Road Signs, Markings and Signals
Reading signs by shape and colour
This domain tests rapid recognition. A red circle is prohibitory: the symbol inside is forbidden. A blue circle is mandatory: it tells you what you must do or the route you must use. A triangle with a red border warns of a hazard ahead. A rectangle gives information, direction or a facility. The octagon is STOP; the inverted triangle is GIVE WAY. Learn the shape first, then the symbol, then any supplementary plate.
Signals and markings
A solid red light means stop before the stop line. Green means proceed if clear, not an absolute right. Flashing amber means proceed with caution. A police officer’s signal overrides all lights. Solid lane lines should not be crossed; broken lines may be crossed when safe and legal. Pedestrian crossings, stop lines and edge lines must be respected. A sign and a marking can both apply; if they conflict, the sign generally controls, but police direction controls both.
Common sign groups
- Prohibition: no motorcycles, no entry, speed limit, no overtaking.
- Mandatory: motorcycle route, minimum speed, direction to follow.
- Warning: bend, slippery road, pedestrian crossing, animals, roadworks.
- Information: parking, hospital, fuel, place names.
Worked example
You see a blue circle containing a white motorcycle. Reasoning: blue circle = mandatory, so this is a route or lane for motorcycles, not a ban. A red circle with a motorcycle would mean no motorcycles. The colour changes the meaning completely; do not answer from the symbol alone.
Traps that cost marks
Confusing a warning triangle with a prohibition circle; reading a blue mandatory sign as a warning; treating a green light as “go regardless”; and ignoring markings because a sign is also present.
Exam focus
Expect matching questions on sign shape and colour, stop and give-way signs, traffic-light states, lane markings, and the rule that police signals override signs and lights.