Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings
The exam tests whether you can read a sign, signal or marking quickly and choose the correct action, not just name it. In Oman, signs are usually bilingual Arabic/English and follow international shapes and colours.
Sign families
A red triangle warns of a hazard ahead (bend, junction, school, animals). A red circle prohibits or restricts: a number inside is a maximum speed, a diagonal bar cancels an earlier restriction, and a white horizontal bar on red means no entry. A blue circle is mandatory (turn direction, minimum speed, route for a vehicle type). Rectangles and squares give information or directions. An octagon means stop; an inverted triangle means give way.
Signals and markings
A steady red means stop at the stop line. Amber means stop unless you are so close that stopping would be unsafe; do not accelerate. Green means proceed only if the way is clear. Broken white lane lines may be crossed when safe; solid white lines should not be crossed. Arrows show lane use; hatched areas are not normal driving space.
Worked example
You approach a junction at 50 km/h and the light turns amber. You are 8 m from the line. Braking hard would risk a skid; you proceed straight through, checking the junction is clear. If you were 30 m back, you would stop. The decision is based on stopping safety, not on beating the light.
Traps that cost marks
Confusing no entry with no parking; treating a speed-limit sign as a target; crossing a solid line to reach a turn; and accelerating on amber. Read the shape first, then the symbol, then the road context.