Traffic Signals

Traffic signals control how drivers, riders and pedestrians move through junctions, crossings and other busy parts of the road network. This page explains what these traffic signals mean, how to recognise them quickly, and links to every individual signal 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 are traffic signals?

Traffic signals are part of the UK road and traffic control system used to manage priority at junctions, crossings and other conflict points on the road. They help you understand when you must stop, when you may proceed, and when you should prepare to move, so you can plan your journey safely and confidently.

You'll usually see:

  • Standard traffic light signals using red, amber and green aspects to control vehicle movements at junctions.
  • Filter arrows and advanced signals that allow specific movements, such as protected right or left turns.
  • Pedestrian, cycle and equestrian signals at crossings, showing when it is safe to cross and when to wait.
  • Special signals for buses, trams and lane control, used on bus routes and multi-lane roads.

Understanding these traffic signals is essential if you regularly drive in towns and cities, at complex junctions or near busy crossings - and they can all appear in your DVSA driving theory test and hazard perception test.

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

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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 traffic signals.

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Essential traffic signals you need to know for the DVSA theory test

The DVSA driving theory test can include questions about traffic signals.

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

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

Additional white light signals for tram drivers

Traffic lights Tram Traffic signals
View additional white light signals for tram drivers

Flashing red lights mean stop signal

Traffic lights Level crossing Traffic signals
View flashing red lights mean stop signal

Go if the way is clear signal

Traffic lights Traffic signals
View go if the way is clear signal

Go on only if the amber appears after you have crossed the stop line or you're so close to it that to pull up might cause an accident signal

Traffic lights Traffic signals
View go on only if the amber appears after you have crossed the stop line or you're so close to it that to pull up might cause an accident signal

Go straight only signal

Traffic lights Traffic signals
View go straight only signal

Left-turn only signal

Traffic lights Direction of traffic Traffic signals
View left-turn only signal

Light signals for the control of pedal cycles

Traffic lights Cycle Traffic signals
View light signals for the control of pedal cycles

Stop signal

Traffic lights Traffic signals
View stop signal

You can go straight ahead, and turn left or right signal

Traffic lights Traffic signals
View you can go straight ahead, and turn left or right signal

You can go, but only in the direction shown by the arrow signal

Traffic lights Traffic signals
View you can go, but only in the direction shown by the arrow signal

You can proceed ahead and turn right signal

Traffic lights Traffic signals
View you can proceed ahead and turn right signal

You must wait until the right turn arrow shows before you turn right signal

Traffic lights Traffic signals
View you must wait until the right turn arrow shows before you turn right signal

View our full UK road signs directory

Previous: Traffic Calming Signs and Road MarkingsNext: Tram Signs, Signals and Road Markings

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

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