Home Free Theory Test Practice Resources Road Signs Motorway Signs, Signals and Road Markings

Motorway Signs, Signals and Road Markings

Motorway signs, signals and road markings tell drivers and riders about lanes, speed limits, junctions, incidents and traffic management on UK motorways. This page explains what these motorway signs, signals and road markings mean, how to recognise them quickly, and links to every individual road sign, signal, and road marking in this category so you can revise them for your car theory test, motorcycle theory test, HGV / LGV theory test, PCV theory test, or ADI Part 1 theory test.

Want the best chance of passing your UK driving theory test first time?

Prepare with the latest Driving Theory 4 All AI-powered theory test app - including the most up-to-date DVSA theory test revision questions, hazard perception test clips, progress tracking, and a full road signs library - all in one place.

Rated 4.7 out of 5 by UK learner and professional drivers

Rated 4.7 out of 5

Get full theory test practice access now

What are motorway signs, signals and road markings?

Motorway signs, signals and road markings are part of the UK road and traffic sign system used to give drivers and riders clear, helpful details about motorway routes, speed limits, lane use and incidents. They help you understand which lane to use, when limits or lane closures change, and how to leave or join the motorway safely, so you can plan your journey confidently at higher speeds.

You'll usually see:

  • Overhead motorway signals showing variable speed limits, lane closures (red X), warnings and incident messages.
  • Motorway direction signs on blue backgrounds giving route numbers, destinations, junction numbers and exit information.
  • Motorway road markings such as lane lines, chevrons, hard shoulder markings and countdown markers to exits.

Understanding these motorway signs, signals and road markings is essential if you regularly drive on motorways or high-speed roads - and they can all appear in your DVSA driving theory test and hazard perception test.

Get test-ready with our AI-powered theory test app

Ready to book your DVSA theory test?

Whether you still need to book your UK theory test or you're focusing on extra revision on motorway signs, signals and road markings and the rest of the DVSA theory test syllabus, pick the option that best matches your DVSA theory test journey.

Book your DVSA theory test with unlimited re-sits. Get your DVSA theory test booking, AI-powered theory test app and unlimited re-sits if you don't pass first time - with full revision for UK road signs, including motorway signs, signals and road markings.

Book your theory test with unlimited re-sits

Already booked your DVSA theory test and just need to revise? Get started with Driving Theory 4 All's AI-powered theory test app and online Learning Zone to revise the latest DVSA material and all UK road signs, including motorway signs, signals and road markings.

Get test-ready with our AI-powered theory test app

Essential motorway signs, signals and road markings you need to know for the DVSA theory test

The DVSA driving theory test can include questions about motorway signs, signals and road markings.

When you revise with Driving Theory 4 All, you'll see these motorway signs, signals and road markings along with DVSA revision questions, hazard perception practice clips, and unlimited mock theory tests.

Get our complete AI theory test practice course now

Use this section to quickly find common motorway signs, signals and road markings in the UK road and traffic sign system. Select a sign or signal to open its dedicated page.

Access for authorised vehicles only sign

Rectangular - blue Motorway Vehicle type Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View access for authorised vehicles only sign

All lanes closed on a 2 lane carriageway sign

Traffic lights Lane Motorway Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View all lanes closed on a 2 lane carriageway sign

All lanes closed on a 3 lane carriageway sign

Traffic lights Lane Motorway Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View all lanes closed on a 3 lane carriageway sign

All lanes closed on a 4 lane carriageway sign

Traffic lights Lane Motorway Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View all lanes closed on a 4 lane carriageway sign

Appropriate lanes for turning movements at junction ahead sign

Rectangular - blue Junction Lane Motorway Directions Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View appropriate lanes for turning movements at junction ahead sign

Appropriate lanes to use on the approach to the junction sign

Rectangular - blue Junction Lane Motorway Directions Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View appropriate lanes to use on the approach to the junction sign

Check the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front sign

Rectangular - blue Motorway Speed Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View check the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front sign

