Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings
You must be able to recognise the meaning of signs by shape and colour as well as by symbol, because exam questions often describe a sign rather than show it. Learn the families: red-bordered circles are prohibitions or restrictions (speed limits, no entry, no overtaking), blue circles are mandatory instructions (turn left, minimum speed, keep left), triangles with red borders are warnings, and rectangles are information or direction signs. A red octagon means stop; an inverted triangle means yield.
Signals include traffic lights (full, filter arrows, pedestrian and cycle signals) and flashing amber at pelican crossings, where you must yield to pedestrians still on the crossing but may proceed if it is clear. Know the sequence and what each phase permits, including that a green filter arrow allows movement in that direction only.
Road markings carry equal weight. Understand continuous versus broken lines, double white lines (the nearer line governs), stop and yield lines, box junction rules (do not enter unless your exit is clear, except to turn right when blocked only by oncoming traffic), yellow box and clearway markings, and the meaning of yellow and white kerb marks for parking and loading.
Common traps: confusing a 'no entry' sign with a 'no vehicles' sign; assuming a warning triangle gives priority when it only warns; misreading a filter arrow as a full green; and treating a broken line as permission to cross when a solid line runs alongside it. Also watch for signs that apply only at certain times, shown on a supplementary plate.
Worked example: A blue circular sign showing a white arrow curving left means you must turn left - it is a mandatory instruction, not a suggestion. A red-bordered circle with a car and a motorcycle means no motor vehicles.
Rule of thumb: circle = command or prohibition, triangle = warning, rectangle = information.