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Indiana BMV Permit Test study materials
Indiana BMV Permit Test study resources

Indiana BMV Permit Test practice questions

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Question 1Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

What does an eight-sided (octagon) sign always mean?

  1. Railroad crossing
  2. School zone
  3. Yield
  4. Stop Correct answer.

Explanation

An octagon is reserved for stop signs, so an eight-sided sign always requires a full stop. No other sign shape uses eight sides.

Question 2Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A yellow diamond-shaped sign warns you of what?

  1. Regulatory rules you must obey
  2. Construction zones only
  3. Services at the next exit
  4. Hazards or changes ahead Correct answer.

Explanation

Yellow diamond signs are warning signs that alert drivers to hazards or changes in road conditions ahead. They tell you to slow down or prepare, not to obey a rule.

Question 3Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A steady green circular light means:

  1. Turn only if an arrow is green
  2. Proceed if the way is clear Correct answer.
  3. Slow down and sound your horn
  4. Stop and wait for the next signal

Explanation

A steady green circular light lets you drive through the intersection if the way is clear. You must still yield to vehicles and pedestrians already lawfully in the intersection.

Question 4Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A red circle with a diagonal slash through a symbol means:

  1. The action is required
  2. The action is strongly recommended
  3. The sign applies only at night
  4. The action is not allowed Correct answer.

Explanation

A red circle with a diagonal slash means the action pictured is prohibited. For example, a slash through a left-turn arrow means no left turn.

Question 5Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A yield sign is shaped like:

  1. A rectangle wider than tall
  2. A triangle pointing down Correct answer.
  3. A circle
  4. An octagon

Explanation

Yield signs are downward-pointing triangles so they can be recognized from the back and in poor conditions. A yield sign requires you to slow down and give the right of way.

Question 6Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

Orange signs are used mainly to:

  1. Show speed limits
  2. Mark school crossings
  3. Mark services like fuel and food
  4. Warn of road work or workers Correct answer.

Explanation

Orange is the color for construction and maintenance zones, including signs for workers and equipment. Slow down and be ready for changed lanes when you see orange.

Question 7Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A square sign with a red circle and a white horizontal bar reads:

  1. Road Closed
  2. Wrong Way
  3. Do Not Enter Correct answer.
  4. No Passing Zone

Explanation

Do Not Enter is a square red-and-white sign showing a red circle with a white bar, and it marks a road you may not drive into. It often appears at freeway off-ramps and one-way streets.

Question 8Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A blue sign with a white wheelchair symbol means the parking space is:

  1. Free for short-term loading only
  2. Limited to compact cars
  3. Reserved for disabled use Correct answer.
  4. Open to any driver at night

Explanation

A blue sign with a white wheelchair symbol marks parking reserved for people with disabilities who display the proper permit or plate. Parking there without authorization can bring a fine.

Question 9Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A flashing red traffic light requires you to:

  1. Stop, then go when safe Correct answer.
  2. Slow down but keep moving
  3. Treat it as a yield sign
  4. Wait for a green arrow

Explanation

A flashing red light works like a stop sign: come to a complete stop, then go when the way is clear. If several vehicles face flashing red, use the normal four-way stop rules.

Question 10Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A flashing yellow light at an intersection means you should:

  1. Come to a full stop first
  2. Wait for a police officer
  3. Slow down and stay alert Correct answer.
  4. Speed up to clear the intersection

Explanation

A flashing yellow signal means proceed with caution and does not require a stop. Slow down and check for cross traffic, pedestrians, and turning vehicles.

Question 11Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

Two solid yellow lines in the center of a road mean:

  1. The road is one-way
  2. No passing in either direction Correct answer.
  3. Passing allowed both ways
  4. Cross only to pass slow trucks

Explanation

Two solid yellow lines mean no passing in either direction and separate traffic moving opposite ways. You may cross them only to turn into a driveway or side road where permitted.