Countdown markers sign

Rectangular - blue Junction Motorway Speed Rectangular - green Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View countdown markers sign

County boundary sign

Rectangular - blue Motorway Boundary name Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View county boundary sign

Destination reached by leaving the motorway at the next junction sign

Rectangular - blue Junction Motorway Directions Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View destination reached by leaving the motorway at the next junction sign

Destinations reached by staying on the motorway at the next junction sign

Rectangular - blue Motorway Directions Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View destinations reached by staying on the motorway at the next junction sign

Direction of route recommended for goods vehicles sign

Rectangular - black Lorry Directions Junction Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View direction of route recommended for goods vehicles sign

Direction sign at the side of a motorway sign

Rectangular - blue Junction Motorway Distance to Directions Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View direction sign at the side of a motorway sign

Direction sign when approaching a junction with a motorway sign

Rectangular - white Roundabout Motorway Directions Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View direction sign when approaching a junction with a motorway sign

Direction to a motorway service area located on an all-purpose road sign

Rectangular - blue Motorway Services Directions Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View direction to a motorway service area located on an all-purpose road sign

Directions from a roundabout ahead sign

Rectangular - blue Junction Roundabout Motorway Directions Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View directions from a roundabout ahead sign

Directions from junction ahead sign

Rectangular - blue Junction Motorcycle Directions Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View directions from junction ahead sign

Distance to the end of the motorway sign

Rectangular - blue Motorway Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View distance to the end of the motorway sign

Distance to the next motorway service area sign

Rectangular - blue Motorway Services Distance to Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View distance to the next motorway service area sign

Do not proceed in the traffic lane directly below sign

Traffic lights Lane Motorway Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View do not proceed in the traffic lane directly below sign

Emergency refuge area sign

Rectangular - blue Motorway Emergency telephone Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View emergency refuge area sign

Emergency refuge areas ahead sign

Rectangular - blue Motorway Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View emergency refuge areas ahead sign

End of Active Traffic Management sign

Rectangular - blue Motorway Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View end of Active Traffic Management sign

End of hard shoulder sign

Rectangular - blue Lane Motorway Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View end of hard shoulder sign

End of motorway regulations sign

Rectangular - blue Motorway Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View end of motorway regulations sign

End of temporary restrictions sign

Traffic lights Motorway Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View end of temporary restrictions sign

End of the motorway sign

Rectangular - blue Motorway Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View end of the motorway sign

Entrance / direction to a motorway service area accessed directly from a motorway sign

Arrow - blue Motorway Services Directions Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View entrance / direction to a motorway service area accessed directly from a motorway sign

Entrance / direction to a motorway service area located on an all-purpose road sign

Arrow - blue Motorway Services Directions Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View entrance / direction to a motorway service area located on an all-purpose road sign

Hazard ahead sign

Traffic lights Motorway Speed Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View hazard ahead sign

Indicates a place with several tourist attractions sign

Brown Tourist Directions Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View indicates a place with several tourist attractions sign

Indicates directions to tourist attractions from a junction ahead sign

Brown Tourist Distance to Directions Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View indicates directions to tourist attractions from a junction ahead sign

Indicates directions to tourist attractions from a roundabout ahead sign

Brown Roundabout Tourist Directions Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View indicates directions to tourist attractions from a roundabout ahead sign

Indicates multiple tourist destinations sign

Brown Tourist Directions Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View indicates multiple tourist destinations sign

Indicates which junction to leave at to access tourist attraction sign

Brown Junction Tourist Directions Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View indicates which junction to leave at to access tourist attraction sign

Informs drivers of the availability of services ahead sign

Rectangular - blue Motorway Services Distance to Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View informs drivers of the availability of services ahead sign

Informs drivers of the facilities available at the next motorway service area sign

Rectangular - blue Motorway Services Distance to Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View informs drivers of the facilities available at the next motorway service area sign

Junction ahead is with another motorway sign

Rectangular - blue Junction Motorway Distance to Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View junction ahead is with another motorway sign

