Test

YOU MAY CONTINUE CAREFULLY THROUGH A YELLOW LIGHT IF: