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Alaska DMV Permit Test study materials
Alaska DMV Permit Test study resources

Alaska DMV Permit Test practice questions

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Question 1Traffic Signs and Signals

What does a red octagonal sign always mean?

  1. Come to a complete stop Correct answer.
  2. Do not enter this roadway
  3. Slow down and yield to cross traffic
  4. Reduce speed for a work zone

Explanation

The octagon shape is used only for stop signs, so its shape alone identifies the required action. A driver must bring the vehicle to a full stop and then proceed only when it is safe.

Question 2Traffic Signs and Signals

A steady red circular traffic light is displayed. What must a driver do before entering the intersection?

  1. Stop, then proceed when the way is clear Correct answer.
  2. Yield only if other vehicles are present
  3. Slow to 15 mph and continue
  4. Stop only when a pedestrian is crossing

Explanation

A steady red light requires a full stop at the marked limit line or before the crosswalk. The driver may proceed only after stopping and only when it is safe and legal to do so.

Question 3Traffic Signs and Signals

What is the meaning of a yellow diamond-shaped sign?

  1. A warning of a condition ahead Correct answer.
  2. A route marker for a highway
  3. A service available nearby
  4. A regulatory requirement you must obey

Explanation

Yellow diamonds are warning signs that alert drivers to changing conditions such as curves, merges, or narrowing roads. Drivers should slow down and be prepared to adjust.

Question 4Traffic Signs and Signals

A flashing red traffic signal should be treated in which way?

  1. As a yield sign requiring only a slowdown
  2. As a caution light allowing travel without stopping
  3. As a signal that the light is broken and may be ignored
  4. As a stop sign Correct answer.

Explanation

A flashing red light has the same requirement as a stop sign: stop completely, then proceed when safe. It is often used where a signal is malfunctioning or at low-volume intersections.

Question 5Traffic Signs and Signals

A solid white line painted across your lane at an intersection indicates what?

  1. The edge of a parking area
  2. The start of a passing zone
  3. The point where you must stop for a signal or sign Correct answer.
  4. A lane reserved for buses

Explanation

A solid white stop line marks where a vehicle must halt for a stop sign or red light. If no line is present, the stop is made before the crosswalk or intersection.

Question 6Traffic Signs and Signals

What does a pentagon-shaped sign (point up) typically indicate?

  1. A school zone or school crossing Correct answer.
  2. A construction zone
  3. A hospital zone
  4. A railroad crossing ahead

Explanation

The five-sided sign is reserved for school areas, warning drivers that children may be crossing. Drivers should reduce speed and watch for pedestrians.

Question 7Traffic Signs and Signals

You approach a flashing yellow traffic signal. What action is required?

  1. Proceed with caution Correct answer.
  2. Yield to traffic on the right only
  3. Stop completely before proceeding
  4. Treat it as a green arrow

Explanation

A flashing yellow signal warns drivers to slow down and proceed carefully while watching for hazards. It does not require a stop unless other conditions demand one.

Question 8Traffic Signs and Signals

A sign showing a black arrow curving to the right inside a yellow diamond warns of what?

  1. A right lane must turn right
  2. A curve to the right ahead Correct answer.
  3. A right turn is prohibited
  4. A lane ends on the right

Explanation

Yellow diamond signs with a curved arrow warn that the road bends in the direction shown. Drivers should slow before entering the curve.

Question 9Traffic Signs and Signals

What does a double solid yellow line in the center of the road mean?

  1. Passing is prohibited for traffic in both directions Correct answer.
  2. Passing is allowed in both directions
  3. The road is closed ahead
  4. The lane on the right is a one-way lane

Explanation

Double solid yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions and prohibit crossing them to pass. They may be crossed only for limited purposes such as turning into a driveway where permitted.

Question 10Traffic Signs and Signals

A white rectangular sign with black lettering reading "ONE WAY" with an arrow indicates what?

  1. The road becomes a divided highway
  2. Traffic must merge into the left lane
  3. The arrow shows a detour route
  4. Traffic on that roadway moves only in the direction of the arrow Correct answer.

Explanation

One-way signs inform drivers that all traffic on that roadway flows in the direction indicated. Entering against the arrow is dangerous and illegal.

Question 11Traffic Signs and Signals

You see a red circle with a diagonal slash over a black left-turn arrow. What does this mean?

