Published 2 March 2024
Ever wondered which road & traffic signs trip up the unprepared learners? Here are 10 of them, with the percentage of people who fail to answer correctly.
How well do you know UK road and traffic signs? We've analysed our data to reveal the top 10 most difficult road (and traffic) sign questions that trip up most learners and put them into the list below, along with the percentage of learners who fail to answer correctly.
Remember you picked options as your answer the questions. Scroll down to the end for the answers and full analysis!
Without adequate preparation, the probability of answering all questions correctly is a mere 1 in 765. Mastering these tricky signs can be the difference between pass and fail.
Ready to test your knowledge of these tricky road signs? Join us!
All of the questions come from Road and traffic signs theory test category, which is one of the 14 topics that you will be tested on during your theory test.
In another post, we look at 10 hardest questions across all categories.
Two-way traffic straight ahead
Two-way traffic crosses a two-way road
Two-way traffic over a bridge
Two-way traffic crosses a one-way road
66% fail to answer this question correctly
On a roundabout
On a dual carriageway
On an urban motorway
On a one-way street
55% fail to answer this question correctly
End of restricted speed area
End of cycle route
End of clearway
End of restricted parking area
53% fail to answer this question correctly
Cars must stop
Both trams and cars can continue
Both trams and cars must stop
Trams must stop
48% fail to answer this question correctly
Minimum speed 30 mph
Lay-by 30 miles ahead
Service area 30 miles ahead
Maximum speed 30 mph
48% fail to answer this question correctly
Give way to oncoming vehicles
Pass either side to get to the same destination
Turn off at the next available junction
Approaching traffic passes you on both sides
44% fail to answer this question correctly
Direction to park-and-ride car park
No parking for buses or coaches
Direction to bus and coach park
Parking area for cars and coaches
43% fail to answer this question correctly
Waiting restrictions apply
Waiting permitted
National speed limit applies
Clearway (no stopping)
42% fail to answer this question correctly
It separates the two sides of the dual carriageway
It's a temporary marking to warn of the roadworks
It marks an area to be used by overtaking motorcyclists
It separates traffic flowing in opposite directions
40% fail to answer this question correctly
Green alone
Green and amber together
Red and amber together
Red alone
40% fail to answer this question correctly
Correct answer: Two-way traffic crosses a one-way road
Explanation: Be prepared for traffic approaching from junctions on either side of you. Try to avoid unnecessary changing of lanes just before the junction.
Correct answer: On a one-way street
Explanation: The traffic permitted to use a contraflow lane travels in the opposite direction to traffic in the other lanes on the road.
Correct answer: End of restricted parking area
Explanation: Even though you've left the restricted area, make sure that you park where you won't endanger other road users or cause an obstruction.
Correct answer: Trams must stop
Explanation: The white light shows that trams must stop. The green light shows that other vehicles can go if the way is clear. Trams are being introduced into more cities, so you're likely to come across them and you should learn which signs apply to them.
Correct answer: Minimum speed 30 mph
Explanation: This sign is shown where slow-moving vehicles would impede the flow of traffic; for example, in tunnels. However, if you need to slow down or even stop to avoid an incident or potential collision, you should do so.
Correct answer: Pass either side to get to the same destination
Explanation: These signs are often seen in one-way streets that have more than one lane. When you see this sign, use the route that's the most convenient and doesn't require a late change of direction.
Which driving technique can help you save fuel?
Correct answer: Direction to park-and-ride car park
Explanation: To ease the congestion in town centres, some cities and towns provide park-and-ride schemes. These allow you to park in a designated area and ride by bus into the centre. Park-and-ride schemes are usually cheaper and easier than car parking in the town centre.
Correct answer: Waiting restrictions apply
Explanation: There'll be a plate or additional sign to tell you when the restrictions apply.
Correct answer: It separates traffic flowing in opposite directions
Explanation: Areas of 'hatched markings' such as these separate traffic streams that could be a danger to each other. They're often seen on bends or where the road becomes narrow. If the area is bordered by a solid white line, you mustn't enter it except in an emergency.
Source: Highway code, rule 130
Correct answer: Red alone
Explanation: At junctions controlled by traffic lights, you must stop behind the white line until the lights change to green. A red light, an amber light, and red and amber lights showing together all mean stop. You may proceed when the light is green unless your exit road is blocked or pedestrians are crossing in front of you. If you’re approaching traffic lights that are visible from a distance and the light has been green for some time, be ready to slow down and stop, because the lights are likely to change.
Conquering these tricky road & traffic signs will be an impossible task without preparation. This is why you need the right tools to ace your theory test! Read the Theory Test Cheat Sheet to learn about the resources that you should be using to prepare and ace your theory test.
P.S. Our prep kit provides everything you need to master road signs through interactive quizzes and clear explanations. Start practising today and cruise confidently towards your driving license!