The signs you'll see on Indiana's written test

Indiana's written knowledge test includes about 15 to 20 questions on road signs out of 80 total. The test covers regulatory signs (red, white, and black), warning signs (yellow and black), and information signs (green and white). You need to know what each sign tells you to do, what it warns you about, or where it directs you.

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles publishes the official list of signs in the Indiana Driver's Manual, which you can read free from their website. The test pulls directly from that manual, so studying the signs shown there is the most direct way to prepare. You will not see obscure or rarely-used signs — only the ones you are likely to encounter while driving.

Signs appear on the test as images, and you choose the meaning from four options. Some questions ask what you must do when you see a sign; others ask what a sign warns you about. A few ask you to identify the sign by its shape or color alone.

Key Takeaways

  • Indiana's written test includes 15 to 20 sign questions, and the official Indiana Driver's Manual lists every sign you need to know.
  • Regulatory signs (red, white, black) tell you what you must or must not do; warning signs (yellow, black) alert you to hazards ahead.
  • Information signs (green, white) direct you to services, distances, or route numbers.
  • Test questions show you the sign image and ask either what it means or what action you should take.

Regulatory signs: what you must do or not do

Regulatory signs are red, white, and black. They include stop signs, yield signs, speed limit signs, and no-entry signs. These signs tell you what is required or forbidden — not a suggestion, but a rule. If you break what a regulatory sign says, you can be cited.

The most common regulatory signs on the test are stop (octagon, red border, white background), yield (triangle pointing down, red border, white background), speed limit (white rectangle with black numbers), and do-not-enter (red rectangle with white horizontal bar). You should also know no-passing zones, one-way signs, and parking restriction signs.

On the test, you might see a stop sign image and be asked "What must you do?" or "This sign means:" followed by four choices. The correct answer is always the action the sign requires — come to a complete stop, yield the right of way, obey the posted speed, or do not enter.

Warning signs: what hazards are ahead

Warning signs are yellow with black symbols or text. They alert you to road conditions, hazards, or changes ahead — curves, hills, pedestrian crossings, animal crossings, construction zones, or slippery roads. A warning sign does not forbid you to proceed; it tells you to slow down, be alert, or prepare to stop.

Common warning signs include curve ahead, hill ahead, pedestrian crossing, deer crossing, construction zone, slippery when wet, and divided highway ends. The shape is usually a diamond, though some (like pedestrian crossing) are rectangular.

Test questions about warning signs often ask "What does this sign warn you about?" or "When you see this sign, you should:" The correct answer describes the hazard or the action you should take in response — reduce speed, be ready to stop, watch for pedestrians, or stay alert.

Information signs: where to go and what services are nearby

Information signs are green and white (for directions and distances) or blue and white (for services like hospitals, gas, or rest areas). These signs tell you where you are, how far to the next town, what services are available, or which route you are on.

You will see distance signs showing miles to the next city, route number signs showing US highways or state roads, and service signs pointing to gas stations, food, lodging, or hospitals. These signs are informational — they do not require or forbid any action, but they help you navigate and plan.

On the test, information sign questions are usually straightforward: "This sign tells you:" or "What information does this sign provide?" You choose the destination, distance, or service shown.

How to study signs for the test

The Indiana Driver's Manual includes a full section on signs with images and explanations. Read through that section and pay attention to the color, shape, and exact wording of each sign. Many test-takers mix up similar signs — for example, a yield sign and a do-not-enter sign — so study the differences.

Practice tests are available on the Indiana BMV website and through third-party test prep sites. These practice tests show you the actual format and difficulty of the real test. Take at least one full practice test before your appointment so you know what to expect.

Focus on the signs you are most likely to see while driving: stop, yield, speed limit, pedestrian crossing, curve ahead, and slippery when wet. If you know these well, you will recognize the less common signs more easily because the logic is the same — regulatory signs require action, warning signs alert you, and information signs direct you.

What happens if you miss sign questions on the test

You must score at least 80 percent on Indiana's written test to pass. That means you can miss up to 16 questions out of 80. If you miss several sign questions, you may still pass if you do well on the other sections — rules of the road, right-of-way, and safe driving practices.

If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the test. You do not have to wait a set number of days, but you do have to pay the test fee again. Most people who study the manual and take a practice test pass on the first try.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the test show me the exact signs from the Indiana Driver's Manual?

Yes. The test uses the same sign images and meanings listed in the official manual. If you study the signs in the manual, you will recognize them on the test. The manual is free and available on the Indiana BMV website.

Do I need to memorize the exact wording on signs?

No. You need to understand what each sign means and what action it requires. For example, you do not need to memorize "Do Not Enter" word-for-word, but you must know that a red rectangle with a white bar means you cannot go that way.

Are there signs on the test that are not in the Indiana Driver's Manual?

No. The test is based entirely on the manual. If a sign is not in the manual, it will not be on the test. This makes the manual your complete study guide for signs.

What if I fail the sign section but pass the rest of the test?

You do not pass or fail individual sections — you get one overall score. If you score 80 percent or higher across all 80 questions, you pass. If you score below 80 percent, you retake the entire test, not just the sign questions.

How much time do I have to answer sign questions?

You have the same amount of time for all questions — usually 30 to 40 minutes total for the entire 80-question test. Sign questions are quick to answer once you know the signs, so studying them well frees up time for harder questions.