Free permit test practice

25 questions on US signs, signals and road rules, with the answer and reason after each. Check your state’s handbook for local laws.

Checked against the MUTCD

Permit practice test

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Question 1 of 25

  1. Pavement markings

    A center lane is bordered by solid and broken yellow lines on each side and shows left-turn arrows. What is it for?

    A center lane with a solid and a broken yellow line on each side and white left-turn arrows pointing in opposite directions
    • Left turns from either direction Right
    • Passing slower traffic on both sides
    • Parking while you run errands
    • Buses and carpools only

    The right answer is A: Left turns from either direction

    WhyA center lane with left-turn arrows is a two-way left-turn lane for turning left from either direction.

    Source: MUTCD Section 3B.05 Pavement Markings for Two-Way Left-Turn Lanes

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  2. Signs

    A white sign reads DO NOT PASS. What does it mean?

    From above, a white vertical rectangle with black DO NOT PASS lettering stands beside a two-lane road with two solid yellow center lines.
    • Do not overtake other vehicles Right
    • Do not park on the shoulder
    • Do not turn left here
    • Do not follow too closely

    The right answer is A: Do not overtake other vehicles

    WhyDO NOT PASS means you may not overtake another vehicle in that zone.

    Source: MUTCD Section 2B.36 DO NOT PASS Sign (R4-1)

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  3. Signs

    A green rectangular sign has white lettering reading CIVIC CENTER and a white arrow pointing right. What information does it provide?

    • A requirement for every vehicle to turn right
    • A warning that the road bends sharply right
    • Permission to turn right without checking traffic
    • Directions to the civic center Right

    The right answer is D: Directions to the civic center

    WhyGreen guide signs provide direction guidance to destinations.

    Source: MUTCD Section 1D.05 Color Code

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  4. Traffic signals

    A steady green arrow points left while the circular light is red. A pedestrian is still crossing directly in your intended turning path. What must you do?

    • Turn left now; the arrow gives you the right-of-way
    • Turn left and stop inside the crosswalk
    • Go straight instead, since the arrow is on
    • Yield to the pedestrian, then turn when safe and permitted Right

    The right answer is D: Yield to the pedestrian, then turn when safe and permitted

    WhyA green arrow allows the left turn, but you must still yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.

    Source: MUTCD Section 4A.03 Meanings of Steady Vehicular Signal Indications

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  5. Intersections and turns

    You plan to turn onto a one-way street. Its permitted traffic direction runs from your left to your right. There are no other turn restrictions. Which turn follows that street's legal direction?

    • A left turn across the near side of the street
    • Either turn if the destination street is empty
    • A left turn followed by an immediate lane change
    • A right turn Right

    The right answer is D: A right turn

    WhyEnter a one-way street only in its designated direction of travel.

    Source: UVC § 11-308(b) One-way roadways and rotary traffic islands (model law)

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  6. Right-of-way

    At a marked crosswalk with no traffic signals, a pedestrian is already crossing in your lane. You have enough distance to stop safely. Which action gives the pedestrian the right-of-way?

    • Continue because your road has no stop sign
    • Sound your horn and keep your current speed
    • Stop and let the pedestrian cross Right
    • Steer into the next lane to pass the pedestrian

    The right answer is C: Stop and let the pedestrian cross

    WhyDrivers must yield to pedestrians crossing in their path within an unsignalized crosswalk.

    Source: UVC § 11-502(a) Pedestrians’ right of way in crosswalks (model law)

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  7. Sharing the road

    A motorcycle is traveling ahead in your lane. There appears to be enough room for your car beside it. How should you treat the motorcycle's lane space?

    • Share its lane whenever your car can fit beside it
    • Allow the motorcycle full use of its lane Right
    • Move beside it after sounding a brief horn warning
    • Use its unused lane space when traffic is moving slowly

    The right answer is B: Allow the motorcycle full use of its lane

    WhyA motorcycle is entitled to full use of a lane; a car must not crowd into that space.

    Source: UVC § 11-1303(a) Operating motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic (model law)

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  8. Alcohol and drugs

    What happens when you mix alcohol with another drug before you drive?

