Road and traffic signs practice questions

1. Signs with a red circle mostly tell you...

Answer: What you must not do

Circles give orders. A red circle is mostly a ban, such as no entry or no U-turns.

2. What do triangular signs mostly do?

Answer: Warn you about something ahead

Most warning signs are triangles with a red border. They tell you about hazards such as bends, junctions or schools.

3. What does a blue circle sign with no red border usually tell you?

Answer: Something you must do, such as turn left or keep left

Blue circles with no red border mostly give a positive instruction, for example ahead only, turn left or mini-roundabout.

4. Direction signs with a green background are used for which roads?

Answer: Primary routes

Green direction signs are for primary routes. Blue is for motorways, white with a black border is for local roads and brown is for tourist attractions.

5. The traffic lights show red and amber together. What does this mean?

Answer: Stop. Do not go until green shows

Red and amber together still means stop. Wait until the green light shows.

6. The traffic lights change from green to amber as you approach. What does amber mean?

Answer: Stop at the line, unless you've crossed it or are too close to stop safely

Amber means stop. You may only go on if you have already crossed the line or are too close to stop safely.

7. There are double white lines in the middle of the road and the line nearest to you is solid. When may you cross it?

Answer: To turn into a side road or property, or to pass a stopped vehicle, if safe

You must not cross a solid line on your side unless it is safe and you need to enter a side road or premises. You may also cross to pass a stationary vehicle if the road is clear.

8. The white centre line becomes longer with shorter gaps. What does this tell you?

Answer: There is a hazard ahead

This is a hazard warning line. Do not cross it unless you can see the road is clear well ahead.

9. You're driving on an unlit dual carriageway late at night. Rain is making the lines hard to see, but the road studs on your right are glowing amber. What do they mark?

Answer: The central reservation

Amber studs mark the central reservation of a dual carriageway or motorway. Red studs mark the left edge, white mark lanes and green mark lay-bys and slip roads.

10. You're driving home at night when a car behind you starts flashing blue lights, and the officer uses the left indicator. What must you do?

Answer: Pull over when it's safe and switch your engine off

If the police signal you to stop, for example with blue lights and the left indicator, you must pull over and stop as soon as it is safe, then switch off your engine.

11. What does the zigzag line area at a pedestrian crossing mean for drivers?

Answer: Don't park there or overtake the nearest moving vehicle there

You must not park on a crossing or in the zigzag area. You also must not overtake the nearest moving vehicle or one that has stopped for pedestrians.

12. What does this sign mean?

Answer: Crossroads ahead

Triangles warn. A black cross inside a red triangle warns of a crossroads ahead, so slow down and watch for traffic from the side roads.

13. What does this sign mean?

Answer: Roundabout ahead

This warning triangle shows arrows going round in a circle. It tells you a roundabout is coming up.

14. What does this sign mean?

Answer: Steep hill downwards

The slope in this triangle goes down, warning of a steep hill downwards. The number shows how steep it is. Use a lower gear so you don't rely only on your brakes.

15. What does this sign mean?

Answer: Quayside or river bank

This triangle shows a car going over an edge into water. It warns of a quayside or river bank, where the road may end at the water.

16. What does this sign mean?

Answer: Side winds

The windsock in this triangle warns of side winds. Strong gusts can push your car sideways, especially on open roads and bridges.

17. What does this sign mean?

Answer: Low-flying aircraft or sudden aircraft noise

This triangle shows an aeroplane. It warns that planes may fly low or make sudden loud noise, which could startle you.

18. What does this sign mean?

Answer: Level crossing without barrier or gate ahead

A steam train in a warning triangle means a level crossing without a barrier or gate. A crossing with a barrier or gate shows a fence instead.

19. What does this sign mean?

Answer: Older or disabled people likely to cross ahead

This sign warns that frail, blind or disabled pedestrians are likely to cross the road ahead. They may need more time, so slow down and be patient.

20. What does this sign mean?

Answer: Traffic queues likely ahead

Three cars in a line inside a warning triangle mean traffic queues are likely ahead. Be ready to slow down or stop.

21. What does this sign mean?

Answer: Wild horses or ponies

A horse with no rider in a warning triangle means wild horses or ponies may be on the road. A sign with a rider means accompanied horses or ponies.

22. What does this sign mean?

Answer: The road turns sharply to the left

Black and white chevrons show a sharp deviation of route. Here they point left, so the road bends sharply left. Slow down before the bend.

