A pedestrian begins crossing within a marked crosswalk while a vehicle is attempting a right turn on green. What must the driver do?

Yield to the pedestrian and wait until the crosswalk is clear before turning.

Sound the horn so the pedestrian moves out of the way.

Complete the turn quickly before the pedestrian reaches the vehicle's path.

Proceed if the light is green, since a green light always has priority over pedestrians.

At a four-way intersection controlled by stop signs on all four approaches, two vehicles arrive at the same time from streets directly across from each other and both intend to go straight. What should happen?

Both drivers may proceed straight at the same time since their paths do not conflict.

Both drivers should back up and wait for a police officer to direct traffic.

The heavier vehicle, such as a truck, proceeds first.

Whichever vehicle has its headlights on proceeds first.

A driver wants to turn left across oncoming traffic at an intersection with a permissive, non-arrow green light. What is required before completing the turn?

The driver must yield to all oncoming vehicles and pedestrians before turning.

The driver may turn immediately because a green light always grants the right to turn left.

Oncoming traffic must stop and allow the turn once the driver signals.

The turn is only permitted if no other vehicles are present anywhere on the road.

A driver notices an ambulance approaching from behind with its lights flashing and siren sounding on a two-lane road. What is the correct response?

Pull over safely to the right and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed.

Speed up to clear the intersection ahead before the ambulance arrives.

Stop immediately in the current lane, even if it blocks the roadway.

Continue at the same speed since the ambulance is responsible for going around traffic.

A school bus ahead on a two-lane, undivided road stops and activates its flashing red lights to load children. What must drivers traveling in both directions do?

All traffic in both directions on an undivided road must stop until the lights stop flashing.

Only vehicles behind the bus must stop; oncoming traffic may proceed with caution.

Drivers may pass at reduced speed if no children are visible near the road.

Only the driver directly behind the bus must stop; other nearby vehicles may continue.

A driver is merging from an entrance ramp onto a busy interstate highway. Who generally has the right-of-way in this situation?

Vehicles already traveling on the highway through lanes.

The merging driver, since the ramp was built specifically to allow entry.

Whichever vehicle is traveling faster at the moment of merging.

The right-of-way alternates between ramp and highway traffic every few seconds.

At a T-intersection, one road ends by joining a continuous through road at a right angle, and neither approach has a stop sign. Which traffic has the right-of-way?

Traffic on the continuous through road has the right-of-way over traffic on the terminating road.

Traffic on the terminating road always has priority since it must merge.

Whichever vehicle is turning right automatically has priority over the through road.

Priority is determined solely by which vehicle has the higher posted speed limit.

A driver is backing out of a parking space in a shopping center parking lot and a pedestrian is walking across the lane behind the vehicle. Who has the right-of-way?

The pedestrian walking across the lane.

The driver backing out, because the vehicle was already in motion.

Neither party has priority in a parking lot, so both proceed together.

The driver backing out, because reversing vehicles have priority over pedestrians.

Two vehicles traveling in opposite directions approach a narrow one-lane bridge at the same time, and only one vehicle can cross at a time. How should right-of-way be determined?

The vehicle that reaches the bridge first should be allowed to cross before the other proceeds.

The larger vehicle always has the right to cross first regardless of arrival time.

Both vehicles should attempt to cross simultaneously at reduced speed.

The vehicle traveling downhill always yields to the vehicle traveling uphill.

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PRACTICE ENGINE · NEW JERSEY ROAD SIGNS

New Jersey Road Signs Practice Test.
Free practice exam — 54 verified questions, instant feedback.

Written and reviewed by Vincent Ruan, EA, CFP®

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QUESTION 1 / 54Right-of-Way and Safe DrivingEasy0/0

A driver is pulling out of a private driveway onto a public street with moderate traffic. Who has the right-of-way in this situation?

