Start with the signs. Tap a card to see what it means and how the test tries to catch you out, then go on to the next.
Usually, yes — look at the shape first. Circles give orders, triangles warn, and rectangles give information. Learn those three and most signs explain themselves.
In the test: The test shows signs you may not have revised. The shape alone often rules out half the answers.
A red circle tells you what you must not do. Empty, it means no vehicles at all, except bicycles being pushed. It is not a blank sign.
In the test: Don't confuse it with the national speed limit sign: that one is white with a black diagonal stripe and no red ring.
A blue circle tells you what you must do. This one means ahead only. Others mean turn left, keep left or mini-roundabout. Red says don't; blue says do.
In the test: A blue rectangle is different: it gives information, such as a one-way street. Check the shape before the colour.
A blue circle with a red border controls waiting and stopping. One red line means no waiting. A red cross means no stopping at all — on a clearway, not even to pick someone up or drop them off.
In the test: Questions swap the two. The cross is the stricter one.
A red triangle warns of a hazard ahead — this one, a crossroads. It does not tell you to do anything specific. It tells you to look, check your speed and be ready.
In the test: An answer that turns a warning into an order is usually the wrong one.
STOP is the only eight-sided sign and GIVE WAY the only upside-down triangle. Their shapes are unique so you can recognise them even from behind, or covered in snow.
In the test: At a STOP sign you must stop at the line even if the road is clear. At GIVE WAY you stop only if you need to.
On direction signs, the colour tells you the kind of road. Blue means a motorway, green a primary route, and white a local road. Brown points to a tourist attraction.
In the test: Blue appears twice: a blue circle is an order, a blue rectangle is information.
No — the national speed limit applies. For a car that is 60 mph on a single carriageway, and 70 mph on a dual carriageway or a motorway.
In the test: Towing a caravan or trailer, it drops to 50 and 60. The test asks about a specific vehicle on a specific road.
In a red circle, 30 is a maximum: don't go faster. In a blue circle, 30 is a minimum speed. Same number, opposite meaning.
In the test: It's the colour rule again: red forbids, blue instructs.
Generally 30 mph. On roads with street lights (motorways aside) that is the limit unless signs show otherwise. In Wales it is 20 mph.
In the test: The question shows no number. It expects you to know that the street lights are the sign.
The red circle with a white bar means no entry for vehicles: you must not drive in. The blue rectangle with an arrow means one-way traffic — information, not an order.
In the test: You often meet both on the same one-way street, one at each end.
The triangle warns that a roundabout is ahead. The blue circle is an order: it marks a mini-roundabout, where you give way to traffic from your right.
In the test: At a mini-roundabout every vehicle must go round the central marking — only large vehicles that physically can't are allowed over it.
Amber. The full order is red, red and amber together, green, amber, then red again. Amber means stop at the line — unless you have already crossed it, or are so close that stopping might cause a collision.
In the test: Red and amber together still means stop. Don't move off until green.
It depends on what you see. Flashing amber means you must give way to anyone still on the crossing. If it's clear, you may go on with caution.
In the test: Steady amber and flashing amber are different instructions. Questions rely on you mixing them up.
You must not park on them. And you must not overtake the vehicle nearest the crossing, whether it's moving or has stopped to let people cross.
In the test: Once a pedestrian has stepped onto a zebra crossing, you must give way. If they're waiting at the kerb, you should give way.
About 23 metres, roughly six car lengths: 9 metres before you even brake, then 14 metres of braking. At 70 mph it's 96 metres, about 24 car lengths.
In the test: Double your speed and the braking distance roughly quadruples. That's why the numbers jump so fast.
At least two seconds on fast roads and in tunnels. Pick a fixed point; if you reach it less than two seconds after the car ahead, you're too close.
In the test: Double the gap on wet roads. On icy roads it can need to be up to ten times greater.
After you pass the exit before the one you want. Approach signalling right, in the right-hand lane, and keep right until you need to change lanes to leave.
In the test: Before you join, give priority to traffic coming from your right — unless signs, road markings or lights tell you otherwise.
No. You must not use a hand-held phone while driving, and that includes sitting in traffic. The one exception is calling 999 or 112 in a genuine emergency when it's unsafe or impractical to stop.
In the test: A hand-held phone offence carries 6 penalty points. Within two years of passing, 6 points is enough to lose your licence.
Never assume so. Flashing headlights should only mean 'I'm here'. Use your own judgement, and go only when you have checked it's safe.
In the test: The horn has rules too: never while stationary, and not in a built-up area between 11.30 pm and 7 am — unless another road user poses a danger.
Highway Code rule 110 Highway Code rule 111 Highway Code rule 112
Not necessarily. Alcohol takes time to leave your body, so you may still be unfit to drive the next morning. The Highway Code's advice: if you're driving, the best solution is not to drink at all.
In the test: Scotland's legal limit is lower than in England and Wales.
You've seen all 21. Well done.
Every card here comes up in the theory test in some form. Practise the questions on the same topics, with a translation under each one.
Sign drawings are simplified for learning.
