Road Signs & Markings flashcards

Front

What shape are most warning signs?

Back

Triangular — Warning signs are usually triangular with a red border, alerting you to a hazard ahead (Highway Code, signs).

Front

A circular sign with a red border generally...

Back

Tells you what you must not do — Circular signs with a red ring or border give orders, mostly prohibitions — telling you what you must not do.

Front

A blue circular sign usually...

Back

Gives a positive instruction you must follow — Blue circles give a mandatory positive instruction, such as 'turn left ahead' or a minimum speed.

Front

What does an upside-down (inverted) triangle sign mean?

Back

Give way — An inverted triangle means 'Give Way' — give priority to traffic on the road you're joining.

Front

Which sign is octagonal (eight-sided)?

Back

Stop — The STOP sign is the only octagonal sign, so its shape is recognisable even if partly hidden.

Front

A red circle with a white horizontal bar means...

Back

No entry — A red circle with a white horizontal bar means 'No entry' for vehicles.

Front

What does a sign showing a white diagonal line on a circular white background with a black border mean?

Back

National speed limit applies — A white circle with a single black diagonal stripe means the national speed limit applies.

Front

What do red and amber traffic lights showing together mean?

Back

Stop — don't go until green shows — Red and amber together mean stop; do not pass until green shows, though it tells you green is coming (rule 109).

Front

A triangular sign showing two children means...

Back

Watch out for children, e.g. near a school — This warning sign tells you to watch for children, typically near a school or playground.

Front

A sign with a red ring around a number, e.g. 30, means...

Back

Maximum speed limit of 30 mph — A red ring around a number is a maximum speed limit in mph for that road.

Front

What does a blue circular sign with a white arrow pointing up mean?

Back

Ahead only — A blue circle with an upward arrow means 'Ahead only' — you must continue straight on.

Front

What does a brown background on a sign indicate?

Back

Tourist information or attractions — Brown signs direct you to tourist attractions and facilities.

Front

What colour are signs on primary routes (non-motorway)?

Back

Green with white lettering — Primary route direction signs have a green background; motorway signs are blue and local routes white.

Front

A solid white line along the edge of the carriageway marks...

Back

The edge of the carriageway — A continuous white line at the side marks the edge of the carriageway, helping you in poor visibility.

Front

What do zigzag white lines on the approach to a crossing mean?

Back

No parking or overtaking the leading vehicle near the crossing — Zigzag lines mean you must not park or overtake the leading moving vehicle there, keeping sight lines clear (rule 191).

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Reflective road studs ('cat's eyes') that are red mark...

Back

The right-hand edge of the carriageway — Red reflective studs mark the left-hand edge of the carriageway as you drive (rule 132).

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Amber reflective road studs are found...

Back

Along the central reservation of a dual carriageway or motorway — Amber studs mark the central reservation of a dual carriageway or motorway (rule 132).

Front

Green reflective road studs mark...

Back

The edge of the main carriageway at lay-bys and slip roads — Green studs mark the edge of the main carriageway at lay-bys and slip-road junctions (rule 132).

Front

What does a triangular sign with a picture of traffic lights mean?

Back

There are traffic lights ahead — This warning sign tells you traffic lights are ahead, so be ready to stop.

Front

A triangular sign showing a cow or deer warns of...

Back

Animals or wild animals that may be on the road — These warning signs tell you animals or wild animals may be in the road ahead.

Front

What does a 'No U-turn' sign look like?

Back

A red circle with a black U-turn arrow crossed out — A red circle containing a U-turn arrow with a diagonal line through it prohibits U-turns.

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A yellow box with criss-cross lines painted on the road is a...

Back

Box junction you must keep clear — A yellow box junction must be kept clear — don't enter unless your exit is clear (rule 174).

Front

What does a sign with a red-bordered triangle and an exclamation mark mean?

Back

Other danger ahead — read any plate beneath — The exclamation-mark warning sign means there's another danger ahead; a plate underneath often explains it.

Front

When you see a sign for a 'ford', it warns of...

Back

A place where water crosses the road — A ford sign warns that water flows across the road; cross slowly and test your brakes afterwards.