Warning Signs Quiz
Warning signs are mostly triangles with a red border, and they tell you about a hazard ahead – a bend, a junction, a crossing or animals in the road. Take the free quiz above, then use the guide below to learn the warning signs learners mix up most.
How to read warning signs
Warning signs are almost always triangles with a red border and a white background. They don't tell you what you must do: they tell you what's coming, so you can slow down and plan early. The black symbol in the middle shows the hazard, such as a bend, a junction, a level crossing or animals in the road.
Tips for reading them quickly:
- On junction signs, the broader line shows the road with priority.
- Bend and double bend symbols can be reversed, so check which way the road goes first.
- A plate below the triangle may add a distance, such as "for 2 miles", or extra detail.
- Look for pairs that are easy to mix up: steep hill up and down, road narrows on one or both sides, and level crossings with or without barriers.
When you see a warning triangle, check your mirrors, ease off and be ready to react. Treat these questions as practice in spotting hazards early, which also helps in the hazard perception part of the test.
What warning signs look like
Most warning signs are red-bordered triangles with the point at the top and a black symbol in the middle. A plate underneath may tell you the distance to the hazard, how far it goes on, or what the danger is. A few warning signs are a different shape – for example, the black and white chevrons that mark a sharp change of direction are rectangular.
A warning sign doesn't order you to do anything. It tells you to be ready: check your speed, look further ahead and be prepared to slow down or stop.
The main groups of warning signs
Road layout
Bends, double bends, crossroads, T-junctions, staggered junctions, junctions on a bend, roundabouts, traffic merging from the left, the road narrowing on one or both sides, and the end of a dual carriageway. On junction signs, the broader line shows which road has priority.
People and animals
School crossing patrol ahead, frail or disabled pedestrians likely to cross, pedestrians in the road ahead, a zebra crossing, cattle, wild animals, wild horses or ponies, and accompanied horses or ponies. When you see a horse on the road, slow down to a maximum of 10 mph and pass wide and slow (Highway Code rule 215).
Road surface and weather
Slippery road, uneven road, risk of ice, soft verges, side winds, a hump bridge, falling or fallen rocks, and steep hills up or down. Gradients may be shown as a percentage or a ratio – 20% is the same as 1:5.
Crossings, vehicles and traffic
Level crossings with or without barriers, trams crossing, traffic signals ahead, traffic signals not in use, traffic queues likely, a tunnel, an opening or swing bridge, low-flying aircraft, and overhead electric cables with a maximum safe height.
Warning signs learners often confuse
| Signs | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Crossroads, T-junction and staggered junction | Look at the shape of the lines: a cross, a T, or side roads offset left and right. The broader line is the road with priority. |
| Level crossing with or without a barrier | A gate symbol means there's a barrier or gate. A steam train symbol means there isn't one. |
| Wild horses or ponies and accompanied horses | A horse on its own means wild or loose animals. A horse with a rider means people riding on the road. |
| Road narrows on one side or both sides | Check which edge line moves in: the left, the right, or both. |
| Steep hill downwards and upwards | The slope on the symbol shows the direction – read it left to right as you'd drive. |
How warning signs come up in the test
Expect questions that show a sign and ask what it means, and scenario questions that ask what you should do next – for example, what to do when you see a school crossing patrol sign or a level crossing warning. Read the explanation after each answer: it links the sign to the right action and the Highway Code rule behind it.
Next, try the regulatory signs quiz, go back to the road signs test hub, or practise the full road and traffic signs topic. Hazards that signs warn you about also feature in our hazard perception test.
See every warning sign in the Highway Code traffic signs section on GOV.UK.
Our sign drawings and questions are original and based on The Highway Code and Know your traffic signs. Traffic sign designs are Crown copyright and the source material is used under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Not the real test questions. MockTheory is not affiliated with or endorsed by the DVSA.
All warning signs with meanings
1What does this warning sign mean?
- Hospital ahead
- T-junction ahead
- Crossroads ahead ✓
- No through road ahead
Answer: Crossroads ahead. A black cross inside a red-bordered triangle warns of crossroads ahead. On junction warning signs the broader line shows the road that has priority, so be ready for traffic joining from both sides.
Know your traffic signs
2You see this sign on the road ahead. What is it warning you about?
- A T-junction where your road ends ✓
- Crossroads with no priority
- A dead end with no turning space
- A side road joining from the right
Answer: A T-junction where your road ends. This sign warns of a T-junction: the road you're on ends and you'll have to turn left or right. Slow down early and be ready to give way.
