Understanding Road Signs and What They Mean

An Instructor’s Guide from Today’s Driving School

When you are behind the wheel, your ability to read and respond to road signs can mean the difference between a smooth, safe drive and a dangerous mistake. Road signs aren’t just colorful shapes planted along the highway—they are a carefully designed language every driver must learn to “speak.”

For new drivers, especially those preparing for the Minnesota driver’s license test, road signs can feel overwhelming. But once you understand the logic behind their shapes, colors, and categories, they become much easier to recognize and follow. Let’s break down the basics and highlight some of the most important signs you will encounter on Minnesota roads.


The Language of Road Signs: Shape and Color Matter
Before you memorize every single sign, start by understanding how signs are designed:

Shapes:

• Octagon : Reserved only for stop signs—if you see this shape, you know you must stop.

• Triangle: A downward-pointing triangle always means you must yield.

• Diamond: These signs warn you about upcoming hazards like curves, intersections, or deer crossings. If the sign is orange, it indicates the depicted hazards are in a construction zone.

• Rectangle: Vertical rectangles often mean regulations (like speed limits), while horizontal ones usually give information (like destinations).

• Pentagon: Used for school zones and school crossings.

• Circle: An advance warning that you are approaching a railroad crossing.

• Crossbuck (X-shape): Indicates you are at the railroad crossing. 

Colors:

• Red: Stop, yield, or prohibits (like Do Not Enter).

• Yellow: General warnings—something ahead requires caution.

• Yellow-Green: Warnings and controls in pedestrian, bicycle, and school areas.

• Green: Informational guidance (streets, exits, mileage).

• Blue: Services like rest areas, gas, or hospitals.

• Orange: Construction zones and temporary changes.

• White/Black: Rules and regulations, such as speed limits.

• Brown: Recreation or cultural interest areas.

Knowing this framework helps you quickly process signs, even if you have not memorized every single one.

Regulatory Signs: Rules of the Road
These signs tell you what you must do or must not do. Ignoring them can result in a ticket—or worse, a crash.

• Stop Signs (Red Octagon): Come to a complete stop, check all directions, and only proceed when safe. Minnesota law requires stopping before the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection.

• Yield Signs (Red Triangle): Slow down and stop for pedestrians and cross traffic near enough to cause a risk of collision. For vehicles and bicycles, a half block or further away is a good guide for determining a safe distance.

• Speed Limit Signs: In Minnesota, unless otherwise posted, the speed limit is 30 mph in urban areas and 55 mph on two-lane roads. Always obey posted signs, especially in school or work zones.

• Do Not Enter / Wrong Way: These prevent you from driving into opposing traffic—common at highway off-ramps.

• No Turn on Red / No U-Turn: Pay attention to restrictions to avoid dangerous maneuvers.

Warning Signs: Stay Alert
These signs prepare you for what is ahead. They are typically yellow diamonds with black symbols.

• Curve Ahead: Adjust speed and be ready to steer smoothly.

• Merging Traffic: Be alert for vehicles entering your lane.

• Slippery When Wet: Slow down, especially in rain or snow.

• Deer Crossing (or Other Animals): Minnesota is known for deer-related collisions—especially during dusk and fall. Stay alert and scan the shoulders.

• School Zone or Pedestrian Crossing (often yellow-green): Reduce speed and watch for children or pedestrians.

Instructor Tip: In Minnesota, fines double in designated work zones and can be severe if you speed through a school zone. Warning signs are not optional suggestions—they are essential safety cues.

Construction and Temporary Signs
Construction zones are everywhere in Minnesota—sometimes it feels like the “fifth season” is road work. Orange signs, cones, and barrels are your alert that traffic patterns may have changed.

• Lane Shifts / Closures: Be prepared to merge early.

• Flagger Ahead: Slow down and follow the flagger’s instructions—they carry the same authority as a traffic light.

• Reduced Speed: These speed limits are enforceable, even if workers are not visibly present.

Minnesota law reminder: Fines are doubled for violations in work zones.

Informational Signs: Helping You Get Where You are Going
Informational signs are the green, blue, and brown ones that guide and support drivers.

