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Ethiopian Driving Theory Test study materials
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Ethiopian Driving Theory Test practice questions

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Question 1Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

What does a red octagonal sign with the word STOP require a driver to do?

  1. Slow down and proceed if the road looks clear
  2. Come to a complete halt before the line or crossing point Correct answer.
  3. Yield only to traffic approaching from the right
  4. Sound the horn before entering the junction

Explanation

A stop sign requires a full halt at the marked line, or at the edge of the junction if no line is marked. The driver may proceed only after stopping and confirming the way is safe. Rolling slowly past the sign does not satisfy the requirement.

Question 2Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A circular sign with a red border and a red diagonal bar over a symbol generally indicates what?

  1. A mandatory instruction
  2. A prohibition Correct answer.
  3. A warning of danger ahead
  4. A service facility

Explanation

In the international system used in Ethiopia, red-bordered circles convey prohibitions or restrictions. The symbol inside shows what is forbidden. Warning signs are triangular and mandatory signs are usually blue circles.

Question 3Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

What is the usual shape of a warning sign on Ethiopian roads?

  1. A red octagon
  2. A yellow rectangle
  3. A triangle with a red border Correct answer.
  4. A blue circle

Explanation

Warning signs use a triangular shape with a red border and a symbol in the centre. The triangle alerts drivers to a hazard ahead so they can adjust speed. Other shapes carry different meanings.

Question 4Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A steady red traffic light means a driver must do what?

  1. Proceed with caution
  2. Yield to pedestrians only
  3. Reduce speed and continue
  4. Stop before the stop line Correct answer.

Explanation

A steady red light requires the vehicle to stop before the stop line or the junction. Movement is permitted only when the signal changes. Continuing on red is a serious offence.

Question 5Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

What does a continuous solid white line along the centre of the road mean?

  1. Overtaking is permitted when clear
  2. No crossing or overtaking is allowed Correct answer.
  3. The road has two lanes in each direction
  4. Parking is allowed on the line

Explanation

A continuous centre line forbids crossing it, so overtaking and U-turns over the line are not allowed. The restriction exists where visibility or road layout makes crossing unsafe. A broken line, by contrast, may be crossed when safe.

Question 6Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A yellow box junction marked on the road surface should be treated how?

  1. Enter only if the exit is clear Correct answer.
  2. Use it as a parking area
  3. Stop inside it while waiting
  4. Drive around its outer edge

Explanation

A box junction is designed to keep an intersection clear of queuing traffic. A driver should enter only when the exit beyond the box is free. Stopping inside the box blocks cross traffic.

Question 7Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A blue circular sign showing a white arrow pointing straight ahead indicates what?

  1. A one-way street begins
  2. Turn right is prohibited
  3. Proceed straight ahead only Correct answer.
  4. A mandatory stop ahead

Explanation

Blue circular signs give mandatory instructions. An arrow on such a sign directs traffic to follow the direction shown. Other directions are therefore not permitted at that point.

Question 8Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

What does a flashing amber traffic light at a junction require from drivers?

  1. Speed up to clear the junction
  2. Treat the junction as closed
  3. Proceed only when it is safe to do so Correct answer.
  4. Stop completely and wait

Explanation

A flashing amber signal warns that the lights are not controlling the junction normally. Drivers must approach with care and proceed only when the way is clear, often applying give-way rules. It is not a full stop signal.

Question 9Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A driver approaches a junction where a police officer signals with an arm raised vertically. What should the driver do?

  1. Sound the horn and proceed
  2. Continue through the junction
  3. Stop and wait for the next signal Correct answer.
  4. Turn right immediately

Explanation

An officer's raised arm signals traffic facing the officer to stop. Instructions from a police officer on traffic duty override normal signs and signals. The driver waits until the officer gives a different signal.

Question 10Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

On a road with a broken white centre line, when may a driver cross the line to overtake?

  1. Only during daylight hours
  2. Never, because the line is white
  3. Only when the line is clear of other vehicles and it is safe Correct answer.
  4. Only if the vehicle ahead is a heavy truck

Explanation

A broken centre line may be crossed for overtaking when visibility is adequate and no oncoming or following traffic makes the manoeuvre unsafe. The driver must judge the situation before crossing. The line itself does not prohibit the move.

Question 11Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A triangular sign shows a symbol of a pedestrian on a crossing. What action should the driver take?

  1. Increase speed to pass before pedestrians step out
  2. Move to the opposite lane
  3. Sound the horn continuously
  4. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at the crossing ahead Correct answer.

