UK road signs

Road Markings

Learn the UK road markings you need to recognise for your DVSA theory test, with clear meanings and examples for every sign.

4.7 · 2,575 reviews 800,000+ learners ✓ Trading Standards
Book with peace of mind

Book your DVSA theory test with us and get unlimited free re-sits* if you don't pass first time.

Book your theory test

Road Markings

Road markings give drivers, riders and pedestrians essential information directly on the road surface, such as lane positions, priority, parking rules and where you must not stop. This page explains what these road markings mean, how to recognise them quickly, and links to every individual 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 road markings?

Road markings are part of the UK road and traffic sign system used to give drivers and riders clear, helpful details about lane positions, junction priorities, parking, crossings and where you must not stop. They help you understand which lane to use, when you can overtake, where you must give way and when restrictions start or end, so you can plan your journey safely and confidently.

You'll usually see:

  • Centre lines and edge lines showing the middle and edges of the road and whether overtaking is allowed.
  • Give way and stop lines at junctions, roundabouts and crossings to show where you must stop or give priority.
  • Yellow zig-zags, box junctions and hatched areas indicating places where stopping or waiting is restricted or prohibited.
  • Lane arrows and wording such as 'BUS LANE', 'SLOW' or directional arrows to guide you into the correct lane.

Understanding these road markings is essential if you regularly drive on unfamiliar roads, in busy towns and cities or near schools and junctions - 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 road markings and the rest of the DVSA theory test syllabus, pick the option that best matches your DVSA theory test journey.

MOST POPULAR
Car Theory Test Prep
Best for getting test-ready on a budget.
Β£5.99
365-day web and app access
Complete DVSA practice question bank
100+ hazard perception clips
Unlimited mock tests
Car Theory Test Prep +
Pass Protection*
Best for a safety net: your money back if you do not pass.*
Β£9.99
Everything in Theory Test Prep, plus:
Your money back if you do not pass*
BEST VALUE
Car Theory Test Prep,
Unlimited Re-sits* &
Theory Test Booking
Best for having it all handled: we book your DVSA test, you revise.
Β£49.00
Everything in Unlimited Re-sits, plus:
We book your DVSA theory test for you
The Β£23 DVSA test fee included
Web and app access until your test
MOST POPULAR
Motorcycle Theory Test Prep
Best for getting test-ready on a budget.
Β£5.99
365-day web and app access
Complete DVSA practice question bank
100+ hazard perception clips
Unlimited mock tests
Motorcycle Theory Test Prep +
Pass Protection*
Best for a safety net: your money back if you do not pass.*
Β£9.99
Everything in Theory Test Prep, plus:
Your money back if you do not pass*
BEST VALUE
Motorcycle Theory Test Prep,
Unlimited Re-sits* &
Theory Test Booking
Best for having it all handled: we book your DVSA test, you revise.
Β£49.00
Everything in Unlimited Re-sits, plus:
We book your DVSA theory test for you
The Β£23 DVSA test fee included
Web and app access until your test
MOST POPULAR
LGV Theory Test Prep
Best for getting test-ready on a budget.
Β£14.99
60-day web and app access
Complete DVSA practice question bank
100+ hazard perception clips
Unlimited mock tests
LGV Theory Test Prep +
Pass Protection*
Best for a safety net: your money back if you do not pass.*
Β£19.99
Everything in Theory Test Prep, plus:
Your money back if you do not pass*
MOST POPULAR
PCV Theory Test Prep
Best for getting test-ready on a budget.
Β£14.99
60-day web and app access
Complete DVSA practice question bank
100+ hazard perception clips
Unlimited mock tests
PCV Theory Test Prep +
Pass Protection*
Best for a safety net: your money back if you do not pass.*
Β£19.99
Everything in Theory Test Prep, plus:
Your money back if you do not pass*
MOST POPULAR
ADI Theory Test Prep
Best for getting test-ready on a budget.
Β£14.99
60-day web and app access
Complete DVSA practice question bank
100+ hazard perception clips
Unlimited mock tests
ADI Theory Test Prep +
Pass Protection*
Best for a safety net: your money back if you do not pass.*
Β£19.99
Everything in Theory Test Prep, plus:
Your money back if you do not pass*
MOST POPULAR
LGV CPC Theory Test Prep
Best for getting test-ready on a budget.
Β£14.99
60-day access
Learning material and practice tests covering every DVSA topic
Over 60 practice case studies
MOST POPULAR
PCV CPC Theory Test Prep
Best for getting test-ready on a budget.
Β£14.99
60-day access
Learning material and practice tests covering every DVSA topic
Over 60 practice case studies

Essential road markings you need to know for the DVSA theory test

The DVSA driving theory test can include questions about road markings.