• Green Informational Signs: Highway exits, street names, mile markers.

• Blue Service Signs: Gas stations, hospitals, rest areas.

• Brown Recreational Signs: State parks, campgrounds, or historic sites.

These signs don’t regulate your behavior, but ignoring them might mean missing your exit or service stop.

Special Signs: Railroad and School Zones

• Railroad Crossing (Round Yellow & Crossbuck): Slow down, look, and listen. Trains always have the right of way, and Minnesota law requires stopping at least 10 feet from the nearest track if signals are active.

• School Crossing (Pentagon): Slow to 20 mph in school zones where posted and watch for children crossing.

These are high-risk areas, and extra caution is always expected.

Common Mistakes New Drivers Make with Signs

1. Not fully stopping at stop signs. Minnesota law requires a full stop—not a “rolling stop.”

2. Ignoring yield signs. Yield does not mean "speed up and beat them to the intersection." It means you must slow down and stop to provide them with the right of way.

3. Speeding through school or work zones. These are heavily enforced.

4. Misinterpreting warning signs. For example, “Merge” does not mean force your way in at the last second.

5. Overlooking service signs. Running out of gas in rural Minnesota is not just inconvenient—it can be dangerous in winter.

Tips for Remembering Road Signs

• Use Flashcards/Review Chp. 5 of the MN Driver’s Manual: Chapter 5 of the Minnesota Driver’s manual and many study tools are great ways to review/way to practice signs.

• Pay Attention in Real Life: Treat every drive like a study session—notice the signs you pass.

• Practice with an Instructor: At Today’s Driving School, we point out signs in real time to help students build awareness.

• Group by Shape/Color: Memorizing categories is easier than individual signs.

Final Thoughts
Road signs are more than just test material—they are the shared language of the road, keeping all drivers safe and traffic flowing smoothly. By learning not just what signs look like but also why they are designed the way they are, you will drive with more confidence and awareness.

At Today's Driving School, we emphasize the importance of road sign recognition in every lesson. Knowing how to interpret and respond to signs is a critical skill to understand.

Safe driving starts with paying attention to your surroundings. Part of that is reading and understanding road signs, a critical skill for driving safely. 

Contact us at (844) 374-8315, or visit us online at todaysdrivingschool.com to schedule your lesson and gain confidence behind the wheel. 

Jacob Ahner
Driving Instructor with Today’s Driving School

Driving Myths Busted

Practical Facts from Today’s Driving School

When it comes to driving, misinformation can be everywhere. Whether it’s something a friend told you or a myth passed down from a parent, many common beliefs about the road simply aren’t true—and in some cases, they can lead to unsafe habits or trouble. At Today’s Driving School, we want to help drivers separate fact from fiction. Below, we’re breaking down some of the most persistent driving myths—and the real rules behind them.

1. Myth: You only need to stop for 3 seconds at a stop sign.

Reality:
What matters is that you come to a complete stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or before entering the intersection. You must remain stopped until it is safe and legal to proceed. If your wheels are still moving, it’s considered a rolling stop, which can result in a ticket or possibly points being knocked off during a driving test.

2. Myth: Driving 5 mph over the speed limit is always okay.

Reality:
In Minnesota, the posted speed limit is the maximum legal speed—not a suggestion. While some officers may allow a small margin, any speed above the limit is illegal and can result in a citation. Worse, it increases your stopping distance and risk of collisions. Always follow posted limits and make adjustments for things like weather, traffic, and road conditions.

3. Myth: It’s okay to go through a yellow light if you’re already close.

Reality:
Yellow lights are a warning to stop, not a signal to speed up. Minnesota law requires you to stop safely when the light turns yellow—unless you’re so close that stopping would be unsafe. Running a red light after a misjudged yellow can lead to citations and dangerous crashes.

4. Myth: You don’t need to signal if no one is around.

Reality:
Turn signals are always required—even if it appears no one is nearby. Signaling is about developing safe, consistent habits, and you may not always be aware of who’s watching (such as a law enforcement officer or pedestrian). Minnesota Law requires signaling at least 100 feet before turning and before every lane change.

