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Question 1Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A driver approaches a red, octagonal sign at an intersection. What must the driver do?
- Come to a complete stop before the limit line or crosswalk Correct answer.
- Yield only to vehicles already inside the intersection
- Stop only when pedestrians or cross traffic are present
- Slow to 25 mph and proceed if the road looks clear
Explanation
The octagonal red sign is the STOP sign, and the octagon shape is used only for this sign so it can be recognized from the back or when covered with snow. California law requires a full stop at the limit line, crosswalk, or entrance to the intersection before proceeding. Rolling stops and stop-only-if-needed behavior are violations.
Question 2Road signs (recognition and meaning)
What does a yellow, diamond-shaped sign generally communicate to a driver?
- A regulatory requirement that carries a fine if ignored
- A service available at the next exit
- A warning of a road condition or hazard ahead Correct answer.
- A temporary direction for a construction zone
Explanation
Yellow diamond signs are warning signs; their color and diamond shape signal that a hazard or change in road conditions lies ahead. The specific symbol or words on the sign identify the hazard, such as a curve, dip, or narrowing lane. Regulatory requirements use white rectangles or red-and-white signs instead.
Question 3Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A sign shows a black curved arrow bending to the left inside a yellow diamond. What should the driver expect?
- The left lane ends and merges right
- The road curves to the left ahead Correct answer.
- A left turn is required at the next intersection
- Passing on the left is permitted ahead
Explanation
A yellow diamond containing a curved arrow is a curve warning sign; the direction of the bend shows which way the road turns. Drivers should reduce speed before entering the curve because the advisory speed may be lower than the posted limit. A required turn is shown by a black-and-white or red regulatory arrow sign, not a yellow warning diamond.
Question 4Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A white rectangular sign with black lettering reads "SPEED LIMIT 55." What type of sign is this?
- A construction sign
- A guide sign
- A warning sign
- A regulatory sign Correct answer.
Explanation
White rectangular signs with black legend are regulatory signs that state a legal requirement, and a speed limit sign establishes the maximum lawful speed. Exceeding the posted limit is a violation unless a lower speed is required by conditions. Warning signs are yellow diamonds and guide signs are green.
Question 5Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A five-sided (pentagon-shaped) sign marks what location?
- A fire station driveway
- A school zone or school crossing Correct answer.
- A hospital entrance
- A railroad crossing
Explanation
The pentagon shape is reserved for school signs and school crossing signs, and the shape alone identifies the sign even before the legend can be read. Drivers should watch for children and obey any posted school speed limit. Railroad crossings use a round yellow warning sign, and hospitals use blue signs.
Question 6Road signs (recognition and meaning)
What is the meaning of a round yellow sign bearing a black X and the letters "RR"?
- A railroad crossing is ahead Correct answer.
- A divided highway begins ahead
- A crossroad intersection is ahead
- A four-way stop is ahead
Explanation
The round yellow sign with an X and RR is the railroad crossing advance warning sign, placed before the tracks so drivers can slow and look. It is the only round warning sign in the standard set, which makes the shape itself a cue. A crossroad warning uses a yellow diamond with a plus-shaped symbol.
Question 7Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A driver sees a sign with a red circle and a diagonal red slash over a black left-turn arrow. What does the sign mean?
- Left turns must be made from the left lane
- Left turns are permitted only during green lights
- Left turns are prohibited Correct answer.
- A left turn is required ahead
Explanation
A red circle with a diagonal slash is the universal prohibition symbol, so covering a maneuver arrow means that maneuver is not allowed. The sign is regulatory and applies at that location regardless of signal color. A required turn would show the arrow without the slash.
Question 8Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A green rectangular sign on a freeway reads "Los Angeles 45." What information does this sign provide?
- The distance to Los Angeles is 45 miles Correct answer.
- Exit 45 leads to Los Angeles
- The speed limit becomes 45 mph near Los Angeles
- Los Angeles is 45 minutes away
Explanation
Green guide signs give destination names and distances, and a number following a city name indicates miles to that place. Drivers use these signs for navigation and lane planning. Numbers on green signs are distances, not speeds, exits, or travel times.
Question 9Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A driver encounters a yellow diamond sign showing a traffic signal symbol. What hazard does this warn of?
- A signal-controlled intersection ahead Correct answer.
