Georgia DMV Permit Test Traffic Signals and Pavement Markings Summary

A flashing red light means the same as a STOP sign. Come to a complete stop, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles, and go when it is safe.

Wrong choices

• Slow down and go through with caution without stopping: Going through without stopping is what a flashing yellow light allows, not a flashing red one.
• Speed up to clear the intersection: Speeding up at any red light is dangerous and illegal.
• Stop and wait until the light turns green: A flashing red light does not turn green. You go after stopping and yielding.

A flashing yellow light means slow down and use caution as you go through the intersection. You do not have to stop unless traffic or pedestrians require it.

Wrong choices

• The light is about to turn green: A flashing yellow light does not count down to green. It stays a caution signal.
• Stop completely, then go when it is safe: A full stop is what a flashing red light requires.
• The intersection is closed: A flashing yellow light does not close the intersection. You may go through carefully.

When a solid yellow line is on your side of the center, passing is not allowed from your lane. The broken line is on the other side, so oncoming drivers may pass when it is safe.

Wrong choices

• You may pass when the way ahead is clear: The solid line on your side means you may not pass, even if the road looks clear.
• The road ends ahead: Center lines show passing rules. They do not show where a road ends.
• Oncoming traffic may not pass, but you may: This is reversed. The broken line is on the oncoming side, so they may pass, not you.

If a traffic signal is not working at all, Georgia law says all drivers must treat the intersection as if stop signs were posted in every direction. Stop, take turns, and yield.

Wrong choices

• Go through, because the main road always has the right of way: No road gets the right of way automatically at a dark signal. Every driver must stop.
• Wait until a police officer arrives: You do not wait for an officer. Stop, then go in turn when it is safe.
• Treat it as a flashing yellow light and slow down: A dark signal is treated like stop signs, not like a flashing yellow light.

A flashing yellow arrow means you may turn left, but you must yield first. Oncoming traffic still has a green light, and pedestrians may be crossing.

Wrong choices

• You may not turn left until the arrow turns green: You do not have to wait for a green arrow. You may turn when there is a safe gap.
• The left lane is closed ahead: Lane closures are shown by signs or a red X, not a flashing yellow arrow.
• Oncoming traffic must stop for your left turn: Oncoming traffic does not stop. It still has a green light.

A steady yellow light warns that the signal is changing from green to red. Slow down and prepare to stop if you can do so safely.

Wrong choices

• You may go only if you are turning right: The yellow light is not a special signal for right turns.
• Stop and wait for a flashing green light: Georgia signals do not use a flashing green light. You wait for the next green.
• Speed up to get through before it turns red: Speeding up to beat the light is dangerous.

A broken yellow center line on a two-lane road means drivers in either direction may pass when the way is clear and it is safe.

Wrong choices

• Only traffic in your direction may pass: One-sided passing is shown by a solid line on one side and a broken line on the other.
• The road is one-way: Yellow center lines separate traffic going in opposite directions, so the road is two-way.
• Passing is not allowed in either direction: No passing in either direction is shown by two solid yellow lines.

A stop line is a white line across your lane. When it is there, you must stop behind the line, not at the sign or signal itself.

Wrong choices

• In the crosswalk: Stopping in the crosswalk blocks pedestrians.
• Wherever you can see best, even past the line: When a stop line is painted, you stop at the line first. You may then creep forward to look if needed.
• Right next to the stop sign, past the line: The sign may be past the line. You stop at the line when there is one.

A green light lets you go only after you stop for pedestrians and yield to vehicles still in the intersection. Wait until the way is clear.

Wrong choices

• Drive around the pedestrian slowly: Driving around a pedestrian in a crosswalk is dangerous and not allowed.
• Go, because the green light gives you the right of way: A green light does not give you the right to hit or rush people still crossing.
• Honk so the pedestrian hurries: Honking can scare a pedestrian. Simply wait.

This is a two-way left turn lane. It is bordered by solid yellow lines on the outside and broken yellow lines on the inside, with turn arrows pointing both ways. Georgia law allows it only for left turns, and drivers from both directions use it.

Wrong choices

• Passing slower vehicles in either direction: Passing in the center turn lane is not allowed. It is only for turning left.
• Parking and loading: You may not park or load in a travel or turn lane.
• Emergency vehicles only: The lane is for any driver making a left turn, not only emergency vehicles.