Road signs you probably forgot about after your test

Different types of road signs

Before we get into the more forgotten ones, here’s a quick reminder that makes everything feel a bit easier. Most UK road signs follow a pattern, so even if you don’t recognise the exact symbol, the shape and colour usually give you a clue.

Red circles mean Don’t Do This. They are there to tell you that something isn’t allowed, whether it’s no entry or no parking. Just think, if there is a red circle, something is restricted.

Blue circles are more like a calm instruction, something you should follow. They might be indicating you need to keep left or turn right ahead; they’re less restrictive and more about guiding what you should be doing.

Triangles are your early warning system, think sharp bends, zebra crossings or sometimes animals on or crossing the road nearby. They’re there to warn you of a potential hazard on the road.

Rectangular signs are there to guide you along the way. They provide you with directions for towns/cities/car parks or information about upcoming services or attractions.

Ford Ahead

This is one of those signs that feels a bit unfamiliar unless you’ve driven through the countryside.

A ford sign means the road ahead may be covered by water. Not a puddle, an actual stretch of road that dips into a stream or river. It’s the kind of situation where instinct matters more than memory. If it looks too deep or fast-moving, it probably is; turning around is always the better option than hoping for the best.

No Overtaking Vs Overtaking Allowed

You’ll definitely recognise this one, but it’s easy to get confused with the No Overtaking sign and the Overtaking Allowed sign!

If you're confused by these signs…you’re not alone. Do these both look like No Overtaking allowed? You could be forgiven for thinking that they do!

The left-hand sign with the diagonal cross indicates that overtaking restrictions have ended, while the right sign is No Overtaking.

No Waiting

This is the one that catches people out all the time. It means you’re not allowed to park but are allowed to stop temporarily to drop passengers off or load a vehicle. These signs are usually next to a single yellow line indicating the same thing; you can stop for a short period of time, but not park.

No Stopping/Clearway

This sign is very similar to the No Waiting sign, but a lot stricter.

On these roads, stopping isn’t allowed at all unless it’s an emergency; they’re designed to keep traffic flowing smoothly and avoid unnecessary congestion on fast roads. If you see this sign on the road, just keep moving.

Slow-Moving Military Vehicles

Not exactly an everyday sight, but one to be aware of. Although this can look slightly intimidating, it simply means large, slow-moving military vehicles could be nearby. They don’t move like regular traffic, so giving them space (and a bit of patience) goes a long way.

No Vehicles

This sign simply means no vehicles are allowed, whether it's a motor vehicle, a pedal-powered bike or even a scooter. If you see this sign, turn around or park up and continue on foot.

No Motor Vehicles

This one is very similar to the above, both visually and in meaning. This sign specifically says no motor vehicles are allowed. You can continue on a manual bike or scooter, but nothing motorised is allowed if this sign is shown.

Variable Speed Limit

If you don’t know the meaning of this sign, you might be more likely to get a speeding fine in your future.

This sign is usually on a motorway indicating that a variable speed limit is in place temporarily and that the road speed limit is no longer the national limit for that road. These signs are usually followed by a speed limit sign on the side of the road or a digital speed limit on the gantry. Keep an eye out for a new speed limit sign if you see the variable speed limit sign.

Loose Chippings

Not the most glamorous, but definitely one to respect. Loose chippings are small stones left after road resurfacing. They can affect your grip and even chip your paintwork or your windscreen if you’re driving too fast. A little extra caution here saves hassle later.

Toad Road Sign

Another one you may not see every day or ever depending on where you are driving. This a warning sign to a crossing ahead used by migratory toads, alerting you to proceed with caution.

Chances are you knew more of these than you thought, but some may have made you pause for a second to remember. Hopefully a quick refresher now keeps you confident for the journeys ahead.