Traffic signals, markings, and signage recognition
Traffic signals, markings, and signage recognition tests whether a rider can read the road before acting. Subject 4 presents signs, lane markings, signal heads, and police gestures in isolation and in combination; the answer depends on hierarchy and context, not on memorising colours alone.
Hierarchy and signal heads
When a police officer’s hand signals conflict with lights, the officer controls. When lights conflict with signs or markings, the light controls. A steady red means stop before the stop line or crosswalk. A circular red generally allows a right turn only if no sign prohibits it and you do not obstruct released traffic or pedestrians; a red right-turn arrow prohibits the turn. Flashing yellow means slow down and yield; flashing red means stop, then proceed when safe.
Signs and markings
- Warning signs: yellow triangle, black symbol - hazard ahead, such as a bend, school, or slippery surface.
- Prohibition signs: red circle or red slash - no entry, no parking, speed limit, no overtaking.
- Instruction signs: blue circle - mandatory direction, minimum speed, or permitted class of vehicle.
- Guide signs: green or blue rectangles - destinations, exits, lane guidance. Brown indicates tourism; orange indicates construction.
- White dashed lane lines may be crossed to change lanes when safe; white solid lines may not. Yellow centre lines separate opposing traffic: solid means no crossing, dashed means crossing is allowed when safe. A yellow box junction, diversion area, or crosswalk must not be occupied.
Worked example
A rider reaches an intersection with a flashing yellow light, no police officer, and a pedestrian waiting at a marked crosswalk. The rider should slow down, scan both directions, and yield to the pedestrian before proceeding. Reasoning: flashing yellow is a caution signal, not a green priority signal; the crosswalk creates a legal yielding duty, and the rider must be able to stop for anyone already crossing or about to cross.
Traps that cost marks
- Treating flashing yellow as “go” and flashing red as “no need to stop.”
- Turning right on a circular red without checking for a prohibiting sign, pedestrians, or released traffic.
- Reading a yellow centre line as “always no crossing”; dashed yellow permits crossing when safe.
- Ignoring police gestures because the light is green.