DVSA theory topic

Traffic Signs theory test questions

How to read the road's language — the shapes, colours and symbols that warn, order and inform. Practise 166 questions free, each with the correct answer and a plain-English explanation mapped to the Highway Code.

What you need to know

  • Circles give orders; triangles warn; rectangles inform.
  • Red rings/circles prohibit; blue circles give a positive instruction.
  • An octagon means STOP; an inverted triangle means GIVE WAY.

Sample question

What is the national speed limit on a single carriageway?

  • 60 mph (96 km/h)
  • 30 mph (48 km/h)
  • 70 mph (112 km/h)
  • 50 mph (80 km/h)

Why

The speed limit on single carriageways is 60 mph (96 km/h) unless otherwise specified. [Rule 125, The Highway Code]

Common mistake

Confusing similar warning triangles (e.g. road narrows vs two-way traffic) — read the symbol, not just the shape.

Exam tip

Lock in the shape→meaning rule first; it lets you decode signs you've never seen.

Practise another topic