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Kansas DMV Permit Test study materials
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Kansas DMV Permit Test practice questions

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Question 1Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

What must a driver do when approaching a red octagonal sign at an intersection?

  1. Come to a complete stop, then proceed when safe Correct answer.
  2. Slow down and continue if the intersection looks clear
  3. Yield only to vehicles already inside the intersection
  4. Stop only when other traffic is approaching

Explanation

A red octagon is the STOP sign, and it requires a full stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or edge of the roadway. You may proceed only after yielding to traffic and pedestrians that have the right of way.

Question 2Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

What does a flashing red traffic signal mean?

  1. Proceed with caution without stopping
  2. The signal is broken, so treat it as a green light
  3. Stop, then go when the way is clear Correct answer.
  4. Stop and wait for a green light before moving

Explanation

A flashing red light carries the same meaning as a stop sign: stop completely, yield to traffic and pedestrians, then continue when it is safe. You do not have to wait for the signal to turn green.

Question 3Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

Signs with a yellow background and black symbols are generally used to:

  1. Give directions to nearby cities and services
  2. Identify the route numbers of state highways
  3. Warn of hazards or changing road conditions ahead Correct answer.
  4. State the laws you must obey in a work zone

Explanation

Yellow is the warning color, so yellow diamond signs alert drivers to curves, intersections, narrowing lanes, and other hazards ahead. Regulatory signs are white, guide signs are green or blue, and work zone signs are orange.

Question 4Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A solid yellow line on your side of the center line means:

  1. You may use the left lane for normal driving
  2. Passing is not permitted in your direction of travel Correct answer.
  3. Passing is permitted whenever the road ahead is clear
  4. Traffic in both lanes is moving in the same direction

Explanation

A solid yellow line beside your lane marks a no-passing zone for traffic moving in your direction. You may still cross it to make a left turn into a driveway or side road where turns are legal.

Question 5Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A downward-pointing triangular sign means:

  1. Warning: steep hill ahead
  2. Yield the right of way to traffic and pedestrians Correct answer.
  3. No passing allowed in this zone
  4. Stop completely before entering the intersection

Explanation

The inverted triangle is the YIELD sign, which requires you to slow down and give the right of way to traffic on the intersecting road and to pedestrians. You need to stop only if the way is not clear.

Question 6Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

White rectangular signs with black lettering generally:

  1. Warn of curves and other road hazards
  2. Tell drivers what they must or must not do Correct answer.
  3. Mark the boundaries of construction zones
  4. Point the way to parks and historic sites

Explanation

White signs with black legends are regulatory signs; they set speed limits, lane use, turning rules, and other requirements drivers must obey. Warning signs are yellow, guide signs are green or blue, and work zone signs are orange.

Question 7Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

An X-shaped sign with the words 'RAILROAD CROSSING' marks:

  1. The location where tracks cross the roadway Correct answer.
  2. The distance remaining before a crossing
  3. A place where trains must stop for vehicles
  4. A crossing used only by light rail passenger trains

Explanation

The crossbuck stands at the crossing itself and has the effect of a yield sign: you must yield the right of way to any approaching train. A round yellow sign placed farther back gives advance warning of the crossing.

Question 8Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

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

  1. The symbol marks a recommended, not required, action
  2. The action shown is prohibited Correct answer.
  3. The sign applies only during posted hours
  4. The action shown is required by law

Explanation

A red circle with a slash is the standard symbol for 'not allowed,' so the maneuver or condition pictured is prohibited. Signs of this type are regulatory and create enforceable rules.

Question 9Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

You are driving on a two-lane road with a broken yellow line on your side of the center line. This means:

  1. You may pass only if the other driver signals
  2. Passing is allowed only during daylight hours
  3. Passing is prohibited but left turns are allowed
  4. You may pass when the way ahead is clear Correct answer.

Explanation

A broken yellow line on your side permits you to cross into the opposing lane to pass when sight distance and traffic conditions allow. The solid line on the opposing side means oncoming drivers may not pass.

Question 10Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

Double solid yellow lines in the center of the road mean:

  1. The road carries traffic in one direction only
  2. Passing is allowed for traffic on either side
  3. Passing is prohibited for traffic in both directions Correct answer.
  4. You must drive in the left lane when towing a trailer

Explanation

Two solid yellow lines mark a no-passing zone for both directions of travel. You may cross them only to make a left turn into a driveway or side road where the turn is legal.