Question 12Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A broken yellow line beside your lane means you may:

  1. Pass when it is safe Correct answer.
  2. Cross only to make a U-turn
  3. Never cross the center line
  4. Drive in the left lane freely

Explanation

A broken yellow line on your side of the center line allows you to cross to pass when it is safe and legal. You must still obey no-passing zones and check oncoming traffic.

Question 13Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A broken white line between lanes means:

  1. Passing is never allowed
  2. You may change lanes when safe Correct answer.
  3. Traffic moves in opposite directions
  4. The lane ahead is closed

Explanation

Broken white lines separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction and may be crossed when it is safe to change lanes. A solid white line discourages lane changes.

Question 14Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

At a railroad crossbuck sign, you must:

  1. Yield to trains and check Correct answer.
  2. Always stop before the tracks
  3. Speed up to cross the tracks
  4. Sound your horn and cross fast

Explanation

A crossbuck marks the crossing itself, and drivers must yield to trains and look both ways before crossing. If a train is coming, stop well back from the tracks.

Question 15Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A steady green left-turn arrow means:

  1. Left turns are not allowed
  2. You have a protected left turn Correct answer.
  3. Turn only after the light turns red
  4. Yield to oncoming traffic first

Explanation

A steady green arrow gives a protected turn because oncoming traffic is stopped, so you may turn. Check for pedestrians in the crosswalk before completing the turn.

Question 16Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A steady red arrow pointing left means:

  1. Left turn is protected
  2. No turn in that direction Correct answer.
  3. Turn left on red if clear
  4. Turn left after yielding first

Explanation

A red arrow means you may not turn in the direction the arrow points while it is displayed. Wait for a green arrow or a circular green before turning.

Question 17Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A five-sided (pentagon) sign warns of:

  1. A work zone ahead
  2. A hospital entrance
  3. A school zone or crossing Correct answer.
  4. A railroad crossing is ahead

Explanation

Pentagon signs indicate a school zone or school crossing ahead. Slow down and watch for children near the roadway.

Question 18Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

Blue signs along a highway generally show:

  1. Curves and steep grades ahead
  2. Construction detours
  3. Enforceable speed limits
  4. Services like gas and food Correct answer.

Explanation

Blue signs give travelers services such as gas, food, lodging, and hospitals. They are informational and do not set rules you must obey.

Question 19Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A round yellow sign with a black X and two R's is:

  1. A route marker
  2. A railroad advance warning Correct answer.
  3. A school bus stop ahead sign
  4. A work zone marker

Explanation

The round yellow sign with a black X and two R's is the advance warning for a railroad crossing ahead. It is placed before the crossbuck so you can slow down in time.

Question 20Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A Slippery When Wet sign tells you to:

  1. Shift into a lower gear only
  2. Speed up before the wet patch
  3. Slow down and brake gently Correct answer.
  4. Use high beams in the rain

Explanation

Slippery when wet warns that pavement loses traction in rain, so slow down and make gentle steering, braking, and acceleration inputs. Stopping distances can grow substantially.

Question 21Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

You approach an intersection and the traffic signal is dark because of a power outage. You should:

  1. Wait until the signal lights return
  2. Turn around and find another route
  3. Proceed through without slowing down
  4. Treat it like a stop sign Correct answer.

Explanation

If a signal is dark, treat the intersection like an all-way stop: come to a complete stop and proceed when it is safe. Be ready to yield to vehicles already in the intersection.

Question 22Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A center lane bordered on both sides by solid yellow lines, with broken yellow lines inside it, is:

  1. A lane for passing slow traffic
  2. A bicycle lane
  3. A two-way left-turn lane Correct answer.
  4. A bus-only lane

Explanation

A center lane bordered by solid yellow lines with broken yellow lines inside is a two-way left-turn lane. Drivers from either direction may enter it to prepare for a left turn, but it may not be used for passing or through travel.

