Driver's Education Lecture Notes Review
Virginia Driver's Education Study Notes
Section 2: Signals, Signs, and Pavement Markings
Traffic Lights and Arrows
Red Light: Stop fully before entering the intersection or crosswalk.
Right Turn on Red: You can turn after stopping, if the way is clear and no sign explicitly prohibits a "no turn on red."
Left Turn on Red: Allowed only from a one-way street to another one-way street after stopping, unless a sign indicates otherwise.
Red Arrow: Stop. You cannot proceed in the direction of the arrow unless a sign specifically permits it.
Flashing Red Light: Stop, then proceed when it's safe to do so. This is similar to obeying a stop sign.
Flashing Red Arrow: Stop, yield to all traffic and pedestrians, then turn if it is safe.
Yellow Light or Arrow: Indicates that the light is about to turn red.
Stop if you can do so safely.
If you are already in the intersection when the light turns yellow, proceed through carefully.
Do not speed up to try and beat the red light.
Flashing Yellow Light: Slow down and use caution. These are typically found in hazardous areas or at complex intersections.
Flashing Yellow Arrow: You may turn in the direction of the arrow if it is safe.
Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
Exercise extra caution and watch for bikes and motorcycles.
Always allow pedestrians to cross fully before completing your turn.
Green Light or Arrow: You may go if the way is clear. Always yield to pedestrians and other vehicles already in the intersection or crossing at the time.
Out of Service Signal: Treat any intersection with an out-of-service traffic signal as a four-way stop, unless a police officer is directing traffic otherwise.
Lane Use Signals
Red X: Do not drive in the lane marked with a red X.
Green Arrow: You are permitted to use the lane marked with a green arrow.
Yellow X: Indicates that the lane's use is changing soon, and drivers should prepare to move out of the lane.
White or Yellow Diagonal Arrows: Signals drivers to move out of the current lane as soon as it is safe to do so.
Left Turn Arrow: This signal indicates that you are only permitted to turn left from that lane.
Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHB)
These signals are specifically used to help pedestrians cross roads safely.
Flashing Yellow: Slow down and be alert for pedestrians.
Solid Red: Stop and wait for pedestrians to cross.
Flashing Red: Stop, then proceed if the crosswalk is clear of pedestrians and traffic.
Traffic Sign Colors
Red: Indicates stop, yield, or prohibition.
White: Typically conveys laws or rules.
Yellow: Used for general warnings or cautionary information.
Green: Provides directions or guidance.
Blue: Reserved for motorist services, such as rest areas, hospitals, or gas stations.
Brown: Indicates parks, recreation areas, or cultural points of interest.
Orange: Used for construction and maintenance warning signs.
Pink: Provides incident or hazard information, often temporary.
Traffic Sign Shapes
Octagon (STOP Sign): Requires a full stop. Stop completely before the stop line, crosswalk, or entering the intersection.
Triangle (YIELD Sign): Requires drivers to slow down and give the right-of-way to other traffic or pedestrians.
Rectangle (Vertical): Usually provides important laws or rules.
Rectangle (Horizontal): Typically gives directions or informational guidance.
Diamond: Used for warning signs, indicating potential hazards or changed road conditions ahead.
Pentagon: Designates school zones or school crossings.
Circle with Slash: Indicates that something is not allowed or prohibited.
Important Road Signs
Speed Limit: Displays the maximum legal speed allowed on that road section.
Do Not Enter/Wrong Way: Signals that you are traveling in the wrong direction; you must turn around safely.
One Way: Indicates that traffic flows only in a single direction on that street.
No Left Turn/No Right Turn/No U-Turn: These signs explicitly prohibit the specified turn or maneuver.
No Turn on Red: You must wait for the green light before making a turn.
Do Not Pass: Passing other vehicles is prohibited in this area.
Left Turn Yield on Green: You must yield to oncoming traffic before completing a left turn, even on a green light.
Keep Right: Stay to the right of an island or traffic divider.
Lane Use Control: Requires you to turn only in the direction shown by the arrows on the sign.
HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle): Lanes reserved for carpools, buses, and other specified vehicles.
Disabled Parking: Parking spaces reserved specifically for individuals with a valid disabled parking permit.
Warning Signs (Exercise Caution and Slow Down)
Advisory Speeds: Suggested safe speeds for areas like exit ramps or curves, not legal limits.
Reduced Speed Ahead: Indicates that the speed limit will decrease soon.
Stop Ahead/Yield Ahead: Warns drivers that a stop sign or yield sign is coming up.
Signal Ahead: Alerts drivers to an upcoming traffic light.
