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Papua New Guinea Learner-Permit Knowledge Test study materials
Papua New Guinea Learner-Permit Knowledge Test study resources

Papua New Guinea Learner-Permit Knowledge Test practice questions

One question at a time. Build your Papua New Guinea Learner-Permit Knowledge Test understanding.

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Question 1Road signs, signals and road markings

What does a red octagonal sign mean?

  1. Stop completely before proceeding Correct answer.
  2. End of a restricted zone
  3. No entry for all vehicles
  4. Slow down and give way

Explanation

The octagon is reserved for STOP signs, so it is the only shape drivers can recognise from behind or in poor visibility. A driver must come to a full stop, then proceed only when it is safe.

Question 2Road signs, signals and road markings

A driver approaches a give-way sign at a quiet intersection. What is the required action?

  1. Sound the horn before entering
  2. Slow down and yield to traffic already on the priority road Correct answer.
  3. Stop for at least three seconds
  4. Maintain speed if no vehicle is visible

Explanation

A give-way sign requires the driver to slow down and yield right of way to traffic on the priority road. A full stop is only needed when traffic or conditions make it necessary.

Question 3Road signs, signals and road markings

What shape is a warning sign on Papua New Guinean roads?

  1. Diamond
  2. Circle
  3. Triangle Correct answer.
  4. Rectangle

Explanation

Warning signs use an upright triangle so they stand out from regulatory and information signs. The triangle warns of a hazard ahead such as a bend, steep grade or crossing.

Question 4Road signs, signals and road markings

A circular sign with a red border and the number 50 inside means:

  1. The minimum permitted speed is 50 km/h
  2. Advisory speed for the next 50 metres
  3. The maximum permitted speed is 50 km/h Correct answer.
  4. Speed limit applies only to heavy vehicles

Explanation

A red-bordered circle is a regulatory prohibition sign, and a number inside it sets the maximum legal speed. The limit applies to all vehicles unless a supplementary plate says otherwise.

Question 5Road signs, signals and road markings

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

  1. Overtaking is permitted when the road is clear
  2. Traffic must not cross or straddle the line Correct answer.
  3. The lane is reserved for slow vehicles
  4. Parking is allowed on the left shoulder

Explanation

A continuous centre line is a barrier marking: drivers must keep to their own side and must not cross or straddle it. Overtaking is only allowed where the line is broken on the driver's side.

Question 6Road signs, signals and road markings

A driver sees a flashing red traffic light. What must the driver do?

  1. Treat it as a green arrow for the left turn
  2. Proceed with caution without stopping
  3. Stop, then proceed when it is safe Correct answer.
  4. Stop and wait until a green light shows

Explanation

A flashing red signal has the same force as a stop sign: come to a complete stop, then proceed only when the way is clear. It is commonly used when signals are operating in a special mode.

Question 7Road signs, signals and road markings

What is the meaning of a yellow traffic light?

  1. Accelerate to clear the intersection
  2. The signal is out of order
  3. Give way only to vehicles on the right
  4. Stop unless it is unsafe to do so Correct answer.

Explanation

Yellow warns that the signal is about to change to red, so a driver should stop if there is enough distance to do so safely. Continuing is only acceptable when stopping suddenly would cause a collision.

Question 8Road signs, signals and road markings

A green arrow pointing left at an intersection allows the driver to:

  1. Turn left after giving way to oncoming traffic
  2. Turn left only after the vehicle ahead has cleared
  3. Turn left only if the main light is also green
  4. Proceed in the direction of the arrow with right of way Correct answer.

Explanation

A green arrow is a protected movement: traffic in that direction may proceed and conflicting traffic is held by red. The driver still has a duty to avoid a collision if another road user errs.

