A driving instructor has detailed the meaning behind a common road sign (stock image) (Image: Getty)
A driving instructor has detailed exactly what a potentially “confusing” road sign means to help people who are learning to drive pass their theory tests. There are hundreds of road signs on UK roads, all accredited by the Highway Code.
Traffic signs are used to give orders, offer warnings or directions, provide information and notice of road works.
Though many drivers see them everyday, with so many signs to keep track of, it’s no surprise when some people need a little refresher of their meaning.
Annie is a professional driving instructor who amassed a devoted following on social media, where she breaks down driving rules and shares easy to understand tips and tricks to help learners remember what they need to know to be safe on the road.
In a recent TikTok video, Annie highlighted a blue circular sign with a white arrow inside, pointing down and to the left.
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Sitting in the passenger seat of a moving car, she spoke directly to the camera and began: “Do you know what this sign means? Well, it’s a circle shaped sign, that means it’s an order. It’s a blue circle shaped sign, that means it tells us what we must do.”
Annie continued: “Now, the arrow is pointing down and towards the left so when we drive past this sign, we must pass it on the left side of the road. We can’t pass it on the right hand side of the road; we’ll be driving in the wrong lane.”
She then offered a helpful rhyme to help people remember the importance of circular signs. Annie said: “So all circle signs are orders and the ones with an arrow are telling us what we must do – think, ‘blue, must do’. Hope that helps.”
Another way to remember is that “order” begins with an O, which is the same shape as the signs.
As the video progressed, Annie flipped her camera to film the road ahead on the approach to a roundabout. She continued: “So here’s another example of the blue circle sign – this one says you must pass on the left.”
As they turned left to enter the roundabout, there was another blue circle sign on the central embankment.
The driving instructor added: “This one says you must turn left. Turn left now, you can only turn left onto this roundabout.
“So, blue circle signs tell you what you must do – blue must do.”
Blue circular signs are orders which must be followed (stock image) (Image: Getty)
She then asked viewers to share what other road signs they “get confused with” so she can create videos to offer advice and guidance.
In the captain, Annie simply added: “Blue circle signs give mandatory instructions.”
Meanwhile, in the comments section, people shared their gratitude for the video and some even revealed how Annie’s information had helped them to pass their theory tests.