Illinois permit test: traffic signals

Steady and flashing lights, arrows, pedestrian signals and lane-use signals. 4 questions.

Question 1 of 4
Traffic signalsIllinois rule

You come to an intersection where the traffic lights are not working. What must you do?

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. You come to an intersection where the traffic lights are not working. What must you do?

    • A Follow the vehicle in front of you through the intersection without stopping
    • B Treat it as an all-way stop: stop completely, then yield before going
    • C Treat it like a flashing yellow light
    • D Slow down and go through if no one is coming
    Show answer

    B. Treat it as an all-way stop: stop completely, then yield before going

    When signals are not working, treat the intersection as an all-way stop unless police direct you otherwise. Stop, look, and yield before entering.

    Source: 2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 80

  2. In Illinois, may you turn right while facing a steady red arrow pointing right?

    • A Only if a police officer waves you through
    • B No, a steady red arrow always means you must wait for the green arrow
    • C Yes, without stopping if no traffic is coming
    • D Yes, after a complete stop and yielding, unless a sign prohibits it
    Show answer

    D. Yes, after a complete stop and yielding, unless a sign prohibits it

    In Illinois a steady red arrow normally means wait for the green arrow, but you may make a right turn on a red arrow (and a left onto a one-way street from a one-way street) after a complete stop and yielding to traffic and pedestrians.

    Source: 2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 81

  3. 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

    What does a flashing yellow left-turn arrow mean?

    • A You must stop and wait for a green arrow
    • B The left-turn lane is closed
    • C You have the right of way to turn
    • D You may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
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    D. You may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians

    A flashing yellow arrow means you may turn in the direction of the arrow after yielding to pedestrians and vehicles in the intersection or crosswalk. Oncoming traffic has the right of way.

    Source: 2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 81

  4. A yellow "X" lane signal appears over the lane you are driving in. What should you do?

    • A Keep driving in the lane, because a yellow X means caution only
    • B Move out of the lane safely before a red X appears
    • C Stop in the lane until it turns green
    • D Use the lane only for left turns
    Show answer

    B. Move out of the lane safely before a red X appears

    Lane signals change traffic flow at certain hours. A yellow X means the lane signal is about to turn red, so leave the lane safely. Never drive in a lane under a red X.

    Source: 2026 Illinois Rules of the Road, page 81