Question 11Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A flashing yellow traffic signal means:

  1. Stop and wait for the light to turn green
  2. The signal is out of order, so use another route
  3. Traffic in all directions must yield to the right
  4. Slow down and proceed with caution Correct answer.

Explanation

A flashing yellow light warns that you may proceed but must do so carefully, watching for crossing traffic, pedestrians, or other hazards. Unlike a flashing red light, it does not require you to stop.

Question 12Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

Orange diamond-shaped signs are used to:

  1. Show the distance to the next exit
  2. Give directions to nearby cities and parks
  3. Identify school crossing zones during class hours
  4. Warn drivers of construction and maintenance work Correct answer.

Explanation

Orange is reserved for temporary traffic control, so orange signs warn of work zones, flaggers, and lane shifts. Speeding fines are often doubled when workers are present.

Question 13Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A five-sided (pentagon) sign is used to mark:

  1. A hospital emergency entrance
  2. A lane that ends ahead
  3. A school zone or school crossing Correct answer.
  4. A railroad crossing without gates

Explanation

The pentagon shape is reserved for school advance and school crossing signs, which warn drivers to slow down and watch for children. These signs are typically yellow-green.

Question 14Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

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

  1. Where trains must stop before crossing the road
  2. At the crossing, directly beside the tracks
  3. In advance of a railroad crossing Correct answer.
  4. At the end of a no-passing zone

Explanation

The round yellow advance warning sign is posted some distance before the tracks so drivers can slow down and prepare to stop. The crossbuck itself stands at the crossing.

Question 15Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A solid white line along the right side of your lane marks:

  1. The point where you must stop for a signal
  2. The right edge of the roadway or a shoulder Correct answer.
  3. A crosswalk reserved for students
  4. A lane reserved for buses and carpools

Explanation

The solid white edge line separates the travel lane from the shoulder or the edge of the pavement. You may cross it when necessary, such as to pull over, but the shoulder is not a driving lane.

Question 16Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

You are stopped at an intersection with a steady red light and a green left-turn arrow. What may you do?

  1. Turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic
  2. Turn left; the arrow protects your turn Correct answer.
  3. Turn left only after the light turns fully green
  4. Turn left after stopping a second time

Explanation

A green arrow means the movement is protected: oncoming traffic is held by a red light, so you may turn without yielding to it, though you should still watch for pedestrians. The steady red applies to all other movements.

Question 17Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A yellow pennant-shaped sign on the left side of the road indicates:

  1. The approach to a narrow bridge
  2. A pedestrian crossing ahead
  3. A sharp right turn ahead
  4. The start of a no-passing zone Correct answer.

Explanation

The pennant is a sideways triangle and is always placed on the left to mark where a no-passing zone begins. The restriction ends where the pavement markings change.

Question 18Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

As you prepare to turn right, the pedestrian signal shows a flashing upraised hand and a pedestrian is still in the crosswalk. What should you do?

  1. Wait until the pedestrian has cleared your path Correct answer.
  2. Sound your horn so the pedestrian hurries
  3. Turn behind the pedestrian without stopping
  4. Proceed, because the flashing hand means no crossing

Explanation

A flashing hand warns pedestrians not to begin crossing, but anyone already in the crosswalk has the right of way. Drivers must wait until the crosswalk is clear before completing a turn.

Question 19Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

An overhead lane control signal shows a red X above your lane. This means:

  1. The lane is reserved for turning traffic
  2. The lane may be used only by buses
  3. You must slow to 25 mph in that lane
  4. The lane is closed to all traffic Correct answer.

Explanation

A red X over a lane means the lane is closed ahead and drivers must merge into a lane showing a green arrow or no signal. These signals are common in tunnels, on bridges, and during reversible commute hours.

Question 20Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A wide solid white line painted across your lane just before an intersection is a:

  1. Edge of a bike lane
  2. Boundary of a parking area
  3. Crosswalk boundary for pedestrians
  4. Stop line for the traffic signal Correct answer.

Explanation

A solid white stop line shows the exact point where vehicles must stop for a signal or stop sign. If no stop line is present, stop at the crosswalk, and if there is no crosswalk, stop before entering the intersection.

