Your circular signal turns green, but a pedestrian is still lawfully crossing your path. What does the green permit you to do?
Correct answer: Proceed only after yielding to the pedestrian
Green permits movement with due care; it does not cancel the rights of pedestrians or vehicles already entitled to proceed. Do not treat a green light as a guarantee that the path is clear.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; printed 80 / physical PDF 82; Traffic Signals - circular green. Current corroboration read September 13, 2026: G.S. 20-158(b)(2a), green-light paragraph; full section and exceptions read. ↗
A circular green changes to yellow while you are still far enough from the intersection to stop safely. What should you do?
Correct answer: Stop safely rather than accelerate into the intersection
The handbook directs a safe stop when possible. If too close to stop safely, proceed cautiously instead; never speed up to beat the red. The stated scenario supplies enough stopping room.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; printed 80 / physical PDF 82; Traffic Signals - circular yellow. Current corroboration read September 13, 2026: G.S. 20-158(b)(2a): yellow warns of terminating green or immediately forthcoming red; handbook supplies safe-stop guidance. ↗
You are waiting to turn left, and the signal controlling that turn remains a steady red arrow. An oncoming-traffic gap appears. What should you do?
Correct answer: Remain stopped for the red arrow
The North Carolina handbook's steady red arrow display means stop with no turn allowed. A traffic gap does not change the red arrow into a permissive indication. This concerns the controlled left turn, not a circular-red right-turn rule.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; printed 81 / physical PDF 83; Flashing Yellow Arrow Traffic Signal Heads - Solid Red Arrow. ↗
A signal shows a green left arrow beside a red circular light. You are in the lane for that left turn, and the path is clear. Which movement does that display permit?
Correct answer: A cautious left turn in the arrow's direction
The arrow controls the indicated turning movement while the circular light controls through movement. A green arrow permits the indicated turn with caution; it does not make the red circular signal green.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; printed 81 / physical PDF 83; Combination signal displays - green left arrow with red circular signal. ↗
A flashing red light faces your car at an intersection. Traffic is light. What is required before you enter?
Correct answer: A full stop, then yielding before proceeding safely
Flashing red is treated as a stop sign: stop fully and yield to traffic in or approaching the intersection. A light traffic volume does not remove the stop.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; printed 81 / physical PDF 83; Flashing Signals - red. Current corroboration read September 13, 2026: G.S. 20-158(b)(3), with complete section read. ↗
An operating circular signal at an intersection is flashing yellow toward you. What does that displayed indication mean?
Correct answer: Proceed cautiously and yield to conflicting traffic
Flashing yellow permits cautious movement while yielding as required. This question concerns an actual flashing-yellow display, not a dark malfunctioning signal or a flashing-red display.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; printed 81 / physical PDF 83; Flashing Signals - yellow. Current corroboration read September 13, 2026: G.S. 20-158(b)(4); NCDOT May 10, 2024 malfunction-flash program read for context, not used to erase the actual statutory yellow meaning. ↗
A flashing yellow left arrow is displayed while oncoming vehicles continue through the intersection. How should you decide when to turn?
Correct answer: Yield and turn only when the conflicting path is clear
The flashing yellow arrow permits the indicated turn, but it is not protected from oncoming traffic. Yield to conflicting vehicles and pedestrians before turning.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; printed 81 / physical PDF 83; Flashing Yellow Arrow Traffic Signal Heads. Current corroboration read September 13, 2026: NCDOT Signal Design FAQ physical2, FYA answer; NCDOT November25,2024 Wilson signal release, safe-gap paragraph. Neither is a new legal timing rule. ↗
All signal heads at an intersection are dark after a power failure. No officer, authorized person or other traffic-control device is directing traffic. How should you treat it?
Correct answer: As an intersection controlled by stop signs on every approach
North Carolina requires the all-approach stop-sign treatment for an unilluminated malfunctioning intersection signal unless an authorized person or other device controls traffic. Those exceptions are expressly absent here.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; printed 81 / physical PDF 83; Malfunctioned traffic signal. Current corroboration read September 13, 2026: G.S. 20-158(b)(6), full exception sentence read. ↗
At a freeway entrance ramp, the ramp-meter signal is dark rather than red or green. There is no other control requiring a stop. What does the dark meter allow?