  1. A left lane is ending ahead
  2. Left turns are permitted with caution
  3. Left turns are prohibited Correct answer.
  4. Left turns must yield to oncoming traffic

Explanation

A red circle with a slash is the universal prohibition symbol. Combined with a turn arrow, it means that turn is not allowed at that location.

Question 12Traffic Signs and Signals

A green arrow pointing left is displayed at an intersection. What does it allow?

  1. A U-turn only
  2. A protected left turn while oncoming traffic is stopped Correct answer.
  3. No movement until the light turns green
  4. A left turn after yielding to oncoming traffic

Explanation

A green arrow gives a protected movement, meaning conflicting traffic is stopped. The driver may turn in the direction of the arrow without yielding to oncoming vehicles.

Question 13Traffic Signs and Signals

A yellow diamond sign shows a symbol of a pedestrian with a diagonal slash through it. What does this sign mean?

  1. A pedestrian crossing is ahead Correct answer.
  2. Pedestrians must yield to vehicles
  3. Pedestrians are not allowed on the roadway
  4. A school crossing is ahead

Explanation

Yellow diamond signs with a pedestrian symbol warn of a crossing area ahead. The slash in the symbol depicts a pedestrian walking, not a prohibition.

Question 14Traffic Signs and Signals

What does a solid white line between two lanes traveling in the same direction indicate?

  1. Lane changes are discouraged but allowed Correct answer.
  2. Lane changes are prohibited at all times
  3. The left lane is for passing only
  4. The lanes merge ahead

Explanation

A solid white line between same-direction lanes discourages lane changes, though they are generally permitted when safe. A double solid white line prohibits crossing.

Question 15Traffic Signs and Signals

An orange diamond-shaped sign is used to warn drivers of what?

  1. Hospital entrances
  2. Wildlife crossings
  3. School bus stops
  4. Construction or maintenance work zones Correct answer.

Explanation

Orange is the color reserved for temporary traffic control in work zones. These signs warn of changed conditions, workers, or equipment near the roadway.

Question 16Traffic Signs and Signals

A sign showing a black railroad crossing symbol (an X shape) warns that you are approaching what?

  1. A highway interchange
  2. A toll plaza
  3. A drawbridge
  4. A railroad crossing Correct answer.

Explanation

The round yellow sign with an X and the letters RR warns of a railroad crossing ahead. Drivers should slow, look, and listen before crossing the tracks.

Question 17Traffic Signs and Signals

A blue rectangular sign showing a white "H" means what?

  1. A highway begins here
  2. A hill is ahead
  3. Hospital services are available Correct answer.
  4. Hazardous materials route

Explanation

Blue signs provide traveler services, and the H symbol identifies a hospital. These guide signs help drivers locate emergency or convenience services.

Question 18Traffic Signs and Signals

You are in a lane marked with a white diamond symbol. What does this indicate?

  1. A lane for vehicles turning right
  2. A high-occupancy vehicle lane Correct answer.
  3. A lane reserved for trucks
  4. A lane closed ahead

Explanation

The white diamond marks a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane, reserved for vehicles meeting occupancy or eligibility requirements. Signs indicate the specific rules and hours.

Question 19Traffic Signs and Signals

A steady yellow traffic light appears as you approach an intersection. What should you do?

  1. Continue at the same speed without checking
  2. Stop if you can do so safely Correct answer.
  3. Accelerate to clear the intersection
  4. Back up if you have already entered

Explanation

A steady yellow light warns that the signal is about to turn red. Drivers should stop if they can do so safely, or proceed through if stopping would be unsafe.

Question 20Traffic Signs and Signals

What does a yellow diamond sign showing a downward arrow on the left side of a divided highway mean?

  1. A left turn is required
  2. Keep to the right of the median or divider Correct answer.
  3. Traffic will merge from the left
  4. The left lane is closed

Explanation

The keep-right symbol warns drivers that a median or divider is ahead and that they should pass on the right side. It helps prevent head-on collisions at divided roadways.

Question 21Traffic Signs and Signals

A sign shows a red circle with a slash over a symbol of a truck. What is the meaning?

  1. Trucks may proceed with caution
  2. Trucks must use the right lane
  3. A truck route begins here
  4. Trucks are prohibited Correct answer.

