Permit Test Flashcards

Driver's license – unrestricted

• 20/40 or better vision in one or both eyes, and

• 110 degrees, or better, horizontal vision in one or both eyes, or comparable measurement that shows a field of vision within this range.

Driving – restricted to daylight hours only

• 20/70 or better vision in one or both eyes, and

• 70 degrees, or better, horizontal vision. If you have vision in only one eye, you must have horizontal vision of at least 30 degrees or better when looking toward your nose and 40 degrees or better when looking toward your temple, or comparable measurement that shows a field of vision within this range.

• A daylight driving only restricted license permits you to drive only during the period of time beginning a half-hour after sunrise and ending a half-hour before sunset.

If you need to wear glasses or contact lenses to pass the vision screening

you must wear them when you drive. Your license will display a C for this restriction. To have this restriction removed after having laser surgery to correct your vision, you must visit a DMV customer service center and pass the vision screening without wearing glasses or contact lenses or submit a Vision Screening Report

It is illegal to avoid these traffic controls by

cutting through a parking lot or field.

Obey all signs and signals unless

directed by a police officer. Always follow the officer's direction.

Traffic signals apply to

drivers, motorcycle riders, bicyclists, moped riders and pedestrians.

Red light

At a red light, come to a complete stop at the stop line or, if there is no stop line, before entering the intersection or before reaching the crosswalk. Remain stopped as long as the signal is red, unless turns are allowed.

Right turn on red

You may turn right while the traffic signal displays a red light. Before turning, you must come to a complete stop. Look both ways and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic. Be sure to check for less visible vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles and mopeds. You may not turn right on red if signs are posted at the intersection that read "No Turn on Red," or if a red arrow pointing to the right is displayed.

Left turn on red

You may turn left at a red light if you are on a one-way street and turning left onto another one-way street while the traffic signal displays a red light. Before turning, you must come to a complete stop. Look both ways and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic. Be sure to check for less visible vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, and mopeds. You may not turn left on red if signs are posted at the intersection that read "No Turn on Red," or if a red arrow pointing to the left is displayed.

Red arrow

A red arrow means you must stop if you intend to move in the direction of the arrow. You may not proceed in the direction of the arrow as long as the red arrow is displayed, unless signs are posted at the intersection that read "Right on Red Arrow After Stop" or "Left on Red Arrow After Stop." Virginia law prohibits right and left turns at red arrow lights.

Note: If you are traveling in another state, make sure you know its laws for right and left turns at red and red arrow lights.

Flashing red light

At a flashing red light, come to a complete stop and yield to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians. You may go when the way is clear. At a railroad crossing, you must come to a complete stop even if you don't see a train.

Flashing red arrow

At a flashing red arrow, come to a complete stop, yield the right-of-way to vehicles coming from the other direction and pedestrians in the intersection, and proceed in the direction of the arrow when the way is clear.

Yellow light or arrow

A yellow light or arrow are cautions warning that the light is about to change. If you have not entered  the intersection, stop or, if unsafe to stop, cautiously go through it. If you are already in the intersection, go through it cautiously. Do not speed up to beat the light.

Flashing yellow light

A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed with caution. Flashing yellow lights are at locations with higher-than-normal hazardous conditions.

Flashing yellow arrow

At a flashing yellow arrow, you may turn in the direction of the arrow, if the way is clear. Yield the right-of-way to vehicles coming from the other direction and pedestrians in the intersection. Be sure to check for less visible vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, and mopeds. If a traffic light changes from red to flashing yellow arrow while a pedestrian is in the intersection, allow the pedestrian to cross the street before turning.

Green light or arrow

At a green light, you may go if the way is clear. At a green arrow, you may go in the direction of the arrow if the way is clear. If you are turning without a green arrow, you must yield the right-of-way to vehicles coming from the other direction and pedestrians in the intersection. Be sure to check for less visible vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, and mopeds. If a traffic light changes from red to green while a pedestrian is in the street, allow the pedestrian to cross the street before turning.

Out of service signals

When traffic signals are not working because of a power outage or other problem and not displaying any lights, you are required to stop, proceeding through the intersection as though it were an all-way stop. This does not apply if a law enforcement officer or other authorized person is directing traffic at the intersection, or if portable stop signs are in use.

Lane use signals

indicate lanes where you can and cannot drive during different hours of the day.

Red X lane use

Never drive in a lane marked with a red X signal.

Yellow X or Yellow Diagonal Downward Arrow lane use

These signals mean that you should move out of the lane as soon as safely possible.

Green arrow lane use

You are permitted to drive in a lane marked with a green arrow signal.

Left-turn arrow lane use

You are permitted to enter in a lane marked with a one-way or two-way arrow only to turn in the direction of the arrow.

The color and shape of a traffic sign communicates…

important information about the sign's message.

Red used with white signs

conveys stop, yield, do not, and no. Stop signs, yield signs, do not enter or wrong way signs, the circle and slash in a no turn sign, and the restrictions in a parking sign are examples.

Black used with white signs

conveys regulatory information. Speed limit, do not pass, no turns are examples where the operation is regulated by law and the black and white sign would be found.

Yellow used with black signs

conveys a warning. Curve ahead, stop ahead, overhead clearances, and slippery when wet are all examples. A specialized class of warning signs uses a strong yellow/green color with black to advise of school zone, pedestrian and/or bicyclist activities.

Green and white, blue and white, and brown and white signs

are used to provide helpful information. The green sign is used to provide destination types of information, while the blue sign is used to inform about motorists services. The brown sign is used to advise of historical or cultural interests that might exist in the area.

Orange and black and pink and black signs

are used to advise and warn in construction (orange) and incident (pink) areas. They are used with black and white signs that convey regulations that might exist only because of the construction effort or the incident.

Octagon

Stop. This eight-sided shape always means stop. You must come to a complete stop at the sign, stop line, pedestrian crosswalk or curb. Wait for any vehicle or pedestrian to clear the way. At some intersections you'll find a sign beneath the stop sign that reads "All Way" or "4 Way." At these intersections all vehicles on all roads leading into the intersection must stop. If you get to the intersection at the same time as other vehicles, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.

Triangle

Yield. You must slow down as you come to the intersection. Be prepared to stop. Let any vehicles, pedestrians or bicyclists safely pass before you proceed.

Rectangle

Regulatory or guide. Vertical signs generally give instructions or tell you the law. Horizontal signs may give directions or information.

Diamond

Warning. These signs warn you of special conditions or hazards ahead. Slow down and drive with caution. Be ready to stop.

Pentagon

School zone/school crossing. This five-sided shape marks school zones and warns you about school crossings. Two signs may be used together to show the actual location of the crosswalk.