Code 2 · Open lesson

4. Traffic lights and road markings

Signals and markings work together. Look for a stop line, pedestrian crossing, lane arrows and the signal that controls your movement. Never rely on a green light without checking the junction.

Traffic-light basics

• Steady red: stop behind the stop line and remain stopped until a signal permits movement and it is safe.
• Steady yellow: stop if you can do so safely. If already too close to stop safely, proceed cautiously; yellow is not an invitation to accelerate.
• Steady green: movement is permitted subject to restrictions. Give way to people and vehicles lawfully still in the junction.

Follow the directions of an authorised traffic officer controlling traffic. Learn flashing signals and directional arrows separately; they do not all mean the same thing as a steady circular light.

Markings are instructions too

A solid no-overtaking line restricts overtaking across it. Do not cross a solid line on your side simply because the road appears empty. A broken dividing line does not guarantee a safe passing opportunity: visibility, oncoming traffic, junctions and other restrictions still matter. Lane arrows indicate the direction of travel for that lane. Keep pedestrian crossings clear and stop in the correct place.

Practice: explain why a broken line can permit a manoeuvre in principle while poor visibility still makes that manoeuvre unsafe.

Exam preparation: details to remember

A flashing red traffic signal requires stop-control behaviour. Follow an authorised officer controlling traffic even when the light differs. Obey lane-direction arrows. Keep crossings and junctions clear. At a scholar patrol, obey the STOP instruction and wait until permitted and the crossing is safe.

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Check your understanding

18 questions · A/B/C answers · 75% to pass · unlimited retries. Scores are for this practice course.

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