- A flashing red beacon at a fire station
- A pedestrian signal at a midblock crossing
- A signal that is permanently green
Explanation
The yellow diamond with a traffic signal symbol warns that a signalized intersection is ahead, often where the signal is not visible from a distance or sits beyond a crest or curve. Drivers should be prepared to stop if the light changes. It does not describe the signal's current color or a midblock pedestrian beacon.
Question 10Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A white rectangular sign reads "NO RIGHT TURN ON RED." What does this require of a driver?
- The driver must wait for a green light before turning right Correct answer.
- The driver must turn right only when a pedestrian signal shows walk
- The driver may turn right only from the rightmost lane
- The driver may turn right after yielding to traffic
Explanation
California generally allows a right turn after stopping at a red light, but this regulatory sign removes that permission at that location. The driver must remain stopped until the signal turns green and then turn when it is safe. Yielding does not substitute for waiting for the green light.
Question 11Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A yellow diamond sign shows a black arrow pointing down a slope with the word "HILL" nearby. What driving action does this warning suggest?
- Turn on hazard lights and stop before the grade
- Accelerate to carry momentum up the grade
- Check brakes and be prepared for a steep descent Correct answer.
- Shift to a higher gear to maintain speed
Explanation
A steep-grade warning tells drivers a significant descent or climb is ahead, and on a descent the concern is brake fade and loss of control. Drivers should check brakes, select a lower gear on long descents, and control speed. Accelerating into a downgrade increases risk rather than reducing it.
Question 12Road signs (recognition and meaning)
What does an orange diamond-shaped sign typically indicate?
- A mandatory lane restriction
- A recreational area ahead
- A temporary condition related to road work Correct answer.
- A permanent hazard such as a sharp curve
Explanation
Orange is the color reserved for construction and maintenance operations, so orange diamond signs warn of temporary conditions such as workers, lane shifts, or fresh pavement. These warnings may be in place only while work is active. Permanent hazards use yellow, and recreational areas use brown.
Question 13Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A brown sign with white lettering shows a tent symbol. What does this sign identify?
- A campground Correct answer.
- A picnic area only
- A wildlife viewing area
- A rest area with restrooms
Explanation
Brown signs indicate recreational and cultural points of interest, and the tent symbol specifically designates a campground. Different brown symbols distinguish picnic areas, rest areas, and historic sites. Drivers should not confuse the tent symbol with a rest area symbol, which typically shows a picnic table or a stylized rest icon.
Question 14Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A yellow diamond sign shows two arrows, one straight and one branching to the right, above a lane line. What does this sign warn of?
- A two-way road becomes one-way
- An added lane or lane split ahead Correct answer.
- A right lane must turn right
- A right lane ends and merges left
Explanation
This symbol warns that a lane is being added or that the roadway splits, so drivers should be aware of vehicles entering or diverging. It is informational about lane configuration rather than a mandate. A lane that ends is shown by a different symbol with the lane tapering away.
Question 15Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A driver sees a white sign with a red circle and slash over a symbol of a bicycle. What does this sign mean?
- A bicycle lane begins ahead
- Bicycles must yield to pedestrians
- Bicycles are prohibited from this path or area Correct answer.
- Bicycles must ride in the traffic lane
Explanation
The red circle with a diagonal slash marks a prohibition, so a slashed bicycle symbol means bicycles are not allowed on that path, lane, or facility. Drivers should not interpret it as a bike lane marker, which uses a plain bicycle symbol. Prohibition signs are regulatory and enforceable.
Question 16Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A yellow diamond sign shows a symbol of a pedestrian with a diagonal slash through it. What does this sign mean?
- Pedestrians are prohibited beyond this point
- Pedestrians must use the crosswalk
- No pedestrian crossing is allowed at this location Correct answer.
- A pedestrian crossing is ahead
Explanation
A yellow diamond with a pedestrian symbol and a slash warns that there is no pedestrian crossing at that location, so drivers should not expect or wait for one. It differs from a prohibition sign, which is white or red and white. An unslashed pedestrian diamond warns that a crossing is ahead.
Question 17Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A yellow diamond sign shows a black arrow curving right with a smaller plaque reading "35 MPH." How should the driver interpret the plaque?
- The legal speed limit through the curve is 35 mph
- Trucks must travel at least 35 mph through the curve
- An advisory speed of 35 mph is recommended for the curve Correct answer.
