Traffic-light and signal questions appear regularly on the DGT theory test. Most are straightforward, but a few catch people out — especially flashing amber and the order of authority. Here's the lot.
Traffic light colours
Red
Stop. Wait behind the line until green.
Stop. Wait behind the line until green.
Amber (steady)
Stop if you can do so safely. Don't cross unless you're too close to stop safely.
Stop if you can do so safely. Don't cross unless you're too close to stop safely.
Green
Go, if the way is clear. Give way to pedestrians still crossing.
Go, if the way is clear. Give way to pedestrians still crossing.
The ones people get wrong
Flashing amber: not "go" — it means caution / proceed carefully, giving way as normal. The junction is effectively uncontrolled, so the usual priority rules apply.
Flashing red: treat it like a STOP — stop, then proceed when safe.
Flashing red: treat it like a STOP — stop, then proceed when safe.
Special lights
- Lane lights — a green arrow means the lane is open; a red cross means it's closed.
- Public-transport / lane-reversal lights control special or reversible lanes.
- Pedestrian and cyclist lights apply to them, but you must still give way to people crossing.
Order of authority — who overrides what
If two things seem to conflict, this is the priority order:
- 1. A traffic officer's signals override everything else.
- 2. Traffic lights override signs.
- 3. Road signs (vertical signs) override road markings.
- 4. Road markings (lines on the road) come last.
Memory hook: Officer > Lights > Signs > Markings. A police officer waving you on beats a red light.
Nail the signal questions
Coche Test drills traffic-light, flashing-amber and order-of-authority questions in English and Spanish, in the real DGT format. Start free.
Start practising free →Continue: road signs · priority & roundabouts · full DGT guide.