ACT knowledge test traffic lights and signs practice questions

Question 1

A traffic light turns yellow as you approach. What must you do?

• Stop, unless you are so close that stopping safely is not possibleCorrect answer
• Continue through at your current speed
• Speed up to clear the intersection
• Stop in every case, without exception

Yellow means stop. The only exception is when you are already so close that braking would be unsafe, for example when a vehicle is following closely behind you.

Rule cited: Australian Road Rules r 57, as adopted in the Australian Capital Territory

Question 2

The traffic lights at an intersection are completely blacked out and not working. How should you treat the intersection?

• As if all directions have a green light
• As an uncontrolled intersection, giving way as requiredCorrect answer
• By stopping and waiting for the lights to return
• By following the vehicle in front through

When lights fail, treat the intersection as if the signals were not there. Slow right down, watch for cross traffic, and apply the normal give way rules.

Rule cited: ACT Road Rules Handbook, topic: traffic lights that are not operating

Question 3

You are stopped at a red light and want to turn left. There is no sign permitting a left turn on red. What may you do?

• Turn left after giving way to traffic
• Turn left if no pedestrians are waiting
• Turn left after stopping for three seconds
• Wait until the light turns greenCorrect answer

A red light means stop and stay stopped. Turning left on red is only allowed where a LEFT TURN ON RED PERMITTED AFTER STOPPING sign is displayed at that intersection.

Rule cited: Australian Road Rules r 56, as adopted in the Australian Capital Territory

Question 4

A green traffic light is showing but the intersection ahead is blocked with traffic. What should you do?

• Enter anyway because green means go
• Wait before the intersection until it is clearCorrect answer
• Drive into the intersection and wait there
• Change lanes and enter from a different lane

Green gives permission to proceed only if the way ahead is clear. Blocking the intersection when the lights change traps cross traffic and people on foot.

Rule cited: ACT Road Rules Handbook, topic: green traffic lights

Question 5

A green arrow pointing right is showing at an intersection. What does it mean?

• You may turn right and oncoming traffic is heldCorrect answer
• You may turn right after giving way to oncoming traffic
• You must turn right and no other direction is allowed
• Right turns are banned at this intersection

A green arrow means the movement it points to is protected, so oncoming traffic is stopped by a red signal. Still scan the intersection before you move.

Rule cited: ACT Road Rules Handbook, topic: traffic light arrows

Question 6

What shape and colour is a stop sign?

• A red triangle pointing down
• A yellow diamond with black text
• An eight sided red sign with white letteringCorrect answer
• A round white sign with a red border

Stop signs are octagonal and red so they can be recognised from a distance and even when partly obscured by dirt or foliage.

Rule cited: ACT Road Rules Handbook, topic: regulatory signs

Question 7

What do yellow diamond shaped signs with black symbols tell you?

• They warn you about conditions or hazards aheadCorrect answer
• They give a legal order you must obey
• They mark tourist attractions
• They show distances to the next town

Yellow diamonds are warning signs. They tell you what to expect, such as a curve, crest, side road or animals, so you can adjust speed before you get there.

Rule cited: ACT Road Rules Handbook, topic: warning signs

Question 8

You see a warning sign showing a symbol above the word NEXT 5 km. What does the distance mean?

• The hazard is exactly 5 km ahead
• The hazard may occur anywhere in the next 5 kmCorrect answer
• The sign only applies to vehicles over 5 tonnes
• You must drive at least 5 km before turning off

A distance plate under a warning sign shows the length of road over which the hazard applies. Stay alert for the whole stretch rather than just at one point.

Rule cited: ACT Road Rules Handbook, topic: warning signs and distance plates

Question 9

A red traffic light with a flashing yellow arrow pointing left is showing. What may you do?

• Nothing, you must wait for a green signal
• Turn left without slowing, since traffic is held
• Turn left after giving way to pedestrians and other trafficCorrect answer
• Go straight ahead but not turn

A flashing yellow arrow allows the turn it points to, but it is not a protected movement. You must give way to anyone already crossing or approaching.

Rule cited: ACT Road Rules Handbook, topic: traffic light arrows

Question 10

A police officer at an intersection signals you to stop, but the traffic light is green. What must you do?

• Follow the police officer's direction and stopCorrect answer
• Follow the traffic light and continue
• Stop only if other traffic stops
• Sound your horn and proceed carefully

Directions from police and authorised traffic controllers override signals and signs. They are usually managing a crash, a hazard or an event you cannot see yet.

Rule cited: ACT Road Rules Handbook, topic: directions from police and authorised persons