Road and traffic signs

Arm signals can be effective during daylight, especially when you're wearing bright clothing. Practise giving arm signals when you're learning. You need to be able to keep full control of your motorcycle with one hand off the handlebars.

Consider giving an arm signal if it will help other road users; for example, in bright sunshine, when your indicators may be difficult to see. Don't maintain an arm signal when turning, but return your hand to the handlebars to help you steer through the turn.

Side winds can suddenly blow you off course. Keep your speed down when it’s very windy, especially on exposed roads.

Most regulatory signs are circular. A red circle tells you what you mustn't do.

Arm signals can be given to reinforce your flashing indicators, especially if the indicator signal could cause confusion; for example, if you intend to pull up close to a side road.

Always check that you've cancelled your indicators after turning. Failing to cancel your indicators could lead to a serious or even fatal collision. Other road users might pull out in front of you if they think you're going to turn off before you reach them.

Arm signals can be used to confirm your intentions when you aren’t sure that your indicators can be seen by other road users. Use the signals shown in The Highway Code and return your hand to the handlebars before you turn.

If this vehicle is in your lane, you'll have to move to the left. Use your mirrors and signal if necessary. When it’s safe, move into the lane on your left. You should always look well ahead so that you can spot such hazards early, giving yourself time to react safely.

There are three basic types of traffic sign: those that warn, those that inform and those that give orders. Generally, triangular signs warn, rectangular signs give information or directions and circular signs give orders. An exception is the eight-sided 'stop' sign.

Road signs in the shape of a circle give orders. Those with a red circle are mostly prohibitive. The ‘stop’ sign is octagonal to give it greater prominence. Signs giving orders must always be obeyed.

Signs in the shape of a circle give orders. A sign with a red circle means that you aren’t allowed to do something. Study Know Your Traffic Signs to ensure that you understand what the different traffic signs mean.

If you’re in a place where there are likely to be pedestrians (for example, outside a school, near a park, in a residential area or in a shopping area), you should be cautious and keep your speed down.

Many local authorities have taken steps to slow traffic down by creating traffic-calming measures such as road humps. They're there for a reason; slow down.

Where you see this sign, the 20 mph restriction ends and a 30 mph restriction starts. Check all around for possible hazards and only increase your speed if it’s safe to do so.

A sign will indicate which types of vehicles are prohibited from certain roads. Make sure that you know which signs apply to the vehicle you're using.

'No entry' signs are used in places such as one-way streets to prevent vehicles driving against the traffic. To ignore one would be dangerous, both for yourself and for other road users, as well as being against the law.

The 'no right turn' sign may be used to warn road users that there's a 'no entry' prohibition on a road to the right ahead.

Look for and obey traffic signs. Disobeying or not seeing a sign could be dangerous. It may also be an offence for which you could be prosecuted.

Avoid blocking tram routes. Trams are fixed on their route and can't manoeuvre around other vehicles or pedestrians. Modern trams travel quickly and are quiet, so you might not hear them approaching.

The triangular shapes above and below the dimensions indicate a height restriction that applies to the road ahead.

This sign is used to enable pedestrians to walk free from traffic. It's often found in shopping areas.