23. What does this sign mean?

Answer: No entry for vehicles

A red circle with a white bar means no entry for vehicular traffic. You often see it at the exit end of a one-way street.

24. What does this sign mean?

Answer: No motor vehicles

A red ring around a car and a motorcycle means no motor vehicles. You must not drive a car or ride a motorbike along this road.

25. What does this sign mean?

Answer: Give way to vehicles coming towards you

This round sign means give priority to vehicles from the opposite direction. Wait for oncoming traffic to come through the narrow part before you go.

26. What does this sign mean?

Answer: No stopping (clearway)

A blue circle with a red border and a red cross means no stopping (clearway). You must not stop on the main carriageway, even to pick someone up.

27. You want to park outside a shop for ten minutes and see this sign. What does it mean?

Answer: No waiting

A blue circle with a red border and one red diagonal line means no waiting. Times may be shown on a plate below or nearby.

28. What does this sign mean?

Answer: Minimum speed 30 mph

Blue circles give positive orders. A number in a blue circle is a minimum speed, so you must not go slower than this unless it is unsafe to keep up.

29. What does this sign mean?

Answer: Mini-roundabout

This blue circle with three white arrows means mini-roundabout. You must drive round the central markings unless your vehicle is too big to do so.

30. You see this sign at a junction. What must you do?

Answer: Stop at the line, then go when safe

At a 'Stop' sign you must stop behind the white line, even if the road looks clear. Then wait for a safe gap.

31. What does this sign mean?

Answer: National speed limit applies

A white circle with a black diagonal stripe means the national speed limit applies. For a car that is 60 mph on a single carriageway and 70 mph on a dual carriageway or motorway, unless signs say lower.

32. What does this sign mean?

Answer: Start of motorway; motorway rules apply

This blue sign marks the start of a motorway and the point from which motorway regulations apply. Learners must not go past it unless with an approved instructor in a dual-control car.

33. You pass these signs on the left side of a motorway. What does each bar stand for?

Answer: 100 yards to the exit

These are 'countdown' markers at an exit from a motorway. Each bar represents 100 yards to the exit, so three bars means about 300 yards.

34. What does this sign mean?

Answer: Road works ahead

A person digging in a warning triangle means road works. Watch for temporary speed limits, lane changes and workers.

35. What does this sign mean?

Answer: Loose chippings

This sign warns of loose chippings. Small stones can be thrown up by tyres, so slow down and keep back from the vehicle in front.

36. You see this on a motorway signal. What does it mean?

Answer: Reduced visibility ahead

This motorway signal warns of reduced visibility ahead. Slow down and keep a bigger gap, as you may not see far in front.

37. This signal is shown above your lane. What does it mean?

Answer: Change lanes in the direction shown

On lane control signals, a white diagonal arrow means change lanes in the direction shown. A green arrow means the lane is available and red crosses mean it is closed.

38. You see this marking along the edge of a city road. What does it mean?

Answer: No stopping at any time

Double red lines on a Red Route mean no stopping at any time, even to load or drop someone off. Only licensed taxis and Blue Badge holders have exceptions.

39. What does this marking on the kerb mean?

Answer: No loading or unloading at any time

Yellow marks on the kerb control loading. Two marks mean no loading or unloading at any time. You may still stop briefly to let passengers get in or out.

40. What does this road marking tell you?

Answer: A give way junction is just ahead

A white triangle painted on the road warns of a give way marking just ahead. Slow down and be ready to give way.

41. You're dropping your little brother at school. Can you stop on this marking to let him out?

Answer: No, keep it clear even to drop off children

These yellow zigzags mean keep the entrance clear of stationary vehicles, even when picking up or setting down children. Children need to be seen clearly here.

42. You want to turn left. What do these traffic lights mean?

Answer: You may go left if the way is clear

A green filter arrow lets you go in the direction of the arrow if the way is clear, whatever other lights are showing.

43. You see these lights flashing outside a fire station. What do they mean?

Answer: You must stop

Alternately flashing red lights mean you must stop. You see them at level crossings, lifting bridges, airfields and fire stations.

44. A police officer is controlling traffic and gives this signal to you. What does it mean?

Answer: Stop (traffic coming from the front)

A police officer facing you with an arm raised and palm towards you means stop. You must obey signals given by police officers.

45. The driver in front gives this arm signal out of their window. What does it mean?

Answer: I intend to slow down or stop

This arm signal means 'I intend to slow down or stop'. Drivers may use arm signals if their lights aren't working, or to back up their indicators and brake lights.

