Driver's License Test Prep
US Road Signs Warning Signs

What does this Reverse Curve sign warn of ahead?

Yellow diamond with a black arrow pointing up that curves smoothly to the right and then back to the left.
  1. A.
    A single curve bending to the right.
  2. B.
    Two consecutive curves in opposite directions, first right then left. Correct
  3. C.
    A curve to the right followed by a straight section.
  4. D.
    Two sharp right-angle turns, first right then left.
The Why

The answer is "Two consecutive curves in opposite directions, first right then left."

The W1-4R Reverse Curve sign warns of two consecutive curves in opposite directions, the first bending right and the second bending left. Approach at a reduced speed with steady steering; the advisory speed plaque, when posted, states the recommended speed for the pair. Drivers reach for the right-angle answer because they carry over the look of the Reverse Turn sign (W1-3R), which uses angular arrows for sharper turns in opposite directions rather than the smooth curves shown here.

Why the others miss

The traps in the wrong answers

A. A single curve bending to the right.

The W1-2R Curve sign warns of a single right-hand curve; this device shows a second bend returning to the left, so a single-curve reading is looking at the wrong warning. This answer confuses the two-bend Reverse Curve alignment with the single-curve W1-2R warning posted before a lone bend.

C. A curve to the right followed by a straight section.

The device shows a left bend after the first right bend, so the warning is not a right curve followed by a straight section. This answer reads the tail of the arrow as roadway continuing straight past the first bend rather than as the second curve in the pair.

D. Two sharp right-angle turns, first right then left.

The W1-3R Reverse Turn sign uses angular arrows for sharper turns in opposite directions, while the smooth curves on this device mark a gentler reverse curve alignment. This answer assumes any two-bend warning means the sharper Reverse Turn without checking whether the arrows on the sign are angular or smooth.

The Rule

This question tests your knowledge of Warning Signs on the roads of every US state . Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, sign W1-4R (Reverse Curve (Right))..

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