Road Signs, Markings and Traffic Signals
This domain checks whether you can read the road's instructions quickly and correctly. The exam mixes sign families, painted markings and signals, and often asks what a driver should do rather than simply what a sign means.
Sign families
- Regulatory signs are circles. A red border means prohibition or restriction; a blue circle gives a mandatory instruction. The octagon is STOP; the inverted triangle is GIVE WAY.
- Warning signs are triangles with a red border: bend, junction, school, animals, road narrows, slippery surface.
- Information signs are rectangles: directions, services, route numbers.
- Temporary roadworks signs are yellow or orange and override normal markings until removed.
Markings
- A broken white centre line may be crossed to overtake when safe; a continuous white line may not be crossed.
- Kerb-side yellow lines restrict parking and stopping; check the accompanying plate for times.
- A stop line means stop before it at a STOP sign or red light. A zebra crossing gives pedestrians absolute priority once they step on it.
- Box junctions must not be entered unless the exit is clear. Chevrons separate diverging lanes and must not be driven on.
Signals
- Red means stop; amber means stop unless it is unsafe to do so; green means proceed only if the way is clear.
- Flashing signals, school crossing patrols and police hand signals must be obeyed, and police directions override the lights.
Worked example
A driver approaches a continuous white line with a cyclist ahead and an oncoming lorry. The line cannot be crossed even though the cyclist is slow. The correct action is to hold back, reduce speed and wait for a broken section with clear visibility. Choosing to cross "briefly" is a marking offence and a collision risk.
Traps that cost marks
Swapping triangle and circle meanings; treating GIVE WAY as STOP; ignoring roadworks signs; and reading a sign without checking the road context around it.