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1. A driver is pulling out of a private driveway onto a public street with moderate traffic. Who has the right-of-way in this situation?
- A. Whichever vehicle signals first gets priority.
- B. The vehicles already traveling on the public street.
- C. The right-of-way is shared equally and both proceed at the same time.
- D. The driver pulling out, because driveways have priority over through streets.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
Drivers entering a roadway from a driveway, alley, or parking lot are entering traffic that already has the right-of-way, so they must wait for a safe gap before pulling out. Believing driveways carry priority, or that signaling alone establishes the right to go, ignores the basic principle that traffic already established on the road takes precedence over vehicles entering it.
2. A pedestrian begins crossing within a marked crosswalk while a vehicle is attempting a right turn on green. What must the driver do?
- A. Complete the turn quickly before the pedestrian reaches the vehicle's path.
- B. Yield to the pedestrian and wait until the crosswalk is clear before turning.
- C. Proceed if the light is green, since a green light always has priority over pedestrians.
- D. Sound the horn so the pedestrian moves out of the way.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
Pedestrians who have already entered a marked crosswalk have the right-of-way over turning vehicles, even when the driver has a green light, so the driver must stop and let the pedestrian finish crossing safely. A green signal only permits movement when the path is clear; it does not override a pedestrian already lawfully in the crosswalk.
3. At a four-way intersection controlled by stop signs on all four approaches, two vehicles arrive at the same time from streets directly across from each other and both intend to go straight. What should happen?
- A. Whichever vehicle has its headlights on proceeds first.
- B. The heavier vehicle, such as a truck, proceeds first.
- C. Both drivers should back up and wait for a police officer to direct traffic.
- D. Both drivers may proceed straight at the same time since their paths do not conflict.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: D
When vehicles arrive simultaneously at a four-way stop from opposite directions and both are traveling straight through, their paths do not cross, so both may proceed together without a hazard. Waiting for outside intervention, or basing priority on vehicle weight or headlight use, are not recognized right-of-way principles and would only cause unnecessary delay.
4. A driver wants to turn left across oncoming traffic at an intersection with a permissive, non-arrow green light. What is required before completing the turn?
- A. Oncoming traffic must stop and allow the turn once the driver signals.
- B. The driver may turn immediately because a green light always grants the right to turn left.
- C. The driver must yield to all oncoming vehicles and pedestrians before turning.
- D. The turn is only permitted if no other vehicles are present anywhere on the road.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C
A plain green light without a left-turn arrow permits a left turn only after yielding to oncoming vehicles and any pedestrians crossing, since oncoming traffic continues to have the right-of-way. Assuming a green light automatically grants turning priority, or that signaling forces oncoming traffic to stop, misunderstands how a permissive green signal actually works.
5. A driver notices an ambulance approaching from behind with its lights flashing and siren sounding on a two-lane road. What is the correct response?
- A. Pull over safely to the right and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed.
- B. Continue at the same speed since the ambulance is responsible for going around traffic.
- C. Speed up to clear the intersection ahead before the ambulance arrives.
- D. Stop immediately in the current lane, even if it blocks the roadway.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A
Drivers must move as far to the right as safely possible and come to a stop to let an approaching emergency vehicle pass, since blocking its path can delay life-saving response. Speeding up to beat the vehicle through an intersection, stopping in a way that blocks the road, or assuming the emergency vehicle will simply maneuver around traffic are all unsafe and improper responses.
6. A school bus ahead on a two-lane, undivided road stops and activates its flashing red lights to load children. What must drivers traveling in both directions do?
- A. All traffic in both directions on an undivided road must stop until the lights stop flashing.
- B. Only the driver directly behind the bus must stop; other nearby vehicles may continue.
- C. Only vehicles behind the bus must stop; oncoming traffic may proceed with caution.
- D. Drivers may pass at reduced speed if no children are visible near the road.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A
On an undivided roadway, a stopped school bus with flashing red lights requires traffic approaching from either direction to stop and remain stopped until the lights are no longer flashing, because children may cross unpredictably in front of or behind the bus. Allowing oncoming traffic, distant vehicles, or cautious passing to continue ignores the serious risk to children near the roadway.
7. A driver is merging from an entrance ramp onto a busy interstate highway. Who generally has the right-of-way in this situation?
- A. The right-of-way alternates between ramp and highway traffic every few seconds.
- B. The merging driver, since the ramp was built specifically to allow entry.
- C. Vehicles already traveling on the highway through lanes.
- D. Whichever vehicle is traveling faster at the moment of merging.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C
Vehicles already established in the through lanes of a highway have the right-of-way over vehicles merging from an entrance ramp, so the merging driver must adjust speed and find a safe gap rather than forcing other traffic to yield. Assuming the ramp itself grants priority, or that speed or some alternating pattern determines right-of-way, misrepresents how highway merging actually works.
8. At a T-intersection, one road ends by joining a continuous through road at a right angle, and neither approach has a stop sign. Which traffic has the right-of-way?
- A. Whichever vehicle is turning right automatically has priority over the through road.
- B. Traffic on the terminating road always has priority since it must merge.
- C. Priority is determined solely by which vehicle has the higher posted speed limit.
- D. Traffic on the continuous through road has the right-of-way over traffic on the terminating road.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: D
At a T-intersection without signs, traffic traveling on the continuous through road has the right-of-way, and drivers on the road that ends at the junction must yield before entering or crossing the through road. Assuming the ending road has priority, or that a right turn or speed limit determines who goes first, does not reflect the standard right-of-way principle at a T-intersection.
9. A driver is backing out of a parking space in a shopping center parking lot and a pedestrian is walking across the lane behind the vehicle. Who has the right-of-way?
- A. The driver backing out, because the vehicle was already in motion.
- B. Neither party has priority in a parking lot, so both proceed together.
- C. The pedestrian walking across the lane.
- D. The driver backing out, because reversing vehicles have priority over pedestrians.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C
Pedestrians walking through a parking lot lane have the right-of-way over a vehicle that is backing out of a space, since the driver has significantly reduced visibility and must watch for people moving through the area. Assuming that being already in motion, or that reversing itself, creates priority over a pedestrian is incorrect and dangerous.