Question 23Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

At a stop sign with no stop line or crosswalk, you must stop:

  1. Beside the nearest curb ramp
  2. Exactly one car length back
  3. Before entering the cross road Correct answer.
  4. Anywhere inside the intersection

Explanation

At a stop sign with no stop line or crosswalk, stop before entering the intersecting road so you can see approaching traffic. Stopping too far back or inside the intersection reduces your view or blocks traffic.

Question 24Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A flashing yellow left-turn arrow means:

  1. You have a protected left turn
  2. The left turn is prohibited
  3. Turn left after yielding Correct answer.
  4. Stop and wait for a green arrow

Explanation

A flashing yellow left-turn arrow means you may turn left but must first yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. It is not a protected turn.

Question 25Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

You and another vehicle arrive at a four-way stop at the same time. You should:

  1. Go first if you are turning left
  2. Yield to the vehicle on your left
  3. Let the driver on your right go Correct answer.
  4. Wait for the other driver to wave

Explanation

At a four-way stop, when two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. If one driver is turning left and the other is going straight, the left-turning driver yields.

Question 26Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

Two vehicles arrive at a four-way stop at the same time and both intend to go straight. Who has the right of way?

  1. The driver who sounds the horn first goes first.
  2. The driver who is closest to the center line goes first.
  3. The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. Correct answer.
  4. The driver on the right yields to the driver on the left.

Explanation

At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop goes first. If two vehicles stop at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. When in doubt, wait and let the other driver go.

Question 27Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

You are stopped at a steady red light and want to turn right. What does Indiana law allow?

  1. You must wait for the green light in all cases.
  2. You may turn after a full stop unless a sign forbids it, yielding to traffic and pedestrians. Correct answer.
  3. You may turn only after the light begins flashing yellow.
  4. You may turn without stopping if the way is clear.

Explanation

Indiana permits a right turn on a steady red light after a complete stop unless a sign prohibits it. You must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and to traffic on the cross street before turning.

Question 28Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

You have a green circular light and want to turn left across oncoming traffic. What must you do?

  1. Yield to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians before completing the turn. Correct answer.
  2. Turn from any lane as long as you signal first.
  3. Proceed immediately because you have a green light.
  4. Wait for a green arrow before turning in any case.

Explanation

A green circle gives you permission to enter the intersection but does not protect a left turn. You must yield to oncoming vehicles and to pedestrians before completing the turn.

Question 29Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A pedestrian is crossing the street in a marked crosswalk at an intersection. What must you do?

  1. Proceed if you arrive before the pedestrian reaches your lane.
  2. Stop and wait for the pedestrian to cross safely. Correct answer.
  3. Drive around the pedestrian if there is room in another lane.
  4. Sound your horn so the pedestrian hurries across.

Explanation

Drivers must yield the right of way to a pedestrian in a marked crosswalk. You should stop and stay stopped until the pedestrian has cleared your path.

Question 30Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

On a two-lane road, a school bus traveling ahead of you stops with its red lights flashing. What is required?

  1. Continue on if you are traveling in the opposite direction.
  2. Slow down and pass carefully.
  3. Stop and remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing. Correct answer.
  4. Stop only if children are visible.

Explanation

On a two-lane road, traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus showing flashing red lights. Remain stopped until the lights stop flashing and the bus begins to move.

Question 31Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

An ambulance approaches from behind with lights and siren on. What should you do?

  1. Pull to the right edge of the roadway and stop until it passes. Correct answer.
  2. Speed up to reach the next intersection first.
  3. Move to the left lane and keep driving.
  4. Stop in your lane immediately.

Explanation

When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren, pull to the right edge of the road and stop. If you are already in an intersection, clear it first, then pull over.

Question 32Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

Indiana law requires your headlights to be on during which period?

  1. Only when it is completely dark outside.
  2. Only during rain or snow.
  3. From sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is poor. Correct answer.
  4. Only on rural roads at night.

Explanation

Indiana requires headlights from sunset to sunrise and any time visibility is too poor to see people or vehicles clearly at 500 feet. Using headlights in rain or fog also helps other drivers see you.