- The curve is 35 feet ahead
Explanation
A speed plaque mounted below a yellow warning sign is an advisory speed, the speed considered safe for the average driver under good conditions. It is not a posted legal limit, though driving faster than the advisory speed in poor conditions can support a violation such as unsafe speed. Advisory plaques accompany warning signs rather than regulatory ones.
Question 18Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A driver on a two-lane road sees a yellow diamond sign with two opposing arrows and the word "TWO-WAY TRAFFIC AHEAD." What situation does this warn of?
- A passing lane is opening ahead
- A one-way street is beginning
- A divided highway is ending and opposing traffic will share the roadway Correct answer.
- A roundabout is ahead
Explanation
This warning is used where a divided highway or one-way roadway transitions to an undivided two-way road, so drivers who assumed separation must now expect oncoming traffic. Drivers should keep right and avoid passing until it is clearly safe. It does not announce a new one-way street or a passing lane.
Question 19Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A white rectangular sign reads "KEEP RIGHT" with an arrow. In what situation is this sign most likely placed?
- At a freeway exit where the right lane ends
- At a divided roadway where traffic must pass to the right of a median or obstacle Correct answer.
- At an intersection where right turns are forbidden
- At a crosswalk where pedestrians have the right of way
Explanation
KEEP RIGHT is a regulatory sign directing traffic to pass to the right of a median, island, or obstruction. It is commonly placed at the start of a divided road or where a physical barrier separates directions of travel. It does not forbid right turns or mark a lane ending.
Question 20Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A driver sees a yellow diamond sign showing a truck on a downhill slope with the words "TRUCK CROSSING." What does this sign warn of?
- A weigh station is ahead
- A truck lane begins ahead
- Trucks may be entering or crossing the roadway ahead Correct answer.
- Trucks are prohibited from this route
Explanation
The truck crossing warning alerts drivers that heavy vehicles may enter or cross the road, often from a facility, mine, or side road where sight distance is limited. Drivers should be ready to slow for slow-moving or long vehicles. It does not establish a truck lane or a prohibition.
Question 21Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A yellow diamond sign shows a black arrow bending sharply left with the word "25 MPH" on a plaque, and a driver is entering the curve at 45 mph in rain. What is the safest response?
- Accelerate through the curve to shorten time in the wet
- Brake firmly only after entering the curve
- Maintain 45 mph because the posted limit is higher than the advisory speed
- Slow before the curve to near the advisory speed and increase caution for wet pavement Correct answer.
Explanation
The advisory speed reflects what is safe for the average driver in good conditions, and wet pavement reduces available traction below that baseline. The correct approach is to reduce speed before the curve, where braking is most effective, and to travel below the advisory if conditions are poor. Braking hard mid-curve or accelerating increases the risk of a skid.
Question 22Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A driver sees a yellow diamond showing a symbol of a traffic light with a red light illuminated and a plaque reading "PREPARE TO STOP." The signal itself is not yet visible. What should the driver do?
- Continue at the same speed because the signal cannot be seen
- Stop immediately before the warning sign
- Reduce speed and be ready to stop for a signal beyond the crest or curve Correct answer.
- Assume the light is green until it becomes visible
Explanation
This warning is placed where a signal is hidden by a crest, curve, or distance, so the driver must slow and prepare to stop rather than discover the signal at speed. Assuming the light is green defeats the purpose of the warning. Stopping at the warning sign itself would block traffic and is not required.
Question 23Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A driver passes a white sign reading "END 45 MPH SPEED ZONE" and then sees no other speed sign. What speed limit applies?
- The driver may choose any safe speed
- The statewide default speed limit for that type of road applies Correct answer.
- 45 mph continues until another sign changes it
- The limit becomes 65 mph in all cases
Explanation
A sign ending a posted speed zone returns the road to the general speed limit that applies to that class of road under state law, which for many California highways is 65 mph and for many local roads is 25 mph. The driver should not assume the previous posted number continues. The default depends on the road type rather than a single universal figure.
Question 24Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A driver sees a yellow diamond warning of a slippery when wet condition and a white sign reading "CHAINS REQUIRED." The road is wet but no snow is visible. What is the correct interpretation?
- The chain requirement is in effect and the driver must comply or use an approved alternative Correct answer.
