Your FREE DMV Flashcards 2026 – 200+ Cards

Always a STOP sign — the only 8-sided sign. Come to a complete stop, yield, then go when it is safe.

A YIELD sign. Slow down, give the right-of-way to other traffic and pedestrians, and stop if needed.

A general warning sign — a curve, hill, merge, or other hazard is ahead. Slow down and stay alert.

A construction or work-zone warning. Slow down, watch for workers, and obey flaggers and lane shifts.

A school zone or school-crossing sign. Watch for children and be ready to slow to the school-zone limit.

A no-passing-zone warning, posted on the left side of the road. Do not pass beyond this point.

A railroad-crossing advance warning. A train track crosses the road ahead — slow down and be ready to stop.

The white X-shaped 'RAILROAD CROSSING' sign at the tracks. It means yield — give way to any approaching train.

A regulatory sign — it tells you a law you must obey (speed limit, one way, lane use, no turns).

Stop or prohibition (stop, yield, do not enter, wrong way, no turns).

A general warning of a hazard ahead (curve, intersection, slippery road, deer crossing).

Construction and maintenance work zones — slow down and expect workers, equipment, and lane changes.

Guide and directional information — distances, destinations, exits, and street names.

Motorist services — gas, food, lodging, hospitals, and rest areas.

Recreation and points of interest — parks, campgrounds, historic and scenic sites.

Stop and stay stopped behind the line until the light turns green. A right turn on red is allowed in most states after a full stop, unless prohibited.

The light is about to turn red. Stop if you can do so safely; do not speed up to beat the light.

Go if the intersection is clear. When turning, you must still yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

Treat it exactly like a STOP sign: come to a complete stop, yield, then proceed when it is safe.

A caution signal — slow down, stay alert, and proceed carefully through the intersection.

Stop — no turn in the direction of the arrow until it turns green, even if the way looks clear.

A protected movement in the direction of the arrow — you may go that way, and oncoming traffic is stopped.

Treat the intersection as an all-way (four-way) stop — every direction stops and takes turns.

No passing — do not cross it to pass. Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions.

Passing is allowed when it is safe; the line still separates opposing directions of traffic.

No passing in either direction. You may cross only to turn into or out of a driveway when safe.

Discourages or prohibits lane changes — stay in your lane. White lines separate same-direction traffic.

Separates lanes going the same direction; you may change lanes across it when it is safe.

A shared center lane for left turns only, used by traffic from both directions. Never use it to pass or travel.

Stop behind this line at a stop sign or red light. If there is no line, stop before the crosswalk.

Mark where pedestrians cross. Stop before them and yield to anyone in or entering the crosswalk.

Slow down, prepare to stop, and give the right-of-way to traffic and pedestrians before proceeding.

Come to a complete stop at the line, yield to all cross traffic and pedestrians, then go when clear.

A white horizontal bar in a red circle — you may not enter; the roadway is one-way against you.

You are traveling against traffic on a one-way road or ramp. Stop, then turn around safely.

Traffic moves only in the direction of the arrow on this street; never drive against it.

Overrides the usual right-on-red allowance — you may not turn on the red signal where it is posted.

A regulatory sign giving the maximum legal speed in good conditions; you must drive slower when needed.

An orange-and-red reflective triangle on a vehicle that travels under 25 mph — slow down and pass with care.

A roundabout is ahead. Slow down, yield to traffic already circulating, and enter when there is a safe gap.

Two lanes of traffic are about to join. Adjust your speed and position to blend in smoothly and safely.

The road ahead splits into separate roadways by a median. Keep right and watch for one-way traffic.

A yellow warning that the road becomes slick in rain or snow. Slow down and increase following distance.

Animals may be on the road ahead. Scan the roadsides, slow down, and be ready to stop, especially at dusk.

Watch for people crossing ahead. Slow down and be ready to yield at the crosswalk.

Cyclists may be on or crossing the road ahead. Slow down and give them room.

A green arrow means the lane is open; a red X means it is closed — move out of it safely.

A white diamond on the pavement marks a high-occupancy-vehicle lane reserved for cars with multiple riders.

A yellow sign showing a bend ahead, often with an advisory speed — slow before you enter the curve.

A lower speed limit begins soon. Begin slowing now so you are at the new limit when you reach the sign.

Regulatory signs (white/red) tell you a law you must obey; warning signs (yellow/orange) alert you to a hazard ahead.

Reduce to the posted school-zone limit when lights flash or children are present; fines are often higher here.

A large white 'RXR' and stop line painted on the road warn that train tracks cross ahead — be ready to stop.

Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions; white lines separate traffic moving the same way.

Marks the outer edge of the travel lane; stay inside it except when legally pulling off the road.

A white arrow painted in a lane means that lane must be used for the movement shown (left, right, or straight).