Explanation

This warning sign alerts drivers to a pedestrian crossing ahead. The correct response is to reduce speed and be ready to stop for anyone using or about to use the crossing. Pedestrians on a crossing have priority.

Question 12Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A driver sees a red circle containing the number 60. What does this sign mean?

  1. The distance to the next town is 60 km
  2. The road number is 60
  3. The minimum permitted speed is 60 km/h
  4. The maximum permitted speed is 60 km/h Correct answer.

Explanation

A red-bordered circle with a number is a speed limit sign, and the number gives the maximum permitted speed. A minimum speed sign would appear in a blue circle. The limit applies until another sign changes it.

Question 13Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

What is the meaning of a white arrow painted on the road surface pointing left in a lane?

  1. Traffic in that lane must turn right
  2. Traffic in that lane must turn left Correct answer.
  3. Traffic in that lane must continue straight
  4. The lane is reserved for buses

Explanation

Arrows painted in a traffic lane show the direction that traffic in that lane must follow. A left-pointing arrow therefore directs the lane's traffic to turn left. Drivers should choose the correct lane in good time.

Question 14Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A driver is approaching a give-way sign at a junction. What is the correct behaviour?

  1. Stop completely before every give-way sign
  2. Stop only if another vehicle sounds its horn
  3. Maintain speed because the sign only advises caution
  4. Slow down and give way to traffic on the priority road Correct answer.

Explanation

A give-way sign requires the driver to slow down, look and yield to traffic on the road being joined. A complete stop is needed only when necessary to yield safely. It differs from a stop sign, which always requires a halt.

Question 15Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

What does a single broken yellow line along the edge of the carriageway usually indicate in urban areas?

  1. The edge of a private driveway
  2. A mandatory speed change
  3. A lane reserved for overtaking
  4. A parking restriction that applies at certain times Correct answer.

Explanation

Yellow edge markings in built-up areas commonly denote waiting or parking restrictions. The exact times are usually shown on nearby plates. They are not lane or speed markings.

Question 16Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A traffic light shows a green arrow pointing right while the main light is red. What may the driver do?

  1. Turn right if the way is clear Correct answer.
  2. Proceed straight ahead
  3. Turn left only
  4. Wait until the main light turns green

Explanation

A green arrow authorises movement in the direction of the arrow even when other aspects are red. The driver may turn right but must still ensure the path is clear. Movement in other directions remains prohibited.

Question 17Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A circular blue sign shows a white bicycle. What does it mean?

  1. Cyclists must give way to cars
  2. Cycles are prohibited
  3. A cycle repair service is ahead
  4. A route is reserved for cyclists Correct answer.

Explanation

Blue circular signs give mandatory instructions, and a bicycle symbol marks a route or lane reserved for cyclists. Other vehicles must keep out of it. A prohibition on cyclists would use a red-bordered circle.

Question 18Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A driver encounters a sign showing a red circle with a black car and a red diagonal bar. What does it prohibit?

  1. Parking of motor vehicles
  2. Overtaking by motor vehicles
  3. Entry by motor vehicles Correct answer.
  4. Use of headlights

Explanation

A red-bordered circle with a diagonal bar over a vehicle symbol prohibits entry by that class of vehicle. The bar converts the symbol into a prohibition. Drivers must not proceed past the sign in that vehicle.

Question 19Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

Why are hazard warning lines, such as hatched areas, painted on the road?

  1. To mark the boundary of a bus stop
  2. To indicate a place to stop for a rest
  3. To mark areas where vehicles should not travel Correct answer.
  4. To show where overtaking is encouraged

Explanation

Hatched areas separate or protect traffic streams and should not normally be entered. They often surround a central island or split lanes. Driving over them can be dangerous and may be an offence.

Question 20Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A driver sees a red light combined with a sign permitting a turn after stopping. What is the correct procedure?

  1. Come to a full stop, then turn when safe if the rule permits Correct answer.
  2. Turn without stopping if no traffic is present
  3. Reverse to take another route
  4. Wait through the entire red phase

Explanation

Where a turn on red is permitted, the driver must first make a complete stop and then proceed only when the way is clear. The permission does not remove the stop requirement. Yielding to other traffic still applies.

Question 21Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A driver is in a lane marked with a solid white line on both sides and a bus symbol. What does this mean?

  1. Any vehicle may use the lane at any time
  2. The lane is for overtaking only
  3. The lane is closed to all traffic
  4. The lane is reserved for buses during the times shown Correct answer.