- The driver may ignore the chain sign because the warning sign is only advisory
- The driver must stop and wait for the road to dry
- The chain requirement applies only when snow covers the road
Explanation
A CHAINS REQUIRED sign is regulatory and enforceable regardless of whether snow is visible, since ice can form on a wet road. Drivers must install chains or use an approved traction device, or they may be turned back. The yellow warning sign is advisory, but the white regulatory sign creates a legal duty.
Question 25Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A driver sees a yellow diamond sign depicting a divided highway ending, followed by a two-way traffic warning. What hazard sequence should the driver anticipate?
- A one-way street will begin after the divided section
- A median will begin and separate opposing traffic
- A freeway entrance will merge traffic from the right
- The separation between directions will end, bringing oncoming traffic into the same roadway Correct answer.
Explanation
The divided-highway-ends warning signals that the physical separation between opposing directions is about to disappear, and the two-way traffic warning confirms that oncoming vehicles will share the roadway. Together they tell the driver to keep right and avoid passing into what was a separated carriageway. The sequence does not announce a new median or a one-way street.
Question 26Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A driver approaches an intersection and sees a red octagonal sign. What must the driver do?
- Stop only if pedestrians are present
- Slow down and proceed if the intersection appears clear
- Yield only to vehicles already in the intersection
- Come to a complete stop before the stop line or crosswalk Correct answer.
Explanation
The red octagon is the standard STOP sign. It requires a full stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or edge of the intersection before proceeding when safe. Rolling stops or yielding without stopping are violations.
Question 27Road signs (recognition and meaning)
What does an inverted triangular sign with a red border and white center indicate?
- No passing zone ahead
- Railroad crossing ahead
- Stop completely before proceeding
- Yield the right-of-way to traffic on the intersecting road Correct answer.
Explanation
The downward-pointing triangle with a red border is the YIELD sign. Drivers must slow down and give the right-of-way to vehicles on the crossroad, stopping only if necessary. It does not require a full stop when the way is clear.
Question 28Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A yellow diamond-shaped sign is used on California roads primarily to do what?
- Regulate parking and stopping
- Warn drivers of upcoming hazards or changes in road conditions Correct answer.
- Indicate services such as fuel or lodging
- Provide destination and distance information
Explanation
Yellow diamonds are warning signs. They alert drivers to conditions such as curves, intersections, or road narrowing that require a change in speed or path. Regulatory, guide, and service signs use different shapes and colors.
Question 29Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A white rectangular sign with black lettering reads "SPEED LIMIT 65." What does this sign indicate?
- The maximum lawful speed under normal conditions Correct answer.
- The minimum speed allowed on the road
- A recommended speed for curves
- The speed limit only for trucks
Explanation
White rectangular signs with black text are regulatory. "SPEED LIMIT 65" sets the maximum legal speed in ideal conditions; drivers may need to go slower in rain, fog, or traffic. It is not a minimum or an advisory speed.
Question 30Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A blue rectangular sign with a white symbol of a gas pump is placed along a highway. What does this sign tell the driver?
- Fuel services are available at the upcoming exit Correct answer.
- The highway is closed to all vehicles
- A gas station is permanently closed
- A weigh station is ahead
Explanation
Blue signs with white symbols indicate motorist services. A gas pump symbol means fuel is available nearby, usually at the next exit. These signs are informational, not regulatory or warning.
Question 31Road signs (recognition and meaning)
What does a yellow diamond sign showing a black arrow curving to the left indicate?
- A left turn only lane
- A divided highway begins
- A sharp right turn ahead
- A left curve ahead Correct answer.
Explanation
A yellow diamond with a curving arrow warns of a curve in the direction of the arrow. A left-curving arrow means the road bends left ahead. Drivers should reduce speed before entering the curve.
Question 32Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A yellow diamond sign displays a black crossbuck symbol with the letters "RR." What does this sign warn of?
- A railroad crossing ahead Correct answer.
- A road repair zone ahead
- A rest area ahead
- A recreation area ahead
Explanation
The round yellow sign with an X and "RR" is the advance warning sign for a railroad crossing. It tells drivers to slow down, look, and listen for trains. The actual crossing may be marked by crossbucks and pavement markings.
Question 33Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A white rectangular sign with a red circle and a diagonal slash over a black "U" arrow is posted at an intersection. What does this sign mean?
- U-turns are required
- U-turns are prohibited Correct answer.
