VA Driver's Ed

A broken yellow line alongside a solid yellow line

A broken yellow line alongside a solid yellow line means that passing is allowed from the side of the broken line, but not from the side of the solid line

Flashing yellow light

A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed with caution. Flashing yellow lights are at locations with higher-than-normal hazardous conditions.

Crossroad

A four-way intersection is ahead. Be ready to yield the right-of-way.

A painted curb

A painted curb means that you must follow special rules to park there. Check with the locality for specific meanings.

Side Road

A road joins from the right. Be alert for vehicles entering the roadway you are traveling on.

Hill

A steep grade is ahead. Check your brakes.

Low Ground Railroad Crossing

A steep slope where the railroad tracks cross the road may cause the bottom of low vehicles to get caught or drag on the tracks.

Keep Right:

A traffic island, median or barrier is ahead. Keep to the side indicated by the arrow.

Yellow X

A yellow X signal means that you should move out of the lane as soon as safely possible.

Traffic Signs

The shape of a traffic sign communicates important information about the sign's message. In poor visibility conditions, such as heavy fog, you may be able to make out only the shape of a sign.

Perception time

The time it takes you to recognize a hazard.

White lane arrows are curved or straight

White lane arrows are curved or straight. If you are in a lane marked with a curved arrow or a curved arrow and the word ONLY, you must turn in the direction of the arrow. If your lane is marked with both a curved and straight arrow, you may turn or go straight

Yellow center lines

Yellow center lines mean two-way traffic, flowing in opposite directions.

Yield ahead symbol

Yield ahead symbol is an outline of a triangle painted in the lane before the place where you must yield.

Yielding the Right-of-Way

Yield also means to stop if you cannot merge safely into the flow of traffic.

Yield line

Yield line is a line of triangles extending across the roadway that may be used with a yield sign to show the point at which you must yield or stop, if necessary.

Green Arrow

You are permitted to drive in a lane marked with a green arrow signal.

Regulatory or guide signs

inform you of the law; you must obey their instructions. Remember that a red circle with a slash means NO — the symbol inside the circle tells you what is prohibited.

Painted curb - Yellow

Stop only long enough to load or unload. Stay with your car.

Painted curb - White

Stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers.

Traffic Crashes

Stop; give any help; report the crash; exchange information; and notify.

Tailgating

Tailgating is when the driver behind you is following too closely. If you find yourself in this situation, do not brake suddenly. If possible, move over to another lane, or gently tap your brakes to flash your brake lights and slow down. This should encourage the tailgater to pass you or slow down.

Distracted Driving

Text messaging or reading of text messages while driving is illegal for all drivers.

Braking distance

The distance your car travels after you apply the brakes.

Perception time

The distance your vehicle travels between the time you recognize a problem and the time you apply the brakes.

Divided Highway Begins

The highway ahead is split into two separate roadways by a median or divider and each roadway is one-way. Keep right.

Divided Highway Ends

The highway ahead no longer has a median or divider. Traffic goes in both directions. Keep right.

Backing

The most common mistake that drivers make when backing up is failing to look both ways behind them. Mirrors do not give you a full view. To see as much as possible, turn your body and head to the right and look out through the rear window. Back up slowly and check for pedestrians and approaching traffic by glancing quickly to either side.

Low Clearance Sign:

The overpass ahead has a low clearance. Do not proceed if your vehicle is taller than the height shown on the sign

Lane Reduction:

The right lane ends soon. Drivers in the right lane must merge left when space opens up. Drivers in the left lane should allow other vehicles to merge smoothly.

Right Curve - Side Road

The road ahead curves right and a side road joins from the left within the curve. Be alert for vehicles entering the roadway you are traveling on.

Right and Left Curves:

The road ahead curves right, then left. Slow down.

Right Curve with Safe Speed Indicator

The road ahead curves right. Slow down to the safe speed limit indicated.

Winding Road

The road ahead winds with a series of turns or curves. On all curves, slow down for better control.

T Intersection

The roadway you are traveling on ends ahead. Signal before turning right or left.

