Navigating the roads of the United Kingdom safely and efficiently requires a solid understanding of various traffic signs. These signs are crucial for directing, informing, and managing road users’ behaviour to ensure everyone’s safety. In this blog, we’ll explore 20 common road signs in the UK, each serving a unique purpose in guiding and protecting drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. You can book a group theory zoom revision session with a fully qualified ADI to further boost your knowledge with any BookInstructor course, during this course you will be provided with lots of extra tips and tricks to help you nail your theory test first time.

1. Stop Sign

• Red octagon with “STOP” written in white. It means come to a complete stop and proceed when safe.

2. Give Way

• Inverted triangle with red border. Drivers must prepare to stop and give way to traffic on the main road.

3. National Speed Limit Applies

• A white circle with a black diagonal stripe. Indicates the end of a speed restriction and the start of the national speed limit (usually 60 mph on a single carriageway and 70 mph on dual carriageways and motorways for cars).

4. No Entry

• Red circle with a horizontal white line. It means no entry for all vehicles.

5. No Parking

• Red circle with a blue background. Indicates no parking.

6. Pedestrian Crossing

• Children walking; indicates a nearby school or pedestrian crossing area.

7. Roundabout

• Blue circle with white arrows showing circular movement. Signals an approaching roundabout. There are also Red triangle signs with a roundabout picture to warn of a roundabout ahead.

8. One Way Street

• Blue sign with a white arrow. Indicates the direction of traffic on a one-way street. These may be rectangular or circle depending on the road you are on and the direction of traffic.

9. Speed Limit Signs

• Circular signs with a red border stating the speed limit (e.g., 30 mph, 40 mph).

10. No Overtaking

• Red circle with two cars, one black and one red. Indicates overtaking is not permitted.

11. Level Crossing with Barrier

• Red-bordered sign with a black and white train symbol. Indicates a level crossing with barriers ahead.

12. Zebra Crossing

• Blue square with a black and white zebra stripes and two figures walking. Indicates a zebra pedestrian crossing.

13. Dual Carriageway Ends

• Red-bordered sign with two merging black arrows. It means the road ahead narrows from a dual to a single carriageway.

14. Traffic Signals Ahead

• Red-bordered triangle with three vertical lights. Warns of upcoming traffic lights.

15. T-Junction

• Red-bordered triangle with a T symbol. Indicates an approaching T-junction.

16. Slippery Road

• Red-bordered triangle with a skidding car symbol. Warns of a slippery road surface ahead.

17. Road Narrows on Right

• Red-bordered triangle with arrows converging on the right. Warns that the road narrows from the right side.

18. Two-Way Traffic Crosses One-Way Road

• Blue rectangle with two arrows pointing in opposite directions, crossing a single arrow. Indicates that two-way traffic is crossing a one-way road.

19. Cattle Crossing

• Red-bordered triangle with a cow symbol. Warns that cattle may be crossing.

20. Minimum Speed Limit

• Blue circle with a number, indicating the minimum speed limit you must maintain.

Understanding these signs is not just about legal compliance; it’s about ensuring your safety and the safety of those around you. Each sign offers guidance, warning, or mandatory instruction that can help prevent accidents and smooth traffic flow. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or a learner, a refresher on road signs is always beneficial for safe driving practices in the UK.