- A U-turn lane is ahead
- U-turns are permitted only for trucks
Explanation
A red circle with a diagonal slash is the universal prohibition symbol. Placed over a U-turn arrow, it means U-turns are not allowed at that location. Drivers must use another route to reverse direction.
Question 34Road signs (recognition and meaning)
An orange diamond sign with black lettering reading "ROAD WORK AHEAD" is encountered. What should the driver expect?
- A toll booth is ahead
- The road is permanently closed
- A school zone is ahead
- Workers and equipment may be on or near the road Correct answer.
Explanation
Orange diamonds are temporary warning signs for work zones. They alert drivers to construction, maintenance, or utility work. Drivers should slow down, increase following distance, and be prepared for lane shifts or stopped traffic.
Question 35Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A yellow diamond sign shows a black symbol of a pedestrian walking within a crosswalk. What action should a driver take?
- Stop only if a pedestrian is already in the roadway
- Sound the horn to warn pedestrians
- Slow down and watch for pedestrians crossing ahead Correct answer.
- Speed up to clear the crosswalk quickly
Explanation
The pedestrian crossing warning sign alerts drivers to a crosswalk ahead. Drivers should reduce speed and scan for people who may enter the roadway. California law requires yielding to pedestrians in a crosswalk.
Question 36Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A yellow diamond sign displays a black symbol of a school bus with the word "SCHOOL" below it. What does this sign indicate?
- A school bus stop or school crossing is ahead Correct answer.
- A bus repair facility is ahead
- School buses are prohibited from this road
- A public transit station is ahead
Explanation
The school bus warning sign indicates that school buses stop or cross ahead. Drivers should slow down and watch for children and stopped buses. Passing a stopped school bus with flashing red lights is illegal.
Question 37Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A yellow diamond sign shows a black symbol of a traffic signal with a red light illuminated. What does this sign warn drivers about?
- A signal that is always green
- A traffic signal ahead that may require a stop Correct answer.
- A power outage affecting signals
- A pedestrian signal only
Explanation
The signal-ahead warning sign tells drivers that a traffic light is approaching. Because the signal may be red or may change, drivers should be prepared to stop. It is especially important where sight distance is limited.
Question 38Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A yellow diamond sign shows a black arrow pointing straight ahead with a smaller arrow branching to the right, and a lane line between them. What does this sign indicate?
- All traffic must turn right
- A divided highway begins ahead
- The right lane will end ahead
- A lane is added ahead, and drivers may use it to continue or turn Correct answer.
Explanation
This sign warns of an added lane. It shows that a new lane will appear on the right, giving drivers an additional path. Drivers should check mirrors and blind spots before changing into the new lane.
Question 39Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A white rectangular sign reads "LEFT TURN YIELD ON GREEN." What does this mean at a signalized intersection?
- Left turns are allowed only on a red arrow
- Left-turning drivers must yield to oncoming traffic when the light is green Correct answer.
- Left-turning drivers have the right-of-way on green
- Left turns are prohibited on green
Explanation
This sign indicates a permissive left-turn phase. When the signal is green, left-turning drivers must wait for a gap and yield to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians. A green arrow would give protected right-of-way.
Question 40Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A yellow diamond sign shows a black symbol of a bicycle with a diagonal slash through it. What does this sign mean?
- A bicycle lane begins ahead
- Bicycles must yield to vehicles
- A bicycle race is in progress
- Bicycles are prohibited beyond this point Correct answer.
Explanation
A slashed symbol on a warning or regulatory sign indicates prohibition. A bicycle with a slash means cyclists are not allowed on the road or path ahead. Drivers should still watch for cyclists who may not comply.
Question 41Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A driver sees a yellow diamond sign with a black arrow curving right and a plaque reading "35 MPH." How should the driver interpret the plaque?
- 35 mph is the recommended speed for the curve Correct answer.
- 35 mph applies only to trucks
- 35 mph is the minimum speed allowed
- 35 mph is the legal speed limit for all vehicles
Explanation
A yellow plaque with a speed below a warning sign gives an advisory speed. It is the speed considered safe for the curve under ideal conditions. It is not a regulatory limit, but exceeding it may be unsafe, especially in bad weather.
Question 42Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A yellow diamond sign shows a black arrow pointing down a steep slope with the word "HILL." What driving action does this sign suggest?
- Use the parking brake continuously
- Shift to a lower gear to help control speed Correct answer.
