Lesson · For the learner's permit test (仮免)
Traffic signals and police officers
What each light means, how arrows and flashing lights change that, and why a police officer's signal overrides the lights. Signal questions often hide a strength word such as "always".
Rules as of Oct 22, 2026
What the test asks about
- Already turning left when it turns red: carry on. (教則 付表1(1) 赤色の灯火(3))
- Flashing red: stop at the stop position first. (教則 付表1(1) 赤色の灯火の点滅)
- Left-turn plate: turn on red, but don't block crossers. (教則 第1章 第2節 1(4); 付表2(2))
- "Pedestrians and bicycles" plate: cyclists follow it. (教則 第1章 第2節 1(3); 付表1(2))
- Officer's signals beat the traffic light. (教則 第1章 第3節 1)
- Arm out sideways: front and back = red. (教則 付表1(3) ア)
- Yellow: stop, unless you are too close to stop safely. (教則 付表1(1) 黄色の灯火)
- Flashing yellow: go on with care, no stop needed. (教則 付表1(1) 黄色の灯火の点滅)
- Green right arrow: right turn or U-turn allowed. (教則 付表1(1) 青色の灯火の矢印)
- Yellow arrow: streetcars only. (教則 付表1(1) 黄色の灯火の矢印)
- Follow the signal facing you, not the side one. (教則 第1章 第2節 1(2))
- Arm raised straight up: yellow in line, red facing. (教則 付表1(3) ア)
Check yourself
10 questions from this topic, with the answer and the rule after each one.
Sources
Ready for a full test? Try the learner's permit mock exam.