Road Markings: practice questions

Question 1

A solid (continuous) white line dividing lanes in your direction means:

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Correct answer: Do not cross or change lane across it

A solid line means you must stay in your lane and not cross it, usually because changing lanes there is unsafe. Wait for a broken line before changing lanes.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, lane lines (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 2

A broken (dashed) white line between lanes means:

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Correct answer: You may change lanes when it is safe

A broken line separates lanes but permits crossing when it is safe, for example to change lane or overtake. Always check mirrors and blind spots and signal first.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, lane lines (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 3

Where you see a broken line alongside a solid line, the rule is:

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Correct answer: You may cross only if the broken line is on your side

With a combined line, the line nearest you governs you. If the broken line is on your side you may cross when safe; if the solid line is on your side, you must not cross.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, combined lines (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 4

Yellow box markings painted across a junction mean:

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Correct answer: Do not enter unless your exit is clear

A yellow box keeps a junction clear. Only enter it when you can drive straight through, so you do not get stuck inside and block crossing traffic.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, box junctions (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 5

A thick white transverse line (a stop line) across your lane at a junction means:

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Correct answer: Stop behind it when required by a signal or sign

The stop line shows where to halt at a red light or stop sign. Always stop behind it, never on or beyond it, so you keep the crossing and junction clear.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, stop line (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 6

A row of white triangles or a broken line forming a 'give way' marking tells you to:

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Correct answer: Give way to traffic on the road you are joining

A give-way marking means slow down and yield to traffic with priority; you do not have to stop if the way is clear, but you must let others go first.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, give-way markings (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 7

Diagonal hatched (chevron) markings bordered by a solid line should be:

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Correct answer: Not driven on except in an emergency

Hatched areas separate or protect traffic streams. When bordered by a solid line you must not enter them except in a genuine emergency; if bordered by a broken line, avoid them unless necessary.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, hatched markings (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 8

White directional arrows painted on a lane tell you which way that lane is meant to go.

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Correct answer: True

Lane arrows show the permitted direction(s) from that lane, such as straight, left or right. Get into the correct lane early so you do not have to cut across at the last moment.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, lane arrows (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 9

Continuous yellow markings along the edge of the road (the kerb) usually indicate:

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Correct answer: Stopping or parking restrictions

Yellow kerb markings indicate parking or stopping restrictions; a continuous line generally means no stopping or parking. Read any accompanying sign for the exact rule and hours.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, kerb markings (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 10

Zebra-style white stripes across the road mark:

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Correct answer: A pedestrian crossing where you may have to give way

Striped markings denote a pedestrian crossing. Approach ready to slow or stop, and give way to people crossing or waiting to cross as the rules require.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, pedestrian crossings (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 11

You should never park or stop on top of road markings that indicate a pedestrian crossing.

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Correct answer: True

Stopping on a crossing blocks pedestrians and hides them from approaching drivers. Keep crossings clear at all times; it is both dangerous and an offence to obstruct them.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, crossings clear (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 12

A painted bicycle symbol within a lane usually indicates:

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Correct answer: A cycle lane or shared space where cyclists may be

A bicycle marking warns that cyclists use that lane or space. Give them room, do not block a cycle lane, and check for cyclists before crossing or turning across it.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, cycle markings (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 13

Why do lane lines often change from broken to solid as you approach a junction?

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Correct answer: To stop late lane changes where they would be dangerous

A solid line near a junction forces drivers to settle into the correct lane early. Last-second lane changes close to a junction cause crashes, so crossing the solid line is not allowed there.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, lane lines near junctions (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 14

Markings on the road surface (such as 'SLOW' or a speed figure) are there to:

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Correct answer: Reinforce a warning or instruction to drivers

Words or figures painted on the road repeat or reinforce a message, for example to slow down or note a speed limit, where a sign alone might be missed. Treat them as instructions.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, road-surface text (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 15

Crossing a solid line where overtaking is prohibited is a traffic offence even if the road looks clear.