    • They cancel each other's effects
    • Only the alcohol matters
    • There is no added risk
    • The effects can get stronger Right

    The right answer is D: The effects can get stronger

    WhyMixing alcohol with other drugs can amplify the impairing effects of each, making driving more dangerous.

    Source: NHTSA: Drug-Impaired Driving, Many Substances Can Impair Driving

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  9. Speed and space

    On a clear, dry highway you drive so slowly that a long line of cars builds up behind you, though no hazard or law requires it. What does the law say?

    • You may drive any slow speed you choose
    • You must match the fastest car's speed
    • Do not block the normal flow of traffic Right
    • You must pull over and stop completely

    The right answer is C: Do not block the normal flow of traffic

    WhyDo not drive so slowly that you impede normal traffic, unless the slow speed is needed for safety or to obey the law.

    Source: UVC § 11-805 Minimum speed regulation (model law)

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  10. Seat belts and child safety

    Every rear seat in your car allows a correct car-seat installation. Which spot is unsafe for a rear-facing child safety seat?

    • The middle seat in the back row
    • Front seat, facing an active air bag Right
    • Behind the driver's seat
    • Beside a rear-side window

    The right answer is B: Front seat, facing an active air bag

    WhyA rear-facing seat must never go in front of an active air bag, whose force can seriously injure a child.

    Source: NHTSA: Air Bags, The Topic — Protection

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  11. Night and bad weather

    You are using high beams on a dark two-way road. An oncoming vehicle is getting close enough that your high beams could dazzle its driver. What should you do?

    • Keep high beams on until the other driver flashes theirs
    • Switch to parking lights until the other vehicle passes
    • Keep high beams on and aim your car toward the shoulder
    • Switch to low beams Right

    The right answer is D: Switch to low beams

    WhyDim high beams to low beams to avoid blinding an oncoming driver.

    Source: California Driver Handbook (California DMV): Signals, Horns, and Headlights: Using Your Headlights, Texas Driver Handbook, Chapter 9: Some Special Driving Situations, Headlights, Florida Driver License Handbook (FLHSMV): Low Visibility; Night Driving

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  12. Distraction

    You drop something on the floor while driving. What should you do?

    • Wait to pick it up until you stop safely Right
    • Reach down quickly while watching the road
    • Look down and grab it in one quick move
    • Stop in the middle of the lane to get it

    The right answer is A: Wait to pick it up until you stop safely

    WhyWait to retrieve a dropped object until you can pull over and stop safely; reaching distracts you.

    Source: NHTSA: Distracted Driving, What Is Distracted Driving?

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  13. Emergencies

    You slept very little, drank coffee, and now begin drifting out of your lane. A designated rest area is just ahead. What is the safest response?

    • Pull into the rest area and stop to rest Right
    • Keep driving because the coffee will prevent sleep
    • Open the windows and continue until your destination
    • Turn the music louder and increase your driving speed

    The right answer is A: Pull into the rest area and stop to rest

    WhyCoffee alone may not prevent microsleeps; stop in a safe place when sleepiness affects your driving.

    Source: NHTSA: Drowsy Driving, Short-Term Interventions

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  14. Lanes

    You are on a road with four lanes and two-way traffic, with a center line between the directions. When may you cross that center line?

    • To pass a slower car ahead of you
    • Whenever your side of the road is busy
    • To make a safe, permitted left turn into a driveway, alley, or private road Right
    • To use the oncoming lanes as a shortcut past traffic

    The right answer is C: To make a safe, permitted left turn into a driveway, alley, or private road

    WhyOn a four-lane two-way road, never drive left of center to pass; turning left into a driveway is allowed.

    Source: UVC § 11-301(c) Drive on right side of roadway - exceptions (model law)

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  15. Passing

    You want to pass a slow truck on a two-lane road, but you are nearing a hill crest where you cannot see oncoming traffic. What should you do?