Keep two chevrons apart from the vehicle in front sign

Rectangular - blue Motorway Speed Road marking Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View keep two chevrons apart from the vehicle in front sign

Keep your distance from the vehicle in front sign

Rectangular - blue Motorway Speed Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View keep your distance from the vehicle in front sign

Leave motorway at next exit sign

Traffic lights Junction Motorway Directions Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View leave motorway at next exit sign

Left lane closed on a 3 lane carriageway sign

Traffic lights Lane Motorway Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View left lane closed on a 3 lane carriageway sign

Left lane closed on a 4 lane carriageway sign

Traffic lights Lane Motorway Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View left lane closed on a 4 lane carriageway sign

Middle and right lanes closed on a 3 lane carriageway sign

Traffic lights Lane Motorway Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View middle and right lanes closed on a 3 lane carriageway sign

Motorway destinations sign

Rectangular - blue Motorway Distance to Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View motorway destinations sign

Motorway direction sign

Arrow - blue Junction Motorway Directions Rectangular - blue Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View motorway direction sign

Motorway ends at a junction with an all-purpose road sign

Rectangular - blue Junction Roundabout Motorway Directions Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View motorway ends at a junction with an all-purpose road sign

Motorway ends at a junction with another motorway sign

Rectangular - blue Junction Roundabout Motorway Distance to Directions Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View motorway ends at a junction with another motorway sign

Motorway overhead sign for junctions and deceleration lanes sign

Rectangular - blue Junction Motorway Directions Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View motorway overhead sign for junctions and deceleration lanes sign

Motorway service area ahead on an all-purpose road sign

Rectangular - blue Motorway Services Distance to Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View motorway service area ahead on an all-purpose road sign

Motorway-to-motorway junction with a roundabout sign

Rectangular - blue Junction Roundabout Motorway Directions Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View motorway-to-motorway junction with a roundabout sign

Move to adjacent lane sign

Traffic lights Lane Motorway Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View move to adjacent lane sign

No hard shoulder for the distance shown sign

Rectangular - blue Lane Motorway Distance for Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View no hard shoulder for the distance shown sign

No services are available ahead (located on motorway) sign

Rectangular - blue Motorway Services Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View no services are available ahead (located on motorway) sign

No services are available on motorway ahead (located on all-purpose road) sign

Rectangular - blue Motorway Services Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View no services are available on motorway ahead (located on all-purpose road) sign

One or more lanes leave the main carriageway to become the exit slip road sign

Rectangular - blue Junction Lane Motorway Distance to Directions Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View one or more lanes leave the main carriageway to become the exit slip road sign

Overhead motorway sign that indicates a junction that has two exits sign

Rectangular - blue Junction Lane Motorway Distance to Directions Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View overhead motorway sign that indicates a junction that has two exits sign

Overhead sign showing appropriate lanes for the different destinations sign

Rectangular - blue Junction Lane Motorway Directions Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View overhead sign showing appropriate lanes for the different destinations sign

Overhead signs for a lane-drop junction sign

Rectangular - blue Junction Lane Directions Motorway Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View overhead signs for a lane-drop junction sign

Right lane closed on a 2 lane carriageway sign

Traffic lights Lane Motorway Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View right lane closed on a 2 lane carriageway sign

Risk of fog ahead sign

Traffic lights Weather Motorway Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View risk of fog ahead sign

Risk of ice ahead sign

Traffic lights Weather Motorway Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View risk of ice ahead sign

Route to be followed sign

Rectangular - blue Motorway Directions Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View route to be followed sign

Route to take to reach the motorway sign

Rectangular - green Roundabout Motorway Directions Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View route to take to reach the motorway sign

Service area has direct access from the motorway sign

Rectangular - blue Motorway Services Directions Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View service area has direct access from the motorway sign

Shows drivers on slip road the lanes that join the main carriageway sign

Rectangular - blue Junction Lane Motorcycle Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View shows drivers on slip road the lanes that join the main carriageway sign