Correct answer: Proceed past the meter and merge as normal conditions allow
A dark ramp meter allows passage without a meter-required stop. This differs from a failed intersection signal and does not remove ordinary merging or yielding duties.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; printed 82 / physical PDF 84; Ramp Meter Traffic Signals. Current corroboration read September 13, 2026: G.S. 20-158(c)(6), with adjoining nonintersection-control context read. ↗
You have stopped at a pedestrian hybrid beacon. Its red lights begin alternating flashes, but a pedestrian is still crossing directly in your path. What should you do?
Correct answer: Remain stopped until the pedestrian has cleared your path
The flashing-red phase does not authorize driving through a pedestrian. After a complete stop, movement can resume only when the crossing is clear and it is safe. No fixed waiting time is substituted for checking.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; printed 82 / physical PDF 84; Hybrid Beacons - alternating flashing red sequence. Current corroboration read September 13, 2026: G.S. 20-158(c)(3); NCDOT Signal Design FAQ physical2 hybrid-beacon answer, full paragraph; handbook full sequence visually inspected. ↗
A stop sign requires you to stop at an intersection with a clearly marked stop line before the crosswalk. Where should you make the required stop?
Correct answer: At the marked stop line
The marked stop line controls the stopping location. Without one, the statutory hierarchy is before the marked crosswalk, then the nearest view point before entering the intersection; the prompt already supplies a line.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; printed 83 / physical PDF 85; Regulatory Signs - stop-location paragraph. Current corroboration read September 13, 2026: G.S. 20-158(b)(5), all three location alternatives read. ↗
The road appears empty as you approach this sign. How does that affect its stop requirement?
Correct answer: It still requires a complete stop
A STOP sign requires a full stop even on an apparently empty road. Check and yield as required before continuing; no arbitrary minimum waiting time is added.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; printed 83 / physical PDF 85; Regulatory Signs - STOP. Current corroboration read September 13, 2026: G.S. 20-158(b)(1). ↗
At the pictured sign, entering now would force traffic on the intersecting street to brake. What should you do?
Correct answer: Stop and wait rather than interfere with that traffic
Yield requires slowing and giving way. When entry would interfere with traffic having the right-of-way, stop and wait; a horn is not the trigger.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; printed 83 / physical PDF 85; Regulatory Signs - YIELD. ↗
A destination is just beyond an opening, but this sign faces you at that opening. Which choice respects its meaning?
Correct answer: Find another lawful approach instead of entering there
The sign prohibits entry from the direction facing it. Distance to a destination, a gap or low speed does not remove that restriction.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; printed 86 / physical PDF 88; Regulatory Signs panel - DO NOT ENTER. ↗
You want to return along the road you just traveled. This sign is posted at the intersection. Which plan does it rule out?
Correct answer: Making a U-turn at that intersection
The red slash over the U-shaped arrow prohibits a U-turn there. It does not by itself prohibit continuing ahead or using another lawful route.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; printed 86 / physical PDF 88; Regulatory Signs panel - No U Turns. ↗
The pictured sign stands at a traffic island. Where does it direct you to pass the island?
Correct answer: On its right-hand side
The curved arrow directs traffic to the right of the obstruction. It is not a stop sign or permission to choose either side.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; printed 86 / physical PDF 88; Regulatory Signs panel - Keep Right. ↗
This sign controls the lane you are in. What movement should you plan to make from that lane at the intersection?
Correct answer: A left turn
The curved left arrow with ONLY assigns the lane to left turns. If that is not your intended route, plan a lawful lane choice early rather than continue straight from this lane.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; printed 86 / physical PDF 88; Regulatory Signs panel - Left Turn Only. Current corroboration read September 13, 2026: G.S. 20-146(d)(3), obedience to official designated-lane directions. ↗
You see this yellow sign before a bend that hides the next intersection. What should you prepare for?
Correct answer: A stop sign ahead that will require a stop
This is an advance warning of a stop sign. It lets you prepare before the actual control becomes visible; it is not the stop line or a road-closure instruction.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; printed 84 / physical PDF 86; Warning Signs - STOP AHEAD. ↗
What should you expect beyond this yellow warning sign as you approach the next junction?
Correct answer: A traffic signal whose actual indication you must check
The symbol warns that a traffic signal is ahead. The colored circles on a printed sign do not tell you the signal's present display.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; printed 87 / physical PDF 89; Warning Signs panel - Signal Ahead. ↗
You are following the main roadway when this sign appears. Which change ahead is it warning you to anticipate?
