Road and Traffic Signs Flashcards
When should you comply with traffic signs and road markings?
Always
What do circular signs do?
Give orders
What do blue circle signs do?
Give an instruction
What do red rings or circles do?
Tell you what you MUST NOT do
What do triangular signs do?
Give warnings
What do rectangular signs do?
Give information
What is the exception of shape rules of signs?
The stop sign
Why is the stop sign an exception to the shape rules in signs?
It’s octagonal to give greater prominence and ensure its meaning is understood even if partially obstructed
Where do you find information about maximum speeds?
Inside red circles
You MUST NOT exceed these speed limits
What do you do if you don’t see any speed limits?
National speed limits apply where no specific speed limits are indicated
Where can you find speed signs?
They can be incorporated into other signs such as those indicating traffic-calmed areas
What is ‘Know your Traffic Signs’ show?
shows all the signs you’re likely to come across
What does the ‘Highway Code’ show?
Important advice and instruction on current GB legislation and best practise in road legislation
What is the purpose of markings on the road?
Given information, orders or warnings
What is the general rule on markings on the road?
The more paint, the more important the message
What are the four main groups of markings on the road?
Short Broken White lines
Longer Broken White Lines
Double White lines with a solid white line on your side
White diagonal stripes/chevrons
What does short broken white lines do?
Divide lanes
What do longer broken white lines do?
Indicate a hazard ahead: only overtake if the road ahead is clear
What do double white lines with a solid white line on the side do?
You MUST NOT straddle or cross the line
What do white diagonal stripes or chevrons do?
these separate lanes of traffic or protect traffic turning right
What are the three types of lines on the side of the road?
White lines
Yellow lines
Zigzag lines
What do white lines do?
Show the edge of the carriageway
What do yellow lines do?
Waiting and stopping restrictions
What do zigzag lines do?
No stopping or parking at any time
When do zigzag lines change?
White at pedestrian crossings
Yellow outside schools
What are the three different lines on/across the road?
Broken lines
Solid lines
Various markings
What do broken lines across the road mean?
‘Give way’
At a roundabout, give way to the traffic on your right
What do solid lines on or across the road mean?
Stop
What do various markings on or across the road mean?
Warn of a hazard
What are the various markings on or across the road?
‘Give way’ triangles, road-hump markings, arrows
Where can you find reflective studs?
On motorways and other roads
When are reflective studs useful?
At night or when visibility is poor
What is the sequence of traffic lights and their meanings?
Red - Stop and wait behind the line
Red & Amber - Stop and wait
Green - Go, if the way is clear
Amber - Stop, unless you’ve already the stopline or you’re so close to it that stopping may cause an accident
What does the ‘green filter arrow’ mean?
You can go in the direction of the arrow, even if the main light isn’t green
What happens if the traffic lights are out of order?
Proceed with great care as nobody has priority
How do you know if the traffic signs are out of order?
May be told by a sign
Where do you find red flashing lights?
Level crossings
Lifting Bridges
Outside when these show
What do you do when you see red flashing lights?
Stop
What are the different lights on the motorway overhead gantries/on the roadside with flashing lights?
Amber
Red above your lane
Red above all the lanes, on the central reservation/roadside
What does amber light on the motorway mean?
Warns of hazard, or a temporary maximum speed limit
What does red lights above your lane on the motorway mean?
The lane is closed beyond this point, so move into another lane
What does red lights above your lane & central reservation/roadside mean?
Stop. You MUST NOT go beyond this point in any lane.
What is the rule of indicators?
Usually used to signal driver’s intentions
Ensure they’re cancelled after turning to avoid misleading other road users
What should you be aware of other drivers’ indicators?
They may have left their indicator on by mistake
When can you use arm signals?
When signalling to turn right in busy traffic
Slowing down to give way at a zebra crossing
What is the purpose of arm signals?
They’re used to clarify or strengthen messages
When may police signal?
If they’re directing traffic. Ensure you know all the arm signals and police signals in case you need to use them
What is the purpose of the ‘horn’?
To warn others of your presence
When can you not use the horn?
Between 11:30 pm and 7:00am
What is the etiquette of using your horn whilst stationary?
Only if another vehicle is likely to cause a danger
When should you flash your headlights?
To warn other road users of your presence
What do police officers do to try and get you to pull over?
Flash their headlights or blue lights/ use their siren or horn then indicate left and point to the left - do so as soon as its safe
What do traffic officers do to try and get you to pull over?
Use amber flashing lights (from behind) and point/indicate left
Where would you find traffic officers?
On motorways
On some ‘A’ class roads in England, only
Should you follow directions given by traffic officers and the police?
It’s an offence not to
What are contraflow lanes?
Lanees that flow in the opposite direction to most of the traffic
Where can you find contraflow lanes?
Bus and cycle contraflow lanes are found in one-way streets
At roadworks
Can normal vehicles enter contraflow lanes?
No
What should you do if you see contraflow lanes at roadworks?
Reduce your speed in good time, choose an appropriate lane early and keep the correct separation distance from the vehicle in front
What is the right-lane on a motorway?
Overtaking lane
What should you do after overtaking on a motorway?
Move back to a lane on your left to allow other vehicles to overtake
When can’t you overtake on a motorway?
On a free-flowing motorway or dual carriageway
What do brown signs mean?
They give tourist information
What do the arrows on the back of lorries mean?
Placed on slow-moving or stationary maintenance vehicles blocking traffic, they show which side you can pass on
Can I use my hazard lights whilst moving?
If driving on a motorway/unrestricted dual carriageway, you can use it to warn drivers behind you of an hazard in front
Can I ever cross double white lines where there’s solid white lines on my side?
Only if you’re turning onto a side road on the right
Entering a property
Passing a stationary vehicle
Overtaking a pedal cycle/horse or road maintenance vehicle if they’re travelling at or under 10mph
Am I allowed to wait at a box junction?
Yes, if you’re turning right and your exits clear but prevented from turning by oncoming traffic or other vehicles waiting to turn right
What different ways can be used to control traffic at roadworks?
Police Officer
Traffic lights
Stop-go board