Explanation

A lane bounded by solid lines and marked with a bus symbol is a reserved bus lane. Restrictions normally apply during the hours shown on accompanying signs. Other vehicles may enter only if the sign permits it.

Question 22Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A driver approaches a junction where the traffic lights are completely dark because of a power failure. How should the driver proceed?

  1. Proceed at normal speed because the lights are off
  2. Treat the junction as uncontrolled and apply give-way rules with caution Correct answer.
  3. Wait indefinitely for the lights to return
  4. Follow the vehicle ahead without checking

Explanation

When signals are not working, the junction reverts to normal priority rules, and drivers must approach with caution and yield as required. Extra care is needed because other drivers may be confused. Proceeding at speed is dangerous.

Question 23Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A driver passes a warning sign showing a steep descent. What is the safest response?

  1. Use the handbrake continuously
  2. Switch off the engine to save fuel
  3. Accelerate to maintain momentum
  4. Select a lower gear and control speed before the descent Correct answer.

Explanation

On a steep descent, engine braking in a lower gear helps control speed and prevents brake fade. Brakes should be used steadily rather than continuously. Coasting or switching off the engine removes control.

Question 24Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A stop line is painted across a lane, but the stop sign is missing. What should the driver do?

  1. Slow down only if traffic is present
  2. Sound the horn and continue
  3. Ignore the line because the sign is absent
  4. Stop at the line as the marking still requires it Correct answer.

Explanation

A stop line is itself a regulatory marking and requires a halt even if the accompanying sign has been removed or damaged. The marking and the sign reinforce the same obligation. Ignoring it risks a collision at the junction.

Question 25Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A driver sees a sign with a red border showing two children walking. What hazard does it warn of and what should the driver do?

  1. A pedestrian zone closed to cars; turn back
  2. A crossing reserved for adults; maintain speed
  3. A bus stop; prepare to overtake
  4. A school or playground nearby; reduce speed and watch for children Correct answer.

Explanation

The children symbol warns of a school, playground or area where children may be in the road. Drivers should slow down and be ready to stop, since children may act unpredictably. The sign is advisory of a hazard, not a closure.

Question 26Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A circular sign has a red border and a white background with no symbol inside. What does this sign mean?

  1. No vehicles allowed beyond the sign Correct answer.
  2. Give way to oncoming traffic
  3. No entry for all vehicles
  4. End of all restrictions

Explanation

A red-bordered circle is a prohibitory sign, and an empty white centre means no vehicles of any kind may proceed past it. The restriction applies to the whole carriageway in that direction.

Question 27Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

What does a triangular warning sign with a red border and a symbol of a bend to the right tell the driver?

  1. The road curves to the right ahead Correct answer.
  2. Overtaking on the right is permitted
  3. A right turn is compulsory at the next junction
  4. Right-turning traffic has priority

Explanation

Triangles with red borders are warning signs, and the symbol shows the shape of the hazard ahead. A bend symbol warns of a curve, so the driver should slow down before reaching it.

Question 28Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A traffic light shows a steady amber light on its own. What must a driver do?

  1. Continue at the same speed
  2. Stop, unless it is unsafe to do so Correct answer.
  3. Sound the horn and proceed
  4. Reverse away from the junction

Explanation

A steady amber means the signal is about to turn red, so drivers must stop unless they are so close that stopping would be dangerous. Proceeding normally risks entering the junction on red.

Question 29Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

What is indicated by a double solid white line running along the centre of the road?

  1. The lane is reserved for buses only
  2. Parking is permitted on the carriageway
  3. Neither line may be crossed to overtake Correct answer.
  4. Overtaking is allowed if the road is clear

Explanation

Double solid centre lines mark a section where crossing is prohibited from either direction, usually because visibility is poor. Drivers must stay in their own lane until the markings change.

Question 30Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A blue square sign shows a white letter P. What does this sign indicate?

  1. Parking is permitted in the area Correct answer.
  2. A pedestrian precinct begins
  3. A police checkpoint ahead
  4. A passing place on a narrow road

Explanation

Blue rectangular signs give information, and the letter P is the standard symbol for parking. It tells drivers that parking facilities are available at or near that point.

Question 31Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

What does a broken white line painted across a lane at a junction indicate?

  1. The line marks a pedestrian crossing only
  2. The line marks a give-way position Correct answer.
  3. The lane ends immediately after the line
  4. Vehicles must stop before the line at all times

Explanation

A broken transverse line marks where drivers should give way, stopping if necessary to let traffic on the major road pass. A solid transverse line is used where a full stop is compulsory.

