Traffic lights and signals knowledge test practice
Free, no accountBased on Learn to Drive Smart
What you need to know
A steady green light means go, but only if the intersection is clear. A steady amber light means the light is about to turn red: stop if you can do so safely, and otherwise clear the intersection. A steady red light means stop behind the stop line or crosswalk and stay stopped until the light turns green.
In BC you may turn right on a red light after a full stop, unless a sign prohibits it. You must yield to pedestrians and to traffic that has the right of way before you go. A flashing green light means the signal is pedestrian-controlled: you may go if nobody is crossing, but be ready to stop. A flashing red light works like a stop sign, and a flashing amber light means proceed with caution.
If a signal is dark because of a power failure, treat the intersection as a four-way stop. A police officer's hand signals override traffic lights. Never enter an intersection if you cannot clear it before the light changes, since blocking cross traffic causes gridlock and crashes.
Learn to Drive Smart: Traffic signals · Turning · Intersections · Pedestrians
10 practice questions
Pick an answer to see whether it is right and why.
You are at a red light and want to turn right. What must you do first?
Mark one answer · keys A to D
All the questions with answers
1. You are at a red light and want to turn right. What must you do first?
Answer: Come to a complete stop, then yield and turn if the way is clear
A right turn on red is allowed after a full stop unless a sign bans it. You must give way to pedestrians and any traffic already moving through.
Learn to Drive Smart: Traffic signals · Turning
2. What does a flashing green light mean in BC?
Answer: The light is pedestrian-controlled
A flashing green is a pedestrian-activated signal. Drivers can go, but must be ready to stop in case a pedestrian triggers the signal.
Learn to Drive Smart: Traffic signals
3. A traffic signal is completely dark. How should you treat the intersection?
Answer: As a four-way stop
Dark signals are handled as a four-way stop. Stop, check, and take turns with other drivers.
Learn to Drive Smart: Traffic signals · Intersections
4. What does a steady amber light mean?
Answer: The light is about to turn red; stop if you can do so safely
Amber is a warning that red is coming. Stop if you can do so safely. If you are too close to stop, clear the intersection rather than slam the brakes.
Learn to Drive Smart: Traffic signals
5. What should you do at a flashing red light?
Answer: Stop completely, then proceed when it is safe, as at a stop sign
A flashing red light is the same as a stop sign. Stop, check for traffic and pedestrians, and go when it is your turn.
Learn to Drive Smart: Traffic signals
6. What does a flashing amber light tell you?
Answer: Proceed with caution
A flashing amber light warns of a hazard or need for care. Slow down, watch for others, and be ready to stop.
Learn to Drive Smart: Traffic signals
7. The light is green but traffic ahead is backed up into the intersection. What should you do?
Answer: Wait until there is space on the far side before entering
A green light does not allow you to block the intersection. Stay back until you can clear it, so cross traffic is not trapped.
Learn to Drive Smart: Traffic signals · Intersections
8. A police officer directs traffic to go through a red light. What do you follow?
Answer: The officer's signals
Hand signals from a police officer override traffic lights and signs. Follow them exactly.
Learn to Drive Smart: Traffic signals
9. You are turning right on red and a pedestrian is crossing the street you are entering. What should you do?
Answer: Wait until they have crossed, then turn
Pedestrians in a crosswalk have the right of way. Yielding is required and failing to do so carries penalty points.
Learn to Drive Smart: Traffic signals · Pedestrians
10. You are stopped at a red light with a "No turn on red" sign posted. What applies?
Answer: You may not turn on red at this location
A posted no-turn-on-red sign overrides the usual rule. Wait for the correct signal before you move.
Learn to Drive Smart: Traffic signals · Turning
Questions people ask
- Can I turn right on a red light in BC?
- Yes, after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign says no turn on red. You must yield to pedestrians and traffic before you turn.
- What does a flashing green light mean in BC?
- It means the light is pedestrian-controlled. You can proceed when no one is crossing, but be ready to stop if a pedestrian presses the button.
- What do I do when traffic lights are not working?
- Treat the intersection as a four-way stop. Stop, then take turns with other vehicles using the usual right-of-way rules.
Other knowledge test topics
- Graduated Licensing Program
- Penalty points and offences
- Alcohol, drugs and distraction
- Speed limits and following distance
- Intersections and roundabouts
- Road signs and markings
- Pedestrians, cyclists and school zones
- Parking and stopping
- Lanes, passing and emergency vehicles
- Vehicle safety and hazards
Rules summarised from ICBC's Learn to Drive Smart guide. Questions written by PassRank. These are not the official ICBC knowledge test questions.