What do the different shapes of road signs mean?

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In the UK, the shape of a road sign tells you its job before you even read it: circles give orders, triangles give warnings, and rectangles give information. Learning this one rule makes a big part of the theory test much easier.

The three main shapes

• Circles – orders. A red circle tells you what you must not do (no entry, no right turn, speed limits). A blue circle tells you what you must do (turn left, keep left, mini-roundabout).
• Triangles – warnings. A red-bordered triangle warns of a hazard ahead, such as a sharp bend, a junction, children crossing or a level crossing.
• Rectangles – information. Direction signs and information signs.

Two shapes that stand alone

• Octagon (eight sides) – STOP. You must stop at the line, even if the road looks clear.
• Upside-down triangle – GIVE WAY. Give way to traffic on the major road.

These two have unique shapes so you can recognise them from behind, or when they are covered in snow or dirt.

Colours on direction signs

• Blue – motorways (and local routes on non-primary roads in some places)
• Green – primary routes
• White – other local routes
• Brown – tourist attractions

Practise every sign with our road sign flashcards. The main reference is the DVSA’s Know Your Traffic Signs.