Red arrow

Virginia law prohibits right and left turns at red arrow lights.

Lights

Virginia law requires motorists to use headlights during inclement weather such as rain, fog, snow or sleet when visibility is reduced to 500 feet. You must use your headlights whenever you use your windshield wipers as a result of bad weather.

Pedestrian Crossing:

Watch for people entering a crosswalk or crossing your path. Slow down and be prepared to stop. Signs may display horizontal lines showing the point where a crosswalk exists. A second sign with an arrow may show the actual location of the crosswalk. (Signs may also be bright yellow- green.)

Approaching vehicles - opposite direction

When emergency vehicles approach you in the oppo- site lane on an undivided highway, you must pull over to the edge of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle passes.

Parking

When parking on a public road, move as far from traffic as possible. If you park on a shoulder, pull over as far on the shoulder as possible. If you park next to a curb, pull close to it. You may not park more than one foot from the curb. On a two-way street, park on the right side of the road. On a one- way road, park on either side.

Slippery When Wet

When pavement is wet, reduce your speed. Do not brake hard or change direction suddenly. Increase the distance between your car and the one ahead of you.

Turn Signals

When you plan to turn, signal three or four seconds, 100 feet, ahead of your turn. Be aware that drivers planning to turn into your lane may not know exactly where you will turn; drivers may pull out in front of you. Be alert.

Flaggers

"Flaggers are construction workers who normally wear orange or yellow vests, or yellow-green shirts or jackets. They use STOP/SLOW paddles and red flags to direct traffic through the work zone and to let other workers or construction vehicles cross the road.

Crossbuck, Flashing Lights and Gate

"Gates are used with flashing light signals at some crossings. Stop when the lights begin to flash and before the gate lowers. Remain stopped until the gates are raised and the lights stop flashing. Do not attempt to drive around the lowered gate.

Painted curb - Blue

"Parking is reserved for persons with disabilities

Roundabouts

"Roundabouts, rotaries, circular intersections and traffic circles are all terms for intersections with a circular island in the center. Roundabouts may have one or more lanes. Entering traffic must yield the right-of-way to traffic already in the circle. Each road approaching the roundabout is marked with a yield sign and may also have yield line markings on the pavement. However, rotaries and other circles may have stop signs. Drivers must pay attention and obey the signs."

Rough Road, Bump, or Uneven Lanes

"These signs are used when certain road conditions, such as loose gravel or road construction, affect the roadway surface and create potentially difficult conditions for motorists, especially motorcyclists.

Aggressive Driving

"This dangerous driving behavior is defined by Virginia law as the intent to harass, intimidate, injure or obstruct another person while committing one or more traffic offenses such as failing to stop or yield the right-of-way, avoiding a traffic control device or failing to give way to an overtaking vehicle.

Pentagon (School Zone/School Crossing):

"This five-sided shape marks school zones and warns you about school crossings. Signs may display horizontal lines indicating the point at which a crosswalk exists. Two signs may be used together to show the actual location of the crosswalk. (Signs may also be bright yellow-green.)

To make a left turn

"To make a left turn you should be in the furthest left lane possible. Signal your intent to turn by using the proper turn signal. You should signal at least three to four seconds, 100 feet, ahead of the turn. Look in all directions, checking the intersection for pedestrians and traffic coming from the opposite direction. Keep your front wheels pointed straight ahead until you are actually going to make the left turn"

high-beam

"Use high-beam headlights on highways, unless another vehicle is within 500 feet coming toward you. If the high- beams of an oncoming car are on, avoid looking directly at the bright lights. Glance toward the side of the road, then look quickly ahead to determine the other vehicle's position. Keep doing this until you have passed the other vehicle. Even if the other driver does not dim his headlights, do not turn on your high-beam headlights

Slow Moving Vehicle

"Vehicles that travel at 25 MPH or less, such as farm equipment and horse-drawn vehicles, must display these signs when using a public highway. Be prepared to adjust your speed or position when you see a vehicle with one of these signs.