10. Two vehicles traveling in opposite directions approach a narrow one-lane bridge at the same time, and only one vehicle can cross at a time. How should right-of-way be determined?
- A. Both vehicles should attempt to cross simultaneously at reduced speed.
- B. The larger vehicle always has the right to cross first regardless of arrival time.
- C. The vehicle that reaches the bridge first should be allowed to cross before the other proceeds.
- D. The vehicle traveling downhill always yields to the vehicle traveling uphill.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C
When a one-lane bridge or narrow passage cannot accommodate two vehicles at once, the vehicle that arrives first and begins crossing should be allowed to finish before the other vehicle enters, since order of arrival is the standard way to resolve this kind of shared-space conflict. Basing priority on vehicle size or grade direction, or attempting to cross at the same time, creates a serious head-on collision risk.
11. A driver is making a left turn at an intersection where a pedestrian with a walk signal is currently crossing the street the driver intends to turn onto. What should the driver do?
- A. Sound the horn so the pedestrian hurries across and clears the path.
- B. Wait only if the pedestrian is directly in front of the vehicle's hood.
- C. Proceed with the turn quickly since the driver also has a green light.
- D. Wait and yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian until the crosswalk is clear.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: D
A pedestrian legally crossing with a walk signal has the right-of-way over a turning vehicle, so the driver must wait for the crosswalk to clear before completing the turn, even though the driver's own signal is green. Turning simply because the light is green, waiting only until the pedestrian is directly ahead, or honking to rush the pedestrian all disregard the pedestrian's right-of-way.
12. A driver is following another vehicle on a highway and wants to maintain a safe distance. What is the primary purpose of leaving adequate following distance?
- A. To allow other drivers to merge into the lane ahead of the following vehicle.
- B. To provide enough space and time to stop safely if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly.
- C. To reduce fuel consumption by avoiding constant braking.
- D. To improve visibility of road signs positioned overhead.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
Leaving adequate space behind the vehicle ahead gives a driver the time and distance needed to react and stop safely if that vehicle brakes suddenly or a hazard appears, which is the core safety reason for following distance. While it can incidentally help with merging or fuel use, those are not why following distance is emphasized in safe driving practice.
13. What shape is uniquely reserved for the stop sign so that drivers can recognize it even from behind or through fog?
- A. A diamond.
- B. A pentagon.
- C. A circle.
- D. An octagon.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: D
The stop sign uses a distinctive eight-sided octagon shape that is not used for any other sign, allowing drivers to recognize it by shape alone even when the sign is obscured by weather, dirt, or viewed from the back. Diamonds are reserved for warning signs, pentagons for school-related signs, and circles are used for railroad advance warnings, so none of those shapes would be mistaken for a stop sign.
14. Along a highway, a diamond-shaped sign with black symbols on a yellow background appears before a curve. What category of sign is this?
- A. A regulatory sign that must be obeyed by law.
- B. A guide sign showing distances to nearby towns.
- C. An informational sign about services ahead.
- D. A warning sign alerting drivers to a hazard or changing road condition ahead.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: D
Diamond-shaped signs with a yellow background and black symbols are the standard format for warning signs, which alert drivers to hazards such as curves, intersections, or changing conditions so they can adjust their driving in advance. Regulatory signs are typically white and rectangular, and guide or informational signs use different colors and shapes entirely.
15. A yellow sign shaped like a narrow elongated pennant is posted along the side of a two-lane road. What does this shape typically indicate?
- A. A mandatory right turn ahead.
- B. A reduced speed limit for the next mile.
- C. The beginning of a no-passing zone on that stretch of road.
- D. An upcoming pedestrian crosswalk.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C
The pennant-shaped sign, mounted on the left side of the roadway, marks the start of a no-passing zone, warning drivers not to cross into the oncoming lane to pass other vehicles along that section. It is not used to mark crosswalks, speed limit changes, or mandatory turns, which each have their own distinct sign shapes.
16. A fluorescent yellow-green, five-sided sign is posted near an elementary school along the roadway. What does this specific color and shape combination indicate?
- A. A school zone or school crossing warning.
- B. A construction zone with active workers.
- C. A hospital or emergency medical facility ahead.
- D. A wildlife crossing area.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A
The fluorescent yellow-green pentagon shape is reserved specifically for school-related signs, such as school zone warnings and school crossings, and this distinct color makes them stand out from standard yellow warning signs. Hospitals, construction zones, and wildlife crossings each use their own separate colors and shapes and are not marked with the pentagon school symbol.
17. An orange diamond-shaped sign is posted along a stretch of highway where crews are repaving the road. What does the orange color specifically signal to drivers?
- A. A permanent change to the roadway that drivers should expect going forward.
- B. An area reserved exclusively for emergency vehicle staging.
- C. A temporary hazard related to construction or maintenance work.
- D. A mandatory detour that must be followed immediately.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C
Orange is reserved for temporary traffic control related to construction, maintenance, or utility work, so an orange diamond warns drivers that the hazard, such as workers or lane shifts, is temporary rather than a permanent feature of the road. Standard yellow is used for permanent warning conditions, while orange specifically flags short-term work zone hazards.
18. A red circular sign with a diagonal slash is placed over a symbol of a U-turn arrow at an intersection. What is the driver required to do?
- A. Make a U-turn only if turning from the leftmost lane.
- B. Treat the sign as merely advisory and use personal judgment.
- C. Not make a U-turn at that location under any circumstances.
- D. Make a U-turn only during periods of light traffic.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C
A red circle with a diagonal slash over a symbol is a universal prohibition marking, meaning the action shown, in this case a U-turn, is not permitted at that location regardless of traffic conditions or lane position. This is a regulatory prohibition rather than an advisory suggestion, so drivers cannot rely on judgment to override it.
19. White dashed lines separate two lanes traveling in the same direction on a multi-lane road. What do these markings generally permit?
- A. Drivers may change lanes when it is safe to do so.
- B. Lane changes are permitted only within school zones.
- C. Only commercial vehicles may cross these lines.
- D. Drivers must remain in their current lane for the rest of the trip.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A
