Information signs
All rectangular
Entrance to controlled parking zone
Entrance to congestion charging zone
End of controlled parking zone
Advance warning of restriction or prohibition ahead
Parking place for solo motorcycles
With-flow bus lane ahead which pedal cycles and taxis may also use
Lane designated for use by high occupancy vehicles (HOV) - see rule 142
Vehicles permitted to use an HOV lane ahead
End of motorway
Start of motorway and point from which motorway regulations apply
Appropriate traffic lanes at junction ahead
Traffic on the main carriageway coming from right has priority over joining traffic
Additional traffic joining from left ahead. Traffic on main carriageway has priority over joining traffic from right hand lane of slip road
Traffic in right hand lane of slip road joining the main carriageway has priority over left hand lane
Variable speed limit with camera enforcement sign.
‘Countdown’ markers at exit from motorway (each bar represents 100 yards to the exit). Green-backed markers may be used on primary routes and white-backed markers with black bars on other routes. At approaches to concealed level crossings white-backed markers with red bars may be used. Although these will be erected at equal distances the bars do not represent 100 yard intervals.
Motorway service area sign showing the operator’s name
Traffic has priority over oncoming vehicles
Hospital ahead with Accident and Emergency facilities
Tourist information point
No through road for vehicles
Recommended route for pedal cycles
Home Zone Entry
Area in which cameras are used to enforce traffic regulations
Bus lane on road at junction ahead
Information Signs UK: What You Need to Know for the Theory Test
Information signs give drivers advance warning, explain road conditions and restrictions, identify facilities and show how traffic should move through specific areas or junctions.
Recognise controlled areas
Information signs can mark the entrance to or end of a controlled parking zone or congestion charging zone. Read the sign before continuing into the area.
Look for restrictions ahead
An advance warning sign gives you time to understand a restriction or prohibition before you reach it. Do not wait until the last moment to react.
What does an HOV lane mean?
HOV means high occupancy vehicle. The sign identifies a lane reserved for vehicles meeting the displayed occupancy or vehicle-use requirements.
Check who may use the lane
Information signs can warn of a bus lane ahead and may indicate other permitted users, such as pedal cycles or taxis. Always check the sign and road markings.
Follow lane information early
Where signs show appropriate traffic lanes at a junction, choose your lane in good time and follow the route indicated by the markings and signs.
Who has priority when lanes merge?
Some information signs specifically show which traffic has priority when lanes or slip roads join. Do not assume the joining vehicle automatically has priority.
Know the start and end signs
Specific information signs identify where a motorway begins and where it ends. The start sign also marks the point from which motorway regulations apply.
Know when motorway rules begin
Do not treat a motorway entrance as simply another junction. Once the motorway start sign is reached, the specific motorway rules apply.
What do countdown markers tell you?
Motorway exit countdown markers show that an exit is approaching. Treat them as advance information and prepare for the junction safely.
Read priority signs carefully
Some rectangular information signs show that traffic has priority over oncoming vehicles or that main-carriageway traffic has priority over joining traffic.
Do not rely on assumptions
At merges and narrow sections, use the displayed priority information. Check mirrors, position safely and give way where the signs require it.
What does a no-through-road sign mean?
A no-through-road sign means the road does not provide a through route for vehicles. It can be useful when choosing whether a road will lead to your intended destination.
Remember Before the Theory Test
Don't Mix These Up on the Theory Test
Information signs can look similar while giving completely different instructions. Pay particular attention to motorway signs, priority information, lanes and controlled zones.
Information Signs UK: Theory Test FAQ
What are information signs used for?
They provide useful information about road layouts, traffic lanes, restrictions, facilities, priorities, motorway conditions and other features that help drivers understand the road ahead.
What does the motorway start sign mean?
It identifies the start of a motorway and marks the point from which motorway regulations apply.
What does an HOV lane sign mean?
HOV means high occupancy vehicle. The lane is designated for vehicles that meet the applicable occupancy or vehicle-use conditions shown by the signs and markings.
What should drivers know about bus lane signs?
Bus lane signs provide information about a lane reserved for buses and may identify other permitted users. Always check the accompanying signs and road markings.
What do motorway countdown markers mean?
They give advance warning that a motorway exit is approaching. Use the information to prepare for the junction safely and in good time.
What does a no-through-road sign mean?
It means the road does not provide a through route for vehicles. The sign can help you avoid entering a road that will not lead through to another road.
What does a priority information sign show?
Some information signs show which traffic has priority at a junction or where traffic lanes merge. Follow the direction of the arrows shown on the sign.
What is a controlled parking zone?
It is an area where specific parking controls apply. An entry sign warns drivers that they are entering the controlled zone, while another sign marks its end.
What does a congestion charging zone sign mean?
It identifies the entrance to an area where congestion charging controls apply. The sign gives drivers advance information that they are entering the relevant zone.
What does a camera enforcement sign mean?
It indicates an area where cameras are used to enforce traffic regulations. Drivers should pay close attention to the applicable signs, markings and restrictions.
What should I remember about information signs for the Theory Test?
Focus on what each sign is telling you: where a restriction starts or ends, who has priority, which lane to use, what type of route or facility is ahead, and when motorway rules apply.