Practical Driving Test in UK / Road and Traffic Signs Category

Practical Driving Test in UK / Road and Traffic Signs Category

Topics include: 

• Road Signs - knowing the meanings of different road signs.
  
• Speed Limits - being aware of and planning for speed limit signs.
  
• Road Markings - knowing the meanings of road markings.
  
• Regulations - knowing the regulations associated with road signs & markings.

A good knowledge of road signs and road markings is essential. For pictures and explanations see our road signs page. For motorway signs see our motorway driving page. 

To test your knowledge you can take our two road signs theory test - road sign test 02 

General Road Sign Rules 

You must obey signs giving orders. These signs are usually in red circles.
Signs that give instructions are blue and circular give instructions.

Signs with brown backgrounds display tourist information.

White rectangles are used for direction signs on non-primary routes or for plates used in
combination with warning and regulatory signs.

Green rectangles are used for direction signs on primary routes.

Blue rectangles are used for information signs except on motorways where blue
is used for direction signs.

Hand signal indicating the driver intends to turn left.

Hand signal indicating the driver intends to slow down. 

Road Markings

• You would see a contraflow bus and cycle lane on a one-way street.
  
• Zig-Zag lines at pedestrian crossings mean no parking at any time.

Centre Solid White Lines

You must not cross or straddle a solid white line in the centre of the road unless:

• you're turning into a junction
• you need to pass a stationary vehicle
• you need to overtake a cyclist, horse or road maintenance vehicle if they're moving at 10mph or less. 

Traffic Lights

• Red light - you must stop and wait behind the stop line.
  
• Amber light - stop at the stop line.
  
• Green light - continue forward unless your exit from the junction is blocked.