Question 21Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A flashing red left-turn arrow means:

  1. Stop, then turn left when oncoming traffic is clear Correct answer.
  2. Do not turn left until a green arrow appears
  3. Turn left only after yielding to traffic behind you
  4. Turn left without stopping; you have protection

Explanation

A flashing red arrow combines a red signal with a yield requirement: come to a stop, then complete the turn only after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. A steady green arrow, by contrast, gives a protected turn.

Question 22Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

You see yellow signs with black chevrons pointing left along the outside of a curve. You should:

  1. Expect the road to straighten beyond the signs
  2. Slow down and follow the direction of the curve Correct answer.
  3. Come to a complete stop before the curve
  4. Move to the left lane before entering the curve

Explanation

Chevron alignment signs are placed on the outside of sharp curves to show the direction of the turn and to warn drivers to reduce speed. They do not require a stop unless a separate sign or signal does.

Question 23Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A flashing yellow left-turn arrow means:

  1. The left turn is protected from oncoming traffic
  2. You must wait for a green arrow before turning
  3. Left turns are prohibited until the arrow stops flashing
  4. You may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic Correct answer.

Explanation

A flashing yellow arrow permits the turn but does not protect it, so you must yield to oncoming vehicles and to pedestrians in the crosswalk. It typically appears when the opposing through traffic has a green light.

Question 24Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A solid white line separates two lanes traveling in the same direction. What does it indicate?

  1. Traffic in the right lane must exit ahead
  2. The lanes are reserved for different vehicle types
  3. Passing on the right is always legal there
  4. Lane changes are discouraged but not illegal Correct answer.

Explanation

A solid white line between same-direction lanes discourages lane changes, especially near intersections and interchanges. A broken white line in the same position means you may change lanes when it is safe to do so.

Question 25Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A steady yellow left-turn arrow appears after a green arrow. What should you do?

  1. Stop if you can do so safely; otherwise finish the turn Correct answer.
  2. Complete the turn quickly to beat the red
  3. Stop immediately, even if you are already in the intersection
  4. Back up out of the intersection and wait

Explanation

A steady yellow arrow warns that the protected turn is ending and a red arrow will follow. Stop if you can do so safely; if you are already in the intersection or too close to stop, complete the turn carefully.

Question 26Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A red octagonal sign is used exclusively to indicate that you must:

  1. come to a complete stop Correct answer.
  2. reduce speed and proceed
  3. not enter the roadway
  4. yield the right-of-way

Explanation

The octagonal shape is reserved for STOP signs. You must bring the vehicle to a complete stop at the stop line or before entering the intersection, then proceed only when it is safe.

Question 27Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A yellow diamond-shaped sign with a black symbol of a person walking indicates:

  1. a sidewalk ends ahead
  2. a pedestrian crossing ahead Correct answer.
  3. a hiking trail crossing
  4. a school bus stop ahead

Explanation

Yellow diamond-shaped signs warn of conditions ahead. A walking-person symbol warns that pedestrians may be crossing or walking along the road ahead, so slow down and watch for them.

Question 28Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

Green rectangular signs with white lettering are generally used to:

  1. warn of hazards ahead
  2. guide you to destinations Correct answer.
  3. mark construction zones
  4. regulate parking

Explanation

Green signs are guide signs. They give directions, distances, and destinations such as exits, routes, and nearby cities.

Question 29Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A curb painted red means:

  1. no stopping, standing, or parking Correct answer.
  2. you may stop only to load passengers
  3. parking is allowed for a limited time
  4. parking is allowed for people with disabilities

Explanation

A red curb means no stopping, standing, or parking. You should not stop there even briefly unless a posted sign specifically allows it.

Question 30Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A flashing red traffic signal at an intersection requires you to:

  1. stop only if other traffic is present
  2. slow down and proceed without stopping
  3. yield to traffic without coming to a stop
  4. stop and proceed when it is safe Correct answer.

Explanation

A flashing red signal has the same meaning as a STOP sign. Come to a complete stop, yield to traffic and pedestrians, and proceed only when safe.

Question 31Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

On a two-lane road, a solid yellow line on your side of the center line means:

  1. the road ahead becomes one-way
  2. you may pass when the road ahead is clear
  3. passing is not permitted on your side Correct answer.
  4. you must drive in the left lane

Explanation

A solid yellow line on your side of the center line prohibits passing on your side. You may cross the line only when making a safe turn into a driveway or side road where permitted.

