A road has a yellow centerline and white lines between lanes on your side. What do those colors ordinarily separate?
Correct answer: Yellow separates opposing directions; white separates same-direction lanes.
Iowa describes yellow lines as separating opposite directions and white lane lines as separating traffic moving in the same direction. This is a text-based color distinction, not a claim about an unseen diagram.
Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; printed page 15, physical PDF page 15; 2.12 Pavement markings. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. ↗
You reach the sign shown at a quiet intersection. What does it require even when no traffic is visible?
Correct answer: A complete stop before proceeding when safe.
STOP requires a full stop, not merely a reduction in speed. Use the stop line, or the appropriate crosswalk or intersection stopping position, then yield before proceeding.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2b_01; sign R1-1: Stop; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
What instruction does this triangular sign give as you approach crossing traffic?
Correct answer: Slow down and give way, stopping if necessary.
YIELD means give the right-of-way to traffic in the intersection or road you are entering. Slow enough to assess the situation and stop when needed.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2b_01; sign R1-2: Yield; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
This sign faces you at a roadway opening. Which action follows its instruction?
Correct answer: Do not use that opening to enter the roadway.
DO NOT ENTER prohibits entry from the direction you are approaching. An empty roadway does not cancel the restriction; find a lawful entrance.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2b_11; sign R5-1: Do Not Enter; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
You see this sign facing your vehicle after a turn. What danger does it identify?
Correct answer: You are traveling toward opposing traffic in the wrong direction.
WRONG WAY warns that you have entered against the permitted traffic direction. Correct the mistake as quickly and safely as possible; do not continue farther into oncoming traffic.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2b_11; sign R5-1a: Wrong Way; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Which maneuver is ruled out by this symbol?
Correct answer: Turning left.
The red slash cancels the left-turn movement shown by the arrow. It does not itself prohibit going straight or establish priority over pedestrians.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2b_04; sign R3-2: No Left Turn; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
A driver wants to turn in the direction crossed out on this sign. What should the driver do?
Correct answer: Continue by a permitted movement instead of turning right.
This is a NO RIGHT TURN regulatory sign. The crossed-out arrow prohibits the maneuver; it is not a yellow warning sign about the road bending.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2b_04; sign R3-1: No Right Turn; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
What movement does this sign prohibit?
Correct answer: Turning around to travel in the opposite direction.
The U-shaped arrow identifies a U-turn. The sign prohibits that reversal of direction, rather than every possible movement involving a leftward steer.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2b_04; sign R3-4: No U-Turn; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
This sign stands at a roadway obstruction. On which side should traffic pass it?
Correct answer: On the right side of the obstruction.
KEEP RIGHT directs you around the indicated obstruction or road feature on its right. It is not an instruction to leave the roadway.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2b_10; sign R4-7: Keep Right; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
This sign applies to the lane you are using at the intersection. Which movement is permitted from that lane?
Correct answer: A left turn only.
The left arrow with ONLY restricts the lane to a left turn. Select a different lawful lane in advance if you need to continue straight.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2b_04; sign R3-5: Lane Control; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
What must a driver in the lane governed by this sign plan to do?
Correct answer: Continue straight through the intersection.
The straight arrow and ONLY identify a through-only lane. A turn signal does not create permission to turn from it.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2b_04; sign R3-5a: Lane Control; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
How does this yellow sign differ from the red sign it pictures?
Correct answer: It warns that a stop sign is ahead.
STOP AHEAD gives advance notice so you can prepare to stop at the upcoming controlled location. The yellow warning sign itself is not the intersection stop sign.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2c_06; sign W3-1: Stop Ahead; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
What should you expect beyond this warning sign?
Correct answer: A traffic signal that may require you to stop.
The pictured signal warns of traffic lights ahead. It does not display the current signal phase or grant permission to proceed.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2c_06; sign W3-3: Signal Ahead; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
What traffic change does the joining branch on this sign warn about?
Correct answer: Traffic entering from another road will merge into the roadway.
The joining branch represents merging traffic. Watch for vehicles entering and allow room for a safe merge; do not confuse it with the added-lane symbol.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2c_08; sign W4-1: Merge; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
What does this sign tell you about traffic arriving from the right?