46. You drive past this sign as you enter a housing estate. What does it tell you?

Answer: You're entering an area where 20mph is the limit

This sign marks the entry to a 20mph zone. The limit applies until you see an 'End of 20 mph zone' sign.

47. You see this sign as you leave a residential area. What does it mean?

Answer: The 20mph zone ends here

This sign marks the end of a 20mph zone. Look for the limit that applies on the next road.

48. What does this sign mean?

Answer: No overtaking

A red circle showing a black car and a red car side by side means no overtaking.

49. Your family is towing a caravan to the coast. You see this sign at the start of a narrow road. What does it mean?

Answer: Towed caravans are not allowed on this road

A red circle showing a car towing a caravan means no towed caravans.

50. What does this sign mean?

Answer: No buses (over 8 passenger seats)

A red circle showing a bus means no buses with more than 8 passenger seats.

51. You're helping a friend move house in a tall hired van. You see this sign with a number on it before a railway bridge. What does it tell you?

Answer: Vehicles taller than the height shown must not pass

A red circle with a height between two pointers means no vehicles over the height shown.

52. What does this sign mean?

Answer: No vehicles over the width shown

A red circle with a figure between two side-pointing arrows means no vehicles over the width shown.

53. What does this sign mean?

Answer: No right turn

A red circle with a right-turn arrow crossed by a red bar means no right turn.

54. You want to turn left at a junction but see this sign. What does it mean?

Answer: No left turn

A red circle with a left-turn arrow crossed by a red bar means no left turn.

55. You've missed your turning and want to spin round. You see this sign. What does it mean?

Answer: No U-turns

A red circle with a U-shaped arrow crossed by a red bar means no U-turns.

56. This sign shows a lorry and '7.5T'. What does it mean?

Answer: No goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, except for loading

This sign means no goods vehicles over the maximum gross weight shown, except for loading and unloading.

57. Before an old bridge you see a red-ringed circle with '18T'. What does it mean?

Answer: No vehicles over 18 tonnes in total

A red circle with a weight in tonnes means no vehicles over the maximum gross weight shown.

58. You find a free space on a street, but this sign is next to it. What does it mean?

Answer: Only people with the right permit may park

This sign means parking is restricted to permit holders.

59. This sign is at a bus stop. What does it mean for you as a car driver?

Answer: Only buses may stop here during the times shown

This sign means no stopping during the period indicated except for buses (a bus stop clearway).

60. You see this sign outside a train station. What may you do during the times shown?

Answer: Stop only as long as needed to pick up or set down passengers

This sign means no stopping during the times shown except for as long as necessary to set down or pick up passengers.

61. What does this blue circular sign mean?

Answer: Turn left ahead

A blue circle with a white arrow bending left means turn left ahead.

62. What does this blue circular sign mean?

Answer: Turn left

A blue circle with a white arrow pointing left means turn left. Blue circles give positive instructions.

63. You see this sign on a traffic island. What does it mean?

Answer: Vehicles may pass either side to reach the same place

A blue circle with two white arrows pointing down to the left and right means vehicles may pass either side to reach the same destination.

64. What does this sign mean?

Answer: Route for pedal cycles only

A blue circle showing a bicycle means a route to be used by pedal cycles only.

65. On your walk to college you see this sign on a shared path. What does it mean?

Answer: Bikes use one side and people walk on the other

A blue circle split by a vertical white line, with a bicycle on one side and pedestrians on the other, means a segregated pedal cycle and pedestrian route.

66. You see this sign after a stretch of road with a minimum speed. What does it mean?

Answer: The minimum speed limit now ends

A blue circle with a speed crossed by a red diagonal line means end of minimum speed.

67. What does this sign mean?

Answer: Buses and cycles only

A blue circle showing a bus and a bicycle means buses and cycles only.

68. What does this sign mean?

Answer: Trams only

A blue circle showing a tram means trams only.

69. This blue sign shows a person walking. It's next to tram tracks in a pedestrian area. What does it mean?

Answer: Crossing point for pedestrians over the tramway

This sign marks a pedestrian crossing point over a tramway.

70. You see this blue rectangular sign. What does it mean?

Answer: Buses drive the opposite way in that lane

This sign shows a contra-flow bus lane: buses in that lane travel against the flow of other traffic.

71. What does this blue rectangular sign show?

Answer: A cycle lane going the same way as traffic

This sign shows a with-flow pedal cycle lane next to the main traffic lane.

