Direction signs on roads and motorways
Mostly rectangular
Signs on motorways - blue backgrounds
At a junction leading directly into a motorway (junction number may be shown on a black background)
On approaches to junctions (junction number on black background)
Route confirmatory sign after junction
Downward pointing arrows mean ‘Get in lane’ The left-hand lane leads to a different destination from the other lanes.
The panel with the inclined arrow indicates the destinations which can be reached by leaving the motorway at the next junction
Signs on primary routes - green backgrounds
Blue panels indicate that the motorway starts at the junction ahead. Motorways shown in brackets can also be reached along the route indicated. White panels indicate local or non-primary routes leading from the junction ahead. Brown panels show the route to tourist attractions. The name of the junction may be shown at the top of the sign. The aircraft symbol indicates the route to an airport. A symbol may be included to warn of a hazard or restriction along that route.
On approaches to junctions
At the junction
Route confirmatory sign after junction
On approaches to junctions
On approach to a junction in Wales (bilingual)
Primary route forming part of a ring road
Primary route forming part of a ring road
Signs on non-primary and local routes - black borders
Green panels indicate that the primary route starts at the junction ahead. Route numbers on a blue background show the direction to a motorway. Route numbers on a green background show the direction to a primary route.
On approaches to junctions
On approaches to junctions
At the junction
Direction to toilets with access for the disabled
Other direction signs
Picnic site
Ancient monument in the care of English Heritage
Direction to a car park
Tourist attraction
Direction to camping and caravan site
Advisory route for lorries
Route for pedal cycles forming part of a network
Recommended route for pedal cycles to place shown
Route for pedestrians
Symbols showing emergency diversion route for motorway and other main road traffic
Symbols showing emergency diversion route for motorway and other main road traffic
Symbols showing emergency diversion route for motorway and other main road traffic
Symbols showing emergency diversion route for motorway and other main road traffic
Diversion route
Direction Signs UK: What You Need to Know for the Theory Test
Direction signs help drivers identify routes, destinations, junctions and special facilities. For the Theory Test, focus on the meaning of sign colours, panels, arrows and route information.
Recognise the blue background
Direction signs for motorways normally use a blue background. Junction information and route destinations may be shown on the sign.
Read the whole sign
Do not look only at the largest destination. Check the route number, lane arrows, coloured panels and any symbols before choosing your lane.
What does a downward arrow mean?
A downward-pointing arrow means get in lane. The lane position matters because different lanes may lead towards different destinations.
Know the green background
Direction signs for primary routes normally use a green background. Additional coloured panels can identify motorways, local routes or tourist destinations.
Understand coloured panels
A panel within a direction sign can provide extra route information. Use the colour together with the route number and destination rather than treating the panel as a separate sign.
What does a brown panel indicate?
Brown panels are used for tourist attractions. Do not confuse them with the colours used to identify motorway or primary-route directions.
Look for black-bordered signs
Direction signs for non-primary and local routes commonly use black borders. Coloured route panels can still show directions towards motorways or primary routes.
Follow the route information
When several route types appear on one sign, identify the destination first, then use the route number and colour to confirm which direction you need.
Which colour points to a motorway?
On primary and local direction signs, a blue route panel indicates the direction towards a motorway. Focus on the panel rather than the main sign background.
Use symbols as route clues
Direction signs may include symbols for places and facilities such as airports, car parks, tourist attractions, campsites, cycle routes and pedestrian routes.
Use symbols to confirm your route
A familiar symbol can quickly confirm a facility or special route. Always consider it together with the arrow and destination shown on the sign.
What is an inclined arrow panel for?
On motorway signs, an inclined arrow can indicate destinations reached by leaving the motorway at the next junction.
Know the diversion symbols
Special symbols can identify emergency diversion routes for motorway and other major-road traffic. Follow the displayed diversion route rather than relying on your normal route.
Do not ignore diversion signs
If a signed diversion is in place, follow the symbols and arrows carefully. Temporary route information may take priority over your usual navigation.
What should you check before changing lanes?
Read the direction sign early, identify your destination and lane, then make the necessary manoeuvre safely. Never move suddenly just because a sign is approaching.
Remember Before the Theory Test
Don't Mix These Up on the Theory Test
Direction signs use different colours, arrows and panels. The main Theory Test trap is confusing the sign's background with the meaning of a coloured panel.
Direction Signs UK: Theory Test FAQ
What colour are motorway direction signs?
Motorway direction signs normally have a blue background. Always read the full sign because additional panels can provide information about other routes and destinations.
What colour are primary route direction signs?
Direction signs for primary routes normally use a green background. The sign may also contain coloured panels showing other route types or destinations.
What do downward arrows mean on direction signs?
A downward-pointing arrow means get in lane. It tells you which lane you should be in for the destination shown.
What does a brown panel mean on a direction sign?
A brown panel indicates a tourist attraction. It is not used to identify a motorway or primary route.
What does a blue panel mean on a primary route sign?
A blue panel on a primary route direction sign indicates the direction towards a motorway. This is different from the blue background used for motorway direction signs.
What does a green panel mean on a local direction sign?
A green panel indicates the direction towards a primary route. The surrounding sign may have a different appearance because it is providing local or non-primary route information.
What does an inclined arrow mean on a motorway sign?
An inclined arrow panel can indicate destinations that can be reached by leaving the motorway at the next junction.
What is a route confirmatory sign?
It is a sign provided after a junction to help confirm that you are following the intended route. It can show the route number and destination information.
What do diversion signs mean?
Diversion signs provide an alternative route when the normal route is unavailable or traffic needs to be redirected. Follow the displayed symbols and arrows carefully.
Can direction signs include symbols for facilities?
Yes. Direction signs can use symbols to identify facilities and destinations such as car parks, airports, tourist attractions, campsites and designated cycle or pedestrian routes.