Question 32Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A sign shows a red circle containing a black motorcycle. What does it mean?

  1. A motorcycle repair garage is ahead
  2. Motorcycles are prohibited Correct answer.
  3. Motorcycles only may use the road
  4. Motorcycles must use the left lane

Explanation

A red circle is prohibitory, so the vehicle pictured inside it is banned from the road beyond the sign. The symbol identifies which class of vehicle is excluded.

Question 33Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

What does a circular blue sign with a white arrow bending to the left require a driver to do?

  1. Turn left at the next junction
  2. Left lane closed ahead
  3. Turn left ahead is optional
  4. Keep left of the obstruction Correct answer.

Explanation

Blue circles give mandatory instructions, and an arrow bending around an obstacle means traffic must pass on the side shown. Here drivers must keep to the left of the feature, such as a traffic island.

Question 34Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A driver sees a sign showing a red circle with the number 30 crossed out by a black diagonal bar. What does this mean?

  1. Advisory speed of 30 km/h
  2. A 30 km/h limit begins
  3. The 30 km/h speed limit ends Correct answer.
  4. The minimum speed becomes 30

Explanation

A diagonal bar through a restriction cancels it, so the sign marks the end of the 30 km/h limit. Normal national or local limits then apply again.

Question 35Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

What is the purpose of a solid white line painted along the edge of the carriageway on a rural road?

  1. It indicates a toll section of road
  2. It reserves the edge for goods vehicles
  3. It shows where overtaking is permitted
  4. It marks the boundary of the carriageway for drivers Correct answer.

Explanation

Edge lines define the outer limit of the carriageway, helping drivers judge their position, especially at night or in poor visibility. They are not a lane for any particular class of vehicle.

Question 36Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

At a junction controlled by traffic lights, a green light is showing but the exit road beyond the junction is blocked by stationary traffic. What should the driver do?

  1. Sound the horn until traffic moves
  2. Stay behind the stop line until the exit is clear Correct answer.
  3. Enter the junction and wait across it
  4. Drive around the queue using the opposite lane

Explanation

A green light permits movement only if the driver can clear the junction; blocking it obstructs cross traffic and is an offence. The driver should wait behind the stop line until there is room beyond.

Question 37Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

What does a warning sign showing a symbol of a vehicle skidding indicate?

  1. A steep uphill gradient ahead
  2. A vehicle inspection point ahead
  3. A slippery road surface ahead Correct answer.
  4. A compulsory tyre-chain area

Explanation

The skidding-vehicle symbol warns that the surface ahead may offer reduced grip, for example because of rain, ice or spillage. Drivers should reduce speed and avoid sudden braking or steering.

Question 38Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A driver approaches a pedestrian crossing where a flashing amber beacon is mounted on the crossing sign. What does the flashing amber mean?

  1. Drivers must stop immediately
  2. Drivers must give way only if a pedestrian is on the crossing Correct answer.
  3. Traffic lights at the crossing are green
  4. The crossing is out of use

Explanation

A flashing amber beacon at a crossing warns drivers that pedestrians may be present and that they must yield to anyone already on the crossing. It does not impose an automatic stop when the crossing is empty.

Question 39Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

What do yellow zig-zag lines painted along the edge of the road near a school or crossing mean?

  1. Stopping and parking are prohibited in the marked area Correct answer.
  2. The area is reserved for school buses
  3. Loading is permitted for delivery vehicles
  4. Parking is allowed for a short time

Explanation

Zig-zag markings keep the approach to a crossing clear so that pedestrians and drivers can see each other. Stopping or parking there obstructs visibility and is prohibited.

Question 40Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A driver sees a red circle containing a picture of a lorry above a black number. What does this sign convey?

  1. A weight limit applies to goods vehicles Correct answer.
  2. Lorries are prohibited beyond the sign
  3. Lorries must reduce speed to the number shown
  4. Lorries must use the left lane

Explanation

A prohibitory circle showing a lorry with a number indicates a maximum permitted weight for goods vehicles, expressed in tonnes. Vehicles above that weight must not proceed.

Question 41Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A driver is directed by a traffic officer whose signals conflict with the green light showing at the junction. Whose instruction should the driver follow?