Question 32Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A blue sign with a white wheelchair symbol indicates:

  1. a hospital is ahead
  2. parking reserved for people with disabilities Correct answer.
  3. a bus stop is ahead
  4. an emergency telephone is ahead

Explanation

The blue wheelchair symbol marks parking reserved for people with disabilities. Only vehicles displaying a valid placard or plate may use that space.

Question 33Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A white painted arrow in a lane pointing left means:

  1. the lane is reserved for left turns Correct answer.
  2. the lane becomes a two-way lane
  3. the lane ends ahead
  4. left turns are allowed after a stop

Explanation

Pavement arrows show the required direction of travel for that lane. A left-pointing arrow means the lane is for left turns only.

Question 34Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A yellow rectangular sign showing a black speed number below a curve symbol is:

  1. a minimum speed for the curve
  2. the maximum speed limit for the road
  3. a speed limit that applies only to trucks
  4. an advisory speed for the curve Correct answer.

Explanation

A speed shown on a yellow warning sign is an advisory speed. It is the recommended safe speed for the curve under normal conditions, not a general maximum limit.

Question 35Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A white diamond symbol painted in a traffic lane usually means:

  1. the lane ends soon
  2. the lane is reserved for carpools or buses Correct answer.
  3. parking is allowed in that lane
  4. the lane is for passing only

Explanation

A diamond pavement marking identifies a preferential-use lane, often reserved for carpools, buses, or motorcycles. Signs nearby give the required occupancy and hours.

Question 36Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A steady yellow traffic light means:

  1. the light will remain yellow until you cross
  2. stop before the intersection if you can do so safely Correct answer.
  3. accelerate to clear the intersection
  4. proceed only if you are turning

Explanation

A steady yellow light warns that the signal is about to turn red. Stop before the intersection if you can do so safely; if you are too close to stop safely, continue through carefully.

Question 37Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

You approach an intersection and the traffic signal is completely dark. You should:

  1. treat the intersection as an all-way stop Correct answer.
  2. yield only to vehicles approaching from the right
  3. proceed without stopping
  4. honk and drive through the intersection

Explanation

When a traffic signal is not working, treat the intersection as an all-way stop. Stop, yield to vehicles already in the intersection or approaching from the right, and proceed in turn.

Question 38Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A yellow diamond-shaped sign showing a black car with wavy skid marks behind it warns of:

  1. a steep downhill grade
  2. a slippery road surface Correct answer.
  3. a soft shoulder ahead
  4. a winding road ahead

Explanation

The car-with-skid-marks symbol warns that the road may be slippery, especially when wet. Reduce speed and avoid sudden braking or steering.

Question 39Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

A white rectangular sign with black letters reading 'KEEP RIGHT' and a black arrow is an example of:

  1. a construction sign
  2. a warning sign
  3. a regulatory sign Correct answer.
  4. a guide sign

Explanation

White rectangular signs with black lettering are regulatory signs. They state rules that drivers must obey, such as keeping to the right of an obstacle or median.

Question 40Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings

An overhead lane control signal shows a yellow X above your lane. This means:

  1. the lane is for left turns only
  2. the lane is reserved for carpools
  3. the lane is open to all traffic
  4. the lane will close soon, so prepare to move Correct answer.

Explanation

A yellow X warns that the lane is about to close or is closing. Move to a lane marked with a green arrow as soon as it is safe; a red X means the lane is closed.

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

You reach an intersection with no signs or signals at about the same time as a vehicle approaching from your right. Who should go first?

  1. The vehicle on your left.
  2. The vehicle on your right. Correct answer.
  3. Your vehicle, since you were there first.
  4. Whichever vehicle is larger.

Explanation

At an intersection with no signs or signals, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. When two vehicles arrive at nearly the same moment, the right-hand rule decides who goes first. If you truly cannot tell who arrived first, yielding to the right is the safe choice.

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

You are about to turn at an intersection and a pedestrian is crossing the street you are entering within a marked crosswalk. What should you do?

