When learning to drive, you’ll come across a plethora of road signs. These help you to navigate UK roads safely but, at first, it may seem a little overwhelming to figure out what they all mean.
It’s best to study them before you get behind the wheel so you feel prepared for what your next drive has in store for you. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to some of the most common road signs in the UK.
Will you be tested on your knowledge of road signs?
Yes, identifying road signs is part of your theory and practical tests. In the latter, you will be expected to know how to respond to road signs appropriately. Studying will help you beat those driving test nerves.
Types of UK road signs
According to The Highway Code, road signs are categorised into different shapes and colours. This indicates the meaning of each sign and helps you respond quickly to them.
The categories are:
- White rectangles – Local road directions
- Red (border) triangles – A warning or hazard awareness
- Red circles – Disallowance (Don’t do something)
- Blue rectangles – Motorway information or directions
- Blue circles – Allowance/instruction (do something)
- Green rectangles – Primary route instructions
- Brown rectangles – Tourist attraction directions
- Yellow rectangles – Different types of roadwork information
Common UK road signs
When you’re on the road, these are some of the traffic signs you are most likely to see:
Maximum speed limit sign
The number on these indicates the speed limit you need to adhere to in that area. You shouldn’t go any faster than the number on the sign.
National speed limit sign
If you see this, you must drive at the national speed limit, which is 30mph in built-up areas, 60mph on single carriageways and 70mph on dual carriageways and motorways.
‘Give Way’ sign
This warns you of a junction ahead and either comes with the words printed on it or with distance in yards to the junction under the sign.
No entry sign
Fairly self-explanatory, if you see this sign, you won’t be permitted to drive your car down that road. This will be quite common on private and rural roads.
‘Traffic has priority over oncoming vehicles’ sign
When you see this, it means you have priority over the cars and vehicles coming the other way. You’re more likely to see these on narrow roads and near bridges.
School area/crossing sign
If you come across this sign, a school is nearby and you may have to stop to let children (and other pedestrians) cross. Especially during commuting hours, you’ll need to be careful here and possibly drive a little slower.
‘T-junction’ sign
When a minor road joins a major one without crossing it, that creates a T-junction. That ‘T’ shape is also shown on this sign, which indicates the presence of a T-junction in a busy area and that you should approach carefully.
‘Two-way traffic’ sign
If you see a red and white triangle with two black vertical arrows going opposite ways, this is a two-way traffic sign. This means you’re leaving a one-way street and are about to enter a two-way road with two-way traffic. When you’re not used to this, it can take you a second to mentally adjust so, just be careful.
If the arrows are horizontal, you’ll have to turn either left or right in order to join the two-way road that’s coming up.
‘Slippery road’ sign
Normally with a rectangle sign underneath that states the amount of miles that there’s a danger, this sign shows you that the upcoming road could be tricky to navigate. Approach with caution.
‘Pedestrians in road ahead’ sign
The classic child and adult silhouette, this triangular sign means that the upcoming area may have pedestrians present, especially if there’s no footpath, so you should be vigilant.
‘No through-road for vehicles’ sign
‘No through-road’ is another way of saying ‘dead end’. This sign will normally be placed next to the road name so you can see which road has a dead end.
‘Road humps ahead’ sign
Bumpy roads can be difficult so, seeing this sign can help you prepare before entering an area with one or more small humps. You should reduce your speed when you see this sign.
‘Dual carriageway ends’ sign
When two carriageways come together and two-way traffic has to continue on a single-carriageway road, you’ll see this sign.
‘Road narrows on both sides’ sign
This does look slightly similar to the ‘duel carriageway ends’ sign but you should be able to tell the difference as the lines remain separate to represent the road ahead narrowing.
A more narrow road will mean navigating your space sensibly and looking out for appropriate places to pull over slightly and make room if necessary.
‘No overtaking’ sign
Another simple one here. If you’re on a road that may be too narrow or have poor visibility, this will be the sign you see. It means you can’t overtake for however many yards are displayed below the main sign. The risk of overtaking in these areas is never worth it and never allowed.
‘No vehicles over height shown’ sign
These signs will typically appear in triangular form but can appear as circles near or on bridges. If the vehicle you are driving is taller than the measurement shown, you won’t be able to drive down that road or under that bridge.
If the arrows on this sign are horizontal instead of vertical, it will be referring to the length of your vehicle instead of the height.
‘Other danger’ / ‘Hidden dip’ sign
Typically, this will be your sign that a dip in the road is ahead and you should approach with caution, keeping an eye on the situation. It can also show you that there’s another type of hazard ahead. You may then need to look out for another sign that explains what your next actions should be.
No right/left turn sign
Depending on the direction of the line on the sign, this will mean you can’t turn a certain way in the area you’re driving.
Knowing your left from your right can easily go out the window when you’re learning how to drive for some weird reason but deep breaths, you’ve got this.
Insurance for newer drivers
Whether you’re a learner driver getting ready to pass their test or you’ve just ditched your ‘L’ plates, Sterling can make sure you’re insured properly. We offer learner driver insurance and young driver insurance, tailored to you and your needs.
Get a quote by calling us on 0344 381 9990 or request a callback at a time that suits you.
