Traffic Signals and Road Markings: Obeying Lights, Lines and Boxes
This domain checks that you can respond correctly to signal heads, pedestrian crossings and the painted language of the road. Signals and markings are legal instructions, not suggestions, and the exam repeatedly tests the difference between “may” and “must”.
Signal heads
- Red: stop behind the stop line, the crossing or the signal, whichever comes first.
- Amber: stop - unless you are so close to the line that stopping sharply would itself be dangerous. Amber is not an invitation to accelerate.
- Green: proceed only if the junction or crossing is clear and your exit is available.
- Green arrow: you may move in the direction of the arrow, but only if it is safe.
- Flashing amber at a pedestrian crossing: give way to anyone on the crossing and proceed with caution.
- A police officer's signals override lights, signs and markings.
Markings you must read
- Broken white centre line: overtaking permitted when the road ahead is clear.
- Continuous white line: do not cross or straddle it.
- Stop line: solid, at signals and STOP signs. Give-way line: broken, at GIVE WAY points.
- Zebra stripes: pedestrians have priority once they step onto the crossing.
- Yellow box junction: do not enter unless your exit is clear - you may wait in it only to turn right.
- Hatched areas: keep out unless the boundary line is broken and it is safe.
- Yellow edge lines: parking restrictions along the kerb.
Worked example
The light turns amber as you are five metres from the line at 45 km/h. You can stop comfortably, so you stop. If you were already crossing the line, you would continue. The test is whether a safe stop was physically possible, not how late you are.
Traps
Accelerating on amber; blocking a yellow box while queueing; crossing a continuous line to gain a place in a queue; and assuming a green light gives you an unconditional right of way over pedestrians already crossing.