Traffic Signs Practice Questions
10 free sample permit questions about traffic signs, with the correct answer, a full explanation, and a source reference for each. Want to test yourself instead of just reading the answers? Find your state's free practice test.
1. What shape is a STOP sign in the United States?
The octagon is reserved exclusively for stop signs nationwide, so its shape alone signals "stop" even if the sign is dirty or obscured.
Source: National: FHWA MUTCD
2. What shape is a YIELD sign?
The downward-pointing triangle is used only for yield signs, distinguishing it by shape from every other regulatory sign.
Source: National: FHWA MUTCD
3. What does a diamond-shaped yellow sign generally indicate?
Diamond-shaped signs are the standard national shape for warning signs, alerting drivers to a condition ahead like a curve, crossing, or narrowing road.
Source: National: FHWA MUTCD
4. What color are most regulatory signs, such as speed limit and stop signs?
Regulatory signs use a white background nationally, with black text for most rules and red reserved for stop, yield, and prohibition signs.
Source: National: FHWA MUTCD
5. What does an orange-colored sign typically indicate?
Orange is reserved nationally for temporary traffic control, so drivers can immediately recognize construction-related signage.
Source: National: FHWA MUTCD
6. A pentagon (5-sided) shaped sign is used for what?
The pentagon shape is uniquely reserved for school-related signage, letting drivers recognize it even from a distance.
Source: National: FHWA MUTCD
7. A round (circular) sign shape is used exclusively for what?
The circle is the one sign shape reserved solely for the railroad advance-warning sign, unique among U.S. traffic signs.
Source: National: FHWA MUTCD
8. What does a red circle with a slash through a symbol generally mean?
A red circle-and-slash is the standard national symbol for "not allowed," used across many different prohibition signs.
Source: National: FHWA MUTCD
9. What is the purpose of a "Do Not Enter" sign?
"Do Not Enter" signs face traffic that would otherwise enter against the correct direction of travel, most often at one-way streets and off-ramps.
Source: National: FHWA MUTCD
10. What does a "Wrong Way" sign warn a driver about?
"Wrong Way" signs are placed facing the direction a driver would be traveling if they entered a one-way roadway or ramp incorrectly.
Source: National: FHWA MUTCD