Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings
The Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings domain tests whether you can read the road ahead without hesitation. The examiner expects you to identify a sign from its shape, colour and symbol, to obey signals in the correct order, and to know which markings you may cross and which you must not. Pakistan drives on the left, so sign placement and markings are read in that context.
Sign families
- Warning signs are triangles with a red border and a white or yellow background: bend, narrow bridge, school, cattle, roadworks.
- Prohibitory signs are red circles, usually with a diagonal slash: no entry, no overtaking, speed limit, no motorcycles.
- Mandatory signs are blue circles: turn left, keep left, minimum speed, compulsory route.
- Information signs are rectangles: place names, fuel, hospital, motorway exit. Temporary yellow roadworks signs override permanent signs.
Signals
A steady red means stop behind the stop line. Amber means stop unless you are so close that stopping would be unsafe; it does not mean accelerate. Green means proceed only if the junction is clear. A traffic warden's hand signals override the lights.
Markings
Broken white lines separate lanes and may be crossed to change lane. Solid white edge lines should not be crossed except in an emergency. Double solid lines mean no overtaking. Zebra crossings and stop lines must be kept clear. Hatched chevron areas are not for driving or waiting.
Worked example
You approach a one-way street exit and see a red circle containing a white horizontal bar. Shape and colour identify it as prohibitory; the bar means no entry. You must not enter even if the road looks empty. A blue rectangle with a white arrow would be information, not a prohibition.
Traps
Confusing no entry with no parking; treating a warning triangle as a command; crossing a solid line to reach a turn; and proceeding on amber when you had time to stop.