Broken or dashed white lines between lanes traveling in the same direction indicate that lane changes are generally permitted when it can be done safely, unlike a solid white line which discourages or restricts changing lanes. There is no restriction limiting this marking to commercial vehicles or to school zones specifically.
20. A series of black and yellow arrow-shaped markers are mounted in a stacked pattern on the outside of a sharp curve. What is the purpose of these markers?
- A. To indicate a mandatory reduced speed enforced by camera.
- B. To mark the location of an upcoming railroad crossing.
- C. To visually guide drivers along the direction and severity of the curve ahead.
- D. To indicate a lane that is closed for construction.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C
Chevron markers, stacked black and yellow arrow shapes, are placed on the outside of sharp curves to visually guide drivers through the turn and emphasize how sharply the road bends, which is especially useful at night or in poor visibility. They are not associated with speed cameras, railroad crossings, or lane closures.
21. A diamond-shaped warning sign shows two arrows curving together into a single arrow, posted before a highway on-ramp joins the main roadway. What does this sign indicate?
- A. A divided highway is about to become undivided.
- B. Traffic from an entering lane is about to merge into the through lane ahead.
- C. Traffic must exit at the next ramp.
- D. A lane is permanently closing ahead due to construction.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
The merge warning sign, showing two arrows converging into one, alerts drivers that traffic entering from a ramp or side lane will soon merge into the main travel lane, so drivers should be prepared to adjust speed or position to accommodate merging vehicles. It does not indicate a permanent lane closure, a mandatory exit, or a change in highway division.
22. Roads become wet after a period of rain begins, and traction is significantly reduced compared to dry pavement. How should a driver adjust following distance in this situation?
- A. Following distance should be reduced to keep better visual contact with the vehicle ahead.
- B. Following distance only matters at highway speeds, not on local streets.
- C. Following distance should be increased beyond what is used on dry pavement.
- D. Following distance can remain unchanged since modern brakes compensate for wet roads.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C
Wet pavement significantly reduces tire traction and increases stopping distance, so a driver needs more space and time behind the vehicle ahead than would be needed on dry pavement to stop safely if that vehicle brakes suddenly. Believing that vehicle brakes fully compensate for wet conditions, or that closer following improves safety, contradicts basic stopping-distance physics.
23. Dense fog has settled over a roadway, cutting visibility to a short distance ahead. Which use of headlights is most appropriate for a driver in this condition?
- A. High-beam headlights, since they project light farther down the road.
- B. Hazard lights instead of headlights while the vehicle is moving.
- C. Low-beam headlights, since high beams reflect off fog and worsen visibility.
- D. Parking lights only, to conserve battery power.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C
In fog, low-beam headlights are preferred because high beams reflect off the water droplets in the fog and create glare that actually reduces the driver's ability to see the road ahead. Parking lights are too dim for adequate visibility, and hazard lights are meant to signal a stopped or hazardous vehicle, not to serve as primary lighting while driving.
24. In every U.S. state, a driver operating a regular passenger vehicle is considered legally impaired once blood alcohol concentration reaches what threshold?
- A. 0.10 percent.
- B. 0.08 percent.
- C. 0.15 percent.
- D. 0.05 percent.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
A blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent is the standard legal per se limit across the United States for drivers of regular passenger vehicles, meaning a driver at or above that level is considered legally impaired regardless of whether their driving appears affected. The other listed thresholds are either lower than the actual standard or well above it and do not reflect the recognized legal limit.
25. As a driver increases speed on the highway, how does the required stopping distance generally change?
- A. Stopping distance stays the same regardless of speed, as long as brakes are in good condition.
- B. Stopping distance only depends on road surface, not on vehicle speed.
- C. Stopping distance decreases because higher speed improves tire grip.
- D. Stopping distance increases, often more than proportionally to the increase in speed.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: D
As speed increases, stopping distance increases disproportionately because both the distance traveled during reaction time and the distance needed to brake to a stop grow with speed, meaning small increases in speed can produce much larger increases in the total distance needed to stop. Higher speed does not improve tire grip, and while road surface affects stopping distance, speed itself remains a major independent factor.
26. A yellow advisory speed plaque is posted beneath a curve warning sign, recommending a lower speed than the posted limit for that stretch of road. What is the nature of this advisory speed?
- A. It is a recommended safe speed for the curve, based on typical conditions, rather than a separate legal limit.
- B. It is a strictly enforced legal maximum for that curve.
- C. It replaces the posted speed limit for the remainder of the road.
- D. It applies only to commercial trucks and buses.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A
An advisory speed plaque suggests a safe speed for a specific feature such as a curve or ramp under typical conditions, but it is a recommendation rather than a separately enforced legal speed limit, unlike the regulatory speed limit sign. It is not restricted to commercial vehicles, and it does not replace or change the posted legal speed limit for the road overall.
27. Driving at night significantly reduces how far ahead a driver can see compared to daytime, even with headlights on. What adjustment best accounts for this reduced visibility?
- A. Reduce speed so the vehicle can stop within the distance illuminated by the headlights.
- B. Maintain daytime speeds since headlights are designed to fully replace daylight.
- C. Use high beams continuously regardless of oncoming traffic.
- D. Rely on the vehicle ahead's taillights to judge the road layout instead of headlights.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A
Because headlights illuminate a limited distance ahead compared to daylight, a safe nighttime speed is one that allows the vehicle to stop within the distance the headlights actually reveal, preventing a driver from overdriving their headlights and running into an unseen hazard. Maintaining daytime speeds, using high beams around other traffic, or relying on another vehicle's taillights does not solve the fundamental visibility limitation of night driving.
28. A roadway passes through an active construction zone where workers are present near the travel lanes. Why are reduced speed limits typically posted through these zones?
- A. To increase reaction time and reduce the severity of any incident near workers and equipment.
- B. To allow construction vehicles to travel faster than passenger vehicles.
- C. To offset the cost of the construction project through resulting traffic fines.
- D. To comply with a rule that applies only when no workers are visible.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A