Question 33Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

Under Indiana law, how must a child younger than 8 years old ride in a vehicle?

  1. On an adult's lap in the back seat.
  2. In a standard seat belt in any seating position.
  3. Standing behind the front seats.
  4. In a federally approved child safety seat. Correct answer.

Explanation

Indiana requires children younger than 8 to ride in a federally approved child safety seat. Older children and adults must use seat belts.

Question 34Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

When entering a roundabout, what must you do?

  1. Enter to the left and travel clockwise around the circle.
  2. Signal left and merge without yielding.
  3. Yield to traffic already in the roundabout and enter to the right. Correct answer.
  4. Come to a complete stop before entering in all cases.

Explanation

Traffic already circulating in a roundabout has the right of way. Enter to the right and travel counterclockwise, yielding to vehicles already inside and to pedestrians in the crosswalk.

Question 35Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

You are on a road that ends at a T-intersection with no signs or signals. Who has the right of way?

  1. You do, if you are turning right.
  2. You do, because you arrived first.
  3. Traffic on the through road, because you must yield when entering from the ending road. Correct answer.
  4. Whoever is driving the larger vehicle.

Explanation

When your road ends at a T-intersection and there are no signs or signals, you must yield to traffic on the through road. Wait for a safe gap before entering or turning.

Question 36Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

You are pulling out of a driveway onto a public street. What is required?

  1. You need only yield to vehicles coming from your left.
  2. You must yield to all traffic and pedestrians on the street. Correct answer.
  3. You have the right of way because you are entering traffic.
  4. You may enter without stopping if you honk first.

Explanation

A driver entering a roadway from a driveway, alley, or private road must yield to vehicles and pedestrians already on the street. The entering driver does not have the right of way.

Question 37Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A solid yellow line is on your side of the center line. What does it mean?

  1. Passing is prohibited on your side of the line. Correct answer.
  2. You may pass only if the vehicle ahead is moving slowly.
  3. Passing is allowed only at night.
  4. You may pass if the road ahead is clear.

Explanation

A solid yellow line on your side of the center line marks a no-passing zone for your direction. You may not cross it to pass, though you may cross it to turn left into a driveway or side road where legal.

Question 38Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

Under normal driving conditions, what following distance is recommended?

  1. At least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead. Correct answer.
  2. Exactly one second behind the vehicle ahead.
  3. One car length for each 10 mph of speed.
  4. No more than half a car length behind the vehicle ahead.

Explanation

A following distance of at least two seconds gives you time to react. Increase it to three or four seconds in bad weather, at night, or when following motorcycles and large trucks.

Question 39Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

You are approaching a stopped tow truck with flashing amber lights on the shoulder of a multi-lane highway. What does Indiana's Move Over law require?

  1. Sound your horn and pass closely.
  2. Maintain your speed and stay in the lane closest to the truck.
  3. Stop completely until the truck leaves the shoulder.
  4. Change lanes away from it if you can, otherwise slow down. Correct answer.

Explanation

Indiana's Move Over law requires drivers to change lanes away from stopped emergency, tow, or utility vehicles with flashing lights when possible. If a lane change is not possible, slow down and pass with caution.

Question 40Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

In Indiana, when may you turn left on a red light?

  1. Only when turning from a two-way street onto another two-way street.
  2. Never, under any circumstances.
  3. Whenever no traffic is coming from any direction.
  4. From a one-way street onto a one-way street after a full stop. Correct answer.

Explanation

Indiana allows a left turn on red only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a full stop and yielding to traffic and pedestrians. A sign may still prohibit the turn.

Question 41Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

You are driving with high beams at night and an oncoming vehicle approaches. When must you dim your lights?

  1. Only after the vehicle has passed you.
  2. Only if the other driver flashes their lights.
  3. Within 500 feet of the oncoming vehicle. Correct answer.
  4. Within 1,000 feet of the oncoming vehicle.

