10 Common DMV Questions about Road Markings
Knowing Pavement Markings is Important for Your DMV Test
Your official DMV driver license test has one or two questions about road markings.
It’s a good idea to truly understand the difference between white and yellow lines, and the meaning of broken (dashed) and solid lines.
Question 1: Yellow lines:
- A. Separate traffic going in opposite directions
- B. Separate traffic going in the same direction
- C. Separate on-ramps and off-ramps from the main highway.
CORRECT ANSWER: A.
Yellow lines separate traffic going in opposite directions. On divided highways they mark the left edge.
Question 2: White lines:
- A. Separate traffic going in opposite directions
- B. Mark the middle of the highway.
- C. Separate traffic going in the same direction
CORRECT ANSWER: C.
White lines separate lanes of traffic going in the same direction. A white line also marks the right edge of the highway.
Broken and Solid White Lines
Question 3: A broken white line between lanes:
- A. Can be crossed to change lanes
- B. Can be crossed only to turn left into a driveway
- C. Marks a special two-way turn lane
CORRECT ANSWER: A.
You may cross a broken white line to change lanes when it is safe to do so. Broken (or dashed) lines indicate a permissive condition.
Question 4: A single solid white line between lanes can be crossed:
- A. Only when a special situation requires it
- B. Only to turn left into a side road
- C. Under no circumstances
CORRECT ANSWER: A.
Single solid white lines are used when crossing the lines is discouraged. Don’t cross the line unless you must do so to avoid a hazard.
Question 5: A double solid white line between lanes can be crossed:
- A. Only when a special situation requires it
- B. Only to turn left into a side road
- C. Under no circumstances
CORRECT ANSWER: C.
A double white line prohibits lane changes. Double lines indicate maximum restrictions.
Broken and Solid Yellow Lines
Question 6: A broken yellow center line:
- A. Can be crossed only when making a left turn
- B. May be crossed when passing other vehicles, if safe.
- C. Cannot be crossed under any circumstances
CORRECT ANSWER: B.
A single broken yellow line marks the center of a two-way roadway. Traffic traveling in either direction may pass other vehicles with care and when safe.
Question 7: You may cross a double solid yellow line:
- A. When making a left turn
- B. When passing other vehicles, if safe.
- C. Under no circumstances
CORRECT ANSWER: A.
If there is a double solid yellow line in the center of the road, you are in a no-passing zone. You cannot cross the line to pass other vehicles. You may, however, cross the line as part of a left-turn maneuver.
Question 8: A broken yellow line alongside a solid yellow line means:
- A. Passing is not allowed in any direction
- B. Passing on the left is permitted in either direction, if safe.
- C. Passing is allowed if the broken line is on your side
CORRECT ANSWER: C.
When double yellow lines are broken on right (“your side”) and solid on left, you may pass other vehicles if it is safe to do so. Drivers from opposite direction (with a solid line on their side) are not allowed to pass.
Other Road Markings
Question 9: A center lane marked on both sides by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line is used for:
- A. Emergencies
- B. Left turns
- C. Both right and left turns
CORRECT ANSWER: B.
A center turn lane has solid yellow and broken yellow lines on both sides. You may enter this lane from any direction to make a left turn. In most states, you can also enter this when making a left turn from a side road or driveway.
Question 10: This pavement symbol marks:
- A. Lanes shared by bicyclists and motorists
- B. Lanes reserved for left turns
- C. Lanes reserved for bicyclists
CORRECT ANSWER: A.
Sharrows (shared roadway bicycle markings) reminds motorists that bicyclists can lawfully use this lane. They also assist bicyclists with positioning on a shared roadway.
Learn more:
DMV Test Preparations – Road Markings
This video shows everything you need to learn about pavement markings and road lines for your DMV test.
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