Correct answer: It enters a separate added lane rather than immediately merging into yours.
An added lane continues beside the through lane. This is different from a merge, although drivers must still check traffic before making any later lane change.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2c_08; sign W4-3: Added Lane; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
You are traveling in the right lane when this sign appears. What should you prepare to do?
Correct answer: Merge left safely because the right lane ends.
The right side tapers away, showing the right lane ending. Check traffic and merge left when safe, yielding to vehicles already in that lane.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2c_08; sign W4-2: Lane Ends/Merge Left; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Which change in the road layout is shown here?
Correct answer: Opposing directions will be separated by a median or barrier ahead.
The divider is at the far end of the symbol: a divided section begins ahead. Keep to the proper side of the median.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2c_05; sign W6-1: Begin Divided Roadway; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
What should you expect after passing this warning?
Correct answer: Two-way traffic without the median or barrier that separated it.
The divider ends in the direction of travel. Be ready for opposing traffic on an undivided roadway, not for the end of all oncoming traffic.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2c_05; sign W6-2: End Divided Roadway; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Rain begins as you approach the road section marked by this sign. What concern should guide your driving?
Correct answer: The pavement can become unusually slippery when wet.
The tracks depict skidding, not the route of the road. Reduce speed as conditions require and use smooth steering, braking and acceleration.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2c_06; sign W8-5: Slippery When Wet; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
What lies ahead according to the curved arrow shown?
Correct answer: The road curves to the left.
This yellow warning describes the road alignment ahead. Slow to an appropriate speed before the curve; it is not a white lane-use command or a turn prohibition.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2c_01; sign W1-2: Curve; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Compared with a gentle curve warning, what does this sharply bent arrow indicate?
Correct answer: A sharp left turn in the road ahead.
The angular arrow warns of a sharp change in the road direction. Reduce speed before reaching it and follow any posted advisory information.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2c_01; sign W1-1: Turn; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
At the junction warned about by this sign, what happens to the road you are following?
Correct answer: It ends; you must turn left or right.
The stem of the T ends at the crossbar. Prepare to choose a turn, slow down and obey the actual controls and right-of-way rules at the junction.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2c_09; sign W2-4: T Intersection Ahead; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
What feature should you watch for on the side indicated by this sign?
Correct answer: A side road joining from the right.
The branch indicates a side-road intersection. Watch for traffic entering or crossing your path; this symbol does not order you to turn.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2c_09; sign W2-2: Side Road Ahead; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Which type of intersection is this sign warning you to approach?
Correct answer: A roundabout or circular intersection.
The circular arrows warn of a roundabout ahead. Reduce speed and follow the roundabout entry, lane and right-of-way rules.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2c_09; sign W2-6: Roundabout Ahead; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
What does this round sign tell you before you reach the marked location?
Correct answer: A railroad crossing is ahead; watch for trains and crossing controls.
The round sign is advance warning of a railroad crossing. It is different from the crossbuck at the tracks and does not give traffic priority over trains.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 8b_04; sign W10-1: Railroad Crossing; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
What should the school-related symbol on this sign prompt you to watch for?
Correct answer: Children walking or crossing near the school area.
The five-sided school sign calls attention to children. Slow down and watch carefully; any separate speed or crossing-location plaque adds its own information.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 7b_01; sign S1-1: School Crossing; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
What does this yellow symbol warn you to watch for?
Correct answer: Pedestrians near or crossing the roadway.
The walking figure is a warning of pedestrian activity. A red circle and slash would indicate a prohibition instead.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2c_11; W11-2: Pedestrian warning. National sign recognition, not a state-exclusive rule; checked September 28, 2026. ↗
Which service is identified by the white letter on this blue sign?
Correct answer: A hospital.
The H identifies hospital service. Accompanying direction signs show how to reach it; it does not assign a traffic lane.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2i_01; D9-2: Hospital. National sign recognition, not a state-exclusive rule; checked September 28, 2026. ↗
What does this pennant identify?
Correct answer: The start of a no-passing zone.
The pennant marks a no-passing zone. It does not provide permission to overtake merely because the view beyond it appears open.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2c_08; W14-3: No Passing Zone. National sign recognition, not a state-exclusive rule; checked September 28, 2026. ↗