72. At road works a person holds a sign showing 'STOP'. What must you do?

Answer: Stop and wait until the sign is turned to GO

Manually operated temporary STOP and GO signs control traffic at road works. You must stop when STOP is shown.

73. You see this sign at the entrance to a road tunnel. What does it mean?

Answer: No vehicles carrying explosives

This sign means no vehicles carrying explosives.

74. This sign shows a measurement between two arrows above a lorry. What does it mean?

Answer: No vehicle or combination of vehicles over the length shown

This sign means no vehicle or combination of vehicles over the length shown.

75. What does this sign mean?

Answer: Cyclists must push their bikes; other vehicles may not enter

This sign means no vehicles except bicycles being pushed.

76. What does this warning sign mean?

Answer: Dual carriageway ends

This triangular sign warns that the dual carriageway ends. Expect traffic coming towards you on the same road.

77. What does this warning sign mean?

Answer: Road narrows on the right

This sign warns that the road narrows on the right (left if the symbol is reversed).

78. What does this warning sign mean?

Answer: Road narrows on both sides

This sign warns the road narrows on both sides.

79. What does this warning sign mean?

Answer: T-junction where you have priority over traffic from the right

This sign warns of a T-junction with priority over vehicles from the right. The thicker line shows the road with priority.

80. What does this warning sign mean?

Answer: Staggered junction

This sign warns of a staggered junction: side roads join from left and right but not directly opposite each other.

81. What does this warning sign mean?

Answer: Traffic merging from the left ahead

This sign warns that traffic will be merging from the left ahead.

82. What does this warning sign mean?

Answer: Double bend, first to the left

This sign warns of a double bend, first to the left (the symbol may be reversed).

83. What does this warning sign mean?

Answer: Bend to the right

This sign warns of a bend to the right (or left if the symbol is reversed).

84. What does this warning sign mean?

Answer: Uneven road

This sign warns of an uneven road surface.

85. You're on a one-way street and see this sign. What does it warn you about?

Answer: Two-way traffic crosses the one-way road

This sign warns that two-way traffic crosses a one-way road ahead.

86. What does this warning sign mean?

Answer: Two-way traffic straight ahead

This sign warns of two-way traffic straight ahead, often where a one-way road or dual carriageway ends.

87. What does this warning sign mean?

Answer: Opening or swing bridge ahead

This sign warns of an opening or swing bridge ahead.

88. On a mountain road in Wales, you see this sign. What does it warn you about?

Answer: Falling or fallen rocks

This sign warns of falling or fallen rocks.

89. What does this warning sign mean?

Answer: Traffic lights ahead are not in use

This sign warns that the traffic signals ahead are not in use.

90. What does this warning sign mean?

Answer: Traffic signals ahead

This sign warns of traffic signals ahead.

91. What does this warning sign mean?

Answer: Steep hill upwards

This sign warns of a steep hill upwards. The percentage shows how steep it is.

92. What does this warning sign mean?

Answer: Tunnel ahead

This sign warns of a tunnel ahead.

93. What does this warning sign mean?

Answer: Trams crossing ahead

This sign warns that trams are crossing ahead.

94. What does this warning sign mean?

Answer: Level crossing with a barrier or gate ahead

This sign, showing a gate, warns of a level crossing with a barrier or gate ahead.

95. What does this warning sign mean?

Answer: School crossing patrol ahead

This sign warns of a school crossing patrol ahead. Some have amber lights that flash when the crossing is in use.

96. What does this warning sign mean?

Answer: Pedestrians in the road ahead

This sign warns that there may be pedestrians walking in the road ahead, for example where there is no pavement.

97. Before a railway crossing you see this sign with a plate showing a height. What does it warn you about?

Answer: An overhead electric cable; the plate shows the safe height

This sign warns of an overhead electric cable. The plate shows the maximum height of vehicles that can pass safely.

98. What does this warning sign tell you?

Answer: The width and headroom available, for example under an arched bridge

This sign shows the available width of headroom: how much room there is under something like an arched bridge.

99. What does this warning sign mean?

Answer: Light signals ahead at a level crossing, airfield or bridge

This sign warns of light signals ahead at a level crossing, airfield or bridge.

100. At a level crossing without barriers, you see small red and green lights. What are they?

Answer: Miniature warning lights; you must stop on red

Miniature warning lights at level crossings show red when a train is coming. Stop on red and wait for green.

101. Driving through a forest at dusk, you see this sign with a deer on it. What does it warn of?

Answer: Wild animals in the road

A red triangle showing a deer warns of wild animals.

