Roadway Markings

• Yellow lines separate two-way traffic

• A solid line on the driver's side of the center line tells the driver that they may not pass

• Passing is only allowed when the broken line is on the driver's side

• If there is only a broken line, this means passing is allowed on both sides

• If there are two solid lines, passing is prohibited

• Broken white lines separate lanes of traffic that are moving in the same direction, crossing these lines is only allowed when changing lanes

• Solid white lines restrict drivers from changing lanes

• There are white arrows painted on the pavement to help drivers know where and when to turn

• Solid white lines along the right side of the road are used to mark the edge of the roadway

• Solid white lines also indicate crosswalks and stop lines

• Rumble strips are short sections on the road that are corrugated. These help drivers know when they are too far to the right of the road

• There are sometimes reflectors in the road, these are used on roadways so that drivers can see the road at night. Their headlights reflect off of these

• Sometimes there are Xs or Rs painted on the road to alert drivers of railroads up ahead. Pay close attention to these

• No parking zones are sometimes indicated by a yellow strip painted on to curb, these are usually near a curve, fire hydrant, and/or intersections

• There are also markings for handicap parking, unless you have a permit, you should not park in these areas

Other Signals

• Flashing signals alert drivers to dangerous conditions or to stop

• A flashing red signal should be treated like an all way stop. Stop completely and yield to traffic

• A flashing yellow signal indicates that a driver should slow down, be prepared to stop and only proceed if the intersection is safe

• Arrows tell drivers that they must proceed only in the direction that the arrow is pointing

• If a green arrow is pointing left or right, the driver must drive only in that direction

• Always be prepared to yield at an arrow directing the traffic left or right

• Pedestrian signals are often used to alert pedestrians when or when not to cross in an intersection with heavy traffic

• Pedestrians should only cross when they face a WALK signal or symbol

• These symbol will often be on at the same time as as the green traffic light

• Always obey signals given by a police officer, even if the direction is in the opposite of the normal flow of traffic

Traffic Lights

• Traffic lights have three different colors with three different meanings

• Green means go, a driver can only proceed through an intersection when the light is green and the intersection is clear

• Yellow means to slow down, this light signals that the light is going to change colors. Drivers should make all attempt to stop at a yellow light to avoid a collision. If it is not safe to stop, proceed with caution

• Red means to stop. You must come to a complete stop at a red light, stop right before a stop line or crosswalk

• Right turn on red is legal in all states, unless indicated that it cannot be done. This means that when it is safe to do, a driver can turn right on red, only after coming to a complete stop

• Left turn on red is only allowed in some states. This light allows drivers to make a left turn on red when turning from a one-way street into a one-way street. Be cautious when making this turn. Also be sure states permit this law

International Signs

• International signs are posted along highways in the United States

• These signs use symbols rather than words, that way those who travel country to country can understand what they say without having to know the language

• The international signs are the stop sign, the yield sing, the no right turn sign and the road narrows sign

Guide Signs

Signs, Signals, and Roadway Markings

• Guide signs provide the information all drivers need

• These signs mark routes, intersections, service areas, and points of interest

• They come in a variety of colors: green (destination and mileage), blue (roadside service) and brown (recreation areas)

School and No Passing Signs

Warning Signs

Construction, Railroad and Route Signs

• There are two school signs: school zone and school crossing

• A school zone sign is used on a road where a school is up ahead. This warns drivers to slow down, as well as to look out for children and buses

• A school crossing signs are posted where intersections or crosswalks are. Children could dart out unexpectedly, drivers should be prepared

• Construction signs are orange and usually diamond or rectangular in shape

• These signs alert drivers of upcoming construction or slow moving vehicles

• Drivers should be ready to slow down or stop when seeing these signs

• There are two signs to alert a driver of a railroad

• A round, yellow sign with a black X and two Rs indicate a railroad crossing ahead, this sign is posted about 250 feet before the railroad crossing in an urban area. In a rural area it is posted 750 feet before the railroad

