Road signs and road markings
Road signs and road markings
This domain tests recognition and correct response to Ireland's signs, signals and road markings. Irish warning signs are distinctive: a yellow diamond with a black border and black symbol, such as a bend, slippery road or school ahead. Regulatory signs are usually circular with a red border; the octagonal red Stop sign and the inverted red-bordered Yield sign are exceptions. Information signs include blue motorway signs, green national-road signs and white regional/local signs.
Markings carry legal force:
- A continuous white centre line means no overtaking; a broken line may be crossed when safe.
- Yellow lines along the edge restrict parking: double yellow means no parking at any time; single yellow means no parking during the times shown on the accompanying sign, often business hours.
- A yellow box junction must not be entered unless your exit is clear; you may wait in it to turn right only if blocked by oncoming traffic.
- A Stop line requires a full stop; a Yield line requires you to give way.
Worked example
You see a yellow diamond sign with a black symbol of a car skidding, followed by a continuous white line. The diamond tells you it is a warning (slippery road), so you reduce speed smoothly, avoid braking hard and increase your gap. The continuous line reinforces that you should not overtake. Treating the diamond as a prohibition would be wrong; it warns, it does not ban.
Traps
- Confusing yellow diamond warnings with red-circle prohibitions.
- Reading double yellow lines as loading allowed - they restrict parking at all times.
- Entering a box junction on a green light without checking the exit is clear.
- Ignoring the plate under a sign that sets times or exceptions.