UK Road Signs Quiz: Free Visual Practice
Take this UK road signs quiz to practise recognising common British traffic signs. Answer ten original, illustrated questions, check each explanation and learn the difference between signs that give orders, warn of danger or provide information. Use the current Highway Code to confirm any rule before driving.
Independent DiuMitra revision for England, Scotland and Wales. Not an official DVSA examination or substitute for the current Highway Code.
Start the Free UK Road Signs Quiz
Begin with ten illustrated road-sign questions. Select the meaning you think is correct, read the explanation, then move to the next sign. Your answers stay in this browser session; the short practice does not ask for an account.
What does this sign mean?
If the quiz does not load, please use the official Highway Code traffic signs guide or explore the DiuMitra visual sign library below.
How to Read UK Road Signs
The UK signing system groups signs by the job they do: giving orders, warning of hazards or supplying information. Understanding the basic shapes makes it easier to interpret unfamiliar signs.
Circles give orders
Red rings usually indicate a restriction or prohibition. Blue circles generally give a positive instruction, such as going ahead only or using a specified route.
Triangles warn
Red-bordered triangular signs generally alert you to hazards such as traffic signals, bends or junctions. Look at the symbol and respond to conditions safely.
Rectangles inform
Rectangular signs commonly give information or directions. Colours can also matter: motorway directions use blue signs, and primary routes use green.
More Road Signs, Signals and Markings
After the ten-question starter, explore the DiuMitra visual sign library and any available topic assessment. The independent starter above remains usable even when the extended reference collection is unavailable.
Road Signs, Signals & Markings
Learn from governed Highway Code visual assets, then use visual self-check and the full topic assessment.
Leave motorway at next exit
Governed local copy
Open related Highway Code reference
Signals to other road users
Governed local copy
Open related Highway Code reference
Complete official reference
The Highway Code
England, Scotland and Wales · governed DiuMitra reference copy
Rule 253
Prohibited vehicles. Motorways MUST NOT be used by pedestrians, holders of provisional motorcycle licences, riders of motorcycles under 50 cc (4 kW), cyclists, horse riders, certain slow-moving vehicles and those carrying oversized loads (except by special permission), agricultural vehicles, and powered wheelchairs/powered mobility scooters (see Rules 36 to 46 inclusive).
Provisional car licence holders MUST NOT drive on the motorway unless they are accompanied by a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) and are driving a car displaying red L plates (or D plates in Wales) with dual controls.
Laws HA 1980 sects 16, 17 & sched 4, MT(E&W)R regs 3(d), 4 & 11 as amended by MT(E&W)(A)R 2004 & MT(E&W)(A)R 2018, R(S)A sects 7, 8 & sched 3, RTRA sect 17 & MT(S)R reg 10 as amended by MT(S)(A)R 2018
Rule 254
Traffic on motorways usually travels faster than on other roads, so you have less time to react. It is especially important to use your mirrors earlier and look much further ahead than you would on other roads.
Motorway signals (rules 255 to 258)
Rule 255
Signs and signals (see âLight signals controlling trafficâ) are used to warn you of hazards ahead. For example, there may be an incident, fog, a spillage or road workers on the carriageway which you may not immediately be able to see.
Rule 256
A single sign or signal can display advice, restrictions and warnings for all lanes.
Lane specific signs and signals can display advice, restrictions and warnings that apply to individual lanes.
Rule 257
Amber flashing lights. These signals warn of a hazard ahead. You should
- reduce your speed
- be prepared for the hazard
- only increase your speed when you pass a signal that is not flashing, or a sign displaying a national speed limit or the word âENDâ, and you are sure it is safe to do so.
Rule 258
Red flashing light signals and a red âXâ on a sign identify a closed lane in which people, stopped vehicles or other hazards are present. You
- MUST follow the instructions on signs in advance of a closed lane to move safely to an open lane
- MUST NOT drive in a closed lane. A sign will inform you when the lane is no longer closed by displaying a speed limit or the word âENDâ.
Rule 259
Joining the motorway. When you join the motorway you will normally approach it from a road on the left (a slip road) or from an adjoining motorway. You should
- give priority to traffic already on the motorway
- check the traffic on the motorway and match your speed to fit safely into the traffic flow in the left-hand lane
- not cross solid white lines that separate lanes or use the hard shoulder
- stay on the slip road if it continues as an extra lane on the motorway
- remain in the left-hand lane long enough to adjust to the speed of traffic before considering overtaking.
On the motorway (rules 260 to 263)
Rule 260
When you can see well ahead and the road conditions are good, you should
- drive at a steady cruising speed which you and your vehicle can handle safely and is within the speed limit (see Rule 124 and the Speed limits table)
- keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front and increase the gap on wet or icy roads, or in fog (see Rules 126 and 235).