Know your traffic signs
3What does this sign warn you of?
- A double bend
- Crossroads
- A lane closure for road works
- A staggered junction ✓
Answer: A staggered junction. This is a staggered junction: side roads join from the left and the right a short distance apart. Watch for vehicles pulling out from both sides.
Know your traffic signs
4Where would you see this sign?
- Before a side road joining from the right
- Before a side road joining from the left ✓
- At the end of a dual carriageway
- Before a lay-by on the right
Answer: Before a side road joining from the left. The thinner branch shows a side road joining from the left. The broader line is your road, which has priority, but vehicles may still emerge without seeing you.
Know your traffic signs
5What does this sign mean?
- Turn right ahead
- Bend to the right ahead ✓
- Road narrows on the right
- No right turn
Answer: Bend to the right ahead. A curved black line in a warning triangle means there's a bend to the right ahead. Slow down before the bend. A blue circle with an arrow would be an order to turn, not a warning.
Know your traffic signs
6What should you do when you see this sign?
- Slow down for a bend to the left, then one to the right ✓
- Slow down for a bend to the right, then one to the left
- Get ready to overtake on the straight section
- Keep to the centre of the road to see further ahead
Answer: Slow down for a bend to the left, then one to the right. This sign warns of a double bend, first to the left. Reduce your speed before the first bend and keep to the left; the symbol may be reversed if the first bend is to the right.
Know your traffic signs
7What does this sign mean?
- Mini-roundabout ahead
- Roundabout ahead ✓
- One-way system ahead
- Turning area for lorries
Answer: Roundabout ahead. Three arrows in a circle inside a warning triangle mean there's a roundabout ahead. Slow down and get ready to give way to traffic from the right. A blue circle with white arrows is the mini-roundabout sign.
Know your traffic signs
8What does this sign tell you?
- The dual carriageway ends
- The road narrows on both sides ✓
- There's a hump bridge ahead
- The road widens on both sides
Answer: The road narrows on both sides. The two lines moving inwards show the road narrows on both sides. Slow down and be ready to let oncoming traffic through, especially large vehicles.
Know your traffic signs
9What does this sign warn you about?
- The road narrows on the left-hand side
- A lane is closed on the left
- The road narrows on the right-hand side ✓
- A bus lane starts on the right
Answer: The road narrows on the right-hand side. Only the right-hand line moves inwards, so the road narrows on the right. Check your position and watch for oncoming vehicles drifting towards you.
Know your traffic signs
10What does this sign mean?
- Two-way traffic crosses a one-way road
- Two-way traffic straight ahead ✓
- Overtaking is allowed ahead
- Contraflow bus lane ahead
Answer: Two-way traffic straight ahead. One arrow up and one down means two-way traffic straight ahead. You'll often see it at the end of a one-way street or dual carriageway, so expect oncoming vehicles and keep left.
Know your traffic signs
11What does this sign warn you of?
- Traffic signals not in use
- A level crossing with lights
- Traffic signals ahead ✓
- A pedestrian crossing with no lights
Answer: Traffic signals ahead. A set of traffic lights inside a warning triangle means there are traffic signals ahead. Be ready to stop, as they may change as you approach.
Know your traffic signs
12What does this sign mean?
- Level crossing without a barrier ahead
- Cattle grid ahead
- Road works fencing ahead
- Level crossing with a barrier or gate ahead ✓
Answer: Level crossing with a barrier or gate ahead. The gate symbol warns of a level crossing with a barrier or gate. Slow down and be ready to stop if the lights show or the barriers start to come down.
Highway Code: Level crossings
13Where would you see this sign?
- Before a level crossing with full barriers
- Near a railway station car park
- Before a level crossing without a barrier or gate ✓
- Near a tram stop
Answer: Before a level crossing without a barrier or gate. The locomotive symbol warns of a level crossing with no barrier or gate. Slow down, look both ways and listen for trains, and obey any warning lights.
Highway Code: Level crossings
14What does this sign mean?
- Steep hill upwards
- The road is 10% narrower ahead
- Steep hill downwards ✓
- Speed limit drops by 10% ahead
Answer: Steep hill downwards. The slope falling to the right shows a steep hill downwards with a 10% (1 in 10) gradient. Select a lower gear early so the engine helps control your speed.
Know your traffic signs
15You see this sign. What should you be ready to do?
- Brake firmly for a steep descent
- Allow for a 10% lower speed limit
- Expect road works on a hill
- Select a lower gear for a steep climb ✓
Answer: Select a lower gear for a steep climb. The slope rising to the right shows a steep hill upwards. Choose a lower gear in good time so you don't lose speed or stall on the climb.