Question 9Road signs, signals and road markings

A broken white line separates two lanes travelling in the same direction. This means:

  1. The right lane is for overtaking only
  2. Lanes must not be crossed at any time
  3. Lane changing is permitted when it is safe Correct answer.
  4. Buses may use the left lane exclusively

Explanation

Broken lane lines guide traffic but may be crossed when a lane change can be made safely. Drivers must signal and check mirrors and blind spots before moving across.

Question 10Road signs, signals and road markings

What do double solid yellow centre lines mean?

  1. Overtaking is allowed for vehicles travelling downhill
  2. Both directions of traffic must not cross the lines Correct answer.
  3. The road ahead becomes a one-way street
  4. Heavy vehicles must keep to the left line

Explanation

Double solid lines form a barrier that neither direction of traffic may cross or straddle. They are used where sight distance or hazards make overtaking unsafe.

Question 11Road signs, signals and road markings

A sign showing a black cross in a red triangle warns of:

  1. A pedestrian crossing
  2. A railway level crossing with barriers
  3. A hospital ahead
  4. A crossroads intersection ahead Correct answer.

Explanation

A cross symbol inside a warning triangle indicates an intersection where roads cross. Drivers should reduce speed and be ready to give way according to the rules applying at that junction.

Question 12Road signs, signals and road markings

A driver approaches a pedestrian crossing where a pedestrian is waiting to cross. The driver should:

  1. Sound the horn to warn the pedestrian
  2. Move to the opposite lane to pass the crossing
  3. Slow down and stop to let the pedestrian cross Correct answer.
  4. Continue at the same speed if no one is on the road

Explanation

Drivers must give way to pedestrians at marked crossings, including those waiting to step onto it. Reducing speed early also protects against a pedestrian stepping out unexpectedly.

Question 13Road signs, signals and road markings

A blue circular sign with a white arrow pointing straight ahead means:

  1. One-way traffic in the direction of the arrow Correct answer.
  2. No entry for through traffic
  3. End of a dual carriageway
  4. Turn right ahead

Explanation

Blue circles give mandatory or positive instructions, and a straight arrow indicates that traffic must proceed in that direction, often on a one-way road. The instruction is compulsory, not advisory.

Question 14Road signs, signals and road markings

What does a red circle with a white horizontal bar mean?

  1. Road closed to heavy vehicles only
  2. Stop and wait for a green light
  3. Give way to oncoming traffic
  4. No entry for vehicular traffic Correct answer.

Explanation

The red circle with a white bar is the no-entry sign, meaning vehicles must not enter that road or lane. It is commonly placed at the exit of a one-way street.

Question 15Road signs, signals and road markings

A driver sees a sign with a red diagonal line through a U-turn arrow. This means:

  1. U-turns are allowed for small vehicles
  2. U-turns are prohibited at this location Correct answer.
  3. U-turns are permitted only at night
  4. A U-turn lane begins ahead

Explanation

A red diagonal slash across a symbol cancels or prohibits the manoeuvre shown. Here it forbids U-turns, usually because visibility or road width makes them unsafe.

Question 16Road signs, signals and road markings

At an intersection controlled by a police officer whose arm is raised vertically, drivers must:

  1. Turn only to the left
  2. Sound the horn before moving
  3. Stop and wait for the officer's signal to change Correct answer.
  4. Proceed if the way looks clear

Explanation

A raised arm means stop for traffic approaching the officer from the front and rear. The officer's signals override lights and signs, so drivers wait until directed to move.

Question 17Road signs, signals and road markings

A driver is in a lane marked with a white bicycle symbol. This lane is:

  1. For parking bicycles only
  2. A lane where cyclists must give way
  3. Reserved for cyclists Correct answer.
  4. Open to all vehicles during peak hours

Explanation

A bicycle symbol marks a lane set aside for cyclists, and other vehicles should not use it unless signs permit. Drivers crossing such a lane must check for cyclists first.

Question 18Road signs, signals and road markings

What is the purpose of a yellow box junction marking?

