Michigan DMV Permit Test Sample Questions and Explanations

This is the DO NOT ENTER sign: a red circle with a white bar on a white square. You are not allowed to enter where it is posted. You often see it at freeway exit ramps, so drivers do not go up the ramp the wrong way.

Wrong choices

• Stop, then go ahead when the way is clear: That is what a STOP sign means. STOP signs are red octagons, not a red circle with a white bar.
• The road is closed for construction ahead: Construction and maintenance signs are orange.
• The road ahead is one-way in your direction: A one-way sign is a black and white arrow sign. This sign forbids entry instead.

Flashing red overhead lights mean the bus is picking up or dropping off passengers. Stop and stay stopped until the red lights turn off or the bus moves again. Flashing yellow overhead lights mean be prepared to stop.

Wrong choices

• Whenever the bus is slowing down: A slowing bus alone does not require a stop.
• When its yellow hazard lights are flashing: Yellow hazard lights mean go ahead with caution.
• Only when you can see children near the bus: You must stop for the red lights whether or not you see children.

A sign's shape is a clue to its meaning. The octagon is used only for the STOP sign, so you can recognize it even from behind or when it is covered with snow.

Wrong choices

• Railroad crossing ahead: The railroad advance warning sign is round.
• YIELD: The YIELD sign is a triangle with its point down.
• School zone: School signs are five-sided (pentagon).

Stop at least 20 feet from a school bus with its red overhead lights flashing. Children may dart into the street, so stay alert. Fines for not stopping are double the normal amount.

Wrong choices

• At least 10 feet: Michigan requires at least 20 feet.
• At least 100 feet: The legal minimum is 20 feet.
• At least 5 feet: That is far too close; the law says 20 feet.

The only round sign is the railroad advance warning sign. It warns that a railroad crossing is ahead. Slow down, look and listen for trains, and be ready to stop.

Wrong choices

• Railroad tracks run beside the road, with no crossing: This sign warns that you will cross tracks ahead.
• The road is closed ahead: Road closures do not use this round sign.
• An intersection with a four-way stop is ahead: An intersection warning is a yellow diamond. The round yellow sign is used only for railroads.

A steady yellow light means the signal is about to turn red. You are required to stop if you can do it safely. If you cannot stop safely, do not speed up; drive cautiously through the intersection.

Wrong choices

• Speed up to get through before it turns red: Speeding up on yellow is unsafe. Stop if you can, or go through carefully if you cannot stop safely.
• Stop only if a police officer is present: The rule applies whether or not police are there.
• Keep going; yellow is part of the green phase: Yellow warns that red is coming, and you are required to stop if you safely can.

The pentagon shape is used for school signs, and fluorescent yellow-green is the color for school, pedestrian, and bicycle cautions. Drive carefully, watch for children, and obey any school crossing guard.

Wrong choices

• A bus stop is ahead: Bus stops are not shown with this five-sided sign.
• A hiking trail crosses ahead: Recreation signs are brown.
• Pedestrians are not allowed on this road: A ban would use a red circle and slash, not a yellow-green pentagon.

A flashing red light means come to a full stop, then go when the road is clear, just as at a STOP sign.

Wrong choices

• A steady yellow arrow: A yellow arrow warns that red is coming.
• A flashing yellow light: Flashing yellow means go ahead carefully; no stop is required.
• A steady green arrow: A green arrow lets you go in its direction.

Green stands for directions and guidance. Green signs tell you the way to towns, which exit to take, and how far you have to go.

Wrong choices

• Warnings about hazards: Warnings are yellow (or orange in work zones).
• Traffic laws you must obey: Rule signs are white with black or red.
• Services such as gas and food: Services are shown on blue signs.

In Michigan, a driver with a BAC of 0.08 or more is operating while intoxicated (OWI). A BAC of 0.17 or more brings higher "super drunk" penalties. Even one drink can slow your reactions.

Wrong choices

• 0.05 or higher: The OWI level is 0.08, though even one drink can impair you.
• 0.10 or higher: Michigan's OWI level is 0.08.
• 0.02 or higher: The OWI level for drivers 21 and older is 0.08.