Yielding to Stopped vehicles

"When approaching a stopped vehicle with flashing lights on a four lane highway, you must change to a lane not next to the emergency vehicle, if you can change lanes safely. If you are unable to safely change lanes, reduce your speed and proceed with caution. Violations can result in court suspension of your driver's license and demerit points on your driving record. You may not park within 500 feet of where fire trucks or equipment are stopped answering an alarm."

Yellow light or arrow

A yellow light or arrow are cautions warning that the light is about to change. If you have not entered the intersection, stop. If you are already in the intersection, go through it. Do not speed up to beat the light.

Railroad Crossing

Advance warning signs are placed before a railroad crossing. These signs warn you to look, listen, slow down and be prepared to stop for trains or any vehicles using the rails.

Flashing red light

At a flashing red light, come to a complete stop and yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. You may go when the way is clear. At a railroad crossing, you must come to a complete stop even if you don't see a train.

Green light or arrow

At a green light, you may go if the way is clear. At a green arrow, you may go in the direction of the arrow if the way is clear. If you are turning, you must yield the right-of-way to vehicles coming from the other direction and pedestrians in the intersection. If a traffic light changes from red to green while a pedestrian is in the street, allow the pedestrian to cross the street before turning.

Red light

At a red light, come to a complete stop before you reach the intersection, stop line or crosswalk. Remain stopped unless turns are allowed on red.

Right turn on red

At some intersections you may turn right while the traffic light is red. Before turning, you must come to a complete stop. Look both ways and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic. Be sure to check for less visible vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles and mopeds. You may not turn right if signs are posted at the intersection that read "No Turn on Red."

Night Driving

At sunset, as soon as light begins to fade, turn on your headlights to make your vehicle more visible to others. You must use headlights from sunset to sunrise.

Traffic Control Devices

Barricades, vertical signs, concrete barriers, drums and cones are the most common devices used to guide drivers safely through work zones. When driving near the devices, keep your vehicle in the middle of the lane and obey the posted speed limit. As you leave the work zone, stay in your lane and maintain your speed. Don't change lanes until you are completely clear of the work zone.

Changing Lanes

Before changing lanes, check your side and rearview mirrors for traffic approaching you from behind. Then, use your turn signal to let other drivers know you plan to change lanes. Check for other drivers who also may be moving into the same lane. Just before you begin moving into the other lane, quickly glance over your shoulder and check for any vehicles that may be in your blind spot.

Bicycle Crossing/Bike Path

Bicycles regularly cross or ride beside traffic in this area. Drive with caution. A second sign with an arrow may show the actual location of the bike crossing. (Signs may also be bright yellow-green.)

Blind Spots

Blind spots are danger areas that cannot be seen in the mirrors on either or both sides of the vehicle.

Blue markings

Blue markings show parking spaces for persons with disabilities

Broken white lines

Broken white lines separate lanes of traffic going in the same direction. You may change lanes with caution.

Broken yellow center lines

Broken yellow center lines mean that passing on the left is allowed in either direction when the way ahead is clear

Deer Crossing

Deer cross the roadway in this area. Slow down, be alert and be ready to stop

Painted curb - Red

Do not stop, stand or park.

Double solid yellow lines

Double solid yellow lines mark the center of the road and separate traffic traveling in two different directions. Passing is not allowed in either direction. You may not cross the lines unless you are making a left turn.

Yielding to Vehicles with Flashing Lights

Drivers must take specific actions when they see vehicles with flashing or blinking blue, red, yellow or white lights on roadways

Sharing the Road

Drivers share the road with many other users: pedestrians, bicyclists, moped and motorcycle riders, trucks and buses, recreational vehicles and other vehicles of all shapes and sizes. It is your responsibility to adjust your driving to avoid other drivers' mistakes and assure everyone's safety.

Hazardous Conditions

Driving becomes hazardous when visibility is reduced or when the road surface is covered with rain, snow or ice. Reducing your speed should be your first response to decreased visibility and dangerous road conditions. Increase your space cushion by doubling your normal following distance from three seconds to six seconds (refer to the Maintaining a Space Cushion section for more information). Turn on your headlights.

