Different Types of Motorway Signs

So, you’re studying for your theory test and preparing to take driving lessons—exciting times ahead! But it can feel like there’s a lot to learn. A key focus is understanding all the various road signs you might encounter on UK roads. That’s no small task: the Highway Code contains hundreds of signs, and their shape, colour, and design all play a role in their meaning. Additionally, different types of roads have their own unique signage.

One crucial category you’ll need to master is motorway signs. Even as a learner, you may have the opportunity to drive on motorways under the supervision of a qualified instructor from Leo Driving School. Recognising and understanding motorway signs is essential for driving safely and efficiently—and it will also help you ace your theory test. Let’s take a closer look at what makes motorway signs stand out from other road signs.

Blue Motorway Signs

Most motorway-specific signs are instantly recognisable thanks to their blue backgrounds with white borders, text, and symbols. This high-contrast design makes them easy to spot and read, even at high speeds. Motorway signs are also much larger than those on other roads, as drivers need to process the information quickly.

Beginning and End of Motorway Signs

Before entering a motorway, you’ll see a “beginning of motorway” sign. This has a blue background with a white symbol depicting a dual carriageway passing under a bridge. Direction signs leading to the motorway will also include blue panels highlighting the motorway route.

At the end of a motorway section, you’ll see the same sign, but with a red diagonal line across it, indicating you’re leaving the motorway. You may also encounter signs reading “End of motorway regulation” at service stations, meaning that normal motorway rules no longer apply there.

Motorway Direction Signs

Motorway direction signs are rectangular, as their purpose is to give information about upcoming destinations and how to reach them. These signs are typically located on the left-hand side of the motorway but can also be found on gantries—overhead structures spanning the road.

Gantry-mounted signs often indicate which lanes you need to take for specific destinations. For example, they might inform you that the left-hand lane leads to the next junction, while other lanes continue on the main route. Paying attention to direction signs helps avoid sudden lane changes near junctions, reducing the risk of accidents and traffic build-up.

Motorway Junction Signs

When it’s time to leave the motorway, junction signs will guide you. Motorway exits are numbered and displayed in white digits within a small black panel. Junction numbers often appear on maps too, making it easier to plan your route. Simply keep an eye out for your exit number and ensure you’re in the left-hand lane in plenty of time.

Although junction numbers usually follow a sequence, some motorways skip numbers due to potential future junctions. After leaving a junction, you’ll often see a “confirmatory direction sign” reminding you where the motorway leads.

Countdown Markers on Motorways

Before reaching an exit, you’ll spot countdown markers on the left-hand side of the motorway. These blue signs feature white diagonal stripes:

  • 3 stripes indicate you’re 300 yards (about 275m) from the junction,
  • 2 stripes mean you’re 200 yards away, and
  • 1 stripe gives you a final 100-yard warning.

These countdown markers give you plenty of time to prepare for the exit and change lanes safely. Missing your exit can be inconvenient, as it may require rejoining the motorway in the opposite direction or taking smaller, slower roads to your destination. Staying alert to these markers can save you time, fuel, and stress.

Service Station Signs

Need a break? Service stations are clearly signposted on motorways using the same blue design as other motorway signs. Signs will show upcoming services and sometimes list the next few stops along the route, helping you decide whether to stop immediately or drive a little further.

If you’re a regular motorway traveller, you’ll soon discover your favourite service stations, and you can even find national ratings for the best ones!

Driver Location Signs

If you need to stop on a motorway due to an emergency or breakdown, driver location signs are invaluable. These small blue signs, found every 500m on motorways in England, display 3 lines of yellow text:

  1. The motorway name or number (e.g., M1),
  2. A letter (A or B) indicating the direction of travel, and
  3. The distance from a reference point.

If you need to contact breakdown or emergency services, simply relay the details on the sign, and they’ll locate you quickly. While driver location signs are not as common in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, smart motorways often use technology to detect incidents automatically.

Top Tips for Finding Your Location

Never endanger yourself to read a driver location sign. If you have a smartphone, you can use Google Maps’ Street View feature to identify the nearest marker. Alternatively, download the what3words app—sharing your location’s three-word code allows emergency services to pinpoint your exact position.

Brown Motorway Signs

Motorway signs pointing to places of public interest or tourist attractions have a brown background. These signs are consistent with tourist information signs across the UK and internationally.

Brown motorway signs often include symbols alongside text to make them quick and easy to read. Popular attractions such as museums, theme parks, and national parks typically appear on these signs.

Motorway Speed Limit Signs

Motorway speed limits are shown in the same format as other roads: black numbers within a red circle. These can appear on gantries, central reservations, or the left-hand side of the road.

The national speed limit on motorways is 70mph for cars. However, variable speed limits may be displayed on smart motorways to respond to conditions like congestion, accidents, or roadworks. Temporary speed limits appear in red circles on gantry-mounted signs.

Advisory speed limits, meanwhile, have flashing amber lights and should still be followed, as they highlight potential hazards.

Smart Motorway and Variable Signs

Smart motorways use technology to manage traffic flow. Signs on smart motorways often have black backgrounds and appear on gantries overhead. They respond to road conditions in real time:

  • A red “X” indicates a closed lane, and
  • Temporary speed limits will display as numbers within red circles.

Variable message signs (VMS) predate smart motorways and are usually positioned on tall posts. They provide warnings about road conditions, queues, weather hazards, or roadworks, and often include text for clarity.

Understanding motorway signs is crucial for safe driving, and at Leo Driving School, we ensure you’re well-prepared for motorways—whether during lessons or on your test. By familiarising yourself with these signs, you’ll gain confidence and improve your observation skills, making you a safer and more efficient driver.

Good luck, and enjoy the journey!