South Dakota permit test: traffic signals

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

Question 1 of 5
Traffic signals

What must you do at a flashing red traffic light?

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 must you do at a flashing red traffic light?

    • A Stop and wait for the light to turn green
    • B Yield only to traffic coming from the left
    • C Come to a complete stop, then go when it is safe
    • D Slow down and proceed with caution without stopping
    Show answer

    C. Come to a complete stop, then go when it is safe

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

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, page 32

  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 see a flashing yellow arrow. What may you do?

    • A Turn with caution after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
    • B Make a U-turn only, then continue
    • C Stop and wait until the arrow turns steady green
    • D Turn without slowing down, because oncoming traffic must stop for you
    Show answer

    A. Turn with caution after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians

    A flashing yellow left-turn arrow means you may cautiously enter the intersection and turn when it is safe, after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Oncoming traffic has a green light at the same time.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, page 32

  3. You approach an intersection where the traffic signal is completely dark because of a power outage. What does South Dakota law require?

    • A Proceed with caution as if the light were yellow
    • B Sound your horn and drive straight through
    • C Stop as if the intersection had a stop sign
    • D Continue through if you are on the busier road
    Show answer

    C. Stop as if the intersection had a stop sign

    When a signal is out of operation, a driver facing a red or completely unlighted signal must stop in the same manner as at a stop sign. Then proceed only when it is safe, following normal right-of-way rules.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, page 32

  4. You are already in the intersection when the light turns yellow. What should you do?

    • A Speed up to beat the red light at the next corner
    • B Stop immediately where you are
    • C Back up to the stop line
    • D Continue through the intersection
    Show answer

    D. Continue through the intersection

    A steady yellow means the light is about to turn red, so stop if it is safe. But if you are already in the intersection when it turns yellow, do not stop; continue through and clear the intersection.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, page 32