• There are flashing lights and a crossbuck might also be posted before the railroad

• A no passing sign is a yellow pennant shape

• It may be posted on the left side of the road

• This alerts drivers before a no passing sign begins, this way they are prepared

• This sign is used with a double solid line on the roadway

• There are local, state, US, and route signs

• US markers are black and white on a shield

• State route markers in North Carolina are diamond shaped

• Interstate routes are blue, red, and white shields

• Most warning signs are yellow and diamond shaped

• These signs are to warn you about possible dangers that could be ahead, they also help to avoid those dangers

• The most common sign (the diamond) warns of danger ahead such as a narrow road, or deer crossing, these help the driver adjust for something that may be up ahead

Yield and Speed Limit Signs

Stop Sign

Regulatory Signs

• A yield sign is usually found where traffic merges or roadways cross

• At a yield sign always slow or stop

• Always give the right of way to traffic

• This is the red octagon with white writing

• Always come to a complete stop at a stop sign

• Yield the right of way to the first car that arrives at the intersection

• If two cars arrive at the same time, yield to the car to the right

• Always yield to pedestrians

• Always stop before entering the intersection, either before a crosswalk or at the marked line

• Speed limit signs are suggestions for the maximum speed in ideal weather conditions

• In adverse weather conditions, drivers should drive slower than the speed limit

• Each state has their own speed limit, as they are allowed to permit their own speed limits

Kaitlyn Tonkin

• Regulatory signs tell the driver about laws that must be obeyed

• Regulatory signs are used to direct traffic to turn or go straight, direct one way traffic, or control parking.

• These signs mostly are white squares or rectangles with red or black lettering

• The stop sign and yield sign are two exceptions: the stop sign is an octagon and is red, the yield sign is a triangle and is also red

Traffic Signs

• There are eight shapes and eight colors of signs, each tells the driver to do a certain task or to caution drivers

• Octagon: Stop

• Triangle: Yield

• Vertical Rectangle: Regulatory

• Pentagon: School

• Round: Railroad Crossing

• Pennant: No Passing

• Diamond: Warning

• Horizontal Rectangle: Guide

• Red: Stop, yield, or prohibited

• Yellow: Warning

• White: Regulatory

• Orange: Construction or detour

• Black: Regulatory

• Green: Guide

• Blue: Motorist service

• Brown: Public recreation and cultural interest

1. Blind Spot – Areas around the vehicle that cannot be seen using mirrors; drivers must check over their shoulder before changing lanes.

2. Right-of-Way – The legal right for one driver to proceed before another (ex: pedestrians in crosswalks have right-of-way).

3. Yield – To slow down or stop to allow another vehicle or pedestrian to proceed first.

4. Defensive Driving – Driving strategies that reduce risk by anticipating hazards and keeping safe distances.

5. Hydroplaning – When a vehicle’s tires lose contact with the road due to water, causing loss of control.

6. Tailgating – Following another vehicle too closely, which increases the risk of rear-end collisions.

7. Following Distance – The safe distance maintained between your car and the vehicle in front (usually 3–4 seconds).

8. ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) – A system that prevents wheels from locking during hard braking, helping maintain control.

9. Merge – To safely enter a new traffic lane, often from an on-ramp onto a highway.

10. Passing Lane – The left lane of a roadway, designated for overtaking slower vehicles.

11. Speed Limit – The maximum legal speed a vehicle can travel on a specific road.

12. Shoulder – The area on the side of a road, often used for emergencies.

13. Controlled Intersection – An intersection with traffic signals, signs, or road markings to direct traffic.

14. Uncontrolled Intersection – An intersection without signals or signs, where extra caution and yielding are required.

15. Four-Way Stop – An intersection where all directions have stop signs; drivers take turns proceeding based on arrival order.

