California permit test: signals and signs
Lights and signs tell you who goes and who waits. Shapes and colors let you recognize a sign before you can read it.
Key rules
- Steady red: stop at the limit line, or before the crosswalk, or before the intersection. You may turn right after a full stop, and left from a one-way street onto a one-way street, unless a sign prohibits it. (CVC §21453)
- Red arrow: no turn in that direction until a green arrow or green light appears. In California you may not turn right on a red arrow. (CVC §21453(c))
- Green arrow: a protected turn; oncoming traffic is stopped. Circular green: you may go, but a left turn must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. (CVC §21451)
The full study guide for this topic, 36 practice questions and a printable cheat sheet are in the Exam Pack.
Sample questions
At a steady red light, you may turn right:
Answer: After a full stop and yielding, unless a sign prohibits it. Stop completely, yield to pedestrians and traffic, then turn unless a 'No Turn on Red' sign is posted. (CVC §21453)
At a steady red light, a left turn is allowed only:
Answer: From a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a full stop. After a complete stop and yielding, you may turn left on red from a one-way street onto a one-way street, unless a sign prohibits it. (CVC §21453)