  1. To keep the crossing clear so traffic does not block it Correct answer.
  2. To reserve space for turning buses
  3. To mark where vehicles may park briefly
  4. To show the edge of a school zone

Explanation

A yellow box marks an area that must not be entered unless the exit is clear, keeping cross traffic and side roads unobstructed. A driver may wait in it only when turning right and blocked by oncoming traffic.

Question 19Road signs, signals and road markings

A driver sees a warning sign showing a steep downward gradient. The safest action is:

  1. Select a lower gear before the descent begins Correct answer.
  2. Coast in neutral to save fuel
  3. Increase speed to carry momentum up the next rise
  4. Rely on the handbrake for the whole descent

Explanation

Selecting a lower gear before a steep descent uses engine braking to control speed and prevents brake fade. Coasting or relying on the handbrake removes control and overheats the brakes.

Question 20Road signs, signals and road markings

A broken yellow line along the edge of the carriageway indicates:

  1. A permanent no-stopping zone
  2. A restriction that applies at certain times only Correct answer.
  3. The edge of a bus lane
  4. A loading zone for goods vehicles

Explanation

A broken yellow edge line signals a stopping or parking restriction that applies only during the times shown on nearby signs. A continuous yellow line means the restriction applies at all times.

Question 21Road signs, signals and road markings

A driver approaching a railway level crossing with a flashing red light and an alarm sounding must:

  1. Drive around the barrier if it is only partly lowered
  2. Proceed if the train appears to be far away
  3. Cross quickly before the train arrives
  4. Stop and wait until the signals stop flashing Correct answer.

Explanation

Flashing red lights and alarms mean a train is approaching and the crossing must not be entered. Drivers stop clear of the tracks and wait until the lights and alarm stop and the way is clear.

Question 22Road signs, signals and road markings

A white diamond symbol painted on the road surface warns the driver that:

  1. A bus stop is ahead
  2. A speed hump is ahead
  3. A pedestrian crossing is ahead Correct answer.
  4. A toll booth is ahead

Explanation

The diamond marking is placed in advance of a pedestrian crossing to alert drivers who may not see the crossing sign. Drivers should slow down and prepare to give way.

Question 23Road signs, signals and road markings

What does a red circle containing the symbol of a truck mean?

  1. No entry for goods vehicles Correct answer.
  2. Trucks may proceed only with a permit
  3. A weighbridge is ahead
  4. Trucks must use the left lane

Explanation

A red-bordered circle is a prohibition, and the symbol inside identifies what is banned. With a truck symbol, goods vehicles are not permitted beyond the sign.

Question 24Road signs, signals and road markings

A driver wishes to overtake on a road where the centre line changes from broken to solid alongside the driver's lane. What is the correct action?

  1. Complete the overtake before the solid line begins
  2. Continue and cross the solid line if the road is clear
  3. Abandon the overtake and return behind the vehicle Correct answer.
  4. Move to the shoulder to pass the vehicle

Explanation

A solid line on the driver's side prohibits crossing, so an overtake must not be started or continued across it. The safe response is to drop back and wait for a legal opportunity.

Question 25Road signs, signals and road markings

What does a flashing yellow traffic signal at an intersection mean?

  1. The signals are out of order and the intersection is uncontrolled Correct answer.
  2. The green phase is about to begin
  3. Pedestrians may cross in all directions
  4. Traffic must stop before entering

Explanation

A flashing yellow signal warns that the lights are not operating normally, so drivers must apply the give-way and right-of-way rules for an uncontrolled intersection. Approach with caution and be ready to stop.

Question 26Road signs, signals and road markings

A circular sign with a red border and the number 50 inside it tells the driver that:

  1. The distance to the next town is 50 km
  2. The road is 50 metres ahead
  3. The maximum permitted speed is 50 km/h Correct answer.
  4. The minimum permitted speed is 50 km/h

Explanation

A red-bordered circle is a regulatory sign giving a prohibition or restriction, and the number inside states the maximum speed allowed. The limit applies from the sign onwards until another limit sign or a derestriction sign is reached.