102. You see this sign showing a horse and rider. What should you expect?

Answer: Horses being ridden or led along the road

A triangle showing a horse and rider warns of accompanied horses or ponies on the road.

103. What does this warning sign mean?

Answer: Cycle route ahead

A red triangle showing a bicycle warns of a cycle route ahead.

104. On a cold morning you see this sign. What does it warn of?

Answer: Risk of ice

A red triangle with a snowflake warns of a risk of ice.

105. What does this sign with an exclamation mark mean?

Answer: Other danger; a plate below says what it is

A red triangle with an exclamation mark warns of other danger. A plate below tells you what the danger is.

106. What does this warning sign mean?

Answer: Soft verges

This sign warns of soft verges: the grass edge of the road may not take a vehicle's weight.

107. What does this warning sign mean?

Answer: Hump bridge

This sign warns of a hump bridge.

108. This sign shows a low vehicle on a bump. Who is it mainly warning?

Answer: Low vehicles that could get stuck on the road surface

This sign warns of a risk of grounding, where low vehicles could get stuck, for example on a raised level crossing.

109. You see this triangle with a 'STOP' plate and a distance below. What does it tell you?

Answer: There is a STOP sign and line ahead at that distance

This sign gives the distance to a 'STOP' line ahead.

110. You see this triangle with an upside-down triangle inside and a distance plate. What does it tell you?

Answer: There's a 'Give Way' line ahead at that distance

This sign gives the distance to a 'Give Way' line ahead.

111. What does this warning sign mean?

Answer: A junction on a bend ahead

This sign warns of a junction on a bend ahead.

112. You see this sign as you drive into a town centre. What does it mean?

Answer: You're entering a controlled parking zone

This sign marks the entrance to a controlled parking zone. Parking rules on signs apply across the whole zone.

113. You see this sign with a white 'C' in a red circle. What does it mean?

Answer: You're entering a congestion charging zone

This sign marks the entrance to a congestion charging zone. You may have to pay a charge to drive in it.

114. This blue sign shows an arrow pointing up and a smaller red arrow pointing down. What does it mean?

Answer: Traffic has priority over oncoming vehicles

This sign means you have priority over oncoming vehicles at a narrow section.

115. This blue sign shows a white 'H' and a red cross. What does it tell you?

Answer: Hospital ahead with A&E

This sign shows a hospital ahead with Accident and Emergency facilities.

116. What does this sign showing a 'T' with a red bar mean?

Answer: No through road for vehicles

This sign means no through road for vehicles: the road is a dead end.

117. You see this sign with a camera on it. What does it tell you?

Answer: Cameras are used to enforce traffic rules in this area

This sign shows an area in which cameras are used to enforce traffic regulations.

118. You see this sign above a lane on a busy road into a city. What lane is it?

Answer: A lane for high occupancy vehicles (HOV)

This sign shows a lane designated for high occupancy vehicles (HOV). Only vehicles carrying at least the number of people shown may use it during its hours.

119. What does this sign with a crossed-out motorway symbol mean?

Answer: End of motorway

This sign marks the end of the motorway. Motorway rules no longer apply after it.

120. You see this blue sign above lanes at a junction, with an arrow pointing to each lane's destination. What is it for?

Answer: To show which lane to use for your destination

This sign shows the appropriate traffic lanes at a junction ahead.

121. You're joining a dual carriageway. A sign shows the main carriageway has priority over joining traffic from the right. What does it mean for you?

Answer: Traffic already on the main road goes first

This sign tells you traffic on the main carriageway coming from the right has priority over joining traffic.

122. This sign shows that the right-hand lane of a slip road has priority over the left-hand lane. What should you do in the left lane?

Answer: Give way to traffic in the right lane of the slip road

This sign means traffic in the right-hand lane of the slip road joining the main carriageway has priority over the left-hand lane.

123. A sign shows a speed limit and a camera symbol. What does it tell you?

Answer: A variable speed limit enforced by cameras

This is a variable speed limit with camera enforcement sign. Limits may change and cameras enforce them.

124. What does this blue sign showing a motorcycle and a 'P' mean?

Answer: Parking place for solo motorcycles

This sign shows a parking place for solo motorcycles.

125. What does this sign showing an 'i' mean?

Answer: Tourist information point

This sign shows a tourist information point.

126. You see a rectangular sign telling you about a restriction further ahead. What is it for?

Answer: To give advance warning of a restriction or prohibition ahead

This sign gives advance warning of a restriction or prohibition ahead, so you can choose another route in time.