Reduced speed limits in construction zones give drivers more time to react to workers, equipment, and shifting lane patterns, and they lessen the severity of any collision that does occur in a space with limited room to maneuver. These zones are not meant to let construction vehicles exceed the posted limit, are not conditional on workers being visible at that exact moment, and are not designed as a revenue mechanism.
29. A driver has consumed a small amount of alcohol and believes their blood alcohol concentration is below the legal limit. Why can driving still be unsafe in this situation?
- A. Being below the legal limit guarantees that driving ability is completely unaffected.
- B. Alcohol begins impairing judgment and reaction time even at levels below the legal limit.
- C. Small amounts of alcohol only affect vision, not reaction time or judgment.
- D. Impairment only becomes possible once the legal limit is reached or exceeded.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
Alcohol begins to impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time well before a driver reaches the legal blood alcohol limit, which is why even a small amount can measurably reduce driving ability despite being technically within the legal threshold. The legal limit marks the point of presumed impairment for enforcement purposes; it does not mark the point where impairment actually begins.
30. A driver has taken a legally prescribed medication and also consumes a moderate amount of alcohol before driving. What is the primary safety concern in this combination?
- A. Combining the medication with alcohol can intensify impairment beyond what either substance would cause alone.
- B. The combination is a concern only if the medication is taken after alcohol, not before.
- C. There is no added risk as long as the medication was prescribed by a doctor.
- D. Legal prescriptions cancel out any impairing effect that alcohol would otherwise cause.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A
Many medications interact with alcohol in ways that intensify drowsiness, slow reaction time, or otherwise increase impairment well beyond what either substance would cause on its own, making the combination dangerous even when each substance is legal individually. Having a valid prescription does not eliminate this interaction risk, and the danger exists regardless of which substance was consumed first.
31. A group of friends plans to go out where alcohol will be served, and they arrange for one person to stay sober and drive everyone home. What is this common safety practice called?
- A. Defensive driving.
- B. Implied consent.
- C. Zero tolerance.
- D. Using a designated driver.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: D
Arranging for one person in a group to remain sober and responsible for driving is known as using a designated driver, a widely recommended practice for preventing impaired driving among groups who plan to consume alcohol. Implied consent and zero tolerance refer to specific legal doctrines about testing and underage drinking, and defensive driving refers to a broader set of hazard-avoidance driving techniques, none of which describe this specific arrangement.
32. A driver has been awake for many hours and is extremely fatigued but has not consumed any alcohol or drugs. How can this fatigue affect driving ability?
- A. Fatigue primarily affects a driver's ability to operate the radio and climate controls, not the vehicle itself.
- B. Fatigue only affects a driver's comfort, not their actual driving performance.
- C. Fatigue is not a recognized driving hazard unless combined with another impairing substance.
- D. Severe fatigue can slow reaction time and impair judgment similarly to alcohol impairment.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: D
Severe fatigue slows reaction time, reduces alertness, and impairs judgment in ways that closely resemble the effects of alcohol, which is why drowsy driving is treated as a serious hazard even without any substance involved. Fatigue is a recognized driving risk on its own, not merely a comfort issue or something limited to secondary tasks like operating vehicle controls.
33. A traffic signal displays a solid red light facing a driver's direction of travel at an intersection. What is the driver required to do, absent any additional sign?
- A. Treat the red light as a yield sign and merge into the flow of traffic.
- B. Stop completely and remain stopped until the signal changes.
- C. Stop only if a pedestrian is currently in the crosswalk.
- D. Slow down and proceed carefully if no cross traffic is visible.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
A solid red traffic light requires a driver to come to a complete stop and remain stopped until the light changes to green, or in some cases until making a permitted right turn after a full stop where allowed. Slowing down without stopping, treating the light like a yield sign, or stopping only when a pedestrian happens to be present all fail to meet the basic requirement of a solid red signal.
34. At an intersection, a traffic signal that is normally red, yellow, and green is instead flashing red continuously in one direction. How should this flashing red be treated?
- A. As equivalent to a stop sign, requiring a complete stop before proceeding when safe.
- B. As a signal that traffic in that direction has priority over cross traffic.
- C. As an indication that the signal is broken and should be ignored entirely.
- D. As a warning to slow down slightly but not required to stop.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A
A flashing red light has the same legal meaning as a stop sign, requiring drivers facing it to come to a complete stop and then proceed only when it is safe to do so, based on right-of-way rules. It does not grant priority to that direction, does not permit merely slowing down instead of stopping, and should never be dismissed as a signal to be ignored.
35. At an intersection, a traffic signal is flashing yellow continuously in one direction rather than cycling through its normal colors. What does a flashing yellow light instruct drivers to do?
- A. Come to a complete stop only if other vehicles are visible nearby.
- B. Treat it exactly like a solid green light with no additional caution needed.
- C. Stop completely, just as with a flashing red light.
- D. Slow down and proceed through the intersection with caution.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: D
A flashing yellow light instructs drivers to slow down and proceed through the intersection with increased caution, watching for cross traffic or pedestrians, without requiring a full stop the way a flashing red or stop sign would. Treating it as requiring a stop, or as equivalent to an ordinary green light with no extra caution, both misrepresent its intended cautionary meaning.
36. A new driver holding only a learner's permit wants to practice driving on a public road. What is generally required while driving under a learner's permit?
- A. A licensed driver who meets applicable requirements must be present in the vehicle.
- B. Supervision is required only at night, not during daytime hours.
- C. No supervision is required as long as the driver stays on local streets.
- D. A learner's permit allows unsupervised driving once the holder feels confident behind the wheel.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A
A learner's permit generally requires that a qualified licensed driver be present in the vehicle to supervise, since the permit holder has not yet demonstrated the independent skill and judgment required for unsupervised driving. This supervision requirement is not limited to nighttime driving, and a permit holder's own sense of confidence does not by itself convert a learner's permit into unsupervised driving privileges.
37. A driver's license includes a printed restriction requiring the use of corrective lenses while driving. What is the driver's obligation regarding this restriction?
- A. The restriction only applies on highways, not on local roads.
