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1. Stop Sign – More Than Just a Pause
Most people know what a stop sign means. But during your road test, it's not just about stopping—it's about how and where you stop.
What It Looks Like: Red octagon with white letters
What to Do:
- Come to a complete stop at the white line or before entering the crosswalk.
- Count to three seconds.
- Check left, right, then left again.
- Common Mistake: Rolling stops (also called California stops) will cost you points. Always come to a hard stop, even if no one is around.
Test Tip: If visibility is blocked, stop first, then creep forward slowly for a better view before continuing.
2. Yield Sign – Know When to Wait
- Slow down and be prepared to give the right of way.
- Let vehicles or pedestrians who are already in motion go first.
3. Do Not Enter – One-Way Mistake Prevention
- Never go past this sign. If you accidentally do, pull over safely and turn around as soon as possible.
4. No U-Turn – Don’t Flip the Script
Just because a road looks clear doesn’t mean it’s legal to turn around.
What It Looks Like: Black U-turn arrow with a red slash through it
What to Do:
- Don’t make a U-turn here.
- Find a designated turnaround point or intersection where U-turns are permitted.
Test Tip: Making a U-turn where this sign is posted can be an automatic fail. Always check for signage before making directional changes.
5. School Zone – Always Slow Down
Speeding through a school zone is one of the most serious infractions you can make.
What It Looks Like: Yellow pentagon with two figures walking
What to Do:
- Reduce speed to the posted limit (often 20 mph or less)
- Stay alert for crossing guards, buses, and children on sidewalks
When It Applies: During posted school hours, and sometimes even outside of them. When in doubt, slow down.
Test Tip: Speeding in a school zone is often considered a non-negotiable fail on most state exams.
6. Traffic Signal Ahead – Don’t Get Caught Off Guard
This warning gives you time to prepare before reaching a traffic light that may not be easily visible.
What It Looks Like: Yellow diamond with a traffic signal icon
What to Do:
- Ease off the gas
- Prepare to stop if the light is red or turning yellow
Real-World Scenario: You're going around a curve and suddenly see brake lights. If you'd seen the sign, you would have been ready. Now you’re slamming your brakes.
Pro Tip: Always scan far ahead so you don’t miss these signs.
7. Deer Crossing – It's No Joke
Deer strikes cause thousands of vehicle accidents a year. These signs are for real.
What It Looks Like: Yellow diamond with a leaping deer silhouette
Where You'll See It: Rural roads, wooded areas, highways near open fields
What to Do:
- Slow down
- Stay alert, especially at dawn or dusk
Test Tip: In areas with deer signs, your examiner may test how alert and cautious you are.
Memory Trick: See a deer sign? Ease up and scan the road edges.
8. Steep Hill / Grade – Control Your Descent
This sign warns you about a steep downgrade ahead.
What It Looks Like: Yellow diamond with a truck heading downhill
What to Do:
- Shift to a lower gear if using a manual transmission
- Use engine braking rather than panic braking
Why It Matters: Braking hard on a steep hill can cause your tires to skid, especially in wet conditions. This is also a major cause of overheating brakes in trucks.
Test Tip: You may be asked how to respond to this sign during your written exam.
9. Merge Sign – Share the Road Smoothly
Merging is about timing, space, and awareness.
What It Looks Like: Yellow diamond with an arrow merging from the side
What to Do:
- Signal early
- Check mirrors and blind spots
- Adjust your speed to merge smoothly
Common Mistake: Speeding up aggressively to cut someone off or braking suddenly at the merge point.
Pro Tip: Show your instructor that you can adapt, anticipate, and communicate with other drivers.
10. Slippery When Wet – Weather Warning
This sign is a heads-up to reduce speed and increase caution.
What It Looks Like: Yellow diamond with a car and wavy skid marks
When It Applies: Rain, ice, oil patches, wet leaves
What to Do:
- Slow down before curves
- Avoid sudden acceleration or braking
Memory Trick: Wavy lines = wobbly car. Stay smooth and steady.
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