  1. Stop and let the pedestrian finish crossing. Correct answer.
  2. Continue, because turning vehicles have the right-of-way.
  3. Turn behind the pedestrian if there is room.
  4. Sound your horn so the pedestrian walks faster.

Explanation

Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a marked crosswalk, and that duty applies to drivers who are turning. Wait until the pedestrian has cleared your path before completing the turn. Steering around someone who is lawfully in the crosswalk is dangerous and against the law.

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

You are turning left at an intersection on a steady circular green light. To whom must you yield?

  1. Oncoming traffic and pedestrians in the crosswalk. Correct answer.
  2. Only to vehicles approaching from your left.
  3. No one, because you have a green light.
  4. Only to vehicles that are also turning left.

Explanation

A circular green light lets you enter the intersection but does not give you the right-of-way over oncoming traffic when you turn left. You must yield to vehicles coming toward you and to pedestrians crossing the street you are entering. A green arrow, unlike a circular green, protects your turn.

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

You have come to a full stop at a steady red light and want to turn right. When may you do so?

  1. After yielding to traffic and pedestrians. Correct answer.
  2. Only if a police officer signals you to turn.
  3. Never, unless a sign says the turn is allowed.
  4. Only when the light has been red for at least 30 seconds.

Explanation

Kansas permits a right turn on red after a complete stop unless a sign at that location forbids it. You must first yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and to vehicles on the street you are entering. Where a sign bans turns on red, you must wait for a green light.

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

What does a flashing red traffic signal require you to do?

  1. Stop only if other traffic is present.
  2. Treat it as a warning to speed up.
  3. Slow down and keep moving.
  4. Stop, then go when it is safe. Correct answer.

Explanation

A flashing red light works exactly like a stop sign: come to a complete stop, yield to traffic and pedestrians, and then proceed when it is safe. It is not a caution-only signal. At a four-way flashing red, drivers take turns in the order they arrived.

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

You approach a sign that reads YIELD. What does it require of you?

  1. Come to a complete stop in every case.
  2. Stop only when a pedestrian is present.
  3. Slow down and let crossing traffic go first. Correct answer.
  4. Keep your speed and expect others to wait.

Explanation

A yield sign means you must slow down and give the right-of-way to vehicles and pedestrians on the intersecting road. A stop is required only when traffic conditions make it necessary. If you cannot merge safely, then you must come to a stop.

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

Under normal driving conditions, how far behind the vehicle ahead of you should you stay?

  1. At least three seconds of travel Correct answer.
  2. At least one car length at any speed
  3. About half a second of travel
  4. Ten feet for every mile per hour of speed

Explanation

The three-second rule gives you time to perceive a hazard and brake if the vehicle ahead stops suddenly. The gap should increase in rain, snow, darkness, or when following a large truck that blocks your view. Because it is measured in time, the distance grows automatically as your speed rises.

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

An ambulance with lights flashing and siren sounding is approaching from behind you. What should you do?

  1. Pull to the right edge of the road and stop. Correct answer.
  2. Speed up to reach the next intersection first.
  3. Stop where you are, even in the middle of a lane.
  4. Move to the left and continue at your normal speed.

Explanation

When an emergency vehicle with lights and siren approaches, pull as far as you can to the right edge of the roadway and stop until it passes. If you are in an intersection, clear it before stopping. Never follow closely behind an emergency vehicle that is responding to a call.

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

You and an oncoming vehicle stop at a four-way stop at the same time. You intend to go straight and the other driver is turning left. Who goes first?

  1. You, because you are going straight. Correct answer.
  2. The other driver, because a left turn takes longer.
  3. Neither must wait; both may proceed.
  4. The driver who signals first.

Explanation

A driver turning left must yield to oncoming traffic that is going straight or turning right. Because you arrived together and are proceeding straight, you have the right-of-way. Signal your intention and move through only when the intersection is clear.

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

You are about to enter a roundabout. To which traffic must you yield?

  1. Only vehicles that are signaling to exit.
  2. Vehicles already circulating in the roundabout. Correct answer.
  3. Traffic approaching from the left side of the circle.
  4. No one, as long as you enter slowly.

Explanation

Vehicles already inside a roundabout have the right-of-way, so entering drivers must wait for a safe gap in the circulating traffic. Once inside, keep moving to your exit without stopping. Entering slowly does not excuse you from yielding.