Signals and Traffic Lights
Signals and traffic lights are how road users communicate with each other and how traffic is
controlled at junctions, crossings and on busy roads. They include the signals you give with your indicators,
brake lights and arm signals, as well as traffic light signals and signals given by police
officers and other authorised people. Understanding signals and traffic lights is essential for
passing the DVSA driving theory test and for staying
safe on real UK roads.
Use this Signals and Traffic Lights guide to learn the key rules for learner drivers, see how
they apply in everyday driving, and help you prepare for the UK
car theory test,
motorcycle theory test,
HGV / LGV theory test,
PCV theory test, or
ADI Part 1 DVSA theory test.
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What are signals and traffic lights?
Signals and traffic lights tell other road users what you intend to do and control the flow
of traffic. As a learner driver or rider, you must understand:
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How and when to use your indicators, brake lights and, where appropriate, arm signals.
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The meaning of traffic light signals, including red, red and amber, green and amber.
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The importance of obeying signals given by police, traffic officers, school crossing patrols and
other authorised people.
In your theory test and practical driving test, you will be expected to obey all traffic light and stop
signals, use clear and timely signals yourself and never signal in a way that could confuse or mislead
others.
Key signals and traffic lights rules
As a learner driver or rider, you need to understand how to give and respond to
signals safely. Here are the key signals and traffic lights rules you should know:
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Always signal clearly and in good time before you change direction, turn, overtake, pull
up or move off. Make sure your signal is necessary and will not confuse other road users.
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Keep signalling only for as long as needed, and cancel your indicator as soon as you have
completed your manoeuvre.
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Never use signals simply to thank other road users (for example by flashing headlights)
if it could be misinterpreted as a command to proceed.
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At traffic lights, red means stop and wait behind the stop line; red and amber
together means get ready but do not move off yet; green means you may go if
the way is clear; and amber means stop unless you have already crossed the stop line or
stopping might cause a collision.
-
You must always obey signals from police officers, traffic officers and school crossing
patrols, even if they seem to contradict traffic lights or other signs.
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Watch and respond to signals from other road users, such as indicators, brake lights and
hazard warning lights, but never assume they have seen you or will definitely act as they signal.
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Use hazard warning lights only when appropriate – for example, when your vehicle is a
temporary obstruction or you are warning others of a hazard ahead, not while driving in normal
conditions.
These signals and traffic lights rules are based on the Highway Code sections on giving signals and traffic
light signals. Want to read the full Highway Code guidance?
View Highway Code
signals and traffic lights rules.
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Typical traffic light signals and sequences
Here are some typical UK traffic light signals and sequences you need to know for your DVSA
theory test:
- Red: you must stop and wait behind the stop line.
- Red and amber together: prepare to move off, but do not go until the light turns green.
- Green: you may go if the way is clear and it is safe to do so, watching out for pedestrians and other road users.
- Amber: you must stop unless you have already crossed the stop line or stopping might cause a collision.
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Green arrow filter lights: you may go in the direction shown by the arrow if the way is
clear, even if the main red or amber light is showing for other traffic.
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Flashing amber at some pedestrian crossings means you must give way to pedestrians already
on the crossing but may proceed if it is clear.
You'll see these signals used in theory test questions and in real life at junctions, crossings and complex
traffic systems.
Signals and traffic lights in real driving situations
Signals and traffic lights are not just theory test knowledge – they're essential for everyday driving.
You'll use them every time you:
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Approach traffic light-controlled junctions, roundabouts and pedestrian crossings and need to decide when
to stop or go.
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Indicate to turn left or right, change lanes, overtake or pull up at the side of the road.
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Respond to signals from police officers, traffic officers or school crossing patrols
directing traffic.
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Warn other road users of a hazard by using your hazard warning lights when appropriate.
In your practical driving test, examiners will expect you to use signals correctly and in good time, obey
traffic lights and stop signals, and avoid signalling in a way that could confuse other road users.
Signals and traffic lights in the DVSA theory test
Signals and traffic lights appear frequently in the multiple-choice part of the DVSA theory test. You may be
asked:
- What a particular traffic light signal or arrow means in a given situation.
- How you should respond to a signal from a police officer or school crossing patrol.
- When you should use your indicators and when you should not signal.
- How to use hazard warning lights correctly and safely.
Explore a sample of the latest DVSA theory test revision questions in Driving Theory 4 All's
theory test questions and answers
section.
Do I need to know signals and traffic lights for my UK DVSA theory test?
Yes. Signals and traffic lights are a core part of the UK theory test syllabus for
car,
motorcycle,
HGV / LGV,
PCV and
ADI Part 1 learners. You should know
how to give clear signals, how to respond to traffic lights and what to do when authorised people direct
traffic.
The best way to learn this is to practise with DVSA-style revision questions and explanations, then test
yourself with realistic mock theory tests that include scenarios involving different signals and traffic
light sequences.
Take a free DVSA practice theory test
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Source: Department for Transport (GOV.UK) - The Highway Code. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.