5. Myth: You can’t get a DUI unless your BAC is 0.08 or higher.

Reality:
While 0.08% is the legal limit for most drivers, you can still be charged with DWI if a law enforcement officer can prove that alcohol caused the driver to commit driving errors, then the driver can be arrested for DWI with an alcohol concentration as low as 0.04.  For drivers under 21, any detectable amount of alcohol is illegal (Not-a-Drop Law). This also applies to drug impairment, whether from prescriptions or other substances.

6. Myth: Red cars get pulled over more often.

Reality:
There’s no data proving red cars are targeted by law enforcement more than any other color. Tickets are generally issued based on behavior—not vehicle color. However, brighter or more noticeable vehicles might stand out if they’re violating traffic laws, which is where this myth likely began.

7. Myth: Hands-free means distraction-free.

Reality:
Even when using hands-free devices, cognitive distraction remains a major concern. Minnesota’s hands-free law prohibits holding a phone while driving. It’s important to minimize any activity that takes your attention off the road—including conversations, navigation input, and voice-to-text messaging.
For anyone under 18 they may not use or talk on a cell phone while driving, with or without a hands-free device. 

8. Myth: You should warm up your car for 10+ minutes before driving in winter.

Reality:
Modern engines do not require long warm-up periods. In fact, idling your vehicle for more than a few minutes wastes fuel. In cold weather, 30–60 seconds is typically enough to circulate oil—then it's best to drive gently to allow everything to warm up.

9. Myth: It’s safer to put your license and registration in the sun visor for quick access.

Reality:
Minnesota law doesn’t specify where you must keep these documents, but storing items in your sun visor could be unsafe if they fall or distract you. It’s safer to keep your license on your person and your registration and insurance card in the glove compartment or a center console where they are secure and accessible.

10. Myth: You can't be pulled over for texting while stopped at a red light.

Reality:
Wrong. Under Minnesota’s hands-free law, it is illegal to hold or use your phone while behind the wheel, even if you are stopped at a light or in traffic. The only exceptions are voice-activated commands or making emergency calls.
However, for anyone under 18 they may not use or talk on a cell phone while driving, with or without a hands-free device. 

Final Thoughts
Knowing the truth about these driving myths isn’t just about passing your road test—it’s about driving smarter and safer every day. At Today’s Driving School, we aim to help our students understand not only the rules of the road, but also the real-life responsibilities that come with being behind the wheel.

Have questions about Minnesota driving laws or want to schedule a lesson? Visit us at todaysdrivingschool.com or call us at (844) 374-8315.

Jacob Ahner

Driving Instructor with Today’s Driving School

How to Parallel Park Like a Pro

Step-by-Step Guide for New Drivers from Today’s Driving School

Parallel parking can be one of the most intimidating maneuvers for new drivers. Tight spaces, traffic behind you, and the precision required make it feel stressful—but with the right technique and a bit of practice, anyone can master it. At Today’s Driving School, we teach students how to approach parallel parking with confidence and control, following Minnesota driving regulations and best practices.

Why Parallel Parking Matters:

Parallel parking is not just a driving test requirement; it is a practical skill that allows you to park in urban areas, crowded streets, and places with limited space. Mastering it helps you:

• Avoid parking tickets and fines
• Reduce the risk of collisions while parking
• Build confidence in tight traffic situations
• Navigate tight spaces safely and efficiently

When we practice parallel parking with students, we use cones instead of actual vehicles. This is for two reasons: 

1. Cones are much less stressful than having real vehicles to deal with. This makes it easier for new drivers to learn the mechanics of parallel parking. 
2. We really don’t like filling out accident reports. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Parallel Parking

Step 1: Find the Right Spot: Look for a space that is at least one and a half times the length of your car. Ensure there is enough room to maneuver without hitting the car in front or behind. Check mirrors and blind spots for oncoming traffic before signaling.

Step 2: Signal and Position: Signal to indicate your intention to park. Pull up parallel to the car in front of your space, leaving about 1–3 feet between your car and theirs. Align your rear bumper with the rear bumper of the parked car.

Step 3: Check Surroundings: Before you start reversing, check your mirrors, blind spots, and traffic around you. Make sure pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles are not in your path.

