Traffic signs, signals and road markings
Domain 2 tests whether you can read the three languages painted and posted on the road. Signs are classified by shape and colour, which answers most questions even when the symbol itself is unfamiliar.
Shape and colour
- Red-bordered circle: prohibition or restriction, such as a speed limit or no overtaking.
- Blue circle: a mandatory instruction, such as keep right or a compulsory cycle path.
- Red triangle: warning of a hazard ahead.
- Rectangle: information or a place name.
- Octagon: stop. Yellow diamond: priority road.
Signals
Red means stop. Amber means stop unless braking sharply would be dangerous. Green means you may proceed, but it grants no priority: turning left across oncoming traffic still means yielding unless a green arrow gives you a protected turn. Flashing amber means the lights are out of use and the signs, or the right-hand rule, take over. Pedestrian and cyclist signals often differ from yours, so check before turning across a crossing.
Markings
A solid white line may not be crossed, even to overtake; a broken line may be crossed when it is safe. Shark teeth mean give way, and a thick stop line at a stop sign marks where you must stand still. Yellow lines along the kerb ban parking or stopping, hatched areas are not to be entered, and bus lane markings apply only at the hours shown on the accompanying sign.
Worked example
You have a green light and want to turn left. An oncoming car is approaching. Green allows the turn but does not remove the duty to yield to oncoming traffic, so the car passes first. If the light showed a green left arrow, your turn would be protected and the oncoming traffic would be held at red.
Traps that cost marks
- Reading flashing amber as permission to drive on.
- Turning left on green without checking oncoming traffic.
- Assuming every white line may be crossed.
- Ignoring bus lane hours posted on the sign.