Even if the words are unreadable, the shape and color tell you it is a general warning — slow and stay alert.

Steady red: stop and wait for green. Flashing red: stop, yield, then go when safe — like a STOP sign.

Steady yellow: prepare to stop, the light is changing. Flashing yellow: slow down and proceed with caution.

The pennant-shaped 'No Passing Zone' sign is posted on the LEFT side of the road, facing the driver.

Right-of-way is given, never taken. When unsure who goes first, yield. Lawful right-of-way protects you only if you use it safely.

The first vehicle to come to a complete stop goes first. If two stop at the same time, the one on the left yields to the one on the right.

A driver turning left must yield to oncoming traffic going straight and to pedestrians before completing the turn.

When pulling onto a road from a driveway, alley, or parking lot, yield to all traffic and pedestrians already on the road.

With no signs or signals, slow down and yield to any vehicle that arrived first or is on your right.

Traffic on the road that ends (the stem of the T) yields to traffic on the through road.

Always yield and stop for pedestrians in or entering a crosswalk; never pass a vehicle stopped for a pedestrian.

When a police car, fire truck, or ambulance uses lights and siren, pull to the right edge of the road and stop until it passes.

Yield to traffic already circulating, enter to the right when there is a gap, keep moving counter-clockwise, and signal before exiting.

In most states you may turn right on a steady red after a full stop, unless a sign prohibits it, yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic.

Many states allow a left turn on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street after a complete stop, unless a sign forbids it.

Posted limits are the maximum for ideal conditions. You must slow below them for rain, fog, traffic, curves, or poor visibility.

You must always drive at a speed that is reasonable and safe for current conditions — even when that is below the posted limit.

Slow to the posted school-zone limit (often 15–25 mph) when children are present or the warning lights are flashing.

Unposted limits are typically around 25 mph in cities, towns, and residential areas — exact figures vary by state.

Open-highway and freeway limits are higher (often 55–75 mph, set by each state). Always obey the posted number.

Driving far below the flow of traffic can be unsafe and illegal on highways; keep up with traffic when conditions allow.

Signal at least 100 feet (about 5 seconds on the highway) before turning or changing lanes so others can react.

Turn from the lane closest to the direction you are going: right turns from the right lane, left turns from the left lane.

Pass only where markings allow, when oncoming lanes are clear, and return only after you can see the passed vehicle in your mirror.

Never pass on a hill or curve, near an intersection or railroad crossing, or where a solid line is on your side.

Keep right except to pass. Slower traffic should stay in the right lane; left lanes are for passing.

Make a full stop behind the stop line or crosswalk, look left-right-left, and proceed only when it is clear.

A driver turning across traffic (a left turn) must wait for a safe gap and yield to vehicles coming straight through.

Make U-turns only where they are legal and safe, never on a curve or hill where you cannot be seen, and yield to all traffic.

Do not park within about 15 feet of a fire hydrant (the exact distance varies by state) so it stays accessible.

Turn your front wheels toward the curb and set the parking brake so the car rolls into the curb, not into traffic.

Turn your front wheels away from the curb (with a curb) so the rear tire catches the curb if the car rolls back.

Never park in a crosswalk, on a sidewalk, in front of a driveway, in a bike lane, or where a sign prohibits it.

A staged system that eases new (usually teen) drivers in — learner's permit, then a restricted/provisional license, then full privileges.

The first GDL stage. The holder may drive only with a licensed adult in the front seat and after passing the knowledge test.

The middle GDL stage, often with night-driving and passenger limits for new drivers until they gain experience.

New drivers crash most in their first months; phasing in privileges gives low-risk practice and reduces teen crashes.

By driving, you agree to take a chemical test for alcohol or drugs if lawfully arrested for impaired driving; refusing brings a license suspension.

Most states add demerit points to your record for violations; accumulating too many in a set period can suspend your license.

Even with a green light, you must yield to pedestrians already in the crosswalk before turning.

Yield to a funeral procession and do not cut into or through it; the lead vehicle usually shows its hazard or flashing lights.

Always yield to a pedestrian using a white cane or guide dog; they have the right-of-way and may not see you.

At an intersection with no controls, the vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right when both arrive together.

Use the on-ramp to match the speed of freeway traffic, then merge into a gap; entering traffic yields to traffic already on the freeway.

A driver changing lanes must yield to vehicles already in the target lane and signal before moving over.

Check behind the vehicle before and while backing, turn to look over your shoulder, and back slowly; yield to all traffic and pedestrians.

Insisting on the right-of-way when another driver does not yield can cause a crash; give it up to stay safe.

When a bus shows flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, you must stop in both directions, except where a physical median divides the road.

Stop before the crosswalk or stop line, not on it, so pedestrians have a clear, safe path across.

