A driving instructor has explained exactly what a potentially "confusing" road sign means to help learners pass their theory tests. There are hundreds of road signs on UK roads, all approved and endorsed by the Highway Code.
Traffic signs are used to give orders, offer warnings or directions, provide information, alert drivers to roadworks, and more. While many drivers see them daily, with so many signs to remember, it's hardly surprising when some people need a quick reminder of their meaning.
Annie is a professional driving instructor who's built up a loyal following on social media, where she breaks down driving rules and shares straightforward tips and tricks to help learners remember what they need to know to stay 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.
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 went on: "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 handy 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 handy tip is to remember the rule is that the word "order" begins with an O, just like the shape of these signs.
As Annie's video continued, she switched her camera to record the road ahead as they approached a roundabout. She pointed out: "So here's another example of the blue circle sign - this one says you must pass on the left."
As they veered left onto the roundabout, another blue circle sign was visible on the central embankment. The driving instructor explained: "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." She then invited viewers to share any other road signs they "get confused with" in the comments section so she could create more helpful videos. In the caption, Annie simply added: "Blue circle signs give mandatory instructions."
Viewers expressed their appreciation for the video, with some even crediting Annie's tips for helping them pass their theory tests.