Explanation

Dim high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 300 feet when following another vehicle. Bright lights can temporarily blind other drivers.

Question 42Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A left-turn lane has a flashing yellow arrow. What does it mean?

  1. The left turn is prohibited.
  2. You must stop and wait for a green arrow.
  3. You have a protected turn with no oncoming traffic.
  4. You may turn left, yielding to oncoming traffic. Correct answer.

Explanation

A flashing yellow arrow means the left turn is permitted but not protected. Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before turning.

Question 43Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A funeral procession is moving through an intersection with its headlights on. What must other drivers do?

  1. Pass the procession in the left lane.
  2. Enter the intersection and drive between the procession vehicles.
  3. Yield and let the entire procession pass before proceeding. Correct answer.
  4. Sound your horn to warn the procession drivers.

Explanation

Vehicles in a funeral procession have the right of way, and other drivers should not cut into or between them. Wait until the whole procession has passed.

Question 44Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

How close may you park to a fire hydrant in Indiana?

  1. Within 10 feet.
  2. No closer than 15 feet. Correct answer.
  3. Any distance if you stay in the vehicle.
  4. Within 5 feet.

Explanation

Indiana law prohibits parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant so firefighters can connect hoses. The restriction applies even if you remain in the vehicle.

Question 45Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A school bus with red lights flashing is stopped on the opposite side of a divided highway with a median. What must you do?

  1. Stop only if you can see children waiting on your side of the road.
  2. Slow to 20 mph and continue past the bus.
  3. Stop and remain stopped until the red lights are turned off.
  4. Continue; the median separates you from the bus. Correct answer.

Explanation

On a divided highway with a median separating the directions of travel, traffic on the opposite side does not have to stop for a school bus. Traffic on the bus's side of the road must stop.

Question 46Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

At a railroad crossing where you are required to stop, where should you stop?

  1. Directly on the tracks so you can see clearly.
  2. Between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail. Correct answer.
  3. Anywhere, as long as your hazard lights are on.
  4. At least 100 feet before the crossing.

Explanation

Where a stop is required at a railroad crossing, stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail. Stopping on the tracks is never safe.

Question 47Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A traffic signal is flashing red in your direction at an intersection. How should you proceed?

  1. Wait for a green light before moving.
  2. Stop, then proceed when it is safe, as at a stop sign. Correct answer.
  3. Slow down and yield only to traffic on your left.
  4. Proceed without stopping if no cars are visible.

Explanation

A flashing red signal is treated like a stop sign. Stop, yield to cross traffic and pedestrians, then proceed when it is safe.

Question 48Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

You are already inside a roundabout when an emergency vehicle with lights and siren approaches. What should you do?

  1. Stop and back out of the roundabout the way you entered.
  2. Stop immediately where you are.
  3. Speed up and drive around the circle again.
  4. Continue to your exit, then pull over and stop. Correct answer.

Explanation

Do not stop inside a roundabout, because traffic behind you cannot easily pass. Continue to your exit, then pull to the right and stop for the emergency vehicle.

Question 49Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

When may you pass another vehicle on the right?

  1. Never, under any circumstances.
  2. When the vehicle ahead is turning left and there is room. Correct answer.
  3. Only when the vehicle ahead is signaling for a right turn.
  4. Only on the paved shoulder of a multi-lane road.

Explanation

Passing on the right is allowed when the vehicle ahead is making a left turn and there is room in the lane or on the paved portion of the roadway. It is not allowed by driving onto the shoulder.

Question 50Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

You approach an intersection where the traffic signal is dark because of a power outage. How should you proceed?

  1. Proceed through without slowing down.
  2. Treat the intersection as an all-way stop. Correct answer.
  3. Yield only to traffic on your right.
  4. Wait for a police officer to come and direct traffic.

Explanation

A dark or failed traffic signal should be treated as an all-way stop. Stop, yield to vehicles already in the intersection or on your right, and proceed when it is safe.