    • Wait until you can see far enough to pass Right
    • Pass quickly before you reach the crest
    • Pass on the right shoulder instead
    • Follow close behind and pass at the crest

    The right answer is A: Wait until you can see far enough to pass

    WhyDo not pass where your view is blocked, such as near a hill crest, curve, intersection, or crossing.

    Source: UVC § 11-306(a)(1) Further limitations on driving on left of center of roadway (model law)

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  16. Highways

    You are on a divided highway with a grassy median between the two roadways, and you miss your turn. What may you do?

    • Cross the median where the grass is low
    • Drive the wrong way briefly to an opening
    • Use the next crossover marked for emergency vehicles only
    • Continue to an opening or intersection where crossing is permitted, and turn only when safe Right

    The right answer is D: Continue to an opening or intersection where crossing is permitted, and turn only when safe

    WhyStay on your roadway until you reach a permitted crossing, and turn only when safe.

    Source: UVC § 11-311 Driving on divided highways (model law)

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  17. Traffic signals

    A steady yellow left-turn arrow is showing. What does it tell you?

    • The left-turn movement is ending; prepare to stop Right
    • You now have the right-of-way to turn
    • Left turns are now forbidden
    • The arrow is about to turn green

    The right answer is A: The left-turn movement is ending; prepare to stop

    WhyA steady yellow arrow warns that the current left-turn movement is ending; prepare to stop.

    Source: MUTCD Section 4A.03 Meanings of Steady Vehicular Signal Indications

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  18. Pavement markings

    A white arrow painted in your lane curves left. What does it tell you?

    • Left turns are forbidden here
    • This lane is for left turns Right
    • The road curves left up ahead
    • You may turn left or go straight

    The right answer is B: This lane is for left turns

    WhyA lane-use arrow shows the movements allowed or required in that lane.

    Source: MUTCD Section 3B.23 Lane-Use Arrows

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  19. Intersections and turns

    You face a steady circular green and plan a permitted left turn. An oncoming car is close enough to conflict with your turn. A pedestrian is also lawfully crossing your turning path. What must happen before you turn?

    • The pedestrian clears your path; the car must yield
    • The oncoming car passes; the pedestrian must wait
    • You signal; the car and pedestrian must then yield
    • You yield until each conflict clears Right

    The right answer is D: You yield until each conflict clears

    WhyOn a circular green, left turns yield to conflicting oncoming vehicles and pedestrians lawfully in the crosswalk.

    Source: MUTCD Section 4A.03 Meanings of Steady Vehicular Signal Indications, UVC § 11-402 Vehicle turning left (model law)

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  20. Right-of-way

    A car ahead has stopped at a marked crosswalk to let a pedestrian cross. You approach from behind, and the next lane is open. What must you do?

    • Pass in the open lane after sounding your horn
    • Pass slowly if the pedestrian is hidden from view
    • Wait behind the stopped car Right
    • Pass once your own lane appears clear

    The right answer is C: Wait behind the stopped car

    WhyNever overtake a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk to let a pedestrian cross.

    Source: UVC § 11-502(d) Pedestrians’ right of way in crosswalks (model law)

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  21. Sharing the road

    Red lights are flashing at a railroad crossing, but the gate is still raised and you cannot see a train. No officer is directing traffic. What should you do?

    • Stop before the tracks; wait until the lights stop and it is safe Right
    • Cross slowly while watching for a train in both directions
    • Continue across because the raised gate permits travel
    • Stop only if a train becomes visible near the crossing

    The right answer is A: Stop before the tracks; wait until the lights stop and it is safe

    WhyFlashing crossing lights mean stop before the tracks; a raised gate does not cancel them.

    Source: UVC § 11-701(a) Obedience to signal indicating approach of train (model law)

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  22. Alcohol and drugs

    Some medicines you can buy without a prescription can make you drowsy or dizzy. What does this mean for driving?

    • They are safe once you feel awake
    • They can impair your driving Right
    • Only prescription drugs impair driving
    • They only matter at high doses

    The right answer is B: They can impair your driving

    WhySome over-the-counter and prescription medicines cause drowsiness or dizziness and can impair your driving.

