Road Signs, Signals and Markings
What this domain tests
The Road signs, signals and markings domain checks whether you can read the road ahead before you reach it. In the LGV theory test, questions mix sign recognition with the action each sign, signal or marking requires from a goods vehicle driver: where to stop, whether you may cross, and which instruction has priority.
Sign families
- Warning signs are red triangles with a white background and black symbol: bend, junction, school, slippery road.
- Regulatory signs are usually red circles: give way, no entry, speed limit. A blue circle is a mandatory instruction, such as 'turn left ahead'.
- Information and guide signs are blue or green rectangles: directions, lane allocation, services.
- Temporary signs often have a yellow background and override normal layout while works are in place.
Priority is: police or authorised officer signals, then traffic lights, then signs, then road markings. If a police officer waves you through a red light, you follow the officer.
Signals
A steady red means stop at the stop line. A steady amber means stop unless you are so close that stopping may cause a collision. Green means you may proceed only if the way is clear; it is not a right of way. At a zebra crossing, give way to pedestrians on the crossing and do not overtake a vehicle stopped there.
Markings
- Double white lines: if the line nearest you is continuous, do not cross or straddle it. If it is broken, you may cross when safe.
- Broken white line: lane divider; cross only when safe.
- Yellow box junction: do not enter unless your exit is clear.
- Stop line and give-way line: stop or give way at the line, not after it.
- Zigzag lines: no parking or stopping on the approach to a zebra crossing.
Worked example
You are following a slow lorry on a single carriageway. The double white line has a broken line on your side, but the line becomes continuous 40 metres ahead. You may cross to overtake only if you can complete the move and return to the left before the continuous section, with a clear view and no oncoming traffic. If there is any doubt, stay behind.
Traps that cost marks
- Treating amber as 'speed up'; it means stop if safe.
- Crossing a continuous white line because the other side is broken.
- Entering a yellow box behind a queue and blocking it.
- Forgetting that police signals override lights and signs.