Know These Two Road Signs for Your DMV Test
Two Road Signs That are Easy to Mix Up
Can you tell them apart?
The symbols on these two road signs sometimes create confusion. New drivers often mix up the “Slippery When Wet” sign with the “Winding Road” sign.
For your driver’s exam, you must be able to tell them apart and know what both signs mean.
Slippery When Wet
The “Slippery When Wet” sign warns of unexpected slippery conditions. It typically indicates that a part of the roadway becomes more slippery in wet or cold weather.
Expect to see the sign close to bridges and overpasses, which freeze first in cold and wet weather. Bridges and overpasses also dry out last. You must slow down and drive cautiously when approaching these spots in damp or cold weather.
A supplemental plaque with a legend, such as ice or when wet, emphasizes the risk.
Plaques with “Steel Deck” or “Excess Oil” can indicate other reasons for slippery conditions.
The signs can be orange (work zone) or pink (incidents) to indicate a temporary condition.
Read more: What Does the “Slippery When Wet” Sign Mean?
Reverse Turn – Reverse Curve Signs
When there are two turns or two curves ahead, you will typically see the yellow Reveres Turn or Reverse Curve sign. These signs tell you to slow down and prepare to turn first to the right or left and then in the opposite direction.
When you approach any of the signs above, you turn left and right.
Winding Road
You will see the Winding Road sign when there are more than two turns or two curves. Turns or curves on this roadway appear less than 600 feet apart.
You may find an advisory speed plaque below the sign. For safe driving, you should always slow down to the recommended speed. In adverse weather conditions, you should slow down even more.
A distance plaque may also tell you how many miles of winding road you should expect ahead.
You may also see repeated Winding Road signs along such a roadway.
Will These Signs Be on Your DMV Written Test?
Yes, since they confuse many new drivers, there is a great chance you will see one of these signs (or both) on your test.
Check Your Knowledge – Signs Quiz
Results
Well done!
Check signs in your manual and make sure you know all of them!
#1. This sign means:
#2. Where are you most likely to see this sign?
#3. What should you expect ahead?
#4. When you approach this sign, you should:
Other Signs That Are Easy to Mix Up
Three other road signs that are pretty easy to mix up are Divided Highway Begins, Divided Highway Ends, and Two-Way Traffic. Learn what they mean and how to tell them apart here: Mixed Up Signs.
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