    Source: NHTSA: Drug-Impaired Driving, Many Substances Can Impair Driving

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  23. Speed and space

    Which statement about your speed is correct?

    • You must never drive below the posted limit, even in bad weather
    • Drive at a safe speed for conditions; don't needlessly block normal traffic Right
    • The posted limit is only a suggestion
    • You must match the speed of the fastest car

    The right answer is B: Drive at a safe speed for conditions; don't needlessly block normal traffic

    WhyDrive at a safe speed for conditions, even below the limit, but don't needlessly impede normal traffic.

    Source: UVC § 11-801 Basic rule (model law), UVC § 11-805 Minimum speed regulation (model law)

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  24. Seat belts and child safety

    Where does NHTSA recommend children under 13 ride, when a back seat is available?

    • In the back seat Right
    • In the front seat with a belt
    • In the front seat with an air bag
    • On an adult's lap

    The right answer is A: In the back seat

    WhyNHTSA recommends children under 13 ride in the back seat, away from front air bags.

    Source: NHTSA: Air Bags, The Topic — Protection

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  25. Night and bad weather

    Heavy snow is reducing visibility while you drive. You need your headlights to see and be seen. Which lighting choice is appropriate?

    • Low-beam headlights Right
    • High beams for the strongest possible light
    • Parking lights without the headlights
    • Daytime running lights without other lighting

    The right answer is A: Low-beam headlights

    WhyUse low-beam headlights when snow reduces visibility so you can see and other drivers can see you.

    Source: California Driver Handbook (California DMV): Signals, Horns, and Headlights: Using Your Headlights, Texas Driver Handbook, Chapter 9: Some Special Driving Situations, Headlights, Florida Driver License Handbook (FLHSMV): Low Visibility; Night Driving

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25 questions in this test · 45 free questions on this website and 379 in the app, checked against the MUTCD, the Uniform Vehicle Code and Texas law, with the reason for every answer. About the app

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Every state writes its own test from its own handbook, with its own numbers for things like speed limits, phone rules and parking distances. Pair this test with your state’s handbook. Getting your permit in Texas? Take the Texas practice test too.

How many questions your real test has and the score you need depend on your state. For example, New York asks 20 questions and you need 14 right (NY DMV); Pennsylvania asks 18 and you need 15 (PennDOT). See the permit test by state for the states we have checked.

What to practice next

  • Road signs quiz: all 31 signs and markings in our sign library, as pictures.
  • Texas practice test: 40 questions mixing Texas law and general rules and signs, scored against the Texas pass mark of 70 percent.
  • The permit test explained: test requirements for the states we have checked and what to look up in your state.
  • Play together: the Drivoku app turns questions like these into a live game for friends and family.

Our questions are our own, drafted with AI help from the national sign manual (MUTCD), NHTSA and the Uniform Vehicle Code, a model law many states’ rules follow, and checked against those sources. These questions introduce common topics; the cited sources do not replace your state’s driver handbook. No driving instructor or state agency has reviewed them: how we write and check our questions.

Sources

(9)
  1. California Driver Handbook (California DMV)
  2. Florida Driver License Handbook (FLHSMV)
  3. MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 (FHWA, December 2025)
  4. NHTSA: Air Bags
  5. NHTSA: Distracted Driving
  6. NHTSA: Drowsy Driving
  7. NHTSA: Drug-Impaired Driving
  8. Texas Driver Handbook DL-7 (Texas DPS)
  9. Uniform Vehicle Code (2000), Chapter 11 Rules of the Road (NCUTCD compilation 21B-ROR-02)

Common questions about this practice test

Does this test cover my state’s rules?

It introduces signs, signals, markings and common road rules. It does not cover every state’s laws. Rules differ by state, so also read your state’s driver handbook. For Texas there is a Texas permit practice test.

How many questions are there?

25 questions. You see the answer and the reason after each one.

Are these the official permit test questions?

No. They are our own practice questions, written from federal sign standards and state handbooks, and each one links to its source.

Is it free?

Yes. It is free in your browser, with no sign-up.