When you revise with Driving Theory 4 All, you'll see these 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 road markings in the UK road and traffic sign system. Select a road marking to open its dedicated page.

Alternative edge of carriageway road marking

Lane Road markings
View alternative edge of carriageway road marking

Appropriate traffic lanes for particular destinations road marking

Lane Direction of traffic Road markings
View appropriate traffic lanes for particular destinations road marking

Area of carriageway to be kept clear of stationary traffic road marking

Keep clear Road markings
View area of carriageway to be kept clear of stationary traffic road marking

Centre line on a single carriageway road marking

Lane Road markings
View centre line on a single carriageway road marking

Compulsory to go straight ahead only at junction road marking

Lane Direction of traffic Road markings
View compulsory to go straight ahead only at junction road marking

Compulsory to turn left at junction ahead road marking

Lane Direction of traffic Road markings
View compulsory to turn left at junction ahead road marking

Compulsory to turn right at junction ahead road marking

Lane Direction of traffic Road markings
View compulsory to turn right at junction ahead road marking

Continuous double white lines road marking

Lane Road markings
View continuous double white lines road marking

Direction in which pedestrians should look before crossing the road marking

Pedestrian crossing Road markings
View direction in which pedestrians should look before crossing the road marking

Direction to be taken by traffic turning within a junction road marking

Lane Direction of traffic Road markings
View direction to be taken by traffic turning within a junction road marking

Do not cross a continuous white line to enter a hatched area road marking

Lane Road markings
View do not cross a continuous white line to enter a hatched area road marking

Edge of carriageway road marking

Lane Road markings
View edge of carriageway road marking

Edge of main carriageway at a junction road marking

Lane Road markings
View edge of main carriageway at a junction road marking

Edge of main carriageway at a junction or at an exit from a private drive road marking

Lane Road markings
View edge of main carriageway at a junction or at an exit from a private drive road marking

Go straight ahead at junction road marking

Lane Direction of traffic Road markings
View go straight ahead at junction road marking

Hazard warning line road marking

Lane Road markings
View hazard warning line road marking

Indicates the direction in which to pass hatched markings and double white lines road marking

Lane Road markings
View indicates the direction in which to pass hatched markings and double white lines road marking

Lane line separating traffic travelling in the same direction road marking

Lane Road markings
View lane line separating traffic travelling in the same direction road marking

Loose chippings road marking

Triangular Road surface Road markings
View loose chippings road marking

Reduction in the number of lanes, or area not available to traffic road marking

Lane Road markings
View reduction in the number of lanes, or area not available to traffic road marking

Separate opposing flows of traffic road marking

Lane Road markings
View separate opposing flows of traffic road marking

Slow down due to a hazard road marking

Speed Road markings
View slow down due to a hazard road marking

Traffic passes in the same direction on either side (must not enter the area except in an emergency) road marking

Lane Road markings
View traffic passes in the same direction on either side (must not enter the area except in an emergency) road marking

Traffic passes in the same direction on either side (should not enter the area unless safe to do so) road marking

Lane Road markings
View traffic passes in the same direction on either side (should not enter the area unless safe to do so) road marking

Turn left at junction ahead road marking

Lane Direction of traffic Road markings
View turn left at junction ahead road marking

Turn left or go straight ahead at junction road marking

Lane Direction of traffic Road markings
View turn left or go straight ahead at junction road marking

Turn left or right at junction ahead road marking

Lane Direction of traffic Road markings
View turn left or right at junction ahead road marking

Turn right at junction ahead road marking

Lane Direction of traffic Road markings
View turn right at junction ahead road marking

Turn right or go straight ahead at junction road marking

Lane Direction of traffic Road markings
View turn right or go straight ahead at junction road marking

Vehicles must not pass this road marking

Direction of traffic Road markings
View vehicles must not pass this road marking

Yellow box junction road marking

Keep clear Road markings
View yellow box junction road marking

You can cross double white lines to overtake if the line closest to you is broken and it is safe to do so road marking

Lane Road markings
View you can cross double white lines to overtake if the line closest to you is broken and it is safe to do so road marking

View our full UK road signs directory

Previous: Regulatory SignsNext: Signs for Road Works and Temporary Situations

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

Test yourself on road markings

Think you know your road markings ? Take a free interactive road signs practice test and see how many you can correctly identify - with instant marking and the correct meaning for every sign.

Take a free road markings practice test

Take a free practice test covering all UK road signs

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 2575 verified buyers...