Stay at least three seconds behind the vehicle ahead. Pick a fixed point it passes, then count 'one-thousand-one, -two, -three.'

Add a second or more in rain, fog, snow, heavy traffic, at night, or when following a motorcycle or large truck.

Keep open space on all sides of your vehicle so you have room to brake, steer, or escape a hazard.

Areas beside and behind your car that mirrors do not show. Turn your head to check them before changing lanes.

Look 10–15 seconds (a block or more) down the road, not just at the car ahead, so you spot hazards early.

Glance at your mirrors every few seconds and before braking, turning, or changing lanes to stay aware of traffic around you.

It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher (0.04% for commercial drivers).

Driving Under the Influence (or While Intoxicated) — operating a vehicle impaired by alcohol or drugs; a serious, often jailable offense.

Drivers under 21 may have essentially no alcohol in their system; even a very low BAC is a violation in every state.

Alcohol slows reaction time, blurs vision, and impairs judgment. Only time makes you sober — coffee and cold air do not.

Illegal drugs, marijuana, and even some prescription or over-the-counter medicines can impair driving and lead to a DUI.

Fatigue impairs you much like alcohol. If you feel sleepy, pull over to rest — open windows and radio do not keep you awake.

Anything that takes your eyes, hands, or mind off driving — texting, phones, eating, or grooming — sharply raises crash risk.

Most states ban texting while driving, and many ban holding a phone; use hands-free mode and keep your attention on the road.

Buckle up every trip; seat belts greatly reduce injury and death and are required by law in nearly every state.

Children must ride in an age- and size-appropriate car seat or booster; younger children belong in the back seat.

Air bags work with seat belts, not instead of them. Keep a safe distance from the steering wheel and never disable them.

Total stopping distance = perception + reaction + braking distance, and it grows sharply as speed increases.

Higher speed means longer stopping distance and far greater crash force, so excessive speed is a leading cause of fatal crashes.

At higher speeds on wet roads, tires can ride up on a film of water and lose grip. Slow down and avoid standing water.

Ease off the gas, do not slam the brakes, and steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go.

Slow down, turn on low-beam headlights, increase following distance, and use wipers; the first rain after a dry spell is most slippery.

Slow down, use low beams (high beams reflect back and reduce vision), and if it is too thick, pull completely off the road.

Slow way down, brake and steer gently, increase following distance, and watch for black ice on bridges and shaded spots.

Reduce speed, use high beams on open road, and dim to low beams for oncoming traffic and when following closely.

Switch to low beams within about 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and about 200–300 feet behind one you are following.

Driving so fast you cannot stop within the distance your headlights light up is dangerous; slow to a safe speed at night.

Turn on headlights from dusk to dawn and any time weather (rain, fog, snow) reduces visibility; many states require them with wipers.

Use them when stopped or disabled on or beside the road to warn others; most states bar using them while driving normally.

Shift to a lower gear to use engine braking and avoid overheating (fading) the brakes from constant pressure.

Worn or underinflated tires reduce grip and raise the risk of skids and blowouts; check tread and pressure regularly.

Pump the brakes, downshift, and use the parking brake gradually; steer to a safe spot and warn others with horn and flashers.

Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, let the car slow, and steer straight; do not brake hard until you have control.

Anticipating hazards and others' mistakes, keeping a space cushion, and always having an escape path to avoid crashes.

Tailgating, weaving, and speeding endanger everyone. Stay calm, give angry drivers room, and do not engage or retaliate.

Set your seat and mirrors before driving so you can reach the controls, see clearly, and minimize blind spots.

A minimum following gap of two seconds in ideal conditions; three or more seconds is safer and standard for most situations.

Strong emotions impair judgment like fatigue or alcohol. Calm down before driving and avoid taking feelings out on the road.

Turn on low beams entering tunnels or heavy shade so you can see and be seen as light changes quickly.

Do not use cruise control on wet, icy, or snowy roads — it can keep power on during a skid and worsen loss of control.

Use your visor, slow down, and look toward the right edge of your lane to keep your bearings until the glare passes.

Long, monotonous driving can dull alertness. Keep your eyes moving, take breaks, and stay engaged with the road.

Avoid flooded roads — 'Turn Around, Don't Drown.' Even shallow moving water can stall the engine or sweep a car away.

With ABS, press and hold firm, steady pressure in an emergency stop and steer; do not pump the brakes.

Stay back so you can see and be seen; trucks have big blind spots ('No-Zones') and need much longer to stop.

Officers may test impairment with field tasks or a breath/blood test; impaired driving brings fines, license loss, and jail.

There is no safe number of drinks. Plan a sober driver, rideshare, or stay put — the test rewards the most cautious choice.

When a school bus shows flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, stop in both directions and wait until it withdraws — except where a physical median divides the road.

