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Theory test, Road signs

UK road signs and what they mean

Most UK road signs tell you their meaning through their shape and colour, so once you know the system you can read a sign you have never seen before. Here is how it works, followed by the most common signs with a clear meaning for each. Tap any sign for the full detail, or take the road signs quiz.

By VikasReviewed by VikasMethodologySources

Sign shapes and colours, the quick rules

  • Circles give orders. A red ring means a prohibition (something you must not do); a blue circle gives a positive instruction you must follow.
  • Triangles warn. A red-bordered triangle warns of a hazard ahead, such as a bend, a junction or a crossing.
  • Rectangles inform. They give information and directions: blue on motorways, green on primary routes, white on minor roads.
  • Two shapes are unique on purpose. The octagonal STOP sign and the inverted-triangle give way sign are shaped so you recognise them even when they are dirty or obscured.

Orders (you must or must not)

National speed limitNational speed limitThe national speed limit applies from this point.Speed limit30Speed limitThe maximum speed limit in miles per hour.No entryNo entryNo entry for vehicular traffic.StopSTOPStopYou must come to a complete stop at the solid white line and give way before emerging.Give wayGive wayGive way to traffic on the major road.No waitingNo waitingNo waiting.No stopping (clearway)No stopping (clearway)No stopping at any time (a clearway).Ahead onlyAhead onlyProceed straight ahead only.Turn left aheadTurn left aheadTurn left ahead.Turn right aheadTurn right aheadTurn right ahead.

Warnings (hazard ahead)

Other danger!Other dangerA hazard ahead that has no specific sign of its own.

Learn the rest, then test yourself

These are the signs learners ask about most, but the test can show any sign from Know Your Traffic Signs. The fastest way to get comfortable is to learn the shape-and-colour system above, then practise: take the road and traffic signs quiz or read the signs revision notes.

Sign meanings are based on Know Your Traffic Signs and The Highway Code, reused under the Open Government Licence v3.0. The sign images here are our own simplified renderings for learning; always check the current Highway Code on gov.uk. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the DVSA.