California DMV · Class C · Based on the 2025 California Driver’s Handbook
California DMV Signals & Road Markings Practice Test (2026)
This part of the test covers traffic lights, arrows, pedestrian signals, and painted lane lines. Remember that a flashing red light means stop and then go when safe, a red arrow means no turning until the light turns green, and you must never pass over double solid yellow lines.
Free practice questions
1You intend to turn right from a dedicated right-turn lane, and you notice a yellow arrow for your lane. You should:
- A Prepare to obey the next traffic signal that appears
- B Check for pedestrians, then turn carefully
- C Stop and do not turn under any circumstances
- D Accelerate through the intersection to beat the red light
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A — Correct. Per the handbook, a yellow arrow means the protected turning time is ending and the signal is about to change. Be ready to obey the next signal.
Why the other options are wrong
- B Incorrect. A yellow arrow is not permission to keep turning. If you can stop safely, you should stop; only complete the turn carefully if you are already in the intersection or cannot stop safely.
- C Incorrect. If you are already in the intersection or cannot stop safely, the handbook says to complete the turn carefully, so it is not 'never turn under any circumstances.'
- D Incorrect. Speeding up to beat the light is dangerous. Yellow means get ready to stop, not speed through.
Handbook: §7 Yellow arrow
2What does an HOV lane sign indicate?
- A Permits single-occupant vehicles
- B Reserved exclusively for transit buses
- C Informs of the minimum occupant requirement
- D Reserved exclusively for trucks
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C — Correct. Per the handbook, signs at the on-ramp or along the road show the minimum number of occupants required to use the HOV lane and the days and hours it is in effect.
Why the other options are wrong
- A Incorrect. Single-occupant vehicles may not use HOV lanes unless they are low- or zero-emission vehicles displaying a DMV decal, or motorcycles.
- B Incorrect. HOV lanes are for carpools, buses, motorcycles, and low-emission vehicles with decals, not just transit buses.
- D Incorrect. Trucks are not among the vehicles HOV lanes are meant for, and trucks with three or more axles must also stay in the right lanes.
Handbook: §6 Carpool/HOV lanes
3Yellow lines can separate:
- A Travel lanes moving in the same direction on a one-way street
- B Opposing traffic streams moving in opposite directions on a two-way roadway
- C All high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes from standard travel lanes
- D Slow lanes from fast lanes on a multi-lane highway
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B — Correct. The handbook says yellow lines mark the center of a two-way road and separate traffic moving in opposite directions.
Why the other options are wrong
- A Incorrect. Lanes going the same direction on a one-way street are separated by white lines. The handbook says white lines mark lanes for traffic moving in the same direction, including one-way streets.
- C Incorrect. HOV lanes are usually separated from regular lanes by double solid white lines (a lane barrier), not yellow lines, and 'all' is certainly not true.
- D Incorrect. Lanes moving in the same direction on a multilane highway are separated by broken or solid white lines.
Handbook: §6 Lane markings
Practice all 94 Signals & markings questions
The full bank has 1,000+ questions across 15 topics, each explained option by option and available in 8 languages beside the original English.
What you need to know
- Solid red light: STOP. You may turn right on red after stopping at the limit line and yielding to pedestrians, unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted. §7
- Red arrow: STOP and do not turn; stay stopped until a green light or green arrow appears. §7
- Flashing red light: stop, then go when it is safe. Flashing yellow light: proceed with caution — slow down and be alert, but you do not need to stop. §7
- Solid yellow light: the light is about to turn red, so stop if you can do so safely. Flashing yellow arrow: you may turn left, but the turn is not protected — yield to oncoming traffic. §7
- If a traffic light is not working, stop as if the intersection had STOP signs in all directions, then proceed cautiously. §7
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians even when the Don't Walk (raised hand) signal is flashing. §7
- Do not pass over double solid yellow lines. Two sets of double yellow lines spaced two or more feet apart are a barrier: do not drive over it or turn left or U-turn across it, except at designated openings. §6
- Never change lanes over double solid white lines. A broken yellow line next to your lane means you may pass when it is safe. §6
Common traps on the test
- Going on a green light into a blocked intersection — you must not enter if you cannot get completely across before the light turns red.
- Thinking a flashing yellow light means you must stop — it only means slow down and proceed with caution.
- Turning right while stopped at a red arrow — a red arrow means no turn until the signal turns green.
FAQ
Can you turn right on a red light in California?
Yes, after a complete stop at the limit line and yielding to pedestrians, unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted. You may not turn right on a red arrow.
What do double solid yellow lines mean?
Do not pass over them. You may cross a single set only to turn left into or out of a driveway or private road, make a U-turn, enter an HOV lane with a designated left entrance, or when signs direct you.