Blue Road Signs

Detailed in this section is information on the blue road signs located on UK roads. The theory test involves questions related to these road signs.

What are blue road signs used for?
Blue road signs provide motorists, cyclists and pedestrians with a wide range of information, depending on their shape and location.
Blue circular road signs?
Circular blue signs provide positive instruction, for example by emphasizing particular lanes or routes available to road users or pedestrians. Blue circular signs also provide mandatory instruction, for example by informing a road user that they must turn left ahead.
Blue rectangular road signs?
Blue rectangular road signs are used for informational purposes except on motorways where blue rectangular signs are used for directions.

Take the road signs test quiz

Once you have familiarised yourself with the many UK road signs and their meanings, take a look at our road sign test quiz and test your knowledge to see if you are ready for this part of the theory test.

Direction signs

These regulatory blue signs inform road users of which mandatory route must be taken. See mini roundabouts and one-way streets and systems for further information.

Turn left ahead sign (right if symbol is reversed)

Proceed in direction indicated by the arrow sign

Vehicles may pass either side to reach the same destination sign

Keep left sign
(right if symbol reversed)

Ahead only road sign — Ahead only
(Turning left or right is prohibited)

Mini-roundabout road sign — Mini-roundabout (give way to traffic from the immediate right) sign

Minimum speed limits

The vast majority of roads in the UK do not have minimum speed limits enforced. Those that do utilize a blue circular road sign that differs from circular signs with a red ring signifying the maximum speed limit. Minimum speed limits are imposed to maintain a steady continuous flow of traffic. See minimum speed limits and driving too slow for further information.

Traffic calming

Traffic calming measures are seen more frequently on UK roads. Road narrowing on one, or both sides is a technique often employed to slow traffic in residential areas. Priority through the narrowing is often controlled by signs and road markings. The circular sign is informing drivers they must give way to oncoming traffic and the blue sign is informing drivers that they have priority.

Cycle lane signs

Road signs for cyclists and cycle lanes are mostly blue, although blue signs may be accompanied with a directional white road sign. The driving theory test involves answering questions on many road signs including signs for cyclists and cycle lanes.

Route for pedal cycles only road sign — Route for pedal cycles only

Pedal cyclists and pedestrian shared route sign

Separated track for pedal cyclists and pedestrians only road sign — Separated track for pedal cyclists and pedestrians only

No through road except for pedal cycles road sign — No through road except for pedal cycles

Mandatory with the flow of traffic pedal cycle lane road sign — Mandatory with the flow of traffic pedal cycle lane. Other vehicles must not use this part of the carriageway except to
pick up or set down passengers.
Hours of operation may be shown

Route recommended for pedal cycles road sign — Route recommended for pedal cycles on main road

Mandatory contra-flow pedal cycle lane road sign — Mandatory contra-flow pedal cycle lane (the upward arrows indicate the number of traffic lanes available)

Contra-flow pedal cycles in a one-way street road sign — Contra-flow pedal cycles in a one-way street. See contraflow bus and cycle lanes for further details on how a contraflow system works.

Pedestrians look right for cyclists road sign — Pedestrians look right for cyclists

End of cycle route road sign — End of cycle route

Mandatory with flow of traffic pedal cycle lane ahead road sign — Mandatory with flow of traffic pedal cycle lane ahead.
Hours of operation may also be shown

With the flow of traffic bus and cycle lane road sign — With the flow of traffic bus and cycle lane.

Contra-flow bus lane sign. — Contra-flow (against the flow of traffic) bus lane sign.

Bus lane signs

Bus lanes signs are blue and are accompanied with road markings. The times that bus lanes are in operation may or may not be show on the sign. It is illegal to drive in a bus lane within its operational times. If no times are visible, assume the bus lane is in operation 24 hour a day. Bus lanes can usually be used by buses, taxis and cyclists in times of operation. For further information, see bus lane signs and bus stops, plus bus lane road markings.

Blue motorway signs

Most motorway signs are blue and although currently learner drivers cannot legally drive on motorways, the law may change to allow the use of motorways to learner drivers. Motorway signs and signals are however used as part of the multiple choice question categories within the driving theory test. See motorways for an in depth guide on motorway rules, reflective studs, signs, signals and rules.

Road signs test quiz

Once you have studied the road signs and feel confident in your ability to know them, take the road sign test quiz