Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings
Reading the road like a manual
Nevada uses the national sign and marking system, so the exam tests shape, color, and meaning rather than memorized text. Teach the shape code: octagon = STOP, inverted triangle = YIELD, vertical rectangle = regulatory, diamond = warning, five-sided = school zone, pennant = no-passing zone, circle = railroad advance warning, and a crossbuck marks the crossing itself. Color code: red for prohibitions, yellow for warnings, orange for construction and maintenance, green for guidance and destinations, blue for motorist services, brown for recreation and points of interest.
Signals: a steady red means stop; flashing red is a stop sign; flashing yellow means proceed with caution; a green arrow protects that movement only. A driver may not enter an intersection on yellow unless unable to stop safely. Flashing yellow arrows permit a permissive turn after yielding. Pedestrian signals and the countdown timer govern walkers, not vehicles - a green light does not automatically give a driver the right to turn across a walk signal.
Markings: yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions (or mark the left edge of divided highways); white lines separate traffic moving the same direction or mark the right edge. A broken line may be crossed when safe; a solid line should not be crossed except to avoid a hazard. Double yellow means no passing. Two-way left-turn lanes are marked by shared yellow interior dashes and are for turning, not for travel.
Trap
A circular sign is a railroad advance warning, not a stop sign - the crossbuck and pavement markings identify the actual crossing.
Rule of thumb
Ask three questions of any marking: which direction is traffic flowing, may I cross, and is a turn being protected or permitted?