Colorado permit test: traffic signals

Steady and flashing lights, arrows, pedestrian signals and lane-use signals. 5 questions.

Question 1 of 5
Traffic signals

What does a flashing red traffic light mean?

Keyboard: press 1–4 or A–D to answer, Enter for the next question, S to save, R to read aloud, P to pause reading, L to listen and answer.

Sample traffic signals questions

  1. What does a flashing red traffic light mean?

    • A Slow down and proceed through with caution, without needing to stop
    • B Stop, then go only after yielding to pedestrians and other traffic
    • C The light is about to turn green
    • D Stop and wait until the light turns green
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    B. Stop, then go only after yielding to pedestrians and other traffic

    A flashing red light means the same as a STOP sign. Come to a full stop, yield to pedestrians and other traffic, and go when it is safe.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), page 10

  2. Waiting in a left-turn lane facing a flashing yellow left-turn arrow
    View diagram
    Waiting in a left-turn lane facing a flashing yellow left-turn arrowYouFlashing yellow arrow

    You want to turn left and the signal shows a flashing yellow arrow. What must you do?

    • A Turn with caution after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
    • B Clear the intersection fast before the light changes
    • C Stop and wait for a solid green arrow
    • D Turn immediately, because oncoming traffic always has a red light then
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    A. Turn with caution after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians

    A flashing yellow arrow lets you turn left, but you must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Take time to check for a clear path; never rush it.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), page 10

  3. You approach an intersection where the traffic signal is not working at all. How should you treat it?

    • A As a yield for drivers on the smaller road only
    • B As a green light for the busier road
    • C As an uncontrolled intersection with no need to stop
    • D As a four-way stop
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    D. As a four-way stop

    If a traffic signal is not operating or is malfunctioning, treat the intersection as a four-way stop. Every driver stops, then the first to arrive goes first.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), page 10

  4. In Colorado, when may you turn left on a steady red light?

    • A From any street onto a one-way street
    • B Never; left turns on red are always illegal
    • C When turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, unless a sign prohibits it
    • D Whenever there is no oncoming traffic
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    C. When turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, unless a sign prohibits it

    After stopping and yielding, you may turn right on red unless a sign prohibits it. You may also turn left on red, but only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, unless a sign prohibits it.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337), page 10