Know your traffic signs
16What does this sign mean?
- Dual carriageway ends ✓
- Road narrows on both sides
- Two-way traffic crosses a one-way road
- Lane for slow vehicles ahead
Answer: Dual carriageway ends. This sign warns that the dual carriageway ends. Expect two-way traffic on a single carriageway and only overtake where it's safe and legal.
Know your traffic signs
17What does this sign warn you about?
- An uneven road ✓
- A hump bridge
- A slippery road
- Falling rocks
Answer: An uneven road. The bumpy outline warns of an uneven road surface ahead. Slow down to keep control of your vehicle, and take extra care on a motorcycle or bicycle.
Know your traffic signs
18What does this sign mean?
- Uneven road ahead
- Steep hill upwards
- Tunnel ahead
- Hump bridge ahead ✓
Answer: Hump bridge ahead. A single raised shape warns of a hump bridge. The hump can hide oncoming vehicles, so slow down and keep left.
Know your traffic signs
19What does this sign tell you?
- There are road works ahead ✓
- There are loose chippings ahead
- There are falling rocks ahead
- There's a farm entrance ahead
Answer: There are road works ahead. A person digging means road works ahead. Slow down, watch for temporary speed limits and lane closures, and look out for workers.
Know your traffic signs
20What does this sign warn you about?
- A zebra crossing ahead
- Children going to or from school ✓
- A pedestrian zone with no vehicles
- A playground with a car park
Answer: Children going to or from school. Two children in a warning triangle mean children may be crossing the road on their way to or from school. Slow down and be ready to stop; there may be flashing amber lights at busy times.
Know your traffic signs
21What does this sign mean?
- Wild horses or ponies
- Zoo or safari park ahead
- Accompanied horses or ponies
- Wild animals ✓
Answer: Wild animals. A leaping deer warns that wild animals may be on or crossing the road. Take extra care, especially around dawn and dusk.
Know your traffic signs
22You see this sign on a country road. What should you expect?
- Cattle may be on the road ✓
- A cattle market with parking
- Wild animals such as deer
- A cattle grid with no gate
Answer: Cattle may be on the road. This sign warns of cattle on the road. Drive slowly, give the animals plenty of room and don't sound your horn or rev your engine near them.
Highway Code rule 214
23What does this sign warn you of?
- Loose chippings
- An uneven road
- Falling or fallen rocks ✓
- A quarry entrance ahead
Answer: Falling or fallen rocks. This sign warns of falling or fallen rocks, often below cliffs or steep cuttings. Look well ahead for rocks on the road and be ready to stop.
Know your traffic signs
24What does this sign mean?
- Double bend ahead
- Slippery road ✓
- Road liable to flooding
- Uneven road
Answer: Slippery road. A car with wavy tracks warns that the road may be slippery. Slow down and avoid harsh braking, steering or acceleration.
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25What does this sign warn you about?
- A ford or flooded road
- A car ferry terminal
- An opening or swing bridge
- A quayside or river bank ✓
Answer: A quayside or river bank. A car falling into water warns of a quayside or river bank ahead, where the road runs right up to the edge. Slow down and take care, especially in the dark.
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26What does this sign tell you?
- The headroom under a bridge ahead is 14 ft 6 in ✓
- The road ahead is 14 ft 6 in wide
- Vehicles over 14.6 tonnes are banned
- Road works for the next 14.6 miles
Answer: The headroom under a bridge ahead is 14 ft 6 in. This warning triangle shows the available headroom under a bridge or other overhead obstruction ahead. If your vehicle is taller than this, you must find another route.
Know your traffic signs
Frequently asked questions
What shape are warning signs in the UK?
Most warning signs are triangles with a red border, pointing upwards. A few are other shapes, such as the rectangular black and white chevrons for a sharp bend.
What does a triangle sign with a red border mean?
It warns you of a hazard ahead, such as a bend, junction, crossing or animals. It tells you to be ready to slow down or stop.
What is the difference between the two level crossing warning signs?
A gate symbol means the level crossing has a barrier or gate. A steam train symbol means the crossing has no barrier or gate.
What does the plate under a warning sign tell you?
A plate adds detail, such as the distance to the hazard, how far it goes on, or the type of danger.
How fast should I go when I see a horse on the road?
The Highway Code says to slow down to a maximum of 10 mph when you see a horse on the road, and to pass wide and slowly when it is safe (rule 215).
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.