Explanation

The red circle and slash indicate a prohibition, so the truck symbol means trucks are not allowed at that location. Regulatory signs of this type apply to the class of vehicle shown.

Question 22Traffic Signs and Signals

A white rectangular sign with black lettering reading "YIELD" requires you to do what?

  1. Stop completely before entering
  2. Merge without changing speed
  3. Turn only in the indicated direction
  4. Slow and give the right-of-way to other traffic Correct answer.

Explanation

A yield sign requires drivers to slow down and give the right-of-way to traffic on the intersecting road. A full stop is required only when necessary to avoid conflict.

Question 23Traffic Signs and Signals

A yellow diamond sign shows a symbol of a traffic signal. What does this warn?

  1. A pedestrian signal is ahead
  2. A stop sign is ahead
  3. A signalized intersection is ahead Correct answer.
  4. Traffic signals are not working

Explanation

The signal-ahead warning alerts drivers that a traffic light controls the upcoming intersection. Drivers should be prepared to stop if the signal is red.

Question 24Traffic Signs and Signals

What does a broken (dashed) yellow line in the center of the road indicate?

  1. Passing is permitted when it is safe Correct answer.
  2. The road is one-way
  3. The lane is reserved for turning
  4. Passing is prohibited in both directions

Explanation

A dashed yellow line separates opposite-direction traffic and permits passing when it is safe and visibility allows. Drivers must still ensure the maneuver can be completed legally.

Question 25Traffic Signs and Signals

A sign with a red border and the word "STOP" in red letters above a smaller white sign reading "ALL WAY" tells you what?

  1. Stop only during certain hours
  2. All approaching vehicles must stop Correct answer.
  3. Traffic on the cross street must stop
  4. Only the rightmost lane must stop

Explanation

The ALL WAY plaque means every approach to the intersection is controlled by a stop sign. Drivers still follow right-of-way rules, such as yielding to the first vehicle to arrive.

Question 26Traffic Signs and Signals

You are driving at night and a traffic signal ahead is dark except for a single flashing red light. What must you do?

  1. Treat the signal as a yield sign
  2. Stop completely, then proceed when it is safe Correct answer.
  3. Speed up to clear the intersection quickly
  4. Slow down and continue without stopping

Explanation

A flashing red light functions the same as a stop sign: come to a full stop, yield to traffic and pedestrians, and then continue only when it is safe to do so.

Question 27Traffic Signs and Signals

A traffic light shows a steady green arrow pointing straight up in your lane. What does this signal mean?

  1. You may turn left but not go straight
  2. The intersection is closed to all traffic ahead
  3. You must stop and wait for a circular green light
  4. You may proceed straight; oncoming traffic is stopped Correct answer.

Explanation

A green arrow gives a protected movement in the direction it points, meaning conflicting traffic is held by a red light. You may proceed in that direction if the way is clear.

Question 28Traffic Signs and Signals

What shape and color would you expect for a warning sign on a winding mountain road in Alaska?

  1. A yellow diamond Correct answer.
  2. A blue rectangle
  3. A red octagon
  4. A white circle

Explanation

Warning signs are typically yellow diamonds with black symbols or words. They alert drivers to upcoming hazards such as curves, hills, or other road conditions.

Question 29Traffic Signs and Signals

A sign with a red border and the word "YIELD" in red letters appears at an intersection. What does it require?

  1. Come to a complete stop for at least three seconds
  2. Slow or stop and give the right of way to traffic already in the intersection Correct answer.
  3. Merge without checking for other vehicles
  4. Wait for a green light before entering

Explanation

A yield sign requires you to slow down or stop as needed and let cross traffic and pedestrians go first. You proceed only when there is a safe gap.

Question 30Traffic Signs and Signals

You approach an intersection where the signal is not working at all and no officer is present. How should you proceed?

  1. Wait at the intersection until the signal is repaired
  2. Treat it as a four-way stop and take turns Correct answer.
  3. Proceed through at normal speed since the light is off
  4. Stop only if another vehicle is directly in front of you

Explanation

When a traffic signal is dark or malfunctioning, the intersection is treated like an all-way stop. Each driver stops and proceeds in turn, yielding to the vehicle that arrived first.

Question 31Traffic Signs and Signals

A white rectangular sign shows a black symbol of a bicycle inside a shared lane marking. What is this sign telling you?