- B. Corrective lenses are required only when driving after dark.
- C. The driver must wear corrective lenses whenever operating a vehicle, as stated by the restriction.
- D. The restriction is only a suggestion and does not need to be followed.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C
A restriction printed on a driver's license, such as a requirement to wear corrective lenses, is a legally binding condition of that license and must be followed any time the person drives, not just under certain lighting or road-type conditions. Treating the restriction as optional, or assuming it only applies at night or on certain kinds of roads, misunderstands that license restrictions apply whenever the vehicle is being operated.
38. Directly at the tracks themselves, drivers see a white, X-shaped sign mounted on a post at a railroad crossing. What is this specific marker called?
- A. A yield triangle.
- B. A crossbuck.
- C. A chevron marker.
- D. A grade-crossing gate.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
The white X-shaped sign posted directly at railroad tracks is called a crossbuck, and it legally requires drivers to yield to any approaching train, functioning much like a yield sign specific to rail crossings. A gate is the physical barrier arm at some crossings, a yield triangle is a different shape used elsewhere, and chevrons are used to mark sharp curves, not railroad crossings.
39. A round yellow sign with a black X and two R's appears along the roadside well before a set of tracks. What is this sign warning about?
- A. A steep downhill grade.
- B. An upcoming toll booth.
- C. A rest area with fuel services.
- D. An approaching railroad crossing.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: D
The round yellow sign marked with a black X and two R's is the advance warning sign for a railroad crossing, alerting drivers well before the tracks so they can slow down and prepare to stop if a train is approaching. This shape and symbol combination is reserved specifically for railroad crossings and is not used for tolls, grades, or services.
40. Two vehicles reach an uncontrolled intersection with no stop signs or signals at the same moment. Which driver must yield the right-of-way?
- A. Neither driver yields; both proceed simultaneously.
- B. The driver on the right must yield to the driver on the left.
- C. The driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.
- D. Whichever driver is driving a smaller vehicle must yield.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C
At an uncontrolled intersection where no signs or signals assign priority, the universal right-of-way rule is that the vehicle approaching from the left yields to the vehicle approaching from the right, since both arrived at the same instant and a consistent rule prevents confusion. Assuming both drivers can proceed together, or basing yielding on vehicle size, ignores this standard rule and creates a serious collision risk.
41. When entering a roundabout, which vehicles are required to yield?
- A. Vehicles entering the roundabout must yield to vehicles already circulating inside it.
- B. Vehicles already circulating inside the roundabout must yield to entering traffic.
- C. All vehicles stop completely before entering, regardless of other traffic.
- D. Whichever vehicle arrives from the north has automatic priority.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A
Traffic already moving through a roundabout has the right-of-way, so vehicles approaching the roundabout must slow and yield until there is a safe gap to enter the circular flow. Reversing this priority, requiring a full stop for every entry, or granting priority based on compass direction are not how roundabout right-of-way actually functions.
42. A driver sees a person using a white cane and a guide dog preparing to cross the street at an intersection with no traffic signal. What is the driver's obligation?
- A. Come to a complete stop and yield the right-of-way until the pedestrian has crossed safely.
- B. Proceed normally, since pedestrians are always responsible for their own safety.
- C. Only slow down slightly, since a guide dog will safely guide the pedestrian around traffic.
- D. Honk to alert the pedestrian and then continue through the intersection.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A
A pedestrian carrying a white cane or accompanied by a guide dog signals a visual impairment, and drivers are required to stop completely and yield until that pedestrian has safely finished crossing, since the pedestrian may not be able to see or judge approaching vehicles. Simply slowing down, honking, or relying on the guide dog to manage traffic does not satisfy this obligation.
43. A driver approaches an intersection where the cross street has a stop sign but the driver's own street does not. As the driver nears the intersection, what should be expected?
- A. Right-of-way is determined by whichever vehicle is closer to the intersection.
- B. Both drivers must stop regardless of which street has the posted stop sign.
- C. The driver must also stop, since any nearby stop sign applies to all approaches.
- D. The driver has the right-of-way and may proceed, while cross-street traffic is required to stop and yield.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: D
When only the cross street is controlled by a stop sign, traffic on the uncontrolled street has the right-of-way and may proceed through the intersection at a safe speed, while vehicles on the stop-sign-controlled street must stop and yield before entering. Assuming both directions must stop, or that proximity to the intersection determines priority, misunderstands how a two-way stop functions.
44. A driver sees a downward-pointing triangular sign at an intersection ahead. What action does this sign shape require?
- A. Prepare for a mandatory lane merge ahead.
- B. Slow down and yield the right-of-way to crossing or intersecting traffic.
- C. Come to a complete stop before proceeding.
- D. Reduce speed only if other vehicles are present.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
A downward-pointing triangle is the universal shape for a yield sign, instructing drivers to slow down and give the right-of-way to traffic on the road they are entering, stopping only if necessary to avoid a hazard. Unlike a stop sign, a yield sign does not require a complete stop when the way is already clear, and it has nothing to do with lane merges specifically.
45. A rectangular white sign with black lettering displays a maximum number followed by the words MPH. What kind of sign is this?
- A. A regulatory sign establishing the legally enforceable speed limit.
- B. A warning sign about an upcoming hazard.
- C. An advisory sign suggesting a recommended but optional speed.
- D. A guide sign showing distance to the next town.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A
A white rectangular sign with black numbers and the letters MPH is a regulatory speed limit sign, and it sets a legally enforceable maximum speed for that section of road, unlike the yellow advisory speed plaques sometimes posted near curves. Warning and guide signs use different shapes and colors and do not establish legal speed requirements.
46. A driver notices a solid yellow line on their side of the centerline with a broken yellow line on the opposing side. What does this pavement marking allow?
- A. Passing is permitted only for the vehicle on the broken-line side, but only at night.
- B. The vehicle on the broken-line side may pass when safe, while the vehicle on the solid-line side may not.
- C. Passing is prohibited from either direction at all times.
- D. Passing is permitted from either direction at any time.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
When a centerline shows a broken yellow line on one side and a solid yellow line on the other, only the driver on the broken-line side may cross the centerline to pass when it is safe to do so, while the driver on the solid-line side must not cross to pass. This marking allows passing in exactly one direction at a time, not both directions equally and not restricted to nighttime only.