Rain

Driving in heavy rain can be as hazardous as driving in fog, especially if the wind is blowing. Other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas are especially difficult to see when it's raining. Use your low-beam headlights to see and be seen. In light rain or drizzle, turn on your windshield wipers before visibility is blocked; using wipers for sprinkles may smear the windshield and make it hard to see. When rain begins, during the first half-hour, roads are more likely to be slippery due to oil on the road surface mixing with water.

Railroad Crossbuck and Flashing Lights

Flashing lights may be used with crossbuck signs. Always stop when the light begins to flash and be alert for approaching trains. Do not proceed until all trains or any other vehicles using the rails have passed, the tracks are clear, and the lights are no longer flashing. Be especially alert at multi-track crossings because a second train could be approaching from the opposite direction.

Fog

Fog reflects light and can reflect your own headlights back into your eyes. Use low-beam headlights in heavy fog and look for road edge markings to guide you. Even light fog reduces visibility and your ability to judge distances, so slow down.

High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) lanes

High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) lanes are marked on highways by a diamond shape in the center of the lane. HOV lanes may also be special lanes separated by a barrier. During heavy traffic periods, HOV lanes are reserved for buses, vanpools, carpools, other high occupancy vehicles, motorcycles, and certain clean special fuel vehicles. Road signs show the minimum number of passengers a vehicle must carry (excluding motorcycles and clean fuel vehicles) to use the HOV lanes and the times that HOV restrictions are in effect

center lane marked by a single broken yellow line on both sides

If the center lane is marked by a single broken yellow line on both sides, drivers traveling in either direction may use the center lane for passing.

Disabled Parking:

Parking spaces marked with these signs are reserved for people with disabled parking permits.

Railroad Crossbuck and Track Indicator

If there is more than one track, the sign below the crossbuck will indicate the number of tracks at the crossing. Slow down and be prepared to stop.

Hand Position

If your steering wheel were a clock, your hands should be at the 8 o'clock and 4 o'clock positions

Flashing Arrow Panels

Large flashing arrow panels or flashing message signs in work zones direct drivers to proceed into different traffic lanes and inform them that part of the road ahead is closed.

Hand Signals Left

Left Turn Left hand and arm pointing straight out

No Left Turn:

Left turns are against the law. In Virginia, U-turns are considered as two left turns and are illegal if this sign is posted.

Red X

Never drive in a lane marked with a red X signal.

Yielding to Approaching vehicles - same direction

Never follow an emergency vehicle closer than 500 feet when its lights are flashing. When police, fire and rescue vehicles or ambulances approach you from behind your vehicle using a siren, flashing lights or both, you must immediately yield the right-of-way. Safely pull over to the right edge of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed.

On three-lane roads

On three-lane roads with traffic moving in both directions, road markings show when drivers may use the center lane for making left turns or for passing.

Red markings

Red markings or reflectors on the pavement show areas not to be entered or used.

Snow

Remove snow and ice from your entire car, including the roof, hood and rear of the vehicle, before you start driving. Snow and ice left on the car can fly off when the vehicle is moving and create a hazard for other motorists. Be sure to clear all of your windows, mirrors and front and rear lights of snow or ice so you can see and communicate with other drivers.

Hand Signals Right

Right Turn Left hand and arm pointing upward

No Right Turn

Right turns are illegal. Do not make a right turn when you see this sign.

Pavement Markings

Road markings guide and warn drivers as well as regulate traffic. Markings may be red, blue, yellow or white. They may be used alone or in combinations. Each has a different meaning.

Sharp Right Turn

Slow down and be prepared for a sharp right turn in the road ahead.

Sharp Right and Left Turns

Slow down and be prepared for the road ahead to turn sharply right, then left.

Open Joints

Slow down. Open joints on bridges or ramps could cause a motorcyclist to lose control of the motorcycle.

School Zone/School Crossing

Slow down. The speed limit is usually 25 MPH. Watch out for children crossing the street or playing. Be ready to stop. Obey signals from any crossing guards. Signs may display horizontal lines indicating the point where a crosswalk exists. A second sign with an arrow may show the actual location of the crosswalk. (Signs may also be bright yellow-green.)