  1. Only bicycles may use this lane
  2. The lane is shared with bicyclists Correct answer.
  3. Bicycles are prohibited in this lane
  4. A bike path crosses the road ahead

Explanation

A bicycle symbol in or near a lane marking identifies a shared lane where bicyclists and motor vehicles use the same space. Drivers should expect bicycles and give them room.

Question 32Traffic Signs and Signals

A yellow diamond sign shows a symbol of a car on a slippery, curving road surface. What should you do?

  1. Accelerate through the curve to stabilize the car
  2. Turn on your high beams for better visibility
  3. Reduce speed and avoid sudden braking or steering Correct answer.
  4. Maintain speed to keep traction steady

Explanation

A slippery-road warning tells you that traction may be reduced. The safe response is to slow down before the hazard and make smooth, gradual steering and braking inputs.

Question 33Traffic Signs and Signals

What does a solid yellow line on your side of a two-way road indicate about passing?

  1. Passing is prohibited for your direction of travel Correct answer.
  2. The lane is reserved for turning traffic
  3. Passing is permitted when the road is clear
  4. You may pass only large trucks

Explanation

A solid yellow line on your side of the center line means you may not cross it to pass. Passing is allowed only when the line on your side is broken.

Question 34Traffic Signs and Signals

A sign with black lettering on a white background reads "SPEED LIMIT 55." What does this sign establish?

  1. The minimum speed for the roadway
  2. The maximum lawful speed in good conditions Correct answer.
  3. A suggested speed for the next curve
  4. The speed limit only during daylight hours

Explanation

A white speed limit sign sets the maximum legal speed under normal conditions. In poor weather or traffic you must drive slower than the posted maximum.

Question 35Traffic Signs and Signals

You see a yellow diamond sign with a black symbol of a divided highway ending. What should you expect ahead?

  1. The road will become a one-way street
  2. A new median will begin separating traffic
  3. The highway will widen to four lanes
  4. Two-way traffic will share the road without a median Correct answer.

Explanation

A divided-highway-ends warning tells you the median is about to end, so oncoming traffic will soon share the roadway. Be prepared to keep right and watch for opposing vehicles.

Question 36Traffic Signs and Signals

A traffic signal displays a steady red arrow pointing left. What does this mean for a driver wanting to turn left?

  1. Proceed with the turn because arrows always permit movement
  2. Yield to oncoming traffic and turn when clear
  3. Stop and wait; left turns are not permitted until the arrow changes Correct answer.
  4. Turn left only after honking to warn others

Explanation

A red arrow prohibits movement in the direction it points. You must stop and remain stopped until a green arrow or other permissive signal appears.

Question 37Traffic Signs and Signals

What is the purpose of a white rectangular sign with black lettering that reads "KEEP RIGHT"?

  1. It indicates a right-side parking area
  2. It announces a right turn only lane ahead
  3. It marks the right edge of the travel lane
  4. It directs traffic to stay to the right of a median or obstacle Correct answer.

Explanation

A KEEP RIGHT sign is a regulatory sign directing drivers to pass to the right of a divider, island, or other obstruction. It controls how traffic flows around the feature.

Question 38Traffic Signs and Signals

A yellow diamond sign shows a black symbol of a flagger holding a sign. What does this warn you to expect?

  1. A parade route crossing the road
  2. A toll booth ahead
  3. A school crossing guard on duty
  4. A person controlling traffic ahead, possibly requiring a stop Correct answer.

Explanation

A flagger warning sign alerts you that a person is ahead directing traffic, often in a work zone. Slow down and be ready to stop as directed.

Question 39Traffic Signs and Signals

A blue rectangular sign with a white symbol of a telephone indicates what?

  1. A cellular dead zone begins here
  2. A telephone is available nearby Correct answer.
  3. Telephone use is prohibited
  4. An emergency call box is out of service

Explanation

Blue signs generally provide traveler services, and a telephone symbol means a public telephone is available nearby. These signs help drivers find services along the route.

Question 40Traffic Signs and Signals

You are approaching an intersection and the light turns green, but traffic is backed up beyond the intersection. What should you do?

  1. Enter the intersection and stop in the middle
  2. Sound your horn and proceed through the backup
  3. Wait behind the stop line until there is room to clear the intersection Correct answer.
  4. Enter and rely on cross traffic to let you through

Explanation

A green light permits you to proceed only if you can clear the intersection. Entering when traffic is backed up can block the box and obstruct cross traffic, so wait behind the line until space opens.

