A good knowledge of road signs and road markings is essential. For pictures and explanations see our road signs page. For motorway signs see our motorway driving page.

To test your knowledge you can take our two road signs theory test - road sign test 02

Theory Test Categories

General Road Sign Rules

	You must obey signs giving orders. These signs are usually in red circles.
	Signs that give instructions are blue and circular give instructions.
	Signs with brown backgrounds display tourist information.
	Triangular signs give warnings.
	White rectangles are used for direction signs on non-primary routes or for plates used in combination with warning and regulatory signs.
	Green rectangles are used for direction signs on primary routes.
	Blue rectangles are used for information signs except on motorways where blue is used for direction signs.

Road Markings

You would see a contraflow bus and cycle lane on a one-way street.
Zig-Zag lines at pedestrian crossings mean no parking at any time.
Double solid white lines in the middle of the road mean no overtaking, however you are permitted to overtake a road maintenance vehicle travelling at 10 mph or less.

Traffic Lights

Red light - you must stop and wait behind the stop line.
Amber light - stop at the stop line.
Green light - continue forward unless your exit from the junction is blocked.

	Hand signal indicating the driver intends to turn left.
	Hand signal indicating the driver intends to slow down.

Theory test answers, knowledge and understanding.

Contains the Theory Test Questions for Car Drivers valid from September 2008 or valid until Autumn 2010. Crown copyright material has been reproduced by permission of the Driving Standards Agency which does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the reproduction.