Practice question

What is the proper action to take when you encounter a green traffic light?

  1. Speed up to get through the intersection
  2. Prepare to stop in case of a pedestrian
  3. Proceed with caution through the intersection
  4. Always come to a complete stop first

Answer: C — Proceed with caution through the intersection

When you encounter a green traffic light, the proper action is to proceed with caution through the intersection. A green light indicates that the way is clear for you to continue driving. However, it's essential to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings, as there may still be pedestrians crossing or vehicles entering the intersection unexpectedly. This approach helps ensure safety not only for yourself but also for other road users. While it's important to proceed when the light is green, being cautious means you can react appropriately if anything unusual occurs, such as a pedestrian stepping into the crosswalk or a driver not paying attention. Other actions like speeding up or coming to a complete stop are not advisable when the light is green. Those could lead to accidents or confusion on the road. Preparing to stop for pedestrians, while important, should occur primarily when the signal changes or when you can see that someone is about to cross the street.

Practice more: Illinois Driver's License Renewal Practice Test →