The signs test is a written exam about road signs, their meanings, and what you must do when you see them

Most states require you to pass a signs test as part of getting your driver license. The test shows that you recognize common road signs and understand what they tell you to do. You will see pictures of signs and choose the correct meaning from multiple-choice answers. The number of questions varies by state — some ask 10 questions, others ask 20 or more. You typically need to answer 80 to 90 percent correctly to pass.

The signs test is separate from the written knowledge test about traffic laws and safe driving. Some states combine them into one exam; others give them as two different tests. Either way, you cannot get your driver license without passing the signs portion. If you fail, you can retake it, usually the same day or within a few days.

Key Takeaways

  • The signs test asks you to identify road signs from pictures and explain what they mean or require you to do.
  • You need to score around 80 to 90 percent to pass, depending on your state's rules.
  • Study materials are free from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website, usually in a driver handbook or online practice test.
  • Signs are grouped by type — warning signs (yellow), regulatory signs (red and white), and information signs (green and blue) — and learning the colors helps you remember what each sign does.
  • If you fail, you can retake the test within days, and there is no limit to how many times you can try.

What signs appear on the test

The signs test covers the signs you will actually see while driving. These fall into three main groups. Regulatory signs are red, white, or black and tell you what you must or must not do — stop signs, yield signs, speed limit signs, and no-parking signs. Warning signs are yellow and diamond-shaped and alert you to hazards ahead — curves, pedestrian crossings, construction zones, or slippery roads. Information signs are green, blue, or brown and give you directions or tell you where services are — highway route numbers, exit signs, hospital signs, or rest area signs.

The test also includes signs for special situations: school zones, railroad crossings, carpool lanes, and one-way streets. You may see signs for bike lanes, pedestrian signals, or parking restrictions. The exact signs tested depend on your state, but all states test the most common ones that affect how you drive every day.

How to study for the signs test

Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles publishes a free driver handbook that includes pictures of every sign you need to know. You can read it from the DMV website or pick up a printed copy at any DMV office. The handbook shows each sign, its name, and what it means. Read through it once to see all the signs, then focus on the ones you do not recognize.

Many state DMV websites also offer free online practice tests that show you signs and ask you to choose the right answer. Taking a practice test tells you which signs you need to study more. Some practice tests let you take them over and over, so you can keep going until you feel ready. Spend 15 to 30 minutes a day for a week or two before your test date, and you will be well prepared.

A useful study trick is to group signs by what they tell you to do. For example, learn all the signs that mean "stop or slow down" together, then learn all the signs that mean "watch out for this hazard." Grouping helps your brain remember the pattern instead of memorizing each sign alone.

Passing score and retake rules

Most states require you to score 80 percent or higher on the signs test. A few states set the passing score at 70 or 90 percent, so check your state's DMV website to know the exact number. If you have 20 questions, an 80 percent score means you can miss 4 questions. If you have 10 questions, you can miss 2.

If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake the test. Most states let you retake it the same day or within a few days. There is no limit to how many times you can take it. Many people pass on the second or third attempt after studying the signs they missed. Take your time, read each question carefully, and do not rush through the answers.

What happens if you pass

Once you pass the signs test, you move forward in the driver license process. If your state gives the signs test and the written knowledge test separately, you will take the knowledge test next. If they are combined, passing the signs portion means you have passed part of the combined exam. You will then move on to the driving skills test, where you show an examiner that you can actually drive safely on the road.

Passing the signs test does not mean you are done — it is one step toward your license. You still need to pass the written knowledge test (if separate) and the road test. But once you pass the signs test, you know you understand the basic language of the road, and that is a real milestone.

Differences between states

Not every state tests signs the same way. Some states ask 10 questions, others ask 20 or 30. Some combine the signs test with the knowledge test; others keep them separate. A few states let you take the test on a computer at the DMV office, while others use paper and pencil. Some states offer the test in multiple languages.

The best way to know what to expect in your state is to visit your state's DMV website and look for the driver license test information. You can usually read a sample test or practice test that shows you the exact format and types of questions you will see. Doing this takes 10 minutes and removes all surprise from test day.

Common mistakes on the signs test

The most common mistake is not studying the handbook before the test. People think they already know the signs from driving, but the test asks about signs they rarely see or signs they have never noticed. Spending even one week with the handbook and a practice test cuts your failure rate dramatically.

Another mistake is rushing through the test. You have time to read each question carefully and think about the answer. If you are unsure, mark it and come back to it. Do not guess randomly on signs you do not know — take the test again after studying more.

A third mistake is confusing similar signs. For example, a yield sign and a merge sign look different, but people mix them up. A no-entry sign and a do-not-pass sign are both red and white but mean different things. When you study, pay close attention to signs that look alike and learn what makes each one different.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone or notes during the signs test?

No. The signs test is proctored, which means a DMV employee watches you take it. You cannot use your phone, notes, or any outside materials. You can only use what is in your head. That is why studying beforehand is so important.

What if I fail the signs test?

You can retake it. Most states let you retake it within a few days at no extra cost. Study the signs you missed, use the practice test again, and try once more. Most people pass on the second or third attempt.

Do I have to take the signs test if I already have a license from another state?

It depends on your state. Some states waive the written tests for people who already hold a valid license from another state, but others require you to take all tests. Check your state's DMV website or call your local DMV office to find out.

How long does the signs test take?

Most people finish in 10 to 20 minutes. You are not timed, so you can take as long as you need to read and think about each answer. Do not rush — taking your time usually leads to a higher score.

Are the signs on the test the same as the ones in the handbook?

Yes. The DMV only tests signs that appear in the official driver handbook. If you study every sign in the handbook, you will recognize every sign on the test. The handbook is your complete study guide.