A Garda directing traffic overrides both the signs and the lights. Driver and cyclist arm signals appear on the theory test more often than most people expect.
All 21 hand signals and traffic signals
Amber traffic light
Stop, unless stopping would itself be unsafe. Amber is not a signal to accelerate through.
Cyclist signalling left, seen from behind
The cyclist intends to turn left, left arm held straight out. This is the view from a following vehicle, which is who the signal is for.
Cyclist signalling left, seen from the front
The same left-turn signal head-on, as oncoming traffic sees it, so the extended arm appears on your right.
Cyclist signalling right or moving out, seen from behind
The cyclist intends to move out or turn right, right arm held straight out, as a following driver sees it.
Cyclist signalling right, seen from the front
The cyclist intends to turn right. Viewed head-on, so their right arm appears on your left.
Cyclist signalling straight on
The cyclist intends to continue straight ahead rather than turn.
Driver signalling left, seen from behind
The driver intends to turn left, shown by rotating the arm. This is the view from behind, which is where the signal is aimed.
Driver signalling left, seen from the front
The same left-turn arm signal head-on, as oncoming traffic and pedestrians see it.
Driver signalling right
The driver intends to turn right, arm held straight out of the window.
Driver signalling to move out or turn right
The driver intends to pull out from the kerb or turn right.
Driver signalling to slow down or stop
The arm moved slowly up and down tells following traffic the driver is slowing or about to stop.
Flashing amber arrow
You may turn in the direction of the arrow, but you must yield to traffic on the other road and to any pedestrians crossing.
Garda beckoning traffic on
The Garda is beckoning on traffic approaching from either side. A Garda directing traffic overrides both the signs and the lights.
Garda signal: stop, from front and behind
Stop if you are approaching from either the front or from behind.
Garda signal: stop, traffic from behind
Stop if you are approaching from behind the Garda.
Garda signal: stop, traffic from the front
Stop if you are approaching the Garda head-on.
Garda signal: traffic from the front may proceed
Traffic approaching the Garda head-on may go.
Green filter arrow
You may proceed in the direction of the green arrow if the way is clear.
Green filter arrow, turning left
Traffic turning left may proceed if the way is clear, even while the main light is still red.
Green traffic light
Traffic may proceed if the way is clear. Green is a permission to go, not an instruction, so you still yield to anyone still in the junction.
Red traffic light
Traffic must stop at the stop line and wait.
Other categories
- Regulatory signs (29)
- Warning signs (56)
- Information and motorway signs (14)
- Road markings (14)
- Back to all road signs
Test yourself on these
Recognising a sign in a list is easier than recognising it at a junction. Run practice questions to see them in context, or sit a mock test under exam conditions.