Vehicle markings
Vehicle markings used, including large goods vehicle rear markings, hazard warning plates, projection markers and other markings.
Large goods vehicle rear markings
Motor vehicles over 7500 kilograms maximum gross weight and trailers over 3500 kilograms maximum gross weight
Left - Central - Right
The vertical markings are also required to be fitted to builders’ skips placed in the road, commercial vehicles or combinations longer than 13 metres (optional on combinations between 11 and 13 metres)
Hazard warning plates
Certain tank vehicles carrying dangerous goods must display hazard information panels
The panel illustrated is for flammable liquid. Diamond symbols indicating other risks include:
The above panel will be displayed by vehicles carrying certain dangerous goods in packages
Toxic substance
Oxidizing substance
Non-flammable compressed gas
Radioactive substance
Spontaneously combustible substance
Corrosive substance
Projections markers
Side marker
End marker
Both required when load or equipment (eg crane jib) overhangs front or rear by more than two metres
Other
School bus (displayed in front or rear window of bus or coach)
Vehicle Markings: What You Need to Know for the Theory Test
Vehicle markings help identify large or unusual vehicles, warn other road users about dangerous loads and show when a load projects beyond the normal vehicle dimensions.
Recognise rear markings
Large goods vehicles and certain trailers use distinctive rear markings to make their size and presence more obvious to following traffic.
Treat marked vehicles as large vehicles
Give large vehicles enough space and anticipate that they may need more room to manoeuvre, turn or stop than a smaller vehicle.
What are the rear markings for?
The key principle is visibility and identification. They help following drivers recognise large or long vehicles and react appropriately.
Identify dangerous goods
Certain vehicles carrying dangerous goods display hazard information panels. These give information about the type of hazard associated with the load.
Learn the main hazard symbols
For the Theory Test, recognise symbols for hazards such as toxic, oxidising, radioactive, corrosive, flammable and compressed gas.
What does a hazard diamond tell you?
It identifies the type of danger associated with the material being carried. Do not confuse hazard symbols with ordinary vehicle markings.
Mark an overhanging load
Projection markers make loads or equipment extending beyond the front or rear of a vehicle easier for other road users to see.
Think about the full vehicle length
A projecting load can extend beyond where you expect the vehicle to end. Allow extra clearance and be alert to side and rear projections.
Side vs end markers
Side markers identify the side projection, while end markers identify the end projection. Questions may test which part of the load each marker makes visible.
Recognise the school bus marking
A school bus marking may be displayed in the front or rear window of a bus or coach to identify it as a vehicle being used for school transport.
Expect vulnerable passengers
When approaching a marked school bus, remain alert for children boarding, leaving or crossing near the vehicle.
What is the overall purpose?
Remember the three groups: identify large vehicles → identify dangerous loads → make projecting loads visible.
Remember Before the Theory Test
Don't Mix These Up on the Theory Test
Vehicle markings can have very different purposes, even when they are displayed on the same type of vehicle.
Vehicle Markings: Theory Test FAQ
What are the rear markings on large goods vehicles for?
They help following road users recognise large vehicles and make their size and presence more visible in traffic.
Which vehicles require distinctive large-vehicle rear markings?
The Highway Code specifies these markings for certain large goods vehicles and trailers. For evergreen revision, remember the principle: they identify vehicles of substantial size or length.
What are hazard warning plates used for?
Certain vehicles carrying dangerous goods must display hazard information panels. These communicate important information about the risks associated with the load.
What dangerous-goods hazard symbols should I know for the Theory Test?
Know the basic meanings of symbols for hazards including flammable, toxic, oxidising, radioactive, corrosive and non-flammable compressed gas.
What are projection markers?
They mark loads or equipment that extend beyond the normal front or rear of a vehicle, making the projection more visible to other road users.
What is the difference between a side marker and an end marker?
A side marker identifies a side projection, while an end marker identifies a projection beyond the front or rear. The key Theory Test distinction is side versus end.
When are projection markers required?
They are required when a load or equipment projects beyond the relevant end of the vehicle by more than the applicable threshold. For current legal requirements, always check the latest Highway Code.
What does a school bus marking mean?
It identifies a bus or coach being used for school transport. When you see one, be particularly alert for children boarding, leaving or crossing near the vehicle.
Are vehicle markings likely to appear in the Theory Test?
Yes. Questions can test what a particular marking means, why it is displayed, or what type of vehicle or load it identifies. Focus on the purpose of each marking rather than memorising unnecessary technical details.