Road Signs, Traffic Signals & Pavement Markings practice test: free New York DMV Permit questions

Sample Practice Questions for Road Signs, Traffic Signals & Pavement Markings

1. Question 1Ref: NY Driver's Manual — Road Signs You Must Know — Regulatory signs

   An octagonal red sign always means what?

   AStopBSchool zone aheadCDo not passDYield to traffic
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   Correct Answer
   A. Stop

   An octagon is reserved for one meaning: stop. Bring the vehicle to a complete halt at the limit line or before entering the intersection, then proceed only when safe. Other shapes carry different jobs — a triangle yields, a diamond warns — so shape alone is a reliable clue when paint is faded or snow-covered.

2. Question 2Ref: NY Driver's Manual — Road Signs You Must Know — Regulatory signs

   A sign shaped like an inverted triangle (point down) tells you to:

   AStop completely alwaysBYield the right-of-wayCMerge onlyDNo entry for cars
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   Correct Answer
   B. Yield the right-of-way

   The upside-down triangle is the yield sign. Slow down, give the right-of-way to vehicles and pedestrians in or approaching the intersection, and stop only if needed. It is the only standard sign with this shape, so even when the legend is unreadable the outline still communicates yield rather than stop.

3. Question 3Ref: NY Driver's Manual — Road Signs You Must Know — Regulatory signs

   A red circle with a white horizontal bar (DO NOT ENTER style) means:

   AYield after this pointBHospital aheadCDead end optionalDNo vehicles may enter this way
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   Correct Answer
   D. No vehicles may enter this way

   DO NOT ENTER and the red no-entry symbol prohibit vehicles from entering one-way streets or exit ramps in that direction — the classic wrong-way trap. Entering against the sign risks a head-on collision. If you see both after turning, stop safely and leave the way you came rather than continuing forward.

4. Question 4Ref: NY Driver's Manual — Road Signs You Must Know — Warning signs

   What does a yellow diamond with a black curving arrow warn about?

   ACurve aheadBNo U-turnCDetour endDParking allowed
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   Correct Answer
   A. Curve ahead

   A curving arrow on a yellow diamond warns the road bends ahead, showing the curve's direction. Slow before the bend, avoid passing, and keep control on wet or icy surfaces. Warning signs give advance notice so you adjust speed early rather than braking hard mid-curve when grip is lowest.