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. ↗
What does the number on this white sign identify?
Correct answer: The posted maximum speed in miles per hour.
A white SPEED LIMIT sign states the maximum speed for ideal conditions. The pictured 50 is a sign example, not an South Dakota statewide default; conditions may require a lower speed.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog edition Revised 11/2024, printed/physical page 35: Regulatory Signs — speed limit. Exact current manual text read September 29, 2026. Illustration independently sourced from FHWA or our own schematic; no handbook-image inspection or copying claimed. ↗
What road layout does this cross-shaped symbol warn about?
Correct answer: Another road crosses the highway ahead.
The crossing lines represent a crossroad. Watch for cross traffic and for the actual signs or signals controlling the intersection.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog edition Revised 11/2024, printed/physical page 33: Warning Signs — crossroad. Exact current manual text read September 29, 2026. Illustration independently sourced from FHWA or our own schematic; no handbook-image inspection or copying claimed. ↗
What should you expect beyond this single winding-arrow sign?
Correct answer: A series of curves in the road.
The arrow traces changes in road alignment. It differs from the slippery-road sign, which shows a vehicle and skidding tracks.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog edition Revised 11/2024, printed/physical page 33: Warning Signs — curvy road. Exact current manual text read September 29, 2026. Illustration independently sourced from FHWA or our own schematic; no handbook-image inspection or copying claimed. ↗
When posted beneath a curve warning, what does this yellow plaque communicate?
Correct answer: An advisory speed for the warned condition.
A yellow advisory-speed plaque supplements a warning. It differs from a white SPEED LIMIT sign and never overrides the need to slow for conditions.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog edition Revised 11/2024, printed/physical page 33: Warning Signs — advisory speed. Exact current manual text read September 29, 2026. Illustration independently sourced from FHWA or our own schematic; no handbook-image inspection or copying claimed. ↗
What possible hazard is represented by this animal silhouette?
Correct answer: Deer entering or crossing the road.
The sign warns of animal crossings. Watch the roadside as well as the lane; it does not mark a place to stop and feed animals.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog edition Revised 11/2024, printed/physical page 33: Warning Signs — deer. Exact current manual text read September 29, 2026. Illustration independently sourced from FHWA or our own schematic; no handbook-image inspection or copying claimed. ↗
What is the main purpose of a green sign of this kind?
Correct answer: To provide destination and route guidance.
Green guide signs provide directions and distances to destinations or routes. The example place names in this shared artwork are not South Dakota destination claims.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog edition Revised 11/2024, printed/physical page 36: Guide Signs. Exact current manual text read September 29, 2026. Illustration independently sourced from FHWA or our own schematic; no handbook-image inspection or copying claimed. ↗
What type of destination does the brown background commonly identify?
Correct answer: A recreational or scenic-area destination.
Brown signs identify public recreation or scenic guidance. The shared example illustrates the color family, not a particular South Dakota destination.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog edition Revised 11/2024, printed/physical page 36: Guide Signs — brown recreational/historical. Exact current manual text read September 29, 2026. Illustration independently sourced from FHWA or our own schematic; no handbook-image inspection or copying claimed. ↗
What kind of information is normally carried by a blue sign such as this one?
Correct answer: A motorist service, such as fuel, food or lodging.
Blue information signs guide motorists to services. The fuel symbol shown is one example; brown signs usually identify recreation destinations.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog edition Revised 11/2024, printed/physical page 36: Service Signs. Exact current manual text read September 29, 2026. Illustration independently sourced from FHWA or our own schematic; no handbook-image inspection or copying claimed. ↗
What condition does the pictured warning identify?
Correct answer: A steep downhill grade ahead.
The vehicle on a slope warns of a downgrade. Prepare for the grade and choose a safe speed before descending.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog edition Revised 11/2024, printed/physical page 33: Warning Signs — hill. Exact current manual text read September 29, 2026. Illustration independently sourced from FHWA or our own schematic; no handbook-image inspection or copying claimed. ↗
Which measurement must a driver compare with the number on this warning?
Correct answer: The vehicle's total height, including any roof load.
This is an overhead-clearance warning. The pictured height is an example; include everything carried above the vehicle when assessing whether it can fit.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog edition Revised 11/2024, printed/physical page 33: Warning Signs — low clearance. Exact current manual text read September 29, 2026. Illustration independently sourced from FHWA or our own schematic; no handbook-image inspection or copying claimed. ↗
A white rectangular sign reads DO NOT PASS. What does it tell you about overtaking an ordinary car here?
Correct answer: Do not overtake that car by passing here.
DO NOT PASS is a regulatory passing restriction. It is distinct from DO NOT ENTER and from a stop control.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog edition Revised 11/2024, printed/physical page 35: Regulatory Signs — no passing. Exact current manual text read September 29, 2026. Illustration independently sourced from FHWA or our own schematic; no handbook-image inspection or copying claimed. ↗
A ONE WAY sign points right at the street entrance. Which direction does it allow along that street?