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

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/KPJoRR3X5p
13 hours ago
Preparing for the DVSA motorcycle theory test? 🚦🏍️ Try our FREE motorcycle practice theory test πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/RG1tofZtz0
4 days ago
πŸš— Ready to pass your UK driving theory test? Practise with realistic questions, build your confidence, and get fully prepared for test day with Driving Theory 4 All. Start practising today πŸ‘‰ https://t.co/jlI1c9IM4i #drivingtheorytest #theorytestpractice #cardrivingtest
5 days ago
Want to sample the most up-to-date DVSA practice driving theory test questions and answers before you sit your UK DVSA driving theory test? Get your free theory test practice here πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/67K9g2c8o5 #theorytestpractice #cartheorytest #theorytest #drivingtest
1 week ago
Is your driving theory test coming up soon? πŸ‘€ The best way to prepare is by taking practice theory tests, especially if your test date is close. πŸŽ“ We’ve got free practice tests ready for you. Try one now. πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/pOORgktQtG #theorytestpractice #cartheorytest
1 week ago
How long is a theory test valid? πŸ€·β€β™€οΈπŸ€·β€β™‚οΈ Our handy article below will help you understand everything you need to about your driving theory test πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/A9ix1I8SNf https://t.co/GARLXOi1uG
1 week ago
Which colour follows the green signal at a puffin crossing? πŸš¦πŸš— Find out now along with everything you need to know about puffin crossings πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/HSqCXTdB4b #puffincrossing #theorytest #drivingtheorytest #booktheorytest https://t.co/jFq6xlnNzj
1 week ago
πŸš— Revising for your theory test? Use our FREE theory test practice resources to test your knowledge and build confidence. πŸ‘‰ https://t.co/66v9hVuK0d #theorytest #theorytestpractice
1 week ago
Looking for theory test revision? πŸš—πŸš›πŸοΈπŸšŒ Get started with Driving Theory 4 All by taking a free mock theory test πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/7il2jIpX4r #theorytest #mocktheorytest #theorytestpractice https://t.co/xy4U02578A
1 week ago
Looking to take your car driving theory test soon? πŸ‘€ Try a free DVSA practice theory test so see how prepared you are πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/pOORgktQtG #drivingtheorytest #cartheorytest #theorytest #practicetheorytest
1 week ago
Want to try some FREE mock theory tests to get ready to pass your DVSA theory test in 2026? πŸ‘€ Whether you're taking your car theory test or your ADI Part 1 theory test we've got you covered! πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/7il2jIpX4r https://t.co/c4Z0Lc6hGa
2 weeks ago
Learning to drive? πŸš— Don’t forget the Highway Code! It’s essential for becoming a safe, confident driver and will help you prepare for your driving theory test and make safer decisions on the road. πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/cw9v6M6xwS #theorytest #cartheorytest
2 weeks ago
Learning to drive is exciting for everyone, but what age can you start driving in the UK? πŸ€·β€β™‚οΈ This article explains what you need to do and how old you need to be to start driving in the UK πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/SQM1vN26iB #drivingtheorytest #drivingtheory4all #cartheorytest https://t.co/nlXOgpMjT1
2 weeks 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/vu5YDFRVDK
2 weeks ago
Getting ready to take your car theory test? πŸš— Make sure you feel confident before the big day with some extra theory test practice πŸ‘€ Our free practice theory test is a simple way to test your knowledge, and see which areas you might need to revise πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/pOORgktQtG
2 weeks ago
Do you know the UK speed limits? πŸš— Single carriageways = 60 mph and dual carriageways and motorways = 70 mph πŸ›€οΈ Find out everything you need to know πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/Dq7Fqfqy2f https://t.co/Iijurndj6G
3 weeks ago
How ready are you for the car theory test? πŸš—πŸ“ Take a free 50-question DVSA-style mock theory test, get instant feedback and compare your score with the real pass mark. Try it here πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/rvl4V1Xkt2 #cartheorytest #mocktheorytest
3 weeks ago
Theory test question 🚨 What type of emergency vehicle is fitted with a green flashing beacon? Do you know the answer? Test yourself before revealing the explanation πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/hGxShF6n9g #theorytest #theorytestpractice
3 weeks ago
Preparing for your PCV theory test? 🚌 Try a free 100-question PCV mock theory test with instant feedback and explanations, then compare your score with the 85/100 pass mark. Start the test πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/AxWuuty8Xi #PCV #theorytest
3 weeks ago
Can you recognise the roundabout warning sign? πŸ”ΊπŸš— It’s one of the UK road signs you may need to identify in your DVSA theory test. Take a closer look πŸ‘‡ https://t.co/gJECMDwU45
3 weeks ago