  1. The traffic light, because it is automatic
  2. Whichever allows the driver to proceed first
  3. The traffic officer, because their signals override the lights Correct answer.
  4. The vehicle in front, by following its example

Explanation

Officers directing traffic take precedence over fixed signals, because they can see conditions the lights cannot. Drivers must obey the officer even when the light shows green.

Question 42Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

On a road with three lanes in one direction, the middle lane is marked with a solid white line on each side and the word BUS inside it. Who may use that lane during its hours of operation?

  1. Any vehicle carrying two or more people
  2. Only vehicles turning right at the next junction
  3. Only buses and vehicles permitted by the signs Correct answer.
  4. Any vehicle overtaking slower traffic

Explanation

A lane marked BUS with solid boundaries is reserved for buses and for any other classes shown on the accompanying signs during the stated times. Other vehicles must stay out of it while the restriction applies.

Question 43Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

What does a warning sign showing two opposing arrows, one pointing up and one pointing down, indicate?

  1. A roundabout is ahead
  2. Overtaking is compulsory
  3. A dual carriageway begins
  4. Two-way traffic ahead Correct answer.

Explanation

The paired opposing arrows warn that traffic will soon flow in both directions on the same carriageway. Drivers should keep to their side and be prepared for oncoming vehicles.

Question 44Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A driver waiting at a red light sees a green arrow pointing left while the main light remains red. What does the arrow permit?

  1. A U-turn if the road is clear
  2. Straight ahead only
  3. A left turn only, after yielding to traffic with priority Correct answer.
  4. All movements once the arrow appears

Explanation

A green arrow authorises only the movement it indicates, so the driver may turn left while other movements remain stopped. The turn must still be made safely, giving way to pedestrians and traffic that has priority.

Question 45Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A driver approaches a junction where a stop line is painted across the lane but the stop sign has been removed. What is the correct action?

  1. Treat the junction as an uncontrolled crossroads
  2. Wait for another driver to wave them through
  3. Proceed without slowing, since the sign is absent
  4. Stop at the line and give way before proceeding Correct answer.

Explanation

A solid stop line imposes the same duty as the stop sign it accompanies, and its meaning does not lapse because a sign is missing. The driver must stop at the line and proceed only when it is safe.

Question 46Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A driver sees a sign showing a red circle with a white horizontal bar on a road leading off a one-way street. What does the sign mean?

  1. Road closed to pedestrians only
  2. No parking beyond the sign
  3. One-way traffic begins there
  4. No entry for vehicles from that direction Correct answer.

Explanation

The red disc with a white bar is the no-entry sign, meaning vehicles must not pass it from the direction faced. It is commonly placed at the exit of a one-way street to prevent wrong-way movement.

Question 47Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A driver sees a hatched area bounded by a broken white line in the centre of the road. How should the driver treat it?

  1. Stop on it to give way to oncoming traffic
  2. Avoid entering it unless it is safe and necessary Correct answer.
  3. Use it only for overtaking slower vehicles
  4. Drive over it freely whenever traffic is heavy

Explanation

Hatched areas separate opposing streams or shield turning traffic, and a broken boundary means it may be entered only when safe and necessary. It is not a lane for general driving or a place to wait.

Question 48Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A driver passes a warning sign showing a traffic signal symbol with a red light illuminated. What does this sign warn of?

  1. A railway level crossing with barriers
  2. Traffic lights ahead that may be at red Correct answer.
  3. A pedestrian crossing without lights
  4. A police checkpoint with signals

Explanation

The signal-head symbol warns that traffic lights control the road ahead, so drivers should be ready to stop. The red light in the symbol emphasises the possibility of being required to halt.

Question 49Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

At a junction controlled by traffic lights, the lights are showing green but a queue of vehicles blocks the driver's intended exit. A driver behind sounds the horn. What is the correct response?

  1. Enter the junction to keep the queue moving
  2. Edge forward onto the crossing area and wait
  3. Move into the opposing lane to pass the queue
  4. Remain behind the stop line until the exit clears Correct answer.

Explanation

Drivers must not enter a junction unless they can clear it, even on green, because blocking it obstructs crossing traffic. Pressure from following vehicles does not change the rule.

Question 50Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings

A circular blue sign shows a white arrow pointing down and to the left on a traffic island. What does the sign require?

  1. Left lane reserved for turning traffic
  2. Give way to traffic from the left
  3. Turn left at the next junction
  4. Pass to the left of the island Correct answer.

Explanation

A blue circle with a keep-left arrow directs traffic to pass on the left side of the obstruction. It is a mandatory instruction, not a suggestion about a future turn.