Driver's Ed - Signs & Signals

Study Notes

Signs and Their Shapes

Vertical rectangles indicate regulatory signs; horizontal rectangles serve as guide signs.
Warning signs are represented by diamond shapes; octagons signify stop signs.
Pennant shapes denote no passing zones; pentagons indicate school zones.
Trapezoids signify recreation areas and national park forest routes; triangles are yield signs.
Crossbuck signs signify railroad crossings; round signs are for railroad crossings and emergency evacuation routes.

Function of Traffic Signs

Traffic signs communicate rules, hazards, location information, navigational guidance, and service availability.

Specific Traffic Signs

Stop sign: Requires a full stop at intersections; vehicles must yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Yield sign: Drivers must slow down and yield to crossing vehicles or pedestrians; stopping is often required.
Do not enter sign: Prohibits entry into restricted areas.
Wrong way sign: Informs drivers they are traveling in the wrong direction; instructs to stop and turn around safely.

No Signs and Warning Signs

"No" signs feature a red circle with a line through them, indicating prohibitions, such as "no U-turn."
Yellow-green signs alert drivers to pedestrian-related hazards, school zones, and playgrounds.

Road Condition and Turn Indicators

Warning signs draw attention to unexpected conditions, advising caution and potential speed reduction.
Curvature: A turn involves speeds less than 35 mph, while curves are for speeds greater than 35 mph.

Traffic Control and Merging

Merging traffic signs indicate the merging of two lanes into one.
Lane reduction signs necessitate merging for left or right lane reductions.

Pavement Conditions

Slippery conditions may occur when roads are damp, frozen, or wet; watch for signs indicating changes in pavement types.

Railroad and Warning Signs

Railroad crossing signs signal upcoming crossings; drivers must be alert and prepared to stop if necessary.
Advisory speed plates suggest speed but are not enforceable, while white speed limit signs are legally binding.

Lane and Road Markings

Yellow lines regulate passing; solid lines prohibit crossing, while dashed lines allow it.
White longitudinal lines mark lane edges; dashed lines signify lanes that can be crossed and solid lines indicate where crossing is discouraged.

Curbs and Parking Restrictions

Curbs feature specific color codes: red for prohibitive parking, blue for handicap access, yellow for temporary stopping/delivery, green for limited-duration parking, and white for drop-offs.

Miscellaneous Signs

Double solid white lines indicate no crossing between two lanes in the same direction.
Restricted lane signs denote lanes reserved for specific vehicles such as buses or car-pools.

Intersections and Traffic Control

Proper signaling is vital entering designated turn lanes; it communicates intention to other drivers.

ABS Misconception

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) does not increase stopping distance; it enhances control and braking efficacy during emergency stops.

Description

Test your knowledge of essential road signs, signals, and their meanings with this interactive flashcard quiz. Learn about various shapes and their specific purposes, from regulatory to warning signs. Perfect for anyone preparing for a driver's license or wanting to refresh their knowledge.

Driver's Ed - Signs & Signals

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Questions and Answers

What does a rectangle (horizontal) sign represent?

What type of sign is indicated by a diamond shape?

What should you do at a stop sign?

What does a yield sign indicate?

What does a do not enter sign signify?

What should you do when you see a wrong way sign?

What does a 5-sided sign indicate?

A _____-shaped sign warns you of specific road conditions.

Warning signs are only yellow.

What does a railroad crossing sign warn drivers about?

What should you do when approaching a traffic signal ahead sign?

What does Merging Traffic mean?

What does a narrow bridge sign indicate?

A double solid white line allows crossing.