Signals and Markings
This domain tests signals given by traffic lights, road markings, and officers or traffic wardens. The exam expects you to know who has priority when a signal and a marking disagree, and to interpret lines on the road as instructions rather than decoration.
Traffic light sequence
Red: stop behind the stop line, not on the crossing. Red and amber together (where used): prepare, do not move. Green: proceed only if the way ahead is clear - green is a permission, not a guarantee of right of way. Amber: stop, unless you are so close that stopping suddenly would cause a collision. Flashing amber at some junctions means proceed with caution, giving way as at an uncontrolled junction.
Markings you must read
- Continuous white or yellow centre line: do not cross or straddle.
- Broken centre line: you may cross to overtake when it is safe and legal.
- Double continuous yellow lines along the kerb: no waiting or parking at any time.
- Zebra crossing: pedestrians on it have priority; do not park on the zig-zag approach.
- Box junction: enter only if your exit is clear.
- Stop line, directional arrows, chevrons and hatched areas: obey exactly.
Officer and warden signals
A raised hand with the palm facing you means stop. An arm beckoning or waving you forward means proceed. A whistle with the arm signal reinforces it. An officer directing traffic at a junction overrides the lights and the markings.
Worked example
A driver reaches a box junction on green, but traffic beyond it is stationary. Reasoning: the green light permits entry into the junction, but the yellow box forbids stopping inside it. Because the exit is blocked, she waits behind the box line until there is room beyond, even though her light is green - entering would block the cross flow and is an offence.
Traps
Treating amber as 'accelerate'. Believing green gives an absolute right of way over pedestrians already crossing. Stopping on a zebra crossing in a queue. Ignoring an officer because the light is green.