Warning signs on the road
Mostly triangular
Distance to ‘STOP’ line ahead
Dual carriageway ends
Road narrows on right (left if symbol reversed)
Road narrows on both sides
Distance to ‘Give Way’ line ahead
Crossroads
Junction on bend ahead
T-junction with priority over vehicles from the right
Staggered junction
Traffic merging from left ahead
The priority through route is indicated by the broader line.
Double bend first to left (symbol may be reversed)
Bend to right (or left if symbol reversed)
Roundabout
Uneven road
Plate below some signs
Two-way traffic crosses one-way road
Two-way traffic straight ahead
Opening or swing bridge ahead
Low-flying aircraft or sudden aircraft noise
Falling or fallen rocks
Traffic signals not in use
Traffic signals
Slippery road
Steep hill downwards
Steep hill upwards
Gradients may be shown as a ratio i.e. 20% = 1:5
Tunnel ahead
Trams crossing ahead
Level crossing with barrier or gate ahead
Level crossing without barrier or gate ahead
Level crossing without barrier
School crossing patrol ahead (some signs have amber lights which flash when crossings are in use)
Frail (or blind or disabled if shown) pedestrians likely to cross road ahead
Pedestrians in road ahead
Zebra crossing
Overhead electric cable; plate indicates maximum height of vehicles which can pass safely
Available width of headroom indicated
Sharp deviation of route to left (or right if chevrons reversed)
Light signals ahead at level crossing, airfield or bridge
Miniature warning lights at level crossings
Cattle
Wild animals
Wild horses or ponies
Accompanied horses or ponies
Cycle route ahead
Risk of ice
Traffic queues likely ahead
Distance over which road humps extend
Other danger; plate indicates nature of danger
Soft verges
Side winds
Hump bridge
Worded warning sign
Quayside or river bank
Risk of grounding
Warning Signs on the Road: What You Need to Know for the Theory Test
Warning signs alert you to hazards ahead. Most are triangular, and the key Theory Test skill is recognising the hazard and adjusting your speed, position and attention accordingly.
Most warning signs are triangular
A triangular warning sign normally tells you that a hazard or change in road conditions lies ahead. Do not treat it as an instruction to perform a specific manoeuvre.
Read the hazard, then act
A warning sign gives you advance information. Scan ahead, identify what may affect your progress and choose a safe speed and position before reaching the hazard.
What does a warning sign require?
The common trap is assuming every warning sign means “stop”. It normally means hazard ahead → prepare → adjust your driving if necessary.
Understand the priority diagram
At crossroads, T-junctions and staggered junctions, the shape of the symbol helps show the road layout. At a junction diagram, the broader line represents the priority route.
Look beyond the sign
A junction warning is not the same as a Give Way or Stop instruction. Check the actual road signs, markings and traffic conditions when you reach the junction.
Don't confuse warning with priority
A triangular junction sign warns you about the layout ahead. It does not by itself tell you who has priority at the junction.
Expect a change in control
Bend, double-bend, slippery road, uneven road, hump bridge and side-wind signs warn that normal driving conditions may change ahead.
Slow before the hazard
Avoid waiting until you reach a bend, slippery surface or steep gradient before reacting. Reduce speed early enough to remain in control.
Bend vs double bend
A single bend warns about a change of direction. A double-bend sign means the road changes direction more than once; the symbol shows which way the first bend goes.
Take vulnerable road users seriously
Warning signs can indicate pedestrians, school crossing patrols, zebra crossings, cyclists, horses or animals ahead. Be prepared for movement into or across your path.
Expect unpredictable movement
Children, pedestrians, cyclists, horses and animals may behave unpredictably. Keep your speed and following distance appropriate for the warning and the visibility available.
Animal signs are not all the same
Cattle, wild animals, wild horses or ponies and accompanied horses or ponies have different symbols. Focus on what type of road user or animal may enter the road.
Prepare for special hazards
Warning signs may identify level crossings with or without barriers, trams crossing, miniature warning lights or other railway hazards.
Obey the control at the crossing
The warning sign tells you a crossing is ahead. At the crossing itself, obey the lights, barriers, signals and road markings. Never rely on the warning sign alone.
Barrier vs no barrier
Learn to recognise whether a level crossing has a barrier or gate. A warning sign describes what is ahead; the actual crossing controls determine when you may proceed.
Read supplementary plates
A plate below a warning sign can explain the nature, direction, distance or extent of the hazard. Never ignore information shown on the plate.
Check height and road clearance
Warnings for overhead cables, limited headroom and risk of grounding are especially important for vehicles carrying loads or with unusual dimensions.
A warning sign is advance information
The best answer is usually the one that shows early preparation, appropriate speed and continued observation rather than sudden braking or a last-second manoeuvre.
Remember Before the Theory Test
Don't Mix These Up on the Theory Test
Warning signs often look similar, but the important difference is what they tell you to expect and how you should respond.
Warning Signs on the Road: Theory Test FAQ
What do triangular warning signs mean in the UK?
Most triangular road signs are warning signs. They alert you to a hazard or change in road conditions ahead so you can prepare and adjust your driving safely.
Do warning signs mean I must stop?
No. A warning sign normally gives advance information about a hazard. A Stop or Give Way requirement comes from the relevant regulatory sign, road marking or traffic control.
What does a warning sign at a junction tell me?
It tells you that a junction is ahead and helps you understand the road layout. At junction diagrams, the broader line represents the priority through route, but you should still follow the actual signs and markings when you reach the junction.
What is the difference between a bend and a double-bend warning sign?
A bend sign warns of a change in direction. A double-bend sign warns that there will be more than one change of direction, with the symbol showing which way the first bend goes.
What should I do when I see a slippery road warning?
Treat the warning as advance information that grip may be reduced. Approach with an appropriate speed, avoid harsh inputs and maintain good control of the vehicle.
What do level crossing warning signs mean?
They warn that a railway or tramway level crossing is ahead. The sign may indicate whether a barrier or gate is present. At the crossing itself, obey the lights, barriers, signals and road markings.
What is the difference between a crossroads and a T-junction warning?
A crossroads warning indicates that roads cross ahead, while a T-junction warning indicates that one road meets another at the end of the approach. The symbol shows the basic road layout.
What do animal warning signs mean?
They warn that animals may be on or near the road. Different symbols identify hazards such as cattle, wild animals, wild horses or ponies and accompanied horses or ponies. Slow down when necessary and be prepared for unpredictable movement.
What does a supplementary plate below a warning sign mean?
A supplementary plate provides additional information about the warning. It can clarify the nature, direction, distance or extent of the hazard, so the plate should be read together with the main sign.
What should I remember about pedestrian and cyclist warning signs?
Expect pedestrians or cyclists to be present or to cross your path. Take extra care where visibility is limited and adjust your speed so you can respond safely.
What is the best way to answer warning-sign questions in the Theory Test?
First identify the hazard shown by the symbol. Then consider what could happen next and choose the response that demonstrates early preparation, appropriate speed, safe positioning and continued observation.