127. This sign shows a bus lane on the road at a junction ahead. What should you do if you're turning there?

Answer: Watch for buses and keep out of the bus lane while it's in use

This sign warns that there is a bus lane on the road at the junction ahead. Do not drive into it during its hours of operation.

128. You turn into a street and see this sign. What does it mean?

Answer: You're entering a Home Zone

This sign marks a Home Zone entry. People may use the whole street, so drive very slowly and be ready to stop.

129. What does this road works sign mean?

Answer: Temporary hazard at road works

This sign warns of a temporary hazard at road works.

130. You see this sign at road works showing arrows and red bars over lanes. What does it tell you?

Answer: Which lanes are open and which are closed ahead

This sign shows a temporary lane closure. Arrows show the open lanes and red bars the closed ones.

131. A slow road works vehicle has a sign on the back with a blue arrow pointing down to the right. What should you do?

Answer: Pass on the side the arrow shows, if safe

A slow-moving or stationary works vehicle blocking a lane shows an arrow. Pass in the direction shown by the arrow.

132. You see this road works sign with a speed limit inside a red circle. What does it mean?

Answer: A mandatory speed limit is ahead

This sign warns of a mandatory speed limit ahead at road works. You must obey it.

133. What does this sign tell you?

Answer: There are road works 1 mile ahead

This sign warns of road works 1 mile ahead.

134. You've just passed some road works and see this sign. What does it mean?

Answer: End of road works and any temporary limits

This sign marks the end of road works and any temporary restrictions, including speed limits.

135. This sign shows lanes and widths before road works. What is it warning you about?

Answer: Lane restrictions at road works ahead, such as narrow lanes

This sign warns of lane restrictions at road works ahead, for example narrow lanes or lanes with width limits.

136. You see this sign showing one lane crossing over to the other side of the road. What is ahead?

Answer: A one lane crossover at contraflow road works

This sign warns of a one-lane crossover at contraflow road works.

137. On the back of a works vehicle you see a sign warning that a lane is closed ahead. What should you do?

Answer: Move to an open lane in good time

Signs on the back of slow-moving or stationary vehicles warn of a lane closed ahead by a works vehicle. Change lanes early.

138. What does this road works sign mean?

Answer: Loose chippings

This sign warns of loose chippings: small stones on the road after resurfacing.

139. You see a sign with a white 'P' on blue at the side of a road. What does it show?

Answer: A car park

A white P on a blue background shows parking or a direction to a car park.

140. What colour are the backgrounds of tourist attraction signs in England?

Answer: Brown

Tourist attraction signs have a brown background with white writing.

141. On a direction sign you see a black symbol like a triangle, square or circle on a yellow background. What does it mean?

Answer: An emergency diversion route for motorway or main road traffic

These symbols show an emergency diversion route for motorway and other main road traffic. Follow the same symbol.

142. What colour are primary route direction signs?

Answer: Green with white text and yellow route numbers

Primary route direction signs have a green background, with white writing and yellow route numbers.

143. What colour background do motorway direction signs have?

Answer: Blue

Motorway direction signs have a blue background with white writing.

144. What colour are non-primary and local route direction signs?

Answer: White with a black border

Non-primary and local direction signs have a white background with a black border and black writing.

145. Driving through a town, you see a sign showing a lorry and a direction. What does it mean?

Answer: Advisory route for lorries

This sign shows an advisory route for lorries, usually to avoid narrow streets or low bridges.

146. At a junction controlled by traffic lights you see a single solid white line across your side of the road. What is it?

Answer: The stop line at signals or police control

A single solid white line across the road at lights is the stop line. When told to stop, wait behind it.

147. Which road marking goes with a STOP sign?

Answer: A thick solid white line with the word STOP painted before it

At a STOP sign the stop line is a thick solid white line, usually with STOP painted on the road before it.

148. You reach a junction with two broken white lines across your lane and a triangle painted before them. What do they mean?

Answer: Give way to traffic on the major road

Double broken white lines across the road, often with a triangle before them, mean give way to traffic on the major road. They can also be used at mini-roundabouts.

149. At the entrance to a roundabout you see a single broken white line across your lane. What does it mean?

Answer: Give way to traffic from the right on the roundabout

A single broken white line at a roundabout entrance means give way to traffic from the right.

150. What is a solid white line along the left edge of the road for?

Answer: To mark the edge of the carriageway

A solid white edge line marks the edge of the carriageway, which helps especially at night or in bad weather.