16. No-Zone – The large blind spots around trucks and buses where cars are not visible to the driver.

17. Oversteer – Turning the wheel more sharply than needed, which can cause the vehicle to skid.

18. Understeer – Not turning the wheel enough, causing the vehicle to continue straight instead of turning.

19. Parallel Parking – Parking a vehicle parallel to the curb, usually between two other vehicles.

20. Yield Sign – A triangular traffic sign meaning slow down and give right-of-way to other drivers or pedestrians.

21. Stop Sign – A red, octagonal sign meaning come to a full stop before proceeding safely.

22. Traffic Circle / Roundabout – A circular intersection where traffic flows in one direction; drivers entering must yield.

23. Defensive Space Cushion – Keeping enough distance around your car to avoid collisions.

24. DUI/DWI (Driving Under the Influence / Driving While Intoxicated) – Driving impaired by alcohol or drugs; illegal and dangerous.

25. Right Turn on Red – In most states, drivers may turn right at a red light after stopping, unless signs prohibit it.

• Understand traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices.

• Gain confidence in vehicle operation and control.

• Apply defensive driving strategies in real-world situations.

• Navigate various driving environments: residential, city, highway, and rural roads.

• Recognize and avoid risky behaviors such as distracted or impaired driving.

• Successfully prepare for the state written and road skills licensing exams.

Session 1, 2: Orientation & Basics of Driving

• Course overview and goals

• Responsibilities of adult drivers

• Vehicle familiarization (controls, dashboard, adjustments)

• Introduction to traffic laws

• Review vocabulary, update study guide

Session 3, 4: Road Signs, Signals, and Rules of the Road

• Regulatory, warning, and informational signs

• Lane markings and road rules

• Practice: Identifying signs and right-of-way

• Review vocabulary, study guide 

Session 5, 6: Basic Driving Skills

• Starting, stopping, turning, steering

• Parking lot driving practice

• Safe following distances & speed control

• Review vocabulary, study guide

Session 7, 8: Defensive Driving & Hazard Management

• Anticipating and avoiding collisions

• Driving in poor weather and night conditions

• Sharing the road with trucks, bicycles, pedestrians, and motorcycles

• Review vocabulary, study guide

Session 8, 9: Alcohol, Drugs, Distraction & Stress Management

• Legal consequences of impaired driving

• Dangers of distracted driving (phones, multitasking)

• Managing stress, fatigue, and emotions while driving

• Review vocabulary, study guide

Session 10,11: Advanced Driving & Special Situations

• Highway driving (merging, lane changes, exits)

• Parking maneuvers (parallel, angled, perpendicular)

• Emergency handling (skids, blowouts, brake failure)

• Review vocabulary, study guide 

Session 12, 13: Review & Test Preparation 

• Practice written permit test

• Road test checklist & mock driving exam

• Individualized could ing for areas of improvement

• Focus And Key Activities & Practice

  
  

• 1. Orientation & Vehicle Basics

• Learn vehicle controls, pre-driving checks, starting/stopping, parking lot maneuvering

  
  

• 2. Road Signs & Rules

• Identify road signs, traffic signals, lane markings; practice basic turns and stopping at intersections

  
  

• 3.Basic Driving Skills

• Review speed control, turning, following distance; practice lane changes and parking lot driving

  
  

• 4. Defensive Driving

• Learn hazard anticipation, defensive driving techniques, adverse weather and night driving; simulate hazards

  
  

• 5. Impairment & Distraction

• Understand effects of alcohol, drugs, fatigue, and distraction; practice focus and stress management while driving

  
  

• 6. Advanced Driving

• Highway driving, merging, exits; parking techniques; emergency maneuvers (skids, blowouts, brake failure)

  
  

• 7. Review & Test Prep

• Comprehensive review of laws, signs, and driving principles; mock road test and written practice

  
  

• 8. Final Assessment

• Full mock driving test; final written exam; instructor evaluates readiness for license

• Tips for Adult Learners:

• Focus on one skill at a time; repetition builds confidence.

• Ask questions and discuss real-world driving scenarios.

• Practice consistently between lessons if possible.

• Track progress and areas needing improvement.