Illinois Driving Permit Practice Test 2025 - Free Driving Permit Practice Questions and Study Guide

When traffic signals are out at an intersection, it's essential to prioritize safety and follow the correct procedures to prevent accidents. Treating the intersection as a four-way stop is the appropriate response. This means that all vehicles approaching the intersection must come to a complete stop, and then proceed through the intersection in the order that they arrived, yielding to any vehicles that arrived first. This system helps maintain an orderly flow of traffic and minimizes confusion among drivers, as everyone has a clear understanding of when to proceed.

The other options are less advisable. Continuing through the intersection without stopping could lead to collisions, as other drivers may assume they also have the right of way. Following the last signaling light may not reflect the current traffic conditions, especially if it has been out for some time. Waiting for a police officer to direct traffic might not always be feasible, as officers may not be immediately available. Thus, adopting the four-way stop protocol ensures safety and clarity when faced with inoperative traffic signals.