Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings
This domain tests fast, accurate reading of the road scene: what a sign orders, warns or merely informs, which signal overrides another, and what a painted line permits. Signs in Cyprus are written in Greek, with English added on motorways and many main routes, but the shapes and symbols let you read them without language.
Shape tells you the type of message
- Red-bordered triangle: warning of a hazard ahead (bend, junction, children, slippery surface, steep hill). It does not itself set a speed limit - it tells you to slow down and be ready.
- Red circle, usually on a white ground: prohibition or restriction. A white horizontal bar on red means no entry; a number in a red ring is a speed limit.
- Blue circle: a positive instruction - turn direction, minimum speed, route reserved for a user type.
- Blue square or rectangle: information - parking, hospital, one-way street, motorway symbol.
- Red octagon: STOP. Inverted triangle with red border: GIVE WAY.
Signals
- A police officer or authorised warden directing traffic overrides lights and signs: obey the officer.
- Light sequence: red → red and amber together (prepare, do not move) → green → amber (stop, unless stopping abruptly would be unsafe).
- A green arrow applies only to the direction shown, and only if the way ahead is clear.
Markings
- Broken white centre line: you may cross to overtake when safe. Continuous line: do not cross or straddle it.
- Double continuous lines: neither direction may cross.
- A solid line across your lane is a stop line; a line of double broken marks is a give-way line.
- Lane arrows dictate direction: once in a turn-only lane, you must turn.
- Hatched areas bordered by solid lines must not be entered except in an emergency.
- Keep zebra crossings and their approach markings clear of stopped vehicles.
Worked example
On a rural road you meet a red-bordered triangle showing a left bend, then a continuous white line beside a slow lorry. Can you overtake? No. The triangle warns that your view through the bend is limited, and the continuous line forbids crossing. Both conditions must be satisfied before an overtake is legal and safe - here neither is.
Traps that cost marks
- Confusing no entry with no vehicles (a red circle with a car symbol).
- Treating a blue square as a compulsory instruction.
- Inventing a speed limit from a warning sign.
- Ignoring a red-and-amber phase and moving off early.