Road and traffic signs: motorcycle theory test questions

Sign shapes and colours, road markings, traffic lights and arm signals, explained for riders. Practise 15 free road and traffic signs questions with instant answers and explanations – no sign-up.

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Road and traffic signs: revision notes

Signs and markings give you orders, warnings and information. Learning the basic shapes and colours makes even unfamiliar signs easy to understand.

  • Circles give orders: a red border usually means something is not allowed, such as a sign showing a motorcycle (no motorcycles). Blue circles usually tell you what you must do.
  • Triangles warn: look out for slippery road, uneven road and side winds signs, which matter more on two wheels.
  • Stop sign: the octagonal sign means stop at the line and give way (Highway Code rule 171).
  • Road markings: hatched areas separate traffic (rule 130); a broken line on your side of double white lines lets you cross to overtake when safe (rule 128).
  • Traffic lights: amber means stop unless it's unsafe to do so; red and amber still means stop (rule 175). A green arrow lets you go that way (rule 177).
  • Parking: "Solo motorcycles" means motorcycles without sidecars.

Tip: the free "Know your traffic signs" guide on GOV.UK is the best place to revise every sign.

All road and traffic signs questions and answers

Revise every question in this topic. Tap a question to see the correct answer and why.

1What does a round sign with a red border showing a motorcycle mean?
  1. Motorcycle parking
  2. Motorcycle racing area
  3. No motorcycles ✓
  4. Motorcycles only

Answer: No motorcycles. Red-bordered circular signs give orders. One showing a motorcycle means motorcycles are not allowed.

Know your traffic signs

2You see a round sign with a red border showing a car above a motorcycle. What does it mean?
  1. No motor vehicles ✓
  2. Parking for cars and motorcycles
  3. Cars and motorcycles only
  4. No overtaking

Answer: No motor vehicles. A red circle showing a car and a motorcycle means no motor vehicles. Motorcycles and mopeds must not enter.

Know your traffic signs

3Blue circular signs usually give what kind of instruction?
  1. Information about a nearby place
  2. A positive instruction you must follow ✓
  3. A warning of a hazard ahead
  4. A route for tourists

Answer: A positive instruction you must follow. Most blue circles give mandatory positive instructions, such as turn left or keep left.

Know your traffic signs

4A red triangle sign shows a car with skid marks. What does it warn you about?
  1. Steep hill
  2. Road works
  3. Uneven road
  4. Slippery road ✓

Answer: Slippery road. This warns of a slippery road. Slow down and avoid harsh braking or steering.

Know your traffic signs

5A warning sign shows a windsock. What does it mean?
  1. Airport
  2. Strong currents
  3. Side winds ✓
  4. Low-flying aircraft

Answer: Side winds. The windsock sign warns of side winds, which can affect motorcyclists. Expect gusts and slow down.

Know your traffic signs

6What does an octagonal sign with a red background mean?
  1. No entry
  2. Stop and give way ✓
  3. Speed limit ends
  4. Give way only to traffic from the right

Answer: Stop and give way. The octagonal stop sign means you must stop at the solid white line, even if the road looks clear, and give way to traffic on the major road.

Highway Code rule 171

7A rider extends their right arm and moves it up and down. What does this mean?
  1. They are slowing down or stopping ✓
  2. They want you to overtake
  3. They are turning right
  4. They are turning left

Answer: They are slowing down or stopping. Moving an extended right arm slowly up and down, palm facing down, is the arm signal for slowing down or stopping. Be ready to slow down too.

Highway Code: Signals to other road users

8What do white diagonal stripes bordered by a broken white line mean?
  1. It's an area for motorcycles only
  2. You can park there
  3. You can use it to overtake whenever you want
  4. You should not enter unless it's necessary and safe ✓

Answer: You should not enter unless it's necessary and safe. Hatched areas separate traffic. Don't enter unless it's necessary and you can see it's safe.

Highway Code rule 130

9Double white lines show a broken line nearest you. What does this mean?
  1. You can cross to overtake if it's safe ✓
  2. You can park on the lines
  3. You can only cross at night
  4. You must not cross the lines

Answer: You can cross to overtake if it's safe. If the broken line is on your side, you may cross to overtake if it's safe and you can return before the solid line.

Highway Code rule 128

10What does a white circle with a black diagonal stripe mean?
  1. No entry
  2. Speed camera ahead
  3. End of all restrictions
  4. National speed limit applies ✓

Answer: National speed limit applies. This sign shows the national speed limit applies, which is 60 mph on single carriageways for motorcycles.

Know your traffic signs

11The traffic lights change to amber. What must you do?
  1. Carry on as usual
  2. Stop, unless you've crossed the line or are too close to stop safely ✓
  3. Speed up to get through before red
  4. Stop only if pedestrians are crossing

Answer: Stop, unless you've crossed the line or are too close to stop safely. Amber means stop, unless stopping could cause a crash because you're too close.

Highway Code rule 175

12A green filter arrow shows at traffic lights. What does it mean?
  1. It's broken and should be reported
  2. Go only if you're in a bus lane
  3. You can go in that direction, even if other lights are red ✓
  4. You must stop if other lights are red

Answer: You can go in that direction, even if other lights are red. A green arrow lets you go in that direction if it's safe, even if the main light is red.

Highway Code rule 177

13Which two are true when traffic lights show red and amber together? Mark two answers.
  1. You must not pass the stop line yet ✓
  2. You may go if the junction is clear
  3. Amber alone will follow next
  4. The lights are faulty
  5. The lights will soon change to green ✓

Answer: You must not pass the stop line yet; The lights will soon change to green. Red and amber together still means stop. Don't pass the stop line until green shows, and even then check the junction is clear.

Highway Code rule 175

14A parking sign has a plate saying "Solo motorcycles". What does this mean?
  1. Parking for one motorcycle only
  2. Parking for bicycles
  3. Parking for motorcycles without sidecars ✓
  4. Parking only for learner riders

Answer: Parking for motorcycles without sidecars. "Solo" means a motorcycle without a sidecar. These bays are reserved for such bikes.

Know your traffic signs

15A warning sign shows a bumpy road. What should you do?
  1. Ignore it if it's dry
  2. Speed up to clear it quickly
  3. Stand on the footrests
  4. Slow down and keep control ✓

Answer: Slow down and keep control. Uneven surfaces can unsettle a motorcycle. Slow down and keep a firm, relaxed grip.

Know your traffic signs

Frequently asked questions

What do circular road signs mean?

Circular signs give orders. Red circles mostly tell you what you mustn't do, and blue circles mostly tell you what you must do.

What does a red and amber traffic light mean?

It still means stop. Don't pass the stop line until the light turns green.

Are there road signs just for motorcycles?

Yes. Examples include the no motorcycles sign, bus lane signs that show a motorcycle when bikes are allowed, and parking signs for solo motorcycles.

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Original practice questions based on The Highway Code (Open Government Licence v3.0). Not the real test questions. MockTheory is not affiliated with or endorsed by the DVSA.

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