151. The white centre line in front of you changes from short lines with long gaps to long lines with short gaps. What does that tell you?

Answer: It is a hazard warning line; don't cross unless you can see the road is clear

When centre lines get longer and gaps shorter, it's a hazard warning line. Don't cross it unless you can see the road well ahead is clear and wish to overtake or turn.

152. On a hill you see double white lines in the middle of the road. The line nearer to you is broken. What may you do?

Answer: Cross them to overtake if safe, getting back before a solid line

Where the line nearer to you is broken, you may cross the lines to overtake if it's safe, provided you can complete the move before reaching a solid line on your side.

153. You see an area of white diagonal stripes in the road, bordered by a solid white line. What does the Highway Code say?

Answer: You must not enter it except in an emergency

Areas of white diagonal stripes or chevrons separate traffic lanes or protect turning traffic. If bordered by a solid white line, you must not enter except in an emergency.

154. A hatched area of white stripes in the road is bordered by a broken white line. What should you do?

Answer: Don't enter it unless it is necessary and you can see it is safe

Rule 130 says you should not enter a hatched area bordered by broken white lines unless it is necessary and you can see that it is safe to do so.

155. What do short broken white lines between lanes on a wide road show?

Answer: They divide the road into lanes

Short broken white lane lines divide the carriageway into lanes. Keep between them unless changing lanes.

156. You want to park on a street with a single yellow line along the edge. What does it mean?

Answer: No waiting during the times shown on nearby signs

A single yellow line means no waiting during the times shown on the sign or zone entry sign.

157. What do double yellow lines along the edge of the road mean?

Answer: No waiting at any time

Double yellow lines mean no waiting at any time, unless a sign shows seasonal restrictions.

158. On a red route you see a single red line along the edge of the road. What does it mean?

Answer: No stopping during the times shown on signs

A single red line on a red route means no stopping during the times shown on the sign.

159. You see two short yellow marks on the kerb at the edge of a road with yellow lines. What do they mean?

Answer: No loading or unloading at any time

Double yellow marks on the kerb mean no loading or unloading at any time.

160. There's a single yellow mark on the kerb. What does it mean?

Answer: No loading or unloading at the times shown

A single yellow mark on the kerb means no loading or unloading at the times shown on nearby signs.

161. You see a bay marked with white lines and the words 'LOADING ONLY'. Who can use it?

Answer: Vehicles that are loading or unloading

A loading bay is for vehicles loading or unloading only.

162. A bay at the kerb has white markings with the word 'DOCTOR'. Can you park there?

Answer: No, it's reserved for the vehicle named

This marking shows a parking space reserved for vehicles named on it.

163. The words 'KEEP CLEAR' are painted on the road outside a fire station. What should you do in a queue?

Answer: Don't stop on that part of the road

This marking means do not block that part of the carriageway indicated.

164. What do white arrows painted in each lane before a junction show?

Answer: Which way each lane goes

Arrows in lanes indicate traffic lanes: which direction each lane leads.

165. You see the words 'BUS LANE' and a thick white line along a lane. What should you do?

Answer: Stay out of it during its hours of operation unless signs allow

A bus lane is shown by road markings and signs. Don't drive or stop in it during its period of operation unless signs say other vehicles may use it.

166. What does a steady red traffic light mean?

Answer: Stop and wait behind the stop line

Red means 'Stop'. Wait behind the stop line on the carriageway.

167. The traffic light turns green. What does it mean?

Answer: You may go on if the way is clear

Green means you may go on if the way is clear. Take special care if turning, and give way to pedestrians who are crossing.

168. At lights, a green arrow lights up next to a red light. What does it mean?

Answer: You may go in the direction of the arrow if the way is clear

A green arrow may be shown with other lights. You may go in the arrow's direction if the way is clear.

169. Near a fire station you see two red lights flashing one after the other. What must you do?

Answer: Stop

Alternately flashing red lights mean you must stop. They're used at level crossings, lifting bridges, airfields and fire stations.

170. On a motorway, the signal at the side of the road shows this, with amber lamps flashing. What should you do?

Answer: Change lane in the direction shown

This motorway signal means change lane.

171. Above a lane you see a green downward-pointing arrow. What does it mean?

Answer: The lane is open to traffic facing the sign

A green arrow lane control signal means the lane is available to traffic facing the sign.