Shows drivers on the main carriageway the lanes that join the main carriageway sign

Rectangular - blue Junction Lane Motorway Distance to Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View shows drivers on the main carriageway the lanes that join the main carriageway sign

Shows the arrangement of traffic lanes on a motorway sign

Rectangular - blue Junction Lane Motorway Directions Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View shows the arrangement of traffic lanes on a motorway sign

Shows the direction to the nearest emergency telephone sign

Rectangular - white Motorway Emergency telephone Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View shows the direction to the nearest emergency telephone sign

Signals and variable signs above each lane of the motorway sign

Traffic lights Lane Motorway Speed Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View signals and variable signs above each lane of the motorway sign

Slip road leading to a maintenance compound sign

Rectangular - blue Motorway Works traffic Directions Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View slip road leading to a maintenance compound sign

Start of Active Traffic Management sign

Rectangular - blue Motorway Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View start of Active Traffic Management sign

Start of motorway regulations sign

Rectangular - blue Motorway Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View start of motorway regulations sign

Temporary maximum speed advised sign

Traffic lights Motorway Speed Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View temporary maximum speed advised sign

There is a junction with another motorway before the next service area sign

Rectangular - blue Motorway Services Distance to Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View there is a junction with another motorway before the next service area sign

Two junctions shown on the same sign

Rectangular - blue Junction Motorway Distance to Directions Motorway signs, signals and road markings
View two junctions shown on the same sign

View our full UK road signs directory

Previous: Miscellaneous SignsNext: On-Street Parking Control Signs and Road Markings

Source: Department for Transport - Know Your Traffic Signs. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Not what you were looking for?
Find out what we offer for every DVSA theory test by selecting the theory test you want to prepare for.

Industry leading reviews from 2142 verified buyers...

Keep up to date with us on social media...

