Traffic Calming Signs and Road Markings
Traffic calming signs and road markings tell drivers and riders to slow down and drive with extra care
in areas where there is a higher risk to pedestrians and other road users, such as around schools, housing estates
and village centres. This page explains what these traffic calming signs and markings mean, how to recognise them
quickly, and links to every individual sign and 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.
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What is traffic calming?
Traffic calming is part of the UK road and traffic sign system used to reduce vehicle speeds, discourage
dangerous driving and make streets safer for people walking, cycling or riding. It uses a mix of signs, road
markings and physical features to encourage slower, more careful driving so you can plan your journey safely and
confidently through built-up areas.
You'll usually see:
- Traffic calming warning signs showing speed humps, cushions, chicanes, build-outs or road
narrowing ahead.
- Road markings around traffic calming features such as white markings on humps, centre lines,
and 'SLOW' markings on the road surface.
- Zone and gateway signs for 20 mph zones, home zones or traffic-calmed areas, often with
features like build-outs or priority systems.
Understanding these traffic calming signs and road markings is essential if you regularly drive in residential
streets, near schools, village centres or other sensitive areas - and they can all appear in your DVSA driving
theory test and hazard perception test.
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signs and road markings.
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Source: Department for Transport - Know Your Traffic Signs. Contains public sector
information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.