Driver's License Test Prep
California Practice Regulatory Signs

You realize you have entered a roadway against traffic and see a WRONG WAY sign. What does the manual instruct?

Horizontal red rectangle with the words WRONG WAY stacked in large white letters.
  1. A.
    Continue slowly to the next exit
  2. B.
    When it is safe, back out or turn around Correct
  3. C.
    Stop and wait for traffic to clear
The Why

The answer is "When it is safe, back out or turn around"

The manual tells you to reverse or turn around as soon as it is safe, because continuing into oncoming traffic invites a head-on collision. The continue-to-the-next-exit answer reflects the freeway habit of never reversing on a ramp; the manual overrides that habit when the roadway itself is being driven against traffic.

Why the others miss

The traps in the wrong answers

A. Continue slowly to the next exit

Continuing forward keeps the vehicle in the path of oncoming traffic; the manual requires reversing course. This answer extends the freeway habit of never reversing on a ramp to a situation where the roadway itself is wrong-way.

C. Stop and wait for traffic to clear

Waiting in the lane leaves the vehicle facing oncoming traffic; the manual requires removing yourself from the roadway. This answer treats the situation like a stalled vehicle, waiting rather than actively backing out or turning around.

The Rule

This question tests your knowledge of Regulatory Signs in California. Source: California Driver Manual, "WRONG WAY Sign," p.38..

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