Road signs for the theory test
Road and traffic signs are one of the topics in the UK driving theory test, and DVSA has named them as one of the topics learners most often get wrong (2016). This page shows what the test involves, how to revise the signs, and the lookalike signs that catch people out.
Practise with 261 UK road signs, free quizzes and a 60-second game. No sign-up.
UK Road Signs is independent and not part of DVSA. Our questions are for learning and are not the real test questions.
The car theory test at a glance
From GOV.UK, checked October 2026. Always check GOV.UK before you book, as details can change.
The multiple-choice questions are based on three books: The Highway Code, Know Your Traffic Signs and Driving: the essential skills. Every sign page on this site cites the first two, with the rule or page number for each fact. Theory test revision on GOV.UK (opens GOV.UK)
How to revise road signs for the theory test
- Step 1
Learn the shapes and colours
Triangles warn, circles give orders and rectangles inform. Red rings prohibit, blue circles instruct. This lets you rule out wrong answers before you even read the symbol.
- Step 2
Study one family at a time
Work through warning, regulatory, information, motorway and temporary signs in turn, reading what each one means and the rule behind it.
- Step 3
Focus on the lookalikes
Many wrong answers in sign questions are signs that look similar. Learn the pairs below until you can tell them apart at a glance.
- Step 4
Test yourself, then test again
Recalling an answer helps it stick far better than re-reading. Take a quiz, review what you missed, and repeat. Then try the free official DVSA practice test.
Read a sign by its shape
Before you can read the symbol, the shape tells you what kind of message a sign is giving.
Circles give orders
Red circles mostly tell you what you must not do. Blue circles mostly tell you what you must do.
Triangles warn
Most warning signs are triangles with a red border. They tell you about a hazard ahead.
Rectangles inform
Rectangular signs mostly give information or directions, such as routes, places and facilities.
There are exceptions: Stop and Give way have their own shapes, to give them extra prominence. Based on the Highway Code (opens GOV.UK).
29 pairs of signs learners mix up
These look alike but mean different things. Cover the meanings and test yourself, then open a sign to see the rule behind it.
Three pairs have full side-by-side guides: Stop vs give way, No stopping vs no waiting and sign shapes and colours.
Practise road signs for free
- Mock testsFull tests in the theory test format: 50 questions, 57 minutes, pass mark 43.
- Road signs practice test30 questions with the theory test's 86% pass mark, and no timer.
- Road signs test10 mixed questions, with the reason after every answer.
- FlashcardsLearn every sign; the ones you miss come back sooner.
- Quizzes by typeWarning, regulatory, information, motorway, temporary signs and road markings.
- Sign RushName as many signs as you can in 60 seconds, and play the daily challenge.
- Stopping distancesThe Highway Code chart, a favourite theory test topic, with a quick quiz.
- Traffic lightsThe light sequence and what each light means, including filter arrows.
When you know the signs, try the free official practice test from DVSA: Take a practice theory test on GOV.UK (opens GOV.UK)
Road signs and the theory test: common questions
Are road signs in the theory test?
Yes. The multiple-choice questions are based on three books, and one of them is Know Your Traffic Signs. In 2016, DVSA said road and traffic signs was one of the three most incorrectly answered topics.
How many questions are in the theory test?
The car theory test has 50 multiple-choice questions, and you have 57 minutes to answer them. You need 43 correct answers to pass that part. The hazard perception part is separate.
What books is the theory test based on?
The Highway Code, Know Your Traffic Signs, and Driving: the essential skills.
Are these the real theory test questions?
No. This site is independent and is not part of DVSA. Our questions are written to help you learn the signs, not copied from the test. DVSA's own free practice test is on GOV.UK.
What is the best way to learn road signs for the theory test?
Learn what shapes and colours mean first, then study one family of signs at a time, paying most attention to signs that look alike. Finish each session with a short quiz, and go back over the signs you got wrong.
Do I need to know road markings too?
Yes, road markings are covered in the Highway Code and Know Your Traffic Signs, alongside signs. Our road markings pages explain yellow lines, white lines, box junctions and more.
Start with a road signs test
Ten questions, no sign-up. See which signs you know and which to review before your theory test.