Hand Signals Slow or Stop

Slow or Stop Left hand and arm pointing downward

Solid white lines

Solid white lines show turn lanes and discourage lane changes near intersections, and at other locations where lane changes might be dangerous. Solid white lines also mark the right edge of pavement. Arrows used with white lines indicate which turn may be made from the lane. Stop lines, crosswalks and parking spaces also are marked by white lines.

Maintaining a Space Cushion

Space around your vehicle gives you distance to react in emergencies and avoid a crash. Create a space cushion around your vehicle by staying in the middle of your lane. Make sure there is enough room ahead of your vehicle and behind it for other vehicles to pass or stop safely.

Lane Use Control

These signs are used where turns are required or where special turning movements are permitted for specific lanes. Traffic in the lane must turn in the direction of the arrow.

Road Construction Ahead - Detour

These signs indicate a change in the traffic pattern or route ahead. Slow down. Unusual or potentially dangerous conditions are ahead

Roundabout:

These signs indicate a circular intersection with an island in the center is ahead. Also called rotaries or traffic circles, these intersections may have one or more lanes. Entering traffic must yield the right-of- way to traffic already in the circle

High Occupancy Vehicle:

These signs indicate lanes reserved for buses and vehicles with a driver and one or more passengers as specified on the sign.

Do Not Enter - Wrong Way:

These signs mean you cannot drive in that direction. If you drive past these signs you are going in the wrong direction and could get into a head-on crash with vehicles headed your way. Cautiously turn around.

Speed Limit

These signs tell you the maximum legal speed that you may drive on the road where the sign is posted when weather conditions are good. During rain, snow and ice, you may receive a ticket for driving too fast for the conditions even if you are driving at or less than the posted speed limit.

Diamond (Warning):

These signs warn you of special conditions or hazards ahead. Slow down and drive with caution. Be ready to stop.

Octagon (Stop):

This eight-sided shape always means stop. You must come to a complete stop at the sign, stop line, pedestrian crosswalk or curb. Wait for any vehicle or pedestrian to clear the way. At some intersections you'll find a sign beneath the stop sign that reads "All Way" or "4 Way." At these intersections all vehicles on all roads leading into the intersection must stop. If you get to the intersection at the same time as other vehicles, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.

Advisory Speed:

This sign indicates the maximum safe speed for a highway exit

Railroad Crossbuck

This sign is a warning of a railroad crossing. Look, listen, slow down and be prepared to stop for trains or any vehicles using the rails.

Expansion Joints

This sign is used when a joint across lanes creates a bump or is wide enough to cause loss of traction in wet weather.

Left Turn Yield on Green

This sign is used with a traffic signal. It tells you that the traffic turning left at a green light does not have the right-of- way and must yield to traffic coming from the other direction. Stop and look for oncoming traffic, then proceed with caution.

Do Not Pass:

This sign marks the beginning of a no passing zone. You may not pass cars ahead of you in your lane, even if the way is clear.

No Passing Zone:

This sign marks the beginning of a no passing zone. You may not pass cars ahead of you in your lane, even if the way is clear.

Stopping Distance Factors

Three factors determine the distance that it takes to stop your vehicle: perception time, reaction distance and braking distance.Braking distance is also affected by how fast your vehicle is traveling, the condition of your brakes and tires, and the pavement condition.

To make a right turn

To make a right turn you should be in the lane closest to the curb. Signal your intent to turn by using the proper turn signal. You should signal at least three or four seconds, 100 feet, ahead of the turn. Look to your left to check the intersection for pedestrians and traffic coming from the other direction. Then brake smoothly before and during the turn. If there is a traffic light or a stop sign at the intersection, come to a complete stop before you make the turn. Turn into the lane closest to the curb, and then change lanes if needed.

One Way:

Traffic flows only in the direction of the arrow.

Signal Ahead

Traffic signals are ahead. Slow down and be ready to stop.