Question 27Road signs, signals and road markings

What shape is used for a stop sign in Papua New Guinea?

  1. A circle
  2. A triangle
  3. A square
  4. An octagon Correct answer.

Explanation

Stop signs are octagonal so they can be recognised by shape alone, even when the face is dirty or partly obscured. The shape is unique among road signs and always carries the same meaning.

Question 28Road signs, signals and road markings

A driver approaches a give way sign at a junction. What is the driver's obligation?

  1. Come to a complete stop before entering the junction
  2. Slow down and be prepared to stop for traffic on the priority road Correct answer.
  3. Accelerate to pass through before other traffic arrives
  4. Sound the horn before entering the junction

Explanation

A give way sign requires the driver to yield to traffic already on the priority road and to stop only if necessary to do so. It differs from a stop sign, which always requires a full stop.

Question 29Road signs, signals and road markings

A sign showing a black triangle with a red border and a symbol of children running warns the driver that:

  1. A playground is reserved for local residents
  2. Children are not allowed on this road
  3. A school bus stop is closed ahead
  4. Children may be crossing or playing near the road ahead Correct answer.

Explanation

Triangular signs with a red border are warning signs, and the symbol inside shows the nature of the hazard. The children symbol warns of a school, playground or area where children may enter the road.

Question 30Road signs, signals and road markings

A traffic light shows a red light together with a green arrow pointing straight ahead. What may the driver do?

  1. Turn left or right but not go straight
  2. Proceed straight ahead without checking for other traffic
  3. Proceed straight ahead if the way is clear, but must yield to other traffic permitted by the red light Correct answer.
  4. Wait until the red light changes to green before moving in any direction

Explanation

A green arrow authorises movement only in the direction it points, even while the main light is red. The driver must still give way to any traffic or pedestrians already lawfully in the way.

Question 31Road signs, signals and road markings

A driver sees a sign with a red circle containing a white arrow curving to the left with a red diagonal line through it. This sign means:

  1. One-way road to the left
  2. No left turn Correct answer.
  3. Turn left ahead
  4. Left lane ends ahead

Explanation

A red circle with a diagonal slash is a prohibition sign, and the arrow shows which movement is forbidden. The slash cancels the movement, so turning left is not permitted.

Question 32Road signs, signals and road markings

What does a solid white line along the left edge of the carriageway normally mark?

  1. A parking bay for goods vehicles
  2. The centre of the road for two-way traffic
  3. A place where overtaking is permitted
  4. The edge of the road or the boundary of the driving lane Correct answer.

Explanation

Edge lines define the outer limit of the carriageway and help drivers keep their position, especially at night or in rain. They are not centre lines and do not by themselves permit or prohibit overtaking.

Question 33Road signs, signals and road markings

A driver sees a stop line painted across the lane at a junction. Where must the vehicle stop?

  1. Before the line, so that the whole vehicle is behind it Correct answer.
  2. Anywhere within five metres of the line
  3. Just past the line so the driver can see better
  4. With the front wheels resting on the line

Explanation

A stop line marks the point beyond which a vehicle must not proceed while a stop is required. Stopping before the line keeps the crossing or junction clear and allows the driver a proper view.

Question 34Road signs, signals and road markings

A driver approaches an intersection where the traffic lights are completely dark because of a power failure. What is the safest and correct action?

  1. Proceed through without slowing because no signal is showing
  2. Treat the intersection as uncontrolled and give way according to the normal right-of-way rules Correct answer.
  3. Stop and wait until the lights come back on
  4. Sound the horn and drive through quickly

Explanation

When signals are not operating, the intersection reverts to the ordinary give way rules and any signs or markings present. Drivers should approach with caution and yield as required.

