Double bend, frail pedestrians and warning signs
Updated •4 min read
These five warning signs use the Highway Code's own names: "Double bend first to left", "Frail (or blind or disabled if shown) pedestrians likely to cross road ahead", "Road narrows on both sides", "Overhead electric cable" and "Worded warning sign". The Highway Code says warning signs are mostly triangular (traffic signs on gov.uk, read on 28 October 2026). In the theory test you see the picture and pick the meaning.
The five signs
| Sign | Highway Code name | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Double bend | "Double bend first to left (symbol may be reversed)" | Two bends in a row, the first to the left unless the symbol is reversed |
| Frail pedestrians | "Frail (or blind or disabled if shown) pedestrians likely to cross road ahead" | People who may need longer to cross could step out ahead |
| Narrowing road | "Road narrows on both sides" | The carriageway gets narrower on both sides ahead |
| Overhead cable | "Overhead electric cable; plate indicates maximum height of vehicles which can pass safely" | Cables cross the road, and the plate gives the safe height |
| Worded warning | "Worded warning sign" | The words on the sign are the warning |
Double bend
The Highway Code lists "Double bend first to left (symbol may be reversed)" in the warning signs, next to "Bend to right (or left if symbol reversed)". The caption gives the order: the first bend is to the left, unless the symbol is reversed.
Frail pedestrians
The caption is "Frail (or blind or disabled if shown) pedestrians likely to cross road ahead". The sign is a warning that there may be people on the road ahead who are slower to cross. Rule 194 says to allow pedestrians plenty of time to cross and not to harass them by revving your engine or edging forward (rules 159 to 203). See also our pedestrian crossings guide.
Road narrows on both sides
Next to "Road narrows on right (left if symbol reversed)" the Highway Code lists "Road narrows on both sides". Expect less room ahead.
Overhead electric cable
The Highway Code caption is "Overhead electric cable; plate indicates maximum height of vehicles which can pass safely". At level crossings, rule 292 says it is dangerous to touch overhead electric lines, you must obey the safe height warning signs, and the clearance available is usually 5 metres (16 feet 6 inches) but may be lower (rules 288 to 307). Our level crossings guide has the rest.
Worded warning sign
The Highway Code lists it simply as "Worded warning sign". There is no symbol to learn: read the words, which say what the hazard is.
Worked example
A question shows this sign and asks what it means. Warning signs are mostly triangular, so this is a warning. The Highway Code name tells you the answer: frail, blind or disabled pedestrians are likely to cross the road ahead. Not "pedestrians only" and not "no pedestrians".
Learn them
Our road signs guide explains the shapes, and our sign list shows each official picture with its caption. Try the free practice questions. theorytest.ai is independent and is not affiliated with the DVSA.
Frequently asked questions
What does the double bend sign mean?
The Highway Code calls it "Double bend first to left (symbol may be reversed)": two bends in a row, the first to the left unless the symbol is reversed.
What does the frail pedestrians sign mean?
It means "Frail (or blind or disabled if shown) pedestrians likely to cross road ahead". Be ready to slow or stop.
What does road narrows on both sides mean?
The road gets narrower on both sides ahead. The Highway Code lists it among the warning signs.
What does the overhead cable sign show?
An "Overhead electric cable", with a plate giving the maximum height of vehicles that can pass safely (rule 292 for level crossings).
What is a worded warning sign?
It is the Highway Code's name for a warning sign whose message is written in words, not shown as a symbol.