Road signs in the theory test: what to learn and where to find it free
Updated •4 min read
Road signs are part of the UK car theory test, and the official way to learn them is the Department for Transport's Know your traffic signs guide on gov.uk. The Highway Code also has sections on traffic signs and road markings.
Are road signs in the theory test?
Yes. The law lists road signs, road markings, signals, rights of way and speed limits as the first subject area the car test must cover (legislation.gov.uk: Schedule 7). Our guide to theory test topics lists all seven areas.
gov.uk also names Know your traffic signs as one of three books the multiple-choice questions are based on, with The Highway Code and Driving - the essential skills (gov.uk: revision and practice). gov.uk does not say how many questions are about signs.
Know your traffic signs
Know your traffic signs is published by the Department for Transport. gov.uk describes it as covering "road traffic signage in Great Britain, including information on the signing system" (gov.uk: Know your traffic signs).
- It is a 172-page PDF, with separate web pages for each topic, such as warning signs, speed limit signs and traffic signals.
- It was first published on 1 September 2010 and last updated on 5 December 2023.
- The 2023 edition adds material on clean air and low emission zones, tunnel restriction codes and bus gates.
- gov.uk also lists a printed book and apps for sale; the page gives no prices.
The Highway Code's sign sections
The Highway Code on gov.uk has separate sections for light signals controlling traffic, signals to other road users, signals by authorised persons, traffic signs, road markings and vehicle markings (gov.uk: The Highway Code). The Highway Code was last updated on 22 October 2025 when we checked.
Shapes and colours to learn first
The traffic signs section of the Highway Code (gov.uk: traffic signs) groups signs by shape and colour:
| Sign type | Shape and colour |
|---|---|
| Orders | Circles. Red borders are mostly prohibitions; blue circles with no red border mostly give a positive instruction |
| Warnings | Mostly triangular |
| Directions | Mostly rectangular. Blue panels for motorways, green for primary routes, white for local routes; brown for tourist routes |
| Information | All rectangular |
| Road works | A separate group in the same section |
The Highway Code says older designs of sign may still be seen on the roads, and that signs shown are not all drawn to the same scale.
How to study signs
- Learn by group, not one by one. Start with shape and colour, then the signs within each group.
- Test yourself early. The free theorytest.ai diagnostic shows whether signs are where you lose marks. gov.uk's free practice test is another official check.
- Notice signs while travelling. As a passenger, name each sign you see and say what it means.
- Revise mistakes. Follow the plan in our revision guide.
Signs in the hazard perception test
The hazard perception test is separate: 14 video clips where you click as hazards develop (gov.uk: hazard perception test). Our hazard perception explainer covers how it works. theorytest.ai currently has only a small number of hazard clips, so use official DVSA products for most hazard practice.
theorytest.ai is independent and is not affiliated with the DVSA or the Department for Transport.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to learn road signs for the theory test?
Yes. Road signs and markings are part of the first of the seven subject areas the car test must cover.
Where can I learn road signs for free?
gov.uk publishes Know your traffic signs, and the Highway Code has sections on traffic signs and road markings.
What do different sign shapes mean?
Circles mostly give orders, triangles mostly warn, and rectangles mostly give directions or information.
Is Know your traffic signs up to date?
It was last updated on 5 December 2023. Check gov.uk for the latest version.