Question 41Right-of-Way and Intersections

You approach an intersection with no signs or signals and two vehicles arrive at about the same time. Who has the right-of-way?

  1. The driver on the left must yield
  2. The driver on the right must yield Correct answer.
  3. The vehicle traveling faster must yield
  4. The larger vehicle must yield

Explanation

At an uncontrolled intersection, the vehicle on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right when both arrive at approximately the same time. This rule prevents collisions when no sign or signal assigns priority.

Question 42Right-of-Way and Intersections

A steady red traffic light is showing. What must you do before entering the intersection?

  1. Yield only to vehicles already in the intersection
  2. Slow down and proceed if the way is clear
  3. Sound your horn and continue through
  4. Stop and wait for a green light or a lawful turn Correct answer.

Explanation

A steady red light requires a complete stop before the intersection. You may proceed only when the light turns green or when a turn is permitted after yielding.

Question 43Right-of-Way and Intersections

You are turning left at an intersection and a vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction. Who must yield?

  1. The first vehicle to enter the intersection has priority
  2. You must yield to the approaching vehicle Correct answer.
  3. Neither vehicle must yield if both have a green light
  4. The approaching vehicle must yield to your turn

Explanation

A driver turning left must yield to oncoming traffic that is close enough to be a hazard. Even with a green light, the left-turning driver waits for a safe gap.

Question 44Right-of-Way and Intersections

A pedestrian is crossing the street in a marked crosswalk at an intersection with no traffic signal. What should you do?

  1. Drive around the pedestrian if space allows
  2. Stop and let the pedestrian cross Correct answer.
  3. Tap your horn so the pedestrian hurries
  4. Continue if you arrived at the intersection first

Explanation

Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a marked crosswalk, and pedestrians in a crosswalk have the right-of-way. You should stop and allow them to cross safely.

Question 45Right-of-Way and Intersections

You are entering a roundabout. Which traffic must you yield to?

  1. No one, because entering traffic has priority
  2. Traffic waiting to enter behind you
  3. Traffic already circulating in the roundabout Correct answer.
  4. Only large trucks in the roundabout

Explanation

Vehicles entering a roundabout must yield to traffic already circulating inside it. Once a safe gap appears, you may enter and proceed counterclockwise.

Question 46Right-of-Way and Intersections

An emergency vehicle with lights and siren is approaching from behind. What should you do?

  1. Stop immediately in your lane
  2. Pull to the right and stop until it passes Correct answer.
  3. Speed up to stay ahead of it
  4. Continue at your current speed

Explanation

When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren, pull over to the right edge of the road and stop until it passes. This clears a path for the emergency response.

Question 47Right-of-Way and Intersections

A school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing on a two-lane road with no median. What must you do?

  1. Pass if no children are visible
  2. Flash your headlights and continue
  3. Stop until the red lights stop flashing Correct answer.
  4. Pass slowly on the left

Explanation

On an undivided road, traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights. You may proceed only after the lights stop flashing.

Question 48Right-of-Way and Intersections

What does a flashing yellow traffic signal mean?

  1. Prepare to stop for a red light
  2. Proceed with caution Correct answer.
  3. Stop completely before proceeding
  4. Yield only to pedestrians

Explanation

A flashing yellow signal means slow down and proceed with caution. It does not require a stop, but you should be alert for cross traffic and hazards.

Question 49Right-of-Way and Intersections

You are at a four-way stop and another vehicle arrived before you. What should you do?

  1. Wave the other vehicle through regardless
  2. Wait until the earlier vehicle has gone Correct answer.
  3. Enter the intersection at the same time
  4. Proceed first because you are on the right

Explanation

At a four-way stop, vehicles proceed in the order they arrived. If another vehicle arrived first, you wait for it to clear the intersection.

Question 50Right-of-Way and Intersections

You want to turn right at a red light. What is required before you turn?

  1. Sound your horn and proceed
  2. Come to a complete stop and yield to traffic and pedestrians Correct answer.
  3. Turn only if a green arrow is showing
  4. Slow to about 10 mph and turn

Explanation

A right turn on red is allowed after a complete stop, and only if no sign prohibits it. You must yield to pedestrians and to traffic in the intersection.