Correct answer: Traffic joining the roadway from the side
The joining branch warns of merging traffic. It does not grant an entering driver automatic priority or require main-road traffic to turn.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; printed 87 / physical PDF 89; Warning Signs panel - Merging Traffic. ↗
You are in the right lane when this warning appears. What does the diagram tell you about the roadway ahead?
Correct answer: The right lane narrows into the lane beside it
The tapering line shows the right lane ending. Recognize the change early and plan a safe merge; the sign does not authorize an abrupt lane change.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; printed 87 / physical PDF 89; Warning Signs panel - Lane Drop. ↗
This sign appears near the end of a divided road. What change does it warn about?
Correct answer: The physical separation between opposing traffic is ending
The divider symbol is at the bottom of the sign: the divided highway ends ahead. Prepare for an undivided section, not a new median or a mandatory exit.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; printed 87 / physical PDF 89; Warning Signs panel - Divided Highway Ends. ↗
Seeing this five-sided sign, which nearby road users should you be especially prepared to notice?
Correct answer: Children around a school area or crossing
The pentagon with schoolchildren warns of a school area or school crossing. It is not itself a numerical speed-limit sign; obey any separately posted restriction and watch carefully for children.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; printed 85 / physical PDF 87; School-zone or school-crossing pentagon. ↗
This circular yellow sign appears before you reach any tracks. What is it telling you?
Correct answer: A railroad crossing is ahead
The round RR warning is placed in advance of a railroad crossing. It is different from the crossbuck at the crossing and does not by itself state that a train is present.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; printed 84 / physical PDF 86; Warning Signs - round railroad advance warning. ↗
While looking for medical assistance, you see this blue service sign. Which facility does it identify?
Correct answer: A hospital
The white H on a blue background identifies hospital service. It does not identify lodging or promise that every type of treatment is available at every facility.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; printed 85 / physical PDF 87; Guide/Informational Signs - hospital. ↗
An orange diamond-shaped sign warns of road work ahead. What type of condition should you associate with its color and shape?
Correct answer: Construction or maintenance conditions
Black-on-orange diamond warnings concern construction or maintenance areas. Read the specific message; the orange color does not establish a particular speed limit or say that every lane is closed.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; printed 84 / physical PDF 86; Warning Signs - black-on-orange. ↗
Two adjacent travel lanes are separated by a yellow center line rather than a white lane line. What does that color difference tell you?
Correct answer: The adjacent lanes carry opposing directions of traffic
Yellow separates opposing traffic; white separates lanes traveling in the same direction. Color alone does not establish permission or safe conditions for a pass.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; printed 88 / physical PDF 90; Pavement Markings - lane-line colors. ↗
A broken yellow line is on your side of the center line. Which conclusion can you safely draw from the marking alone?
Correct answer: Passing may be permitted, but conditions and other rules still must allow it
The broken line can permit passing with care, but it does not guarantee a safe gap, adequate sight distance or the absence of other restrictions. It is not an instruction to begin a pass.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; printed 88 / physical PDF 90; Pavement Markings - broken yellow center line. Current corroboration read September 13, 2026: G.S. 20-150(a)–(f) read, including bicycle/moped exception; no numeric passing-clearance or blanket solid-line rule is tested. ↗
A center lane is marked for left turns from both directions, with opposing curved arrows. What is that lane intended for?
Correct answer: Left turns by traffic approaching from either direction
This specially marked lane is for two-way left-turn movements, not through travel or passing. Do not confuse it with every possible three-lane road arrangement.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; printed 88 / physical PDF 90; Pavement Markings - two-way left-turn lane and diagram. Current corroboration read September 13, 2026: G.S. 20-146(d)(2)–(3) read; the prompt supplies the exclusive turn-lane marking rather than generalizing every center lane. ↗
At night, the pavement markers facing your car appear red. What warning should that color give you?
Correct answer: You may be traveling in the wrong direction
The handbook identifies red pavement markers as a wrong-way indication. Treat that warning seriously and assess a safe correction; it is not an instruction to make an abrupt turn across traffic.
Source: NCDMV Driver Handbook, revised May 2025, printing 09/25, current-linked 108-page PDF metadata modified September 10, 2026; Chapter 5 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings; printed 88 / physical PDF 90; Pavement Markings - reflective marker colors. ↗
