Signals by authorised persons
Signals used by authorised persons, including police officers, arm signals to persons controlling traffic, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency officers and traffic officers and school crossing patrols.
Police officers
Stop
Traffic approaching from the front
Traffic approaching from both front and behind
Traffic approaching from behind
To beckon traffic on
From the side
From the front
From behind*
*In Wales, bilingual signs appear on emergency services vehicles and clothing
Arm signals to persons controlling traffic
I want to go straight on
I want to turn left; use either hand
I want to turn right
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency officers and traffic officers
Traffic officer
DVSA officer
These officers now have new powers to stop/direct vehicles and will be using hand signals and light signals similar to those used by police. You MUST obey any signals given (see Rules 107 and 108).
School crossing patrols
Not ready to cross pedestrians
Barrier to stop pedestrians crossing
Ready to cross pedestrians, vehicles must be prepared to stop
All vehicles must stop
Signals by Authorised Persons: What You Need to Know for the Theory Test
The key skill is recognising who is controlling traffic, understanding the direction of the signal and obeying it even when it differs from normal traffic lights or signs.
Read the officer's position
A police officer's signals are understood according to the direction from which traffic is approaching. The same arm position can have different meanings for traffic approaching from the front, behind or side.
Obey the signal, not your assumption
If an authorised person is directing traffic, follow their signal and instructions. Do not continue simply because a traffic light or road sign appears to suggest otherwise.
Traffic approaching from the front
Learn the officer's arm positions from the driver's viewpoint. Theory Test questions may deliberately describe the direction from which you are approaching.
Know when traffic must stop
The officer can signal traffic approaching from different directions to stop. The important test point is to identify which traffic flow the signal applies to.
A beckon means proceed when directed
A police officer may beckon traffic on from the side, front or behind. Move only when the signal is clearly directed at your traffic flow and it is safe to proceed.
Do not confuse stop and beckon
Questions can show an officer's position and ask whether you should stop or proceed. Focus first on the officer's signal and the direction of your vehicle.
Know the driver's intended movement
Arm signals to persons controlling traffic can indicate going straight on or turning left or right. These signals are about the movement the driver wants to make.
Their signals must be obeyed
DVSA officers and traffic officers can stop or direct vehicles. Their hand and light signals must be treated seriously and followed when given.
Who can direct your vehicle?
Do not assume only police officers can control traffic. Theory Test questions may test your response to signals from other authorised traffic controllers.
Know the different stages
School crossing patrol signals show whether pedestrians are not ready, are being stopped by the barrier, are ready to cross or whether vehicles must stop.
Be prepared to stop
When a school crossing patrol is preparing pedestrians to cross, reduce your speed and be ready to stop. If the signal requires vehicles to stop, you must stop.
School crossing patrols are a common trap
Do not treat a school crossing patrol as ordinary pedestrian behaviour. Learn the meaning of the stop signal and recognise when vehicles are required to stop.
Remember Before the Theory Test
Don't Mix These Up on the Theory Test
Signals from authorised persons can look similar, but the correct response depends on who is giving the signal, your direction of approach and the movement being controlled.
Signals by Authorised Persons: Theory Test FAQ
What should I do when a police officer signals me to stop?
Stop as directed by the officer and do not continue simply because another traffic signal appears to allow you to proceed.
Why does the direction I am approaching from matter?
Police arm signals are interpreted according to whether traffic is approaching from the front, behind or side. This is a common Theory Test point.
What does a police officer's beckoning signal mean?
It directs the relevant traffic to move on. Proceed only when the signal clearly applies to you and it is safe to do so.
What are arm signals to persons controlling traffic used for?
They communicate a driver's intended movement, including going straight on or turning left or right, to a person controlling traffic.
Can traffic officers stop or direct vehicles?
Yes. Traffic officers and DVSA officers have powers to stop or direct vehicles and may use hand or light signals. Their authorised signals must be obeyed.
What should drivers know about school crossing patrol signals?
The signals show different stages of the crossing process. When the patrol gives the signal requiring vehicles to stop, drivers must stop and allow the crossing to take place safely.
What is the most important Theory Test tip for police signals?
Do not memorise an arm position in isolation. First identify where the officer is relative to your vehicle and which traffic flow the signal is controlling.
Should I follow an authorised person's signal if it conflicts with a traffic light?
When an authorised person is directing traffic, you should follow their instructions and signals. Theory Test questions often test whether you recognise this priority.
What is the difference between a stop signal and a beckoning signal?
A stop signal requires the relevant traffic to stop. A beckoning signal directs that traffic to proceed when safe. Identifying which movement is being controlled is the key test skill.