πŸ•β€πŸ¦Ί Highway Code Rule 56 πŸ•β€πŸ¦Ί You shouldn't allow your dog to go onto the road. Keep the lead short when walking your dog on the pavement or road. Learn everything you need to pass your car theory test πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/vSZBbqjSSa #cartheorytest #theorytest #highwaycode https://t.co/wEQ53NmIDT
2 days ago
What is the Highway Code? πŸ›£οΈ The Highway Code is a set of rules and guidelines designed to keep all road users safe, including pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, and motorists. Find out everything you need to know πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/bOQXC1M2MD #highwaycode #theorytestpractice https://t.co/4FEIPZ1mz2
3 days ago
Looking for HGV training? πŸš› Try this free HGV theory test practice test and answer the latest DVSA LGV Part 1a revision multiple-choice theory test questions πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/IKXDpIYzwu #hgvtraining #hgvtheorytest #lgvtheorytest #lorrydriver https://t.co/1vGrOs3ipO
3 days ago
What is the difference between a dual carriageway and a motorway? πŸš—πŸš›πŸοΈπŸšŒ In this article, we will look at the differences and similarities between a dual carriageway and a motorway πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/7JvfSU0Vvq #theorytest #roadsafety #learnerdriver #drivingtheorytest https://t.co/FiBZLb7L9y
4 days ago
What is the national speed limit sign? πŸ›£οΈ The the national speed limit sign is a UK road and traffic sign you'll need to recognise for the DVSA theory test πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/vyGJdl2wIX #nationalspeedlimitsign #roadsigns #theorytest https://t.co/3LwruiroXg
4 days ago
Where should you avoid overtaking? πŸ›£οΈπŸš— Answer this DVSA revision theory test question now πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/xwZ7u1ygb4 #theorytest #practicetheorytest #theorytestpractice #dvsatheorytest https://t.co/jRK1gQnCg3
4 days ago
When can you take your theory test? πŸ›£οΈβ“ In this article, we'll guide you through everything you need to know about when you can take your theory test, ensuring you're fully prepared and confident on test day πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/uCYuknKBql #theorytest #drivingtheorytest https://t.co/7GwhWGuSiX
5 days ago
Take a FREE DVSA practice theory test πŸš—πŸοΈπŸš›πŸšŒπŸ“‹ Take a free online UK driving theory test practice test with Driving Theory 4 All to see how prepared you are for the real DVSA theory test πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/pOORgktQtG #practicetheorytest #theorytest #dvsatheorytest https://t.co/GzRYgINVxo
5 days ago
What age can you start driving in the UK? πŸš—πŸ›£οΈ In the UK, there are certain age requirements and steps you need to take before you can hit the road on your own. The legal minimum age to drive a car in the UK is 17 years old for most people πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/NvLgXYhN3a https://t.co/tqhHzZjhxO
6 days ago
How to find a UK DVSA theory test centre πŸš— Find your preferred DVSA theory test centre to see the full address, contact details, current theory test centre waiting times, and information on how to book theory test appointments πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/LcLUW7uqHk #theorytest https://t.co/anHNltEoAo
1 week ago
How to cancel theory tests πŸ“… This article gives you a step-by-step guide on how to cancel theory test bookings, along with some important things to remember πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/is6ijW452F #theorytest #theorytestpractice #canceltheorytest #dvsatheorytest
1 week ago
What is a puffin crossing? πŸ›£οΈ Puffin crossings improve safety for pedestrians and the flow of traffic. This article explores how puffin crossings work, their benefits, and why they are particularly beneficial for elderly and disabled individuals πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/HSqCXTdB4b
1 week ago
Want to pass your UK driving theory test first time? πŸ™Œ Get every DVSA theory test practice question, hazard perception test clip, and everything you need to pass with our complete AI-powered theory test practice course πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/jlI1c9IM4i #theorytest #theorytestapp
1 week ago
Preparing for your DVSA HGV theory test? πŸš› Here's a taster of the latest DVSA HGV theory test practice questions for the HGV Part 1a (multiple-choice questions) theory test πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/xejgXBxkLZ #hgvtheorytest #lgvtheorytest #hgvtraining #lorrytheorytest https://t.co/vjVqf6cQOL
1 week ago
Getting ready for your DVSA driving theory test? πŸš—πŸš›πŸοΈπŸšŒ Take a free online UK driving theory test practice test with Driving Theory 4 All to see how prepared you are for the real DVSA theory test. Take a FREE DVSA practice theory test πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/pOORgktQtG #theorytest https://t.co/UDK2gi7Hd0
1 week ago
Get to know UK road signs ⚠️ Understanding UK road signs is essential for safe driving and passing your DVSA driving theory test. Check out this guide for an overview of UK road signs, traffic signs, and road markings πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/RpL68eHwlB #roadsigns https://t.co/nT4J4JnpgI
1 week ago
Are you looking to pass your theory test? 😍 Our free theory test practice resources page offers plenty of FREE ways to learn your theory πŸ‘€ Try our Free theory test practice resources now πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/66v9hVuK0d https://t.co/jAs4QNElk8
1 week ago
Booked your DVSA theory test and need to get test ready fast? βš‘πŸš— Our ultimate AI theory test practice package has everything you need to pass first time πŸ’―πŸŽ“ Get driving theory test ready now πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/nJSupfsgLn #theorytest #booktheorytest #drivingtheorytest https://t.co/OBtJprOyAM
1 week ago
Want a deep dive into UK road signs and meanings? ⚠️ ✍️This comprehensive guide walks you through UK road signs you need to know for the DVSA theory test πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/NLAy3wzEjv #roadsigns #ukroadsigns #theorytestroadsigns #theorytest https://t.co/du9uj5IjLx
1 week ago
What would you expect to find at a contraflow system on a motorway? πŸš—πŸ›£οΈ This article explains what a contraflow system is, where you might see one, and how to navigate it safely πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/SgC8LD44Ds #contraflowsystem #theorytest https://t.co/IZExoXqdF3
2 weeks ago