Road signs
Know every sign before the test
What each UK road sign means and what to do when you see it. Learn the colour and shape system once and you can read any sign on the day.
Warning signs
Crossroads aheadWarning signs in the UK are triangular with a red border on a white background. This one warns of a crossroads ahead, where another road crosses your route and traffic may emerge.Roundabout aheadThis red-bordered warning triangle tells you a roundabout is ahead. It gives you time to slow down, choose your lane, and prepare to give way to traffic coming from your right.Bend to the rightA warning triangle showing a bend tells you the road ahead curves sharply. The direction of the symbol shows which way the bend goes -- here, to the right.Road narrows on both sidesThis warning triangle tells you the road ahead narrows. It may narrow on both sides or just one; a separate plate or sign shows which side gives way where the road narrows.Slippery roadThis warning triangle tells you the road ahead may be slippery, for example from surface water, mud, or a slick surface. Adjust your driving to keep control.Pedestrian crossing aheadA warning triangle showing a pedestrian tells you a crossing point is ahead. Be ready to slow down or stop for people who are crossing or waiting to cross.Children going to or from schoolThis warning triangle warns that children may be crossing on their way to or from school. It is often used near schools, playgrounds and recreation grounds.Traffic signals aheadThis warning triangle tells you that traffic lights are ahead. It is used where the signals may be hard to see in time, such as after a bend or crest.Steep hill downwardsThis warning triangle tells you the road ahead falls away steeply. A plate showing the gradient as a percentage (for example 1:10 or 10%) tells you how steep the descent is.Two-way traffic aheadThis warning triangle, showing two vertical arrows pointing in opposite directions, tells you that you are about to meet traffic travelling in both directions, typically where a one-way street or dual carriageway ends.Level crossing with barrier aheadThis warning triangle, showing a gate, tells you there is a level crossing with a barrier or gate ahead. A separate version without a gate warns of a crossing with no barrier.Wild animalsThis warning triangle, usually showing a deer, tells you that wild animals may be on or crossing the road ahead. Related signs warn of cattle, wild horses, ponies or migratory toads.
Regulatory signs
Stop signThe STOP sign is the only octagonal (eight-sided) sign on UK roads. It requires every driver to come to a complete stop -- not just slow down -- at the stop line.Give wayThe GIVE WAY sign is an inverted (point-down) red triangle. It means you must give way to traffic on the road you are joining, stopping only if necessary to do so safely.No entryA red circle with a single white horizontal bar means NO ENTRY. Vehicular traffic is prohibited from entering -- typically the exit of a one-way street.National speed limit appliesA white circle with a single black diagonal stripe means the national speed limit applies. The actual figure depends on the road type and the vehicle you are driving.Speed limit (30 mph)A white circle with a red ring and a number sets the maximum speed in miles per hour. 30 mph is the usual limit in built-up areas where there are street lights, unless another limit is signed.No overtakingThis regulatory sign, a red ring with two cars inside, prohibits overtaking. It is used where overtaking would be dangerous, such as on bends, hills, or stretches with limited visibility.No stopping (clearway)A blue circle with a red ring and a red diagonal cross marks a clearway. You must not stop on the main carriageway, even to pick up or set down passengers, except in an emergency.No U-turnsA red ring around a U-turn arrow crossed by a red diagonal bar means no U-turns. You must not turn your vehicle round to face the opposite direction at this point.No motor vehiclesA red ring containing a car and a motorcycle means no motor vehicles. It bans cars, motorcycles and other powered vehicles from going beyond the sign, often to protect a pedestrian or residential area.Maximum heightA red ring showing a height means the maximum height of vehicle allowed beyond the sign. It warns of a low bridge, tunnel or overhead obstruction and is shown in both imperial and metric.
Mandatory signs
Turn left aheadBlue circular signs are mandatory: they tell you what you MUST do. A white arrow shows the direction you are required to take -- here, turn left ahead.Keep leftA blue circle with an upward-left arrow tells you to keep left. It is placed at traffic islands, central reservations and other obstructions you must pass on the left.Mini-roundaboutA blue circle with three arrows in a ring marks a mini-roundabout. You must pass round the central marking and give way to traffic coming from your right, just like a normal roundabout.Ahead onlyA blue circle with an upward arrow means ahead only. You must continue straight on and may not turn left or right at this point.Turn right aheadBlue circular signs are mandatory and tell you what you MUST do. A white arrow curving to the right means you are required to turn right ahead.Buses and cycles onlyA blue circle showing a bus and a bicycle is a mandatory sign meaning the route ahead is for buses and pedal cycles only. Other vehicles must not use it during its hours of operation.
Information signs
ParkingA blue rectangle showing a white "P" is an information sign indicating where parking is permitted. Additional plates may set time limits, charges or who may park.Hospital aheadA blue rectangle with a white "H" is an information sign directing you to a hospital ahead. Some versions show whether the hospital has an accident and emergency department.Primary route aheadGreen directional signs mark primary routes -- the main A-roads linking major towns and cities. They use white lettering, with route numbers and any motorway links highlighted.One-way trafficA blue rectangle with a white arrow is an information sign showing that the road is one-way in the direction of the arrow. Do not confuse the straight-ahead arrow with the blue circular "ahead only" order.Tourist information pointBrown signs with white lettering and symbols direct you to tourist attractions and facilities, such as a tourist information point, historic site or leisure venue.
Motorway signs
Start of motorwayMotorway signs have a blue background. This sign marks the start of the motorway, where motorway regulations begin: the maximum speed for cars is 70 mph and certain road users are prohibited.End of motorwayThis sign shows that the motorway and its regulations are ending. The rules and speed limits of the road you are joining now apply, which may be very different.Motorway countdown markersCountdown markers on a blue background warn you that a motorway exit is approaching. Three bars mean 300 yards to the slip road, two bars 200 yards and one bar 100 yards.