- Accelerate to maintain momentum
- Turn off the engine to save fuel
Explanation
A steep hill warning advises drivers to prepare for a long downgrade. Shifting to a lower gear uses engine braking to control speed and reduces reliance on the brakes. Riding the brakes can cause overheating and fade.
Question 43Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A yellow diamond sign shows two opposing arrows with the words "TWO-WAY TRAFFIC AHEAD." What should a driver expect?
- Oncoming traffic will share the road without a median Correct answer.
- A one-way street begins ahead
- All traffic will move in the same direction
- The road will become a divided highway
Explanation
This sign warns that a one-way road or divided highway is ending and two-way traffic will begin. Drivers must keep right and watch for oncoming vehicles. Passing requires care because the opposing lane may be occupied.
Question 44Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A white rectangular sign reads "KEEP RIGHT" with a black arrow pointing to the lower right. Where is this sign typically placed?
- At a traffic island or median where drivers must pass on the right Correct answer.
- Before a railroad crossing
- At a toll plaza
- At the entrance to a one-way street
Explanation
KEEP RIGHT signs direct traffic to pass to the right of an obstruction, such as a median, island, or split in the road. They are regulatory and help prevent wrong-way movements. Drivers should follow the arrow's direction.
Question 45Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A yellow diamond sign shows a black symbol of a truck on a downhill slope with the words "TRUCK CROSSING." What does this sign warn drivers about?
- A truck weigh station is ahead
- Trucks are prohibited from the road ahead
- The road is closed to trucks
- Trucks may be entering or crossing the road ahead Correct answer.
Explanation
The truck crossing warning alerts drivers that trucks may enter or cross the roadway, often from a side road or facility. Drivers should be cautious because large vehicles need more time and space to accelerate and turn.
Question 46Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A driver sees a yellow diamond sign with a black arrow bending sharply left and a plaque reading "25 MPH" while entering a mountain road. What is the safest action?
- Brake hard only after entering the curve
- Accelerate to stabilize the vehicle
- Slow to 25 mph or less before the curve Correct answer.
- Maintain the posted highway speed through the curve
Explanation
The sharp curve warning with an advisory speed means the curve is tighter than usual. Drivers should reduce speed before entering so the vehicle is stable through the turn. Braking hard mid-curve can cause loss of control.
Question 47Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A white rectangular sign reads "END 45 MPH SPEED ZONE." No other speed sign is visible. What speed limit applies next?
- There is no speed limit
- 45 mph continues indefinitely
- The general maximum speed limit for that type of road Correct answer.
- 25 mph automatically
Explanation
An END speed zone sign terminates the posted special limit. The general maximum limit for that road type then applies, such as 65 mph on many rural freeways or 25 mph on many local streets. Drivers should watch for the next posted limit.
Question 48Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A yellow diamond sign warns of a slippery when wet condition, and a white sign below reads "CHAINS REQUIRED." What does the combination require?
- Chains are recommended but optional
- Tire chains must be installed before proceeding Correct answer.
- Chains are required only on trucks
- Chains must be carried but not installed
Explanation
A white regulatory sign stating CHAINS REQUIRED means chains must be mounted on the vehicle's drive tires before continuing. The slippery warning explains why. California often uses chain controls during winter storms in mountain areas.
Question 49Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A driver sees a yellow diamond sign showing a divided highway ending, followed by a two-way traffic warning. What hazard should the driver anticipate?
- A freeway entrance will appear
- A median will separate directions
- Oncoming traffic will soon share the same roadway Correct answer.
- The road will widen to four lanes
Explanation
When a divided highway ends, the separated directions merge into a single roadway. The two-way traffic warning confirms that oncoming vehicles will soon be in the adjacent lane. Drivers should adjust speed and position and avoid passing without clear sight distance.
Question 50Road signs (recognition and meaning)
A driver sees a yellow diamond sign with a black symbol of a traffic light and a plaque reading "PREPARE TO STOP." The light ahead is green but changes to yellow as the driver approaches. What is the safest response?
- Stop abruptly in the intersection
- Stop if it can be done safely before the intersection Correct answer.
- Accelerate to beat the red light
- Continue at the same speed regardless of distance
Explanation
A yellow light warns that red is about to appear. The safe response is to stop before the intersection if there is enough distance to do so without hard braking. Accelerating to beat the light risks a collision and a red-light violation.