Rules of the Road, Traffic Signs and Signals
Knowing the hierarchy of control
A candidate must understand that road control follows a strict order of authority: a police officer's directions override signals, signals override signs, and signs override general rules. Learn the main sign families by shape and colour: octagon for stop, inverted triangle for yield, diamond for warning, rectangle for regulatory and information signs, and pennant for no-passing zones. Know the meaning of solid versus broken lines, single versus double lines, and yellow versus white markings.
Signals and intersections
Understand steady versus flashing signals, protected versus permitted turns, and how to treat a signal that is dark or malfunctioning. At intersections, know right-of-way rules for uncontrolled crossings, four-way stops, left turns across oncoming traffic, and pedestrians in crosswalks.
Traps in questions
Questions often test the exception rather than the rule. A flashing green, a green arrow ending, a yield sign where traffic is heavy, or a stop line placed before a crosswalk all invite hasty answers. Watch for absolute words such as "always" and "never." Remember that a yield sign does not require a full stop unless traffic demands it, while a stop sign always does.
Rule of thumb
When a question describes conflicting instructions, rank them: officer, then signal, then sign, then rule. Worked example: at a four-way stop you arrive second, but the first driver waves you on. The legal order of arrival still governs; proceed only when you are sure it is safe and clearly communicate your intention.
Study approach
Practise reading intersections from a diagram described in words, naming every control device and its meaning before choosing an answer.