Correct answer: To the right, in the direction shown by the arrow.
The arrow tells you the permitted traffic direction on the one-way street. It does not make the street two-way during a gap in traffic.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog edition Revised 11/2024, printed/physical page 35: Traffic Movement Signs. Exact current manual text read September 29, 2026. Illustration independently sourced from FHWA or our own schematic; no handbook-image inspection or copying claimed. ↗
What should you expect after this orange warning?
Correct answer: A flagger controlling traffic ahead.
The symbol gives advance warning of a flagger. Watch for the actual directions given at the work area; the warning itself is not a STOP paddle.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog edition Revised 11/2024, printed/physical page 34: Work Area Signs — flagger. Exact current manual text read September 29, 2026. Illustration independently sourced from FHWA or our own schematic; no handbook-image inspection or copying claimed. ↗
What type of area does this orange warning identify?
Correct answer: A construction or maintenance work area ahead.
Orange identifies construction or maintenance traffic controls. Prepare for workers, changed road conditions and directions within the work area; the illustrated distance is only a standard example.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog edition Revised 11/2024, printed/physical page 34: Work Area Signs — orange. Exact current manual text read September 29, 2026. Illustration independently sourced from FHWA or our own schematic; no handbook-image inspection or copying claimed. ↗
What location is identified by this crossbuck?
Correct answer: A railroad crossing.
The crossbuck is at the railroad crossing. Its presence does not show whether a train is approaching; observe all crossing controls and rail traffic.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog edition Revised 11/2024, printed/physical page 33: Railroad Crossing Signs — crossbuck. Exact current manual text read September 29, 2026. Illustration independently sourced from FHWA or our own schematic; no handbook-image inspection or copying claimed. ↗
Why are drums, cones, vertical panels and barricades arranged along a work-zone route?
Correct answer: To guide vehicles through the intended safe traffic path.
Follow the channelized route and accompanying controls. Open space between devices is not an invitation to enter a closed area.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog edition Revised 11/2024, printed/physical page 34: Work Area Signs — channelizing devices. Exact current manual text read September 29, 2026. Illustration independently sourced from FHWA or our own schematic; no handbook-image inspection or copying claimed. ↗
What kind of vehicle is identified by this orange triangular rear emblem with a red border?
Correct answer: A slow-moving vehicle traveling less than 25 mph.
The emblem warns approaching drivers of a large speed difference. It does not grant the slow vehicle unconditional right-of-way.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog edition Revised 11/2024, printed/physical page 36: Slow Moving Vehicle Sign. Exact current manual text read September 29, 2026. Illustration independently sourced from FHWA or our own schematic; no handbook-image inspection or copying claimed. ↗
A yellow warning sign displays a bicycle symbol. What condition should you watch for?
Correct answer: Bicyclists entering or crossing the road.
The sign warns of possible bicycle conflicts. Watch for riders rather than assuming a motor-vehicle-only route.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog edition Revised 11/2024, printed/physical page 33: Warning Signs — bicycle. Exact current manual text read September 29, 2026. Illustration independently sourced from FHWA or our own schematic; no handbook-image inspection or copying claimed. ↗
Which road layout does the fork-shaped symbol warn about?
Correct answer: A Y-shaped intersection ahead.
The branching symbol warns of a Y-shaped intersection. Watch for vehicles entering or crossing and obey the controls at the junction.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog edition Revised 11/2024, printed/physical page 33: Warning Signs — Y intersection. Exact current manual text read September 29, 2026. Illustration independently sourced from FHWA or our own schematic; no handbook-image inspection or copying claimed. ↗
A blue Emergency Notification System sign is attached at a railroad crossing. Which information is it intended to provide?
Correct answer: A railroad emergency phone number and crossing location/identification.
The blue ENS sign identifies the crossing and gives a railroad contact for a crossing emergency. It is not an indication that the tracks are clear.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog edition Revised 11/2024, printed/physical page 34: Railroad Crossing Signs — Emergency Notification System. Exact current manual text read September 29, 2026. Illustration independently sourced from FHWA or our own schematic; no handbook-image inspection or copying claimed. ↗
A plaque below a railroad crossbuck identifies more than one track. What should that add to your crossing assessment?
Correct answer: Watch for another train on a different track before crossing.
A multiple-track plaque alerts you to additional tracks. Do not assume every track is clear because a train has passed on one of them.
Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, current catalog edition Revised 11/2024, printed/physical page 34: Railroad Crossing Signs — multiple tracks. Exact current manual text read September 29, 2026. Illustration independently sourced from FHWA or our own schematic; no handbook-image inspection or copying claimed. ↗