47. A two-lane road has a double solid yellow center line running down the middle for an extended distance. What does this marking communicate to drivers in both directions?
- A. Passing is allowed in both directions if no oncoming traffic is visible.
- B. Only the right lane may be used for passing large vehicles.
- C. Passing is prohibited in both directions along this section.
- D. The road is about to narrow to a single lane ahead.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C
A double solid yellow center line prohibits passing for traffic traveling in either direction, marking the section of road as unsafe to cross the centerline regardless of visibility or vehicle type. It does not create an exception for large vehicles, nor does it specifically indicate the road is about to narrow.
48. The posted speed limit on a road is well above what heavy rain conditions currently allow, since visibility and traction are both reduced. What does the basic speed law require of a driver in this situation?
- A. Increase speed to clear the hazardous area more quickly.
- B. Drive at the posted limit but only during daylight hours.
- C. Continue at the posted limit exactly, since posted limits are fixed regardless of weather.
- D. Drive at a speed slower than the posted limit that is safe for the current conditions.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: D
The basic speed law requires drivers to never exceed a speed that is safe for existing conditions, meaning that in heavy rain with reduced visibility and traction, a safe speed is often well below the posted limit even though the sign has not changed. Treating the posted number as a fixed target regardless of conditions, or speeding up to escape a hazard, misunderstands that the limit is always a maximum, not a guaranteed safe speed.
49. A vehicle traveling at highway speed through standing water on the road suddenly feels the steering become light and unresponsive, a sign of hydroplaning. What is the safest immediate response?
- A. Turn the steering wheel sharply to regain contact with the road surface.
- B. Ease off the accelerator gradually and keep the steering wheel straight until traction returns.
- C. Brake hard immediately to slow down as quickly as possible.
- D. Shift into a lower gear and accelerate slightly to push through the water.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
When a vehicle hydroplanes, its tires lose contact with the pavement on a layer of water, so the safest response is to ease off the gas gradually and hold the steering wheel straight, allowing the tires to regain contact without inducing a skid. Hard braking or sharp steering while the tires have little grip can cause the vehicle to spin or lose control entirely, and accelerating further only worsens the loss of traction.
50. Snow and ice have accumulated on a road overnight, making the surface far more slippery than usual. Besides reducing speed, what other adjustment to driving habits is most important?
- A. Shift into the highest gear available as soon as possible.
- B. Avoid sudden braking or sharp steering inputs that could cause a skid.
- C. Follow more closely so the vehicle ahead can be used as a guide.
- D. Use cruise control to maintain a perfectly constant speed.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
On snow and ice, sudden braking or abrupt steering can easily break the limited traction available and send a vehicle into a skid, so smooth, gradual inputs are essential in addition to slower speeds. Cruise control can prevent the driver from easing off quickly if traction is lost, following closely reduces reaction time rather than helping, and shifting to a high gear does not address traction or control issues.
51. Many states apply a zero-tolerance standard for drivers who are under the legal drinking age. What does a zero-tolerance policy generally mean for these drivers?
- A. They are only restricted from drinking while actually driving, not before.
- B. Any measurable amount of alcohol in their system while driving can result in a violation.
- C. The policy applies only to alcohol, not to any other impairing substance.
- D. They may drive with the same blood alcohol concentration limit as adult drivers.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B
A zero-tolerance policy for underage drivers means that even a small, measurable blood alcohol concentration, well below the adult legal limit, can result in a violation, reflecting the added risk of combining inexperience with any level of impairment. This policy does not use the same higher limit as adult drivers, and impairment from other substances is addressed separately under general impaired-driving rules.
52. A driver stopped by police is asked to take a breath or blood test to check for alcohol impairment. Under implied consent laws, what happens if the driver refuses this test?
- A. Refusal automatically cancels the traffic stop and the driver may leave.
- B. The officer must obtain a separate court order before any test can occur.
- C. Refusal can result in penalties such as license suspension, separate from any impaired-driving charge.
- D. Refusal has no consequence as long as the driver appears sober.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C
Implied consent laws mean that by holding a driver's license, a person has already agreed to submit to alcohol testing when lawfully requested, so refusing the test can trigger its own penalty, such as an automatic license suspension, independent of whether an impaired-driving charge is ultimately proven. Refusal does not end the stop without consequence, and it does not require police to obtain a separate court order for a routine roadside or station test under implied consent.
53. A driver has an open container of an alcoholic beverage sitting within reach in the passenger compartment while the vehicle is being driven on a public road. What general principle does this situation violate?
- A. It is legal as long as the driver has not personally consumed any of it.
- B. It is legal as long as the vehicle is stopped at a red light when checked.
- C. It is only a concern if the container is more than half full.
- D. Open containers of alcohol are generally not permitted to be accessible within the passenger compartment while driving.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: D
Open container rules generally prohibit having an accessible, opened alcoholic beverage within the passenger compartment of a vehicle being driven on a public road, regardless of whether the driver has personally consumed any of it or the vehicle is momentarily stopped. The amount remaining in the container does not change whether the open container itself is a violation.
54. A busy intersection normally controlled by an overhead traffic signal loses all power, leaving every signal head completely dark in all directions. How must approaching drivers treat this intersection?
- A. As an all-way stop, taking turns based on order of arrival and normal right-of-way rules.
- B. As a green light in the driver's own direction, since the absence of a red light implies permission to proceed.
- C. As a closed intersection that must not be entered under any circumstances.
- D. As a yield-only intersection, where slowing without stopping is sufficient.
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A
When a traffic signal completely loses power and shows no lights at all, drivers must treat the intersection as an all-way stop, coming to a complete stop and proceeding based on order of arrival and standard right-of-way rules, just as they would at an intersection with stop signs on every approach. Assuming a dark signal implies a green light, that the intersection is closed entirely, or that slowing without stopping is sufficient are all unsafe misinterpretations.