Step 4: Put Car in Reverse/Hard right the wheel: Put your car in reverse, but before letting go of the brake, turn your steering wheel all the way to the right, then after letting go of the brake watch for the back two cones (or reference points) to appear centered in your left sideview mirror. This ensures you start angling into the space properly. 

Note: Use slow, controlled movements to help maintain precision. 

Step 5: Straighten Your Wheels Out: Once you see the back two cones aligned in the center of your left sideview mirror, you will then straighten your wheels out and start reversing until the front cone aligns with the dip of your passenger-side windshield. 

Step 6: Hard Left/Adjust: After you have gotten the front cone aligned with the dip of your passenger-side windshield, you will turn the steering wheel fully to the left to bring the car parallel with the curb. Once you are parallel with the curb, make adjustments forward or backward as needed to center your vehicle in the space. Your wheels, at this point, should be about 6–12 inches from the curb.

Note: 12 inches is the maximum amount of space you are allowed to be away from the curb. 

Step 7: Secure Your Vehicle: Shift into park, engage your parking brake, and turn off the engine if you are stopping. Double-check your positioning relative to the curb and surrounding cars.

Tips for Success

• Practice with Cones: Set up cones in an empty parking lot to simulate parked cars. This reduces stress and allows you to focus on steering and distance.
• For Parallel Parking; place the front cone 7ft from the curb. For the two back cones; place the first one 12in from the curb and the second one 7ft from the curb. 
• For 90 Degree Backing Maneuver; Place the two front cones 12 inches to the outside of the line marking the left and right boundary of the parking space. Then place the third cone on the left side of the parking space, about halfway back.
• Feel free to reference our website for cone measurements: https://www.todaysdrivingschool.com/rules_resources.phtml (bottom of the page)
• Practice Reference Points: Notice how your mirrors, bumpers, and curb relate to each other. This helps you judge when to start turning and straightening.
• Take Your Time: There is no need to rush. Slow, controlled movements increase accuracy.
• Keep Hands Properly on the Wheel: Use the hand-over-hand steering method to maintain control.
• Check Your Surroundings Frequently: Always stay aware of traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists while maneuvering.

Exactly, What is Awareness of Your Surroundings?

1. How: Mirror, Over shoulders, Rearview cameras. 
• Using just one method is not good enough due to limitations of each method. Doing all three of these methods provides the maximum safety.
• Over the shoulder means looking out the back and side windows 
2. Why: 
• Helps avoid collisions with other road users, vehicles, bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorcycles.  
3. Blind Spots: Why They’re Dangerous

Blind spots are the areas around your vehicle that you can’t see using your mirrors. They’re dangerous because: 

• You may not see other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians. 
• They increase the risk of accidents when changing lanes or merging. 
• They give drivers a false sense of security if not checked properly.

Always be aware of your blind spots and take a moment to check them before making a move on the road.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Parking too far from the curb: Can make your car a hazard for passing traffic.
• Hitting the curb: Can damage your tires or rims.
• Turning too early or too late: Misalignment with the parking space.
• Not checking traffic: Increases risk of collisions or near misses.

Parallel Parking on the Road Test 

In Minnesota, parallel parking is evaluated on precision, safety, and proper signaling. Examiners look for:

• Correct positioning relative to the curb
• Use of turn signals
• Smooth and controlled maneuvering
• Awareness of surrounding traffic and pedestrians
• Ability to park without hitting other “vehicles” (cones for reference) 

Practicing these steps repeatedly will increase your confidence and improve your chances of passing the parallel parking portion of the road test.

Final Thoughts 

Parallel parking is a skill that improves with patience and practice. By understanding the steps, using reference points, and staying calm under pressure, you can park like a pro and impress your fellow drivers.

At Today’s Driving School, we provide hands-on instruction to help new drivers master maneuvers like parallel parking in a safe, supportive environment. 

Contact us at (844) 374-8315, or visit us online at todaysdrivingschool.com to schedule your lesson and gain confidence behind the wheel. 

Jacob Ahner

Driving Instructor with Today’s Driving School