Question 35Road signs, signals and road markings

A yellow diamond-shaped sign with a black symbol is used on a Papua New Guinea road mainly to:

  1. Warn drivers of a hazard or changed road condition ahead Correct answer.
  2. Mark a hospital zone
  3. State a legal prohibition
  4. Give the distance to the next town

Explanation

Warning signs alert drivers to hazards such as curves, junctions, animals or road works so they can adjust speed and position. The symbol shows the specific hazard.

Question 36Road signs, signals and road markings

A driver sees a sign warning of a winding road for the next several kilometres. What is the best response?

  1. Overtake slower vehicles on the bends to save time
  2. Switch on high beam so oncoming drivers can see the vehicle
  3. Reduce speed before the bends and keep well within the lane Correct answer.
  4. Maintain speed and use the full width of the road through the bends

Explanation

Warning signs give advance notice so drivers can slow down before reaching the hazard. Keeping within the lane on a winding road reduces the risk of head-on collisions with oncoming traffic.

Question 37Road signs, signals and road markings

What does a blue circular sign showing a white arrow bending to the right require the driver to do?

  1. Turn right at the next junction Correct answer.
  2. The road curves right in 200 metres
  3. Right turns are prohibited
  4. Keep to the right of an obstruction or traffic island

Explanation

Blue circular signs give mandatory instructions, and an arrow shows the direction the driver must take. The instruction applies at the point where the sign is placed.

Question 38Road signs, signals and road markings

A driver is approaching a pedestrian crossing and sees zigzag lines painted along the approach to it. These lines mean:

  1. The crossing is closed to pedestrians
  2. The road narrows to one lane at the crossing
  3. The driver has priority over pedestrians on the crossing
  4. Parking and overtaking are prohibited on the zigzag section Correct answer.

Explanation

Zigzag markings protect the approach to a pedestrian crossing by keeping it clear of parked and overtaking vehicles so pedestrians and drivers can see each other. Stopping or overtaking on the marked area is not allowed.

Question 39Road signs, signals and road markings

A driver sees a sign showing a black symbol of a kangaroo or other animal in a red-bordered triangle. The driver should:

  1. Stop immediately and wait for the animal to move
  2. Speed up to pass through the area quickly
  3. Sound the horn continuously until past the area
  4. Slow down and watch for animals on or near the road Correct answer.

Explanation

Animal warning signs indicate that wildlife may stray onto the carriageway, often at dawn and dusk. Reducing speed gives the driver more time to react and stop if an animal appears.

Question 40Road signs, signals and road markings

A driver sees a red circle containing the number 3.5t with a diagonal slash. This sign means:

  1. The speed limit for trucks is 3.5 km/h
  2. The road is 3.5 metres wide
  3. Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes are prohibited Correct answer.
  4. Trucks must keep 3.5 metres apart

Explanation

A red circle with a slash is a prohibition, and the number with a 't' gives a mass limit. The sign bans vehicles whose gross mass exceeds the stated figure.

Question 41Road signs, signals and road markings

At a roundabout, a driver sees a broken white line across the entry lane together with a give way sign. The driver should:

  1. Yield to traffic already on the roundabout and enter only when it is safe Correct answer.
  2. Enter without stopping because the line is broken
  3. Drive around the roundabout in either direction
  4. Stop completely and wait for a gap of at least ten seconds

Explanation

A broken line at a roundabout entry combined with a give way sign means the driver must yield to circulating traffic. A full stop is required only when traffic makes it necessary.

Question 42Road signs, signals and road markings

A driver sees a sign with a red border showing a black car overtaking another car with a diagonal slash through it. This sign means:

  1. A car park is ahead
  2. Overtaking is prohibited on this section of road Correct answer.
  3. Two-way traffic begins ahead
  4. Overtaking is permitted only at night

Explanation

The red circle and slash make this a prohibition sign, and the image of one car passing another identifies the banned action. The ban applies until it is cancelled by another sign or marking.

Question 43Road signs, signals and road markings

What does a yellow box junction marking painted on the road require a driver to do?