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Correct answer: True

A solid line is placed where overtaking or crossing is unsafe, often due to limited sight distance. Crossing it is an offence regardless of how clear the road appears at that moment.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, solid line offence (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 16

Raised reflective studs (cat's eyes) along lane lines mainly help drivers by:

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Correct answer: Showing lane positions at night and in poor visibility

Reflective studs catch your headlights to mark the lanes at night or in rain and fog when painted lines are hard to see. They help you stay in lane in low visibility.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, road studs (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 17

An arrow curving back toward your side of the road ahead of a narrowing usually warns you to:

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Correct answer: Merge back into your lane because the lane ends or narrows

A return arrow signals that your lane is ending or the road narrows ahead, so you must merge back in good time. Move over early when there is a safe gap, not at the last moment.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, merge arrows (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 18

A coloured (for example red) surface within a lane often marks:

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Correct answer: A reserved or special-use lane, such as for buses

A coloured lane surface highlights a reserved lane, often for buses or other priority users. Do not drive or park in it unless your vehicle is permitted, and check any accompanying sign.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, coloured lanes (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 19

Road markings can be harder to see when worn, wet or covered in sand, so you should still use other cues.

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Correct answer: True

Worn, wet or sand-covered markings may be unclear. Combine them with signs, the road layout and the behaviour of other traffic, and slow down where you are unsure of the lane lines.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, faded markings (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 20

When markings and a traffic sign seem to conflict, the safest approach is to:

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Correct answer: Slow down and follow the more restrictive instruction safely

Apparent conflicts are usually due to a temporary change, faded paint or roadworks. Slow down, follow the safer (more restrictive) instruction and watch for further signs that explain the situation.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, conflicting instructions (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 21

Lane markings that split into separate arrows before a junction are there to:

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Correct answer: Sort traffic into the correct lane for each direction

Splitting arrows guide each lane to a direction — for example left, straight or right — so traffic separates smoothly. Choose the lane matching your route well before the junction.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, lane selection arrows (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 22

You are in a lane whose arrow points only left, but you want to go straight. You should:

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Correct answer: Follow the arrow and turn left, then find another route

Once you are committed in a turn-only lane, you must follow its arrow rather than cutting dangerously across traffic. Take the turn, then rejoin your route safely further on.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, turn-only lanes (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 23

Centre lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions and must not be crossed where they are solid.

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Correct answer: True

A centre line keeps opposing streams apart. Where it is solid, crossing into oncoming traffic to overtake is prohibited and dangerous; only cross a broken centre line when it is clearly safe.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, centre lines (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 24

Markings forming a triangle pointing toward you on the road usually mean:

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Correct answer: Give way ahead

A large painted triangle pointing at you reinforces an approaching give-way: slow down and be ready to yield to traffic on the road you are joining.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, give-way triangle (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 25

The main reason to obey road markings as well as signs is that:

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Correct answer: Together they organise the road so everyone moves safely

Markings and signs work together to allocate space and priority on the road. Obeying both keeps lanes, crossings and junctions orderly and prevents conflicts between road users.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, markings and signs together (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 26

You may straddle a lane line and drive between two lanes if traffic is slow.

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Correct answer: False

You must keep within a single lane. Straddling the line confuses other drivers and is unsafe and an offence, even in slow traffic. Pick one lane and stay in it.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, staying in lane (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 27

A short broken line that gets closer together as you near a junction or exit is warning you that:

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Correct answer: A junction, exit or hazard is approaching

Closer-spaced dashes (a 'hazard' or warning line) tell you a junction, exit or other hazard is near. Be ready to slow, change lane carefully or give way as needed.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, hazard warning lines (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 28

On a multi-lane road, staying centred within your lane markings helps because it:

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Correct answer: Keeps a safe gap from vehicles in the lanes either side

Lane markings define your space. Keeping centred leaves room on both sides, reduces the chance of side-swipes and gives you and your neighbours a margin if anyone wanders slightly.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, lane positioning (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 29

Temporary markings (for example yellow lines at roadworks) take priority over the normal permanent markings.

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Correct answer: True

At roadworks, temporary markings redirect traffic safely around the works and override the original lines. Follow the temporary markings even if they cross or differ from the permanent ones.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, temporary markings (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 30

If your lane is marked as ending soon (a merge), the best practice is to:

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Correct answer: Merge early into a safe gap and signal your intention

When a lane ends, signal and merge in good time into a safe gap rather than racing to the end and squeezing in. Smooth, early merging keeps traffic flowing and avoids sudden conflicts.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, merging (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

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