172. You see red crosses above a lane at a tunnel entrance. What do they mean?

Answer: The lane is closed to traffic facing the sign

Red crosses mean the lane is closed to traffic facing the sign. You must not use it.

173. A motorway signal shows a lane with arrows and red bars and the words 'Lane ahead closed'. What should you do?

Answer: Move out of the closed lane in good time

This motorway signal warns that a lane ahead is closed. Move into an open lane early.

174. After a stretch of motorway with lowered limits, you see this signal. What does it mean?

Answer: End of restriction

On motorway signals this means end of restriction: the temporary limits no longer apply.

175. A motorway gantry shows a speed in a red ring and a red X over the left lane. What must you do?

Answer: Keep out of the left lane and obey the speed limit

This signal means you must not enter or stay in the left lane, and there is a temporary mandatory maximum speed limit.

176. A police officer facing away from you holds up one arm towards you behind them. What does the signal mean?

Answer: Traffic approaching from behind must stop

This police signal means stop for traffic approaching from behind.

177. A police officer at a junction holds up both arms, one to the front and one to the back. Who must stop?

Answer: Traffic from both the front and behind

This signal means stop for traffic approaching from both front and behind.

178. A police officer looks at you and waves their arm towards themselves. What does it mean?

Answer: Come on, drive forward

This is a police signal to beckon traffic on.

179. Who can lawfully signal you to stop on the road, as well as the police?

Answer: DVSA officers and traffic officers

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) officers and traffic officers have powers to stop vehicles. You must obey their signals.

180. A school crossing patrol on the pavement holds their sign out towards the road while children wait. What does this mean for you?

Answer: They're ready to cross children, so be prepared to stop

This signal means the patrol is ready to cross pedestrians, and vehicles must be prepared to stop.

181. You're driving and want to show others you're turning right. Your indicators have stopped working. What arm signal can you give?

Answer: Hold your right arm straight out of the window

An arm held straight out to the right means 'I intend to move out to the right or turn right'.

182. A driver puts their right arm out of the window and rotates it anticlockwise. What does it mean?

Answer: I intend to move in to the left or turn left

A right arm rotated anticlockwise means 'I intend to move in to the left or turn left'.

183. You follow a lorry with red and yellow striped panels on the back. What are they?

Answer: Large goods vehicle rear markings

Large goods vehicles show reflective rear markings to make them easier to see.

184. A tanker has an orange panel with numbers and a diamond symbol. What does it show?

Answer: It's carrying dangerous goods

Tank vehicles carrying certain dangerous goods must show hazard information panels. Diamond symbols show the risk, such as flammable liquid.

185. A lorry has a triangular marker sticking out from its side load. What is it?

Answer: A projection marker for a load that sticks out

Projection markers (side and end markers) show where a load sticks out beyond the vehicle.

186. A brown sign shows a symbol for an ancient monument. What does it point you to?

Answer: An ancient monument cared for by English Heritage

This brown sign shows an ancient monument in the care of English Heritage.

187. A motorway signal shows a speed number without a red ring, plus an information message such as 'QUEUE'. What does it tell you?

Answer: A temporary advised maximum speed and a warning

This signal gives a temporary maximum speed advised and an information message.

188. After you join a road, you see a sign showing the route number and towns ahead. What is it?

Answer: A route confirmatory sign

A route confirmatory sign after a junction shows which road you're on and the distances to places ahead.

189. On a direction sign, what does a black diversion symbol on yellow show?

Answer: The way to follow on a diversion

Diversion route signs and emergency diversion symbols show the route to follow when a road is closed.

190. What does a brown sign with a picnic table symbol show?

Answer: A picnic site

This sign shows a picnic site.

191. A brown sign shows a tent and a caravan. What does it direct you to?

Answer: A camping and caravan site

This sign shows the direction to a camping and caravan site.

192. A blue sign shows a bicycle with a route number. What is it?

Answer: A route for pedal cycles forming part of a network

This sign shows a route for pedal cycles forming part of a network, such as the National Cycle Network.

193. A sign shows a person walking and an arrow. What does it show?

Answer: A route for pedestrians

This sign shows a route for pedestrians.

194. You see a direction sign with the words 'Ring road'. What does it mean?

Answer: The road goes round the town, helping traffic avoid the centre

Ring road signs show routes that go round a town. Primary routes forming part of a ring road can be shown on green signs.

195. A sign shows a wheelchair symbol next to a toilet symbol and an arrow. What does it show?

Answer: Direction to toilets with access for the disabled

This sign shows the direction to toilets with access for the disabled.