A DMV Test Question You Are Likely to Miss

Question: When are you most likely to see the One-Direction Large Arrow?

• A. When entering a roundabout.
• B. When entering a one-way street.
• C. When there is a sharp change in direction.
• D. When road works force you to take a detour.

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Two out of three users fail to identify this sign correctly on our DMV practice tests. It is also a known pitfall on some official knowledge exams.

Not all states have this test question on their written knowledge test, but it is still valuable to understand what the directional arrow means. During a road skills test, the examiner can always ask the meaning of a road sign if they believe you don’t understand how to act when you see it.

What It Means

The one-direction arrow has the same meaning as a chevron sign. It marks a sharp change in direction, and you will typically see it on the outside of a sharp curve (not ahead of the curve).

It can be used either as a supplement or instead of a chevron sign. Sometimes, you will see it after a turn or reverse turn signs to emphasize the abrupt curvature.

It is a rectangular warning sign. You should slow down ahead of the directional arrow and prepare for the sharp turn.

Where You Won’t See It – And What You Will See

Remember, you will NOT see the black/yellow one-direction large arrow where there is no alignment change in the direction of travel (when there is no turn or curve).

	The black/yellow one-direction large arrow does not mark one-way streets. Only black and white regulatory signs indicate one-way streets.
	You will NOT see the black/yellow arrow at the beginnings or ends of medians or center piers. Instead, you will see keep left or keep right signs.
	You will NOT see the one-direction arrow instead of a detour sign in a work zone. Detours will always have the word Detour and work zone signs are always orange.
	Roundabouts and other circular intersections typically have special roundabout directional arrow signs. Placing a one-way street sign in a roundabout is also common. The one-direction arrow is not intended for roundabouts.

Road Signs and Other DMV Test Questions