  1. Use the box only for loading and unloading
  2. Stop inside the box whenever the traffic ahead is slow
  3. Treat the box as a pedestrian refuge
  4. Enter only if the exit is clear, apart from when turning right and waiting for a gap Correct answer.

Explanation

A yellow box junction keeps an intersection clear by preventing vehicles from blocking it. A driver may enter only when the lane beyond the box is free, except when waiting to turn right against oncoming traffic.

Question 44Road signs, signals and road markings

A driver sees a traffic light showing a green light but the intersection ahead is blocked by stationary traffic. The driver should:

  1. Stay behind the stop line until there is room beyond the intersection Correct answer.
  2. Sound the horn until the traffic moves
  3. Drive around the blockage using the opposite lane
  4. Enter the intersection and wait in the middle

Explanation

A green light permits movement only when the driver can clear the intersection. Entering a blocked junction obstructs cross traffic and pedestrians when their signal changes.

Question 45Road signs, signals and road markings

A driver sees a sign showing a black aeroplane in a red-bordered triangle. This warns that:

  1. An airport car park is ahead
  2. Flying drones are prohibited in the area
  3. The road leads to an air terminal
  4. Aircraft may fly low over the road ahead Correct answer.

Explanation

The aeroplane warning sign alerts drivers to low-flying aircraft, usually near an airport runway approach. Drivers should be alert for sudden noise and for aircraft crossing low over the road.

Question 46Road signs, signals and road markings

A driver sees a broken white line painted across the mouth of a side road where the driver is waiting to enter a main road. The line indicates:

  1. A place where the driver must always stop for three seconds
  2. The position to stop at if a stop is needed to give way Correct answer.
  3. The start of a one-way street
  4. The boundary of a pedestrian crossing

Explanation

A broken line at a junction marks the edge of the priority road and shows where a vehicle should stop if it must yield. It does not impose a compulsory stop.

Question 47Road signs, signals and road markings

A driver sees a sign showing a black symbol of a worker with a shovel in a red-bordered triangle. The driver should:

  1. Stop and wait for a flag person before proceeding
  2. Reduce speed and be prepared for workers, machinery or a changed lane layout Correct answer.
  3. Use the opposite lane to pass the work area
  4. Continue at the normal speed because the sign applies only to trucks

Explanation

Road works warning signs alert drivers to temporary hazards such as workers, plant and narrowed or diverted lanes. Slowing down gives time to react to instructions from flag persons or temporary signs.

Question 48Road signs, signals and road markings

A driver sees a solid yellow line on the driver's side of a broken yellow centre line. What does this combination mean for the driver?

  1. The driver may not cross the centre line to overtake Correct answer.
  2. Overtaking is permitted for all vehicles at all times
  3. The road becomes one-way beyond the line
  4. The driver may cross the centre line whenever the road is clear

Explanation

Where a solid line runs alongside a broken line, the side with the solid line is restricted. The driver on that side must not cross the centre line, while traffic on the broken-line side may cross when safe.

Question 49Road signs, signals and road markings

A driver sees a sign showing a red circle with a white horizontal bar on a blue background. This sign means:

  1. One-way traffic begins here
  2. No parking at any time
  3. No entry for vehicular traffic Correct answer.
  4. Stop and wait for a signal

Explanation

The no entry sign is a red circle containing a white horizontal bar, often on a blue or white background. It tells drivers they must not proceed past the sign, usually because the road is one-way against them.

Question 50Road signs, signals and road markings

A driver sees a sign showing a black symbol of a bridge in a red-bordered triangle. The driver should:

  1. Speed up to cross the bridge before other traffic
  2. Stop on the bridge to check the structure
  3. Assume the bridge is closed to all traffic
  4. Slow down and check the height or width limit shown before crossing Correct answer.

Explanation

Bridge warning signs alert drivers to a structure ahead, often with a height, width or mass restriction. Drivers of large vehicles must check the limit, and all drivers should slow down where the roadway narrows.