Rule 261
You MUST NOT exceed
- a speed limit displayed within a red circle on a sign
- the maximum speed limit for the road and for your vehicle (see Rule 124).
Speed limits are enforced by the police (see Rule 124).
Law RTRA sects 17, 86, 89 & sched 6
Rule 262
The monotony of driving on motorways and other high-speed roads can make you feel sleepy. To minimise the risk, follow the advice in Rule 91 about ensuring you are fit to drive and taking breaks.
Service areas are located along motorways to allow you to take breaks and to obtain refreshments. Refreshment and rest facilities on the local road network may also be accessible from motorway exits.
Rule 263
Unless directed to do so by a police or traffic officer, you MUST NOT
- reverse along any part of a motorway, including slip roads, hard shoulders and emergency areas
- cross the central reservation
- drive against the traffic flow.
If you have missed your exit, or have taken the wrong route, carry on to the next exit.
Laws RTA 1988 sect 35 as amended by TMA sect 6, MT(E&W)R regs 6, 8 & 10, & MT(S)R regs 4, 5, 7 & 9
Lane discipline (rules 264 to 266)
Rule 264
Keep in the left lane unless overtaking.
- If you are overtaking, you should return to the left lane when it is safe to do so (see also Rules 267 and 268).
- Be aware of emergency services, traffic officers, recovery workers and other people or vehicles stopped on the hard shoulder or in an emergency area. If you are driving in the left lane, and it is safe to do so, you should move into the adjacent lane to create more space between your vehicle and the people and stopped vehicles.
Rule 265
The right-hand lane of a motorway with three or more lanes MUST NOT be used (except in prescribed circumstances) if you are driving
- any vehicle drawing a trailer
- a goods vehicle with a maximum laden weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 7.5 tonnes, which is required to be fitted with a speed limiter
- a goods vehicle with a maximum laden weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes
- a passenger vehicle with a maximum laden weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes constructed or adapted to carry more than eight seated passengers in addition to the driver
- a passenger vehicle with a maximum laden weight not exceeding 7.5 tonnes which is constructed or adapted to carry more than eight seated passengers in addition to the driver, which is required to be fitted with a speed limiter.
Laws MT(E&W)R reg 12, MT(E&W)(A)R, MT(S)R reg 11 & MT(S)(A)R
Rule 266
Approaching a junction. Look well ahead for signals, signs and road markings. Direction signs may be placed over the road. If you need to, you should change lanes well ahead of a junction. At some junctions, a lane may lead directly off the road. Only get in that lane if you wish to go in the direction indicated by signs or road markings.
Overtaking (rules 267 to 268)
Rule 267
Do not overtake unless you are sure it is safe and legal to do so. Overtake only on the right. You should
- check your mirrors
- take time to judge the speeds correctly
- make sure that the lane you will be joining is sufficiently clear ahead and behind
- take a quick sideways glance into the blind spot area to verify the position of a vehicle that may have disappeared from your view in the mirror
- remember that traffic may be coming up behind you very quickly. Check all your mirrors carefully. Look out for motorcyclists. When it is safe to do so, signal in plenty of time, then move out
- ensure you do not cut in on the vehicle you have overtaken
- be especially careful at night and in poor visibility when it is harder to judge speed and distance.
Rule 268
Do not overtake on the left or move to a lane on your left to overtake. In congested conditions, where adjacent lanes of traffic are moving at similar speeds, traffic in left-hand lanes may sometimes be moving faster than traffic to the right. In these conditions you may keep up with the traffic in your lane even if this means passing traffic in the lane to your right. Do not weave in and out of lanes to overtake.
Hard shoulder (rule 269)
Rule 269
Hard shoulder (where present). You MUST NOT use a hard shoulder except in an emergency or if directed to do so by the police, traffic officers or a traffic sign.
Hard shoulder (where used as an extra lane). The hard shoulder is used as an extra lane on some motorways during periods of congestion. A red âXâ or blank sign above the hard shoulder means that you MUST NOT use the hard shoulder except in an emergency.
You can only use the hard shoulder as an extra lane when a speed limit is shown above the hard shoulder.
Where the hard shoulder is being used as an extra lane, emergency areas are provided for use in an emergency (see Rule 270).
Laws MT(E&W)R regs 5 & 9, MT(S)R regs 4 & 8, & RTA 1988 sects 35 & 36 as amended by TMA sect 6
Stopping (rules 270 to 271)
Rule 270
Emergency areas are located along motorways with no hard shoulder or where the hard shoulder can be used as an extra lane (see Rule 269) and MUST only be used in an emergency.
