This guide covers the main categories of California road signs that appear on the DMV permit test.
California uses the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards plus the California Supplement. There are approximately 150–250 core signs every driver should recognize.
| Category | Purpose | Typical Colors | Approx. Number of Signs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulatory | Indicate laws and rules of the road | Red, White, Black | ≈ 60 |
| Warning | Alert to hazards or road conditions | Yellow, Orange | ≈ 100 |
| Guide / Informational | Provide directions, services, and landmarks | Green, Blue, Brown | ≈ 80 |
These signs tell you what you must or must not do. They are often rectangular or octagonal.
Common examples: STOP, YIELD, DO NOT ENTER, ONE WAY, NO PARKING, SPEED LIMIT.
These signs warn of conditions ahead. Usually diamond-shaped and yellow, orange in work zones.
Common examples: Curve Ahead, Merging Traffic, Pedestrian Crossing, Slippery When Wet, Bump.
These signs provide route, service, and recreational information.
Common examples: Exit signs, Highway route markers, Rest Area, Scenic Route, State Park.
Total: Approximately 240 common road signs used in California are covered in these categories. For DMV testing purposes, focus on recognizing shape, color, and meaning for each type of sign.

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