Road signs in the UK follow a simple system. The shape tells you what kind of sign it is, and the colour tells you more about its message. Learn the signs below for your theory test and practical driving test.
The official Department for Transport guide to every UK road sign. Free to download from GOV.UK.
Highway Code: Traffic Signs (GOV.UK)
Jump to: Signs giving orders · Mandatory signs · Warning signs · Information signs · Direction signs · Traffic lights
Signs Giving Orders
A red circle tells you what you must not do. STOP and GIVE WAY have their own unique shapes so you can recognise them even when covered in snow or dirt.
Stop and give way
Stop completely at the line and give way to traffic on the major road.
Give way
Give way to traffic on the major road ahead.
No entry
No entry for vehicles, often the wrong end of a one-way street.
30mph speed limit
Maximum speed in miles per hour.
20mph speed limit
Common in London and near schools.
National speed limit applies
60mph single carriageway, 70mph dual carriageway and motorway (cars).
No vehicles
No vehicles, except bicycles being pushed.
No right turn
You must not turn right.
No U-turns
You must not make a U-turn.
No waiting
No waiting or parking at the times shown.
No stopping (clearway)
No stopping on the main carriageway, not even to drop off.
Mandatory Signs
A blue circle gives a positive instruction you must follow.
Ahead only
You must go straight on.
Turn left
You must turn left.
Keep left
Pass to the left of the sign.
Mini-roundabout
Give way to traffic from the right and go round clockwise.
Minimum speed
Do not go slower than the speed shown unless it is unsafe.
Warning Signs
Triangles warn you of a hazard ahead. Slow down, look and be ready to react.
Crossroads
Roads cross ahead. Slow down and look carefully.
T-junction
The road ends at a T-junction ahead.
Side road
A side road joins from the right.
Bend to the right
Slow down before the bend, not in it.
Roundabout ahead
Be ready to give way to traffic from the right.
Traffic signals
Traffic lights ahead. Be ready to stop.
Two-way traffic
Expect oncoming traffic straight ahead.
Road narrows on both sides
Less space ahead. Watch for oncoming vehicles.
Dual carriageway ends
The road becomes single carriageway with two-way traffic.
Other danger
A plate below explains the hazard, for example “Queues likely”.
Information Signs
Rectangles give information. Many information signs are blue.
One-way traffic
Traffic flows in the direction of the arrow only.
Parking
Parking place. Check plates for times and charges.
Hospital
Hospital ahead, often with A&E information.
No through road
The road ahead is a dead end.
Direction Signs
The colour of a direction sign tells you what type of road it leads to.
Motorways
Blue signs with white writing.
Primary routes
Green signs with yellow route numbers.
Local routes
White signs with black writing.
Tourist attractions
Brown signs with white writing.
Temporary signs
Yellow signs for diversions and road works.
Traffic Light Sequence
Stop. Wait behind the stop line.
Stop. Do not go until green shows.
Go if the way is clear. Give way to pedestrians crossing.
Stop, unless you have crossed the line or stopping might cause a collision.
Road Signs Quick Questions and Answers
1. What does a sign with a red circle usually mean?
It tells you what you must not do, for example a speed limit or no entry.
2. What does a blue circle mean?
It gives a positive instruction you must follow, for example ahead only or keep left.
3. What shape are most warning signs?
Triangles, usually with a red border.
4. Why is the STOP sign an octagon?
So you can recognise it from its shape, even when the writing is covered.
5. What colour are direction signs on primary routes?
Green, with route numbers in yellow.
6. What does a white circle with a black diagonal stripe mean?
The national speed limit applies.
We point out signs and explain them during your lessons, so you learn to spot them in real traffic.
More Driving Test Help
Book Your Driving TestsThe Highway CodeShow Me, Tell Me QuestionsBook Lessons
Sources and Latest Information
Based on The Highway Code and the Department for Transport’s Know Your Traffic Signs on GOV.UK. Sign illustrations are simplified drawings for learning. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Rules, limits and fees can change, so always check GOV.UK for the latest information and book tests through GOV.UK.