They are marked by blue signs with an orange SOS telephone symbol and may have orange surfacing.
Rule 271
You MUST NOT stop on any carriageway, emergency area, hard shoulder, slip road, central reservation or verge except in an emergency, or when told to do so by the police, traffic officers, an emergency sign or by red flashing light signals.
Do not stop on any part of a motorway to make or receive mobile telephone calls, except in an emergency.
Laws MT(E&W)R regs 7, 9, 10 & 16 as amended by MT(E&W)(A)(E)R, MT(S)R regs 6(1), 8, 9 & 14, PRA sect 41 & sched 5(8), RTA 1988 sects 35, 36 & 163 as amended by TMA sect 6, & CUR reg 110 as amended by CUR(A)(No4)R
Rule 272
You MUST NOT pick up or set down anyone, or walk on a motorway, except in an emergency.
Laws RTRA sect 17 & MT(E&W)R reg 15
Leaving the motorway (rules 273 to 274)
Rule 273
Unless signs indicate that a lane leads directly off the motorway, you will normally leave the motorway by a slip road on your left. You should
- watch for the signs letting you know you are getting near your exit
- move into the left-hand lane well before reaching your exit
- signal left in good time and reduce your speed on the slip road as necessary.
Rule 274
On leaving the motorway or using a link road between motorways, your speed may be higher than you realise - 50 mph may feel like 30 mph. Check your speedometer and adjust your speed accordingly. Some slip-roads and link roads have sharp bends, so you will need to slow down.
Road signs topic test
Road and traffic signs — Topic Practice
If the extended sign collection is unavailable, continue with the official Highway Code traffic signs reference while the learning catalogue is updated.
Road Signs People Commonly Confuse
Several signs can appear similar at first glance. In the quiz, read the shape, colour, symbol and any words or plates rather than guessing from one feature.
No waiting vs no stopping
The red diagonal line through a blue circle means no waiting; a red X means no stopping. Check nearby plates and road markings for the full restriction.
Ahead only vs one way
A white upward arrow inside a blue circle gives an ahead-only instruction. The arrow inside a blue rectangle indicates one-way traffic.
No entry vs give way
No Entry restricts vehicular entry. Give Way means approaching traffic on the major road has priority; you may need to stop before proceeding.
How to Practise Road Signs Effectively
Try a short focused session, understand mistakes immediately and return to official sources. DiuMitra’s starter activity does not grade your readiness for the real driving theory test.
Look at the whole sign
Notice whether the sign is circular, triangular or rectangular. Check the symbol, numbers and any additional text beneath it.
Choose the best meaning
Select one answer without looking it up first. The activity shows an explanation and identifies the correct answer after you choose.
Review and repeat
Use the Highway Code when uncertain, especially for restrictions and exceptions. Repeat the quiz to check whether the explanations make sense.
UK Road Sign Categories at a Glance
Signs work together with road markings, signals and supplementary plates. This overview helps you decide which official section to study next.
| Type of sign | What it generally tells you | Typical examples |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory / order signs | What you must do, or what you must not do | STOP, Give Way, No Entry, maximum speed, Ahead Only |
| Warning signs | Hazards or road conditions to anticipate | Traffic signals ahead, bends, junctions |
| Direction and information signs | Routes, destinations, road layout or facilities | One-way traffic, direction boards, motorway information |
| Supplementary plates | Extra details that qualify a main sign | Times, distances, vehicle restrictions |
| Road markings and signals | Additional instructions or information on the road | Stop lines, lane arrows, traffic lights |
Official UK Road Signs and Revision Resources
This quiz uses original schematic sign drawings and independently written explanations based on published traffic-sign guidance. Signs, restrictions and test arrangements can change, so the official guidance remains the source for current requirements.
For learner drivers
Build visual recognition alongside the wider road rules, observations and safe decision-making needed for the GB car theory test. Traffic signs are one topic within the overall assessment.
Continue with Driving Theory Practice Tests and Driving Theory Study Course lessons.
For road users refreshing their knowledge
Use the quiz to recognise sign meanings, then check official explanations. Never assume an image alone gives every detail of a road restriction; signs may be paired with plates, road markings or location-specific arrangements.
Northern Ireland has its own official arrangements and some differences. Follow the relevant local authority guidance.
UK Road Signs Quiz FAQs
Clear answers about signs, free practice, official study material and how DiuMitra’s activities differ from a real driving theory examination.
Recognise the Sign. Understand the Rule.
Start the free visual road signs quiz, check unfamiliar signs against official guidance and continue with Driving Theory Practice Tests when you are ready. Consistent revision matters more than memorising one set of answers.
DiuMitra provides independent learning resources only. This quiz is not an official DVSA examination, and it does not guarantee a theory test pass.