Pass either side sign: what it means
Updated •4 min read
Pass either side to get to the same destination: the sign is a blue circle with two white arrows pointing down to the left and right, and it means vehicles may pass either side of it to reach the same destination. The Highway Code captions it "Vehicles may pass either side to reach same destination".
Name and caption are from the Highway Code on gov.uk (traffic signs) and the Department for Transport's Know your traffic signs, read on 27 October 2026. The picture is on our sign list page, sign 36.
How to answer the theory test question
The question shows the sign and asks what it means. The right answer is the one saying you may pass on either side to reach the same place.
- It is not a warning. Warning signs are mostly red-bordered triangles. This is a circle.
- It is not a "keep left" order. The Highway Code has a separate sign, "Keep left (right if symbol reversed)", with a single arrow. Two arrows pointing apart mean you have a choice.
- It does not mean the road splits. Both arrows lead to the same destination: the sign is about passing an obstruction or island, not choosing a route.
- It is not a stop or give-way sign. Nothing on it asks you to stop, slow down or give way.
What the sign looks like
| Feature | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Shape and colour | A blue circle with no red border |
| Symbol | Two white arrows pointing down, one to the left and one to the right |
| Group | Blue circles with no red border mostly give positive instructions |
Circles mostly give orders and triangles mostly warn. Our road signs guide explains the shape rules.
Where you see it
You usually see it on a traffic island or an obstruction in the road that can safely be passed on either side. Choose a side, check for other road users and carry on with care.
On the test, the sign comes with a picture and four answers. Read all the answers before you choose, and pick the one that says either side is allowed. If you are unsure, our sign list shows the official picture for each sign, with the Highway Code caption beside it, so you can learn them by shape and colour.
The sign is easy to confuse with the arrow signs that tell you which way to turn. Check whether the arrows point the same way, as in keep left or turn left ahead, or apart, as here. Arrows pointing the same way give an order. Arrows pointing apart give you a choice. A quick check of the colour and the border also separates it from a warning, a prohibition and a direction sign, and that is the habit that wins marks on signs questions.
Practise signs
Try the free practice questions or a mock theory test. The free diagnostic shows whether signs are a weak area. theorytest.ai is independent and is not affiliated with the DVSA.
Frequently asked questions
What does the "pass either side to get to the same destination" sign mean?
Vehicles may pass either side of it to reach the same destination. It is a blue circle with two white arrows pointing down to the left and right.
What is the Highway Code name for the pass either side sign?
"Vehicles may pass either side to reach same destination", listed under the blue circle signs with no red border.
Is the pass either side sign an order or a warning?
It is a positive instruction in a blue circle, not a warning. It tells you that either side is allowed.
Is the pass either side sign the same as keep left?
No. Keep left has one arrow and tells you which side to pass. Pass either side has two arrows and lets you choose.