Certification Examination Practice

Illinois Highway Flagging Technician Certification Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary responsibility of a highway flagging technician?
• Direct traffic safely through work zones
• Repair traffic signals
• Patrol highways for law enforcement
• Inspect road construction materials
• Direct traffic safely through work zones

Rationale: The main role of a flagging technician is to manage traffic

flow safely in construction and maintenance areas.

• When should a flagger wear a high-visibility safety vest?
• Only at night 1 / 4

• Only when traffic exceeds 50 mph
• At all times while on duty near traffic
• Only in rural areas
• At all times while on duty near traffic

Rationale: OSHA and IDOT regulations require high-visibility vests at

all times near moving traffic to ensure flagger visibility.

• What does a STOP/Slow paddle indicate to drivers?
• Only to slow down
• Stop or proceed slowly as directed
• Detour ahead
• Merge into the right lane
• Stop or proceed slowly as directed

Rationale: The STOP/Slow paddle is the primary signaling device for

flaggers to control vehicle movement safely.

• How far in advance should a warning sign be placed before a flagger

on a roadway?

• 25–50 feet
• 100–500 feet depending on speed limit
• 10 feet
• Only at the start of the work zone
• 100–500 feet depending on speed limit

Rationale: Warning signs should be placed far enough in advance for 2 / 4

drivers to see and respond safely, based on road speed and conditions.

• Which is an appropriate flagging hand signal when stopping traffic?
• Palm facing traffic with arm raised vertically
• Waving hand side to side
• Clapping hands
• Pointing down at the ground
• Palm facing traffic with arm raised vertically

Rationale: A vertical arm with palm facing oncoming vehicles is the

standard stop signal for traffic control.

• At what time of day should flaggers use illuminated devices?
• Only during daylight
• Only during nighttime or low-visibility conditions
• Always, regardless of light conditions
• Only during emergencies
• Only during nighttime or low-visibility conditions

Rationale: Flashing lights and illuminated devices are used to

improve visibility during nighttime or poor visibility situations.

• What is the first step before starting flagging duties?
• Start traffic
• Review the traffic control plan and safety procedures
• Set up detour signs only
• Call law enforcement 3 / 4

• Review the traffic control plan and safety procedures

Rationale: Understanding the traffic control plan ensures the flagger

can work safely and effectively.

• How should a flagger position themselves relative to traffic?
• In the center of the lane
• Behind barriers or as far from moving traffic as possible
• On the shoulder, facing away from traffic
• Directly in front of moving vehicles
• Behind barriers or as far from moving traffic as possible

Rationale: Flaggers should maximize their distance from traffic to

reduce risk of injury.

• Which vehicle control device is used to separate traffic from the work

area?

• Traffic cones or drums
• Stop sign
• Fire extinguisher
• Safety vest
• Traffic cones or drums

Rationale: Cones and drums create a buffer between work zones and

moving vehicles.

• If a driver ignores a STOP/Slow paddle, what should a flagger do

first?

• Chase the vehicle
• / 4