The Signing System
The signing system explains how UK road and traffic signs are designed, grouped and used to give
drivers, riders and pedestrians clear, consistent information. This page explains how the signing system works, how
to recognise different sign shapes, colours and categories quickly, and links to every individual sign 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.
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What is the signing system?
The signing system is the set of rules and standards used across the UK so that road signs are consistent in
shape, colour and layout wherever you drive. It helps drivers and riders quickly recognise the type of sign (for
example, a warning, regulatory or information sign) and understand what action they need to take, even before
reading any words on the sign.
You'll usually see:
- Warning signs - usually red-bordered triangles that alert you to hazards or changes in the
road ahead.
- Regulatory signs - mainly circles that tell you what you must or must not do, including speed
limits and turn restrictions.
- Information and direction signs - often rectangular, giving route guidance, local information
and details about road layouts and facilities.
Understanding the signing system is essential if you regularly drive on unfamiliar roads, in busy towns and
cities or on rural and high-speed routes - and it can appear throughout your DVSA driving theory test and hazard
perception test.
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Source: Department for Transport - Know Your Traffic Signs. Contains public sector
information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.