No Passing Zone: Marks an area where passing other cars is unsafe and prohibited.
Road Conditions Signs
Merge: Indicates that two lanes of traffic are joining; drivers should merge carefully.
Lane Reduction: Warns that a right lane is ending and drivers must merge left.
Divided Highway Begins: The road will split into two one-way roads with a divider in between; keep right.
Divided Highway Ends: The divided roadway is concluding, and traffic will soon flow in both directions on a single road.
Slippery When Wet: Slow down significantly on wet roads to maintain control.
Low Clearance: Advises drivers not to enter if their vehicle's height exceeds the posted limit. For example, if the limit is 12 ext{ ft, } 6 ext{ in}, vehicles taller than this should not proceed.
Hill: Warns of a steep hill ahead; drivers should check their brakes and be prepared to use lower gears.
Animal and Farm Warnings
Deer Crossing: Be alert for deer, especially at dawn and dusk.
Horse-Drawn Buggies: Indicates the possible presence of slow-moving horse-drawn vehicles on the road; give them ample space.
Tractors / Farm Equipment: Warns that slow-moving agricultural machinery may be driving on the road.
People Crossing Signs
Pedestrian Crossing: Watch for walkers and be prepared to yield.
Bike Crossing / Bike Path: Be alert for bicyclists crossing or on a shared path.
School Zone / Crossing: Slow down significantly, as children may be present or crossing the road.
Road and Curve Signs
Open/Expansion Joints: Slow down as bumps from these joints may cause skids, especially in wet conditions.
Intersections (T, Y, Cross): Warns of an upcoming intersection (T-intersection, Y-intersection, or crossroad); slow down and be prepared to yield.
Roundabout: Advises of a circular intersection; drivers must yield to traffic already in the circle and proceed counterclockwise.
Right Curve / Side Road: The road curves to the right, and a side road joins; be alert for merging traffic.
Sharp Right / Left Turn: Be ready to execute a sharp turn in the indicated direction.
Right and Left Curves: The road ahead has a series of curves in both directions; slow down.
Right Curve with Speed: Indicates a curve to the right with a suggested safe speed for navigating it, e.g., ext{Curve with } 25 ext{ MPH}.
Winding Road: The road ahead contains several curves; slow down and maintain control.
Railroad Signs and Safety
Low Ground Railroad Crossing: A steep railroad crossing where a vehicle might get stuck or struck; extreme caution is advised.
Railroad Crossbuck: A general warning sign that a railroad crossing is ahead; be ready to stop for trains.
Crossbuck + Flashing Lights: Stop when the lights flash as a train is approaching or present.
Crossbuck + Flashing Lights + Gate: Stop when the gate begins to lower. Wait until the gate is fully raised and the lights stop flashing before proceeding.
Railroad Safety Guidelines:
RR Markings: Painted on roads near railroad crossings, serving as an additional alert to be vigilant.
NEVER stop on the tracks: Ensure you have enough space on the other side of the tracks before crossing.
If your car stalls: Immediately get out of the vehicle and run diagonally away from the tracks in the direction of the approaching train (if known) to avoid flying debris.
School buses must stop: All school buses are legally required to stop at all railroad tracks, regardless of signals.
Emergency Signs: In case of danger at a crossing, call the number listed on the emergency sign, usually found near the crossbuck or signal equipment.
Road Condition Signs (Continued)
Rough Road/Bump/Uneven Lanes: Caution drivers that the road surface is bumpy or uneven; reduce speed.
Road Work Ahead/Detour: Indicates that traffic patterns are changing due due to road construction, maintenance, or an upcoming detour; slow down and follow signs.
Work Zone Signs
Flashing Arrow Boards: Guide drivers by indicating lane changes or closures within work zones.
Flaggers: Workers in work zones who use stop/slow signs to direct traffic; obey their instructions.
Photo Enforcement: Denotes the presence of speed cameras in work zones, emphasizing the need to slow down.
Traffic Devices: Cones, barrels, and temporary barriers are used to guide drivers safely through work zones.
Work Zone Rules: Stay in your lane and do not speed in work zones, as fines for violations are typically higher.
Signs or Boards
Message Boards: Provide real-time information about traffic, work zones, or emergencies.
Rumble Strips: Grooved strips on the pavement designed to create a vibrating sound to warn drivers to slow down or alert them to a hazard.
Slow Moving Vehicles: Vehicles traveling under 25 ext{ MPH} are required to display an orange triangular sign on the rear.
Pavement Markings
Red Markings/Reflectors: Indicate