The bus is about to stop. Slow down and prepare to stop; do not try to pass it before the red lights come on.

A painted center line or turn lane is NOT a median; you must still stop. Only a raised barrier or grassy median exempts oncoming traffic.

Give motorcycles a full lane and extra following distance; they are small, easy to miss, and can stop quickly.

Always look twice and check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or turning — motorcycles hide easily.

Riders shift within a lane to be seen and avoid hazards; do not crowd them or treat the extra space as room to share the lane.

Treat cyclists as vehicles, pass with at least 3 feet of space (where required), and check for them before turning right.

Before turning right, yield to and merge carefully around bicyclists in the bike lane; do not cut them off.

Trucks have large blind spots front, rear, and sides. If you cannot see the driver's mirror, they cannot see you.

A large truck may swing left before turning right; never try to pass it on the right while it is turning.

Pass promptly on the left, avoid lingering beside it, and return only when you can see its full front in your mirror.

Pull to the right edge of the road and stop until it passes; if you are in an intersection, clear it first, then pull over.

Move one lane away from a stopped emergency, police, tow, or service vehicle showing flashing lights; if you cannot, slow down and pass with caution.

Slow down, obey reduced limits and flaggers, expect sudden stops and lane shifts, and watch for workers; fines are often doubled.

A flagger's signals override signs and signals. Follow their directions to stop, slow, or proceed through the zone.

Slow down, look and listen, and never stop on the tracks. If gates lower or lights flash, stop and wait for the train to pass.

Get everyone out and away from the tracks immediately, then call the posted emergency number or 911 — never try to move the car.

Yield to pedestrians in or entering any crosswalk, marked or unmarked, and never pass a car stopped for a pedestrian.

Slow down, expect sudden movements, and stop for crossing guards; children may dart into the street without looking.

Tractors and other slow vehicles displaying the orange triangle travel under 25 mph; slow down and pass only when safe and legal.

Slow down, do not swerve hard (you could lose control or hit something worse), brake straight, and watch for more animals.

Pedestrians are hard to see after dark; reduce speed and scan crosswalks and roadsides, especially in towns and near bars.

Give trucks and buses extra room in a roundabout; they may need both lanes, so do not drive beside them through the circle.

Yield to a transit bus signaling to re-enter traffic where required by law, and never pass a bus stopped to load passengers unsafely.

Do not cut into or break up a funeral procession; the vehicles usually follow a lead car with flashers and stay together.

Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and roadside workers have little protection; give them extra space, time, and attention.

Reduced work-zone limits apply whether or not workers are present; slow to the posted number to avoid a costly ticket and a crash.

If an emergency vehicle approaches while you are in an intersection, continue through and clear it before pulling to the right.

Avoid driving in severe weather; if water covers the road, turn around. Pull off safely if visibility or control is lost.

Use lower gears downhill, watch for runaway-truck ramps and slow vehicles, and yield to uphill traffic on narrow roads.

Use the entrance ramp to reach traffic speed, and slow only after you have left the freeway on the exit ramp.

Pull completely off the road, turn on hazard flashers, and stay aware of passing traffic; exit the car on the side away from traffic.

Get the vehicle off the travel lanes if possible, use flashers and warning devices, and stand well away from traffic.

Pass only with a clear view ahead, a broken line on your side, and enough room to return safely before oncoming traffic arrives.

Give buses room to merge and stop, watch for loading passengers, and never pass on the side where people board or exit.

Where deer or other animals are common, slow down at dawn and dusk, use high beams when alone, and scan the road edges.

Give people in wheelchairs or using walkers or canes extra time and space; they have the right-of-way in crosswalks.

Stay at least 500 feet behind a responding emergency vehicle (where required); do not tailgate or follow to 'beat' traffic.

Slow early, watch for pedestrians and responders, move over for stopped vehicles, and follow any directions from officers.

Heavy trucks lose speed climbing hills and gain it descending; give them room and do not box them in on grades.

Cyclists may proceed straight from a bike lane while you turn right; yield and check before crossing their path.

Watch for opening doors, pedestrians stepping out, and cars pulling from the curb; leave room and cover the brake.

Stop and wait when a crossing guard signals; their direction controls the intersection while children cross.

Yield to trains and streetcars, never turn across their path against a signal, and watch for riders crossing to and from stops.

Do not engage. Let them pass, keep your distance, avoid eye contact, and report dangerous driving when you can safely.

Slow down, do not honk or rev your engine, and pass wide and slowly so you do not startle the animal.

Obey responders' directions, slow to the posted or safe speed, and move over to protect people working at the scene.

Core rules (signs, signals, DUI ~0.08%, right-of-way, GDL) are shared nationwide, but specific limits, ages, and penalties are set by each state — always check your state's driver manual.