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Key facts: New Jersey Road Signs exam

MCQ questions

80% (40 of 50 questions)

To pass

Exam fee

The New Jersey Road Signs is administered by New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), with 50 scored questions and a 80% (40 of 50 questions) result.

This free New Jersey Road Signs practice test has 54 original questions written to New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC)'s official content outline, last checked against it on August 9, 2026. Every question shows a worked explanation, and nothing here requires a signup.

As of 2026, the New Jersey Road Signs exam fee is $0 (the 50-question knowledge test includes one additional, non-scored organ-donation survey question).

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Official sources

Every exam fact on this page traces to a primary document published by the body that administers the exam.

New Jersey Driver Manual (Revised 09/25)New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commissionnj.gov
NJ MVC | Sample Knowledge TestNew Jersey Motor Vehicle Commissionnj.gov
New Jersey driver knowledge test — official test descriptionNew Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC)nj.gov
NJ MVC | License and Permit FeesNew Jersey Motor Vehicle Commissionnj.gov

Last verified against the official exam content outline: August 9, 2026

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the real New Jersey knowledge test?

The New Jersey knowledge test has 50 questions covering road signs and the rules of the road, plus one additional survey question about organ donation that is not scored.

What score do I need to pass the NJ MVC knowledge test?

You need to answer 80 percent of the questions correctly, which means getting at least 40 of the 50 questions right.

Is the road-signs section separate from the rest of the knowledge test?

No, road signs are folded into the single 50-question knowledge test rather than tested as a standalone section, so you'll see sign-identification questions mixed in with rules-of-the-road questions. Review the New Jersey Driver Manual for the full range of signs that can appear.

How should I use this practice test to prepare?

Work through the practice questions untimed first to identify weak spots, then retake sets under exam-like conditions until you're consistently scoring above the passing threshold. Focus extra review on any sign shapes or colors you keep missing.

Is this NJ road-signs practice test free, and do I need to sign up?

Yes, this practice test is free to use and doesn't require creating an account or signing up.