Georgia DMV Permit Test Sign Shapes, Colors, and Regulatory Signs Summary

The eight-sided shape (an octagon) is used only for the STOP sign. You must come to a complete stop, then go only when the way is clear.

Wrong choices

• A stop sign is ahead: A stop sign ahead is warned by a yellow diamond sign, not a red octagon.
• Do not enter this road: DO NOT ENTER is a square sign with a red circle and a white bar.
• Slow down and give way only if needed: Slowing and stopping only if needed is what a YIELD sign (a triangle pointing down) asks.

A triangle pointing down is the YIELD sign. Slow down to a safe speed, stop if you must, and let vehicles and people already in the intersection or close to it go first.

Wrong choices

• Watch for a railroad crossing: A railroad crossing ahead is shown by a round yellow sign.
• Merge without slowing down: You must be ready to slow or stop. You may not force your way in.
• Stop every time, even if no one is coming: A full stop every time is what a STOP sign requires. At a YIELD sign you stop only when needed.

This is the DO NOT ENTER sign. Traffic on the road beyond it comes toward you, so you must not enter from your direction. You often see it at the wrong end of one-way streets and exit ramps.

Wrong choices

• The road ahead is closed for construction: Road closures are shown with orange or white ROAD CLOSED signs, not this sign.
• Stop first, then enter when it is clear: Stopping first does not make it legal to enter. You may not enter at all.
• A one-way street begins, so go ahead slowly: You must not go ahead at all, slowly or not. Entering would put you against traffic.

This black and white ONE WAY sign means traffic on that street may travel only in the direction of the arrow. Never drive against the arrow.

Wrong choices

• You must turn right at the next corner: The sign does not order you to turn. It tells you which way traffic flows on the street.
• Two-way traffic is ahead: Two-way traffic ahead is warned by a yellow diamond with two arrows pointing in opposite directions.
• A detour begins ahead: Detours are marked with orange signs that say DETOUR.

A red circle with a red slash means "No." The picture inside shows what you may not do, such as turning right, making a U-turn, or entering with a truck.

Wrong choices

• A service shown in the picture is nearby: Services such as gas, food, and lodging are shown on blue signs.
• The action shown is a suggestion: Regulatory signs are rules, not suggestions.
• The action shown is allowed only at night: The sign has no time limit unless a plaque says so. It means the action is not allowed.

Vertical (upright) rectangles are generally regulatory signs, such as SPEED LIMIT and NO TURN ON RED. They state rules you must obey just like traffic laws.

Wrong choices

• A guide sign that shows directions: Guide signs are usually horizontal (wide) rectangles.
• A warning sign about a hazard ahead: Warning signs are usually diamond shaped.
• A service sign for gas and food: Service signs are blue.

A white SPEED LIMIT sign shows the maximum (highest) speed allowed in that area. In bad weather or heavy traffic you must go slower than the limit.

Wrong choices

• 55 mph is only a suggested speed: A white speed limit sign is a rule. Suggested speeds are on yellow advisory plaques.
• Only trucks must keep to 55 mph: The limit applies to all vehicles unless a sign says otherwise.
• 55 mph is the lowest speed allowed on this road: A lowest speed is shown on a MINIMUM SPEED sign, not this one.

Stop at the stop line if there is one. If there is no stop line, stop before the crosswalk. If there is no crosswalk either, stop at the point where you can best see oncoming traffic before you enter.

Wrong choices

• Anywhere within 50 feet of the sign: There is no 50-foot rule for stop signs. You must stop at the right point.
• Right beside the sign post, wherever the post is: The post may be far back from the road, where you cannot see traffic. Your stopping point depends on the line, the crosswalk, or your view.
• In the middle of the intersection: Stopping inside the intersection puts you in the path of cross traffic.

The black arrow bends back on itself in a U shape, and the red circle with a slash means "no." So you may not make a U-turn (turn around) at this place.

Wrong choices

• U-turns are allowed only on a green light: The slash means the turn is not allowed at any time. It does not depend on the light.
• You may not turn left here: A no left turn sign shows an arrow that turns left once, not an arrow that bends back in a U.
• There is a sharp curve to the left ahead: Curve warnings are yellow diamond signs. This is a white rule sign.

WRONG WAY means you have entered a one-way road or ramp in the wrong direction. Traffic is coming toward you. Do not continue: safely pull off and turn around when you can.

Wrong choices

• Traffic ahead is merging from the right: Merging traffic is warned by a yellow diamond sign.
• The road ahead is closed and you must detour: Closures and detours are shown on orange or white closure signs.
• You have missed your exit and should back up: Backing up on a ramp or expressway is dangerous and not allowed. The sign means you are against traffic.