Merge

Two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction are about to become one. Drivers in both lanes are responsible for merging safely

No U-Turn:

U-turns are illegal. Do not make a U-turn when you see this sign.

U-Turns

U-turns are not legal everywhere. Before you make a U-turn, check for No U-Turn or No Left Turn signs. In business districts, cities and towns, U-turns are allowed only at intersections. Never make a U-turn on a highway

Seat Belts

Under Virginia law, the driver and all front seat passengers must wear safety belts.

low-beams

Use low-beams when driving in cities and towns, except on streets where there is no lighting. Switch to low-beams whenever you meet oncoming traffic to avoid blinding the other driver. When following, use low-beams whenever you are within 200 feet of the vehicle ahead.

two-, three- and four-second rule

Use the two-, three- and four-second rule to determine if you are following far enough behind the vehicle ahead of you. Under 35 MPH - 2 seconds; 36-45 MPH - 3 seconds; 46-70 MPH - 2 seconds

Rectangle (Regulatory or Guide):

Vertical signs generally give instructions or tell you the law. Horizontal signs may give directions or information.

No Turn on Red

You may not turn on the red light. Wait for the signal to turn green

Message Boards:

You may see portable or permanent message boards along roadways. They provide information about traffic, road, weather or other hazardous conditions. Always obey any directions posted on these message boards. For information about road conditions or road construction, visit the Virginia Department of Transportation website at www.virginiadot.org.

Left turn on red

You may turn left at a red light if you are on a one-way street and turning left onto another one-way street. Before turning, you must come to a complete stop. Look both ways and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic. Be sure to check for less visible vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles and mopeds.

Stopping

You must always stop your vehicle: at all stops signs, red traffic lights and flashing red signals; when entering a street or crossing over a sidewalk; at railroad crossings with flashing signals; when signaled by flaggers; for pedestrians attempting to cross a street; at the direction of a police officer; at the scene of a crash in which you are involved.

Y Intersection

You must bear either right or left ahead.

Triangle (Yield):

You must slow down as you come to the intersection. Be prepared to stop. Let any vehicles, pedestrians or bicyclists safely pass before you proceed.

Stopping for School Buses

You must stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign when you approach from any direction on a highway, private road or school driveway. Stop and remain stopped until all persons are clear and the bus moves again. You must also stop if the bus is loading or unloading passengers and the signals are not on

Warning signs

alert you to possible hazards ahead. Slow down and watch for other signs or signals that may follow.

Increase your following distance

behind a large vehicle that blocks your vision; in bad weather or heavy traffic; when exiting an expressway; behind a motorcycle; or when being tailgated

No Parking

beside another parked vehicle (double parking); on crosswalks or sidewalks; in front of driveways; within areas where parking is prohibited by curbs painted yellow or No Parking signs; in a parking space reserved for disabled persons; on the hard surface of a road when no curb is present; within 15 feet of a fire hydrant; within 20 feet of an intersection; within 15 feet of the entrance to a fire, ambulance or rescue squad station; within 500 feet of where fire trucks or equipment are stopped answering an alarm; within 50 feet of a railroad crossing; or in such a way that you block or create a hazard for other vehicles in a designated traffic lane

passing another vehicle

check the traffic ahead of you, behind you and in your blind spot before you attempt to pass. Signal and then accelerate to pass. Return to the right lane as soon as you can see the front of the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror

Railroad Crossing Pavement Markings

consisting of an X and RR, may be painted on the pavement at the approach to some crossings. When approaching railroad tracks, be alert. Trains may approach the crossing at any time and from either direction. Unless you can clear the tracks completely, never start across the tracks. Make sure there is room for your vehicle on the other side of the tracks before proceeding.

Lane use signals

indicate lanes where you can and cannot drive during different hours of the day. These signals are used often to reverse a lane's direction. They provide additional lanes for heavy morning and evening traffic.

work zone

the lives of highway construction workers depend on drivers like you obeying the posted speed limits. If you are convicted of exceeding the speed limit in a highway work zone, you may be fined up to $500. Remember, the color orange marks a work zone and means slow down.