WA theory test traffic lights and signs practice questions

Question 1

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

• Speed up to clear the intersection before the light turns red
• Stop if you can do so safely before the stop lineCorrect answer
• Continue at the same speed, because yellow means proceed with care
• Stop only if a vehicle is coming from the side road

Yellow means stop unless you are so close that stopping would be dangerous. Plan for it by easing off as you approach a light that has been green for a while.

Rule cited: Drive Safe handbook (WA Department of Transport), Traffic signals

Question 2

A red arrow is showing for your turning lane while the main signal is green. What must you do?

• Turn, because the green signal applies to every lane
• Turn after giving way to oncoming traffic
• Wait behind the line until the red arrow goes outCorrect answer
• Turn only if no other vehicle is waiting behind you

An arrow controls its own lane. A red arrow means no turn in that direction, whatever the round signal beside it is showing.

Rule cited: Drive Safe handbook (WA Department of Transport), Traffic signals

Question 3

The light is green but traffic is banked up and there is no room for you on the far side of the intersection. What should you do?

• Enter the intersection and wait there for a gap to open
• Enter and stop across the pedestrian crossing
• Reverse away from the intersection to let others through
• Wait behind the stop line until there is room to clear the intersectionCorrect answer

Blocking an intersection stops cross traffic from moving when its light turns green. Only enter when you can see space to come out the other side.

Rule cited: Drive Safe handbook (WA Department of Transport), Traffic signals

Question 4

You arrive at an intersection where the traffic lights are completely dark and not working. What should you do?

• Treat the intersection as though you have right of way
• Slow down and give way as you would at an uncontrolled intersectionCorrect answer
• Stop and wait until the lights start working again
• Sound your horn and drive through without stopping

Dark signals leave you with the basic give way rules, so give way to the right and to any traffic already in the intersection. Approach slowly because other drivers may not do the same.

Rule cited: Drive Safe handbook (WA Department of Transport), Traffic signals

Question 5

A green arrow pointing right is showing at a set of traffic lights. What does it mean?

• You may turn right after giving way to oncoming traffic
• You must turn right whether or not that is your route
• You may turn right and oncoming traffic is being held by a red signalCorrect answer
• The arrow is a warning that the lights are about to change

A green turn arrow gives you a protected turn because the conflicting traffic is stopped. Still check for pedestrians and for any driver running the red.

Rule cited: Drive Safe handbook (WA Department of Transport), Traffic signals

Question 6

A road sign shows a symbol inside a red circle with a red line through it. What does it mean?

• The action shown is recommended but not required
• The sign applies only to heavy vehicles
• The sign is warning you of a hazard ahead
• The action shown in the symbol is not allowed on this roadCorrect answer

A red circle with a slash is a prohibition sign. Red on a sign always means something you must not do.

Rule cited: Drive Safe handbook (WA Department of Transport), Signs and signals

Question 7

You are stopped at a red traffic light and want to turn left. May you turn?

• Yes, after stopping and checking that the way is clear
• No, unless a sign or a green arrow allows the turnCorrect answer
• Yes, provided you signal for at least five seconds first
• Yes, if no pedestrians are waiting to cross

A red signal means stop and stay stopped. Turning on red is only permitted where a sign at that intersection says so.

Rule cited: Drive Safe handbook (WA Department of Transport), Traffic signals

Question 8

Twin red lights are flashing at a railway level crossing. What must you do?

• Cross quickly if you cannot see a train coming
• Cross if the boom gates are still up
• Stop before the crossing and wait until the lights stop flashingCorrect answer
• Slow down and cross with care

Flashing red lights mean a train is coming or is already on the crossing. A second train can follow, so wait until the lights go out.

Rule cited: Drive Safe handbook (WA Department of Transport), Railway level crossings