Understanding road signs is essential for driving safely and passing the driver's license exam.
Many people are nervous about passing the road sign test for the first time. Don’t worry! This article will give you an overview of what you need to know to do well on the road sign test.
Road Signs and their Meanings
Road signs have an essential job to do. They ensure traffic moves safely, warn about hazards, guide drivers to their destination, and inform drivers of the rules.
Without road signs, driving would be chaotic and dangerous.
Here’s a handy tip for identifying road signs on the test and in real life. You can understand a lot about a road sign by looking at its color.
Red means stop.
Yellow means slow down.
Orange indicates construction.
Green signs guide drivers to a destination.
White signs with black lettering tell a driver what the law (regulation) is.
Next, let’s go over a handful of traffic signs you’ll need to know to pass the road sign test and get your driver’s license.
Following are some common road signs you will likely encounter daily as a driver.
Image | Sign | Meaning |
| Stop sign | Stop signs are always octagonal. Drivers should come to a full stop when they see a stop sign. |
| Yield sign | The yield sign will always be a triangle. A yield sign tells drivers to slow down or stop for traffic with the right of way. |
| Speed limit sign | Regulatory signs tell drivers what they can legally do or not do. They are often rectangular with black lettering. The number indicates the maximum speed cars can drive. |
| Construction sign | Construction signs are always orange with black lettering. Most are diamond-shaped. Construction signs tell drivers to look for construction, detours, and road closures. |
| Warning sign | Warning signs are yellow with black and red lettering or symbols. They may be diamond, square, or round. This sign warns drivers that the right lane is merging into the left lane. Drivers should yield to merging traffic. |
| Railroad crossing sign | This warning sign alerts drivers that they are about to cross railroad tracks. Drivers should be prepared to stop and wait for the train to pass. |
The driver’s license test will test you on road signs and other topics, such as the safe traveling distance between vehicles, alcohol and driving laws, and proper turning procedures. You’ll learn all about these topics in your drivers ed course.
Your state’s driving handbook also covers all of the road sign test information needed for the test. You can pick up a handbook at your local DMV or download an electronic version.
The best way to ensure you pass the road sign test is by practicing ahead of time, which is why IDriveSafely’s course provides plenty of practice questions and other relevant information for passing your driver’s license test on the first try. With a little studying, passing the road sign test the first time will be a piece of cake!
Updated 3/6/23
