Road signs, signals and road markings
What the exam tests
This domain checks whether you can read the road at a glance: the shape and colour of a sign, the meaning of a police officer's arm signal, and the difference between a broken and a continuous line. Cameroon's theory paper is bilingual, so learn both wordings (Cédez le passage / Give way; Sens interdit / No entry; Stationnement interdit / No parking).
Sign families
- Danger warning: red-bordered triangle with one symbol, placed before the hazard. Slow down and do not stop unless necessary.
- Prohibition: red-bordered circle (speed limit, no overtaking, no entry). A red diagonal bar usually marks the end of the restriction.
- Mandatory: blue circle - direction, minimum speed, cycle path, snow chains.
- Information: square or rectangle - parking, hospital, fuel, motorway.
- Priority: yellow diamond = priority road; octagon = STOP (complete stop at the line); inverted triangle = give way.
- Temporary roadworks signs have a yellow background and override the permanent sign.
Signals
A police officer's signals override lights, signs and markings. An arm raised vertically means stop for traffic facing the officer; a beckoning arm means proceed. Traffic lights: red = stop at the stop line; amber = stop unless you are too close to stop safely; green = proceed only if the exit is clear; flashing amber = proceed with caution; a green arrow authorises only that direction.
Markings
Continuous white line: do not cross or straddle. Broken line: may cross if safe and the manoeuvre is legal. A solid stop line belongs with a STOP sign; a broken give-way line belongs with Cédez le passage. Zebra and zigzag markings protect pedestrians - no parking or overtaking there. Yellow lines and hatched areas mean no parking or no driving. Lane arrows tell you the permitted direction.
Worked example
You approach a junction with a red light, a STOP line and an officer waving you through. The officer outranks the light and the sign, so you proceed slowly after checking cross traffic. Without the officer, the red light means stop behind the line even if the road looks clear; if the light were out, the STOP line would still require a complete stop.
Traps
Confusing no entry with no vehicles; treating give way as stop; crossing a continuous line to pass a cyclist; ignoring a yellow temporary sign; reading flashing amber as green; and assuming a green light lets you block the junction. Also watch for signs placed after the junction they govern.