Delaware Driver Education State Practice Test

What should a driver do when they see a yield sign ahead?

1. Speed up to merge quickly

2. Slow down and be prepared to stop

3. Ignore the sign if no cars are visible

4. Change lanes immediately

The correct answer is: Slow down and be prepared to stop

When a driver sees a yield sign, the appropriate course of action is to slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary. Yield signs indicate that the driver must give way to any approaching traffic or pedestrians before proceeding. This means that the driver should assess the traffic conditions carefully and, if there are vehicles or individuals in the intersection or crosswalk, they must come to a complete stop to ensure safety. The yield sign alerts drivers to reduce speed and prepare to react thoughtfully to their surroundings, promoting safer driving habits and enhancing road safety. The other choices suggest actions that could lead to dangerous situations. Speeding up to merge quickly may lead to collisions if there isn't enough space or time to safely enter a lane. Ignoring the sign when no visible vehicles are present disregards the rules of the road and could result in a failure to yield to unexpected traffic or hazards. Changing lanes immediately could also create unsafe conditions, especially if it interferes with other vehicles maneuvering at the intersection. Thus, slowing down and being ready to stop is the safest and most lawful response when encountering a yield sign.