Minnesota Permit Practice Test

What should a driver do if they encounter a yield sign?

1. Come to a complete stop

2. Yield to oncoming traffic but continue

3. Slow down and yield to traffic on the intersecting road

4. Ignore the sign if no cars are present

The correct answer is: Slow down and yield to traffic on the intersecting road

When a driver encounters a yield sign, the appropriate action is to slow down and yield to traffic on the intersecting road. The primary purpose of a yield sign is to instruct drivers that they must give the right of way to other vehicles and pedestrians that are already in the intersection or are close enough that they pose a hazard. By slowing down, the driver is able to assess the situation, look for oncoming traffic, and determine whether it is safe to proceed. Yielding means allowing other vehicles or pedestrians to go first, which helps to prevent collisions and promotes safe driving practices. Ignoring the sign, regardless of whether other cars are present, can lead to dangerous situations, as it disregards the rules designed to manage right-of-way and traffic flow effectively. While coming to a complete stop may be appropriate in certain situations where visibility is poor or there is immediate danger, it is not a requirement at a yield sign unless traffic conditions necessitate it. Continuing without yielding when vehicles are approaching could result in an accident. Therefore, the best practice when approaching a yield sign is to slow down, evaluate the traffic around you, and yield to ensure safety for everyone on the road.