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Motorcycle study notes

Road and Traffic Signs

Sign shapes and colours — orders, warnings, information, direction signs and road markings.

What this topic covers

Sign shapes and colours — orders, warnings, information, direction signs and road markings. The full Motorcycle Theory Test app contains 135 questions on this topic.

In the app's syllabus: Road signs, Speed limits, Road markings, Regulations.

Worked examples

Here are a few practice questions from this topic. Try answering each before reading the explanation.

Example 1

What does this sign mean?

A. Keep right
B. Mini-roundabout ✓ correct
C. Ring road
D. Buses turning

Explanation: When you see this sign, look out for any direction signs and judge whether you need to signal your intentions. Do this in good time so that other road users approaching the roundabout know what you're planning to do.

Example 2

What does this road marking mean?

A. No overtaking allowed
B. You're approaching a hazard ✓ correct
C. No stopping allowed
D. Do not cross the line

Explanation: A single broken line along the centre of the road, with long markings and short gaps, is a hazard warning line. Do not cross it unless you can see that the road is clear well ahead.

Example 3

You're on a motorway. What should you do if there's a red cross showing on the signs above your lane only?

A. Stop and wait for an instruction to proceed
B. Pull onto the hard shoulder
C. Do not continue in that lane ✓ correct
D. Continue in that lane and look for further information

Explanation: A red cross above your lane shows that your lane is closed. You should move into another lane as soon as you can do so safely.

Example 4

What's the reason for the hatched area along the centre of this road?

A. It separates the 2 sides of the dual carriageway
B. It's a temporary marking to warn of the roadworks
C. It marks an area to be used by overtaking motorcyclists
D. It separates traffic flowing in opposite directions ✓ correct

Explanation: Areas of 'hatched markings' such as these separate traffic streams that could be a danger to each other. They're often seen on bends or where the road becomes narrow. If the area is bordered by a solid white line, you must not enter it except in an emergency.

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