A driving instructor has clarified the meaning of a “confusing” road sign in a bid to help learners – and even accomplished motorists – to fully understand these mandatory instruction signs on UK roads
A driving instructor has clarified the meaning of a potentially “confusing” road sign to assist those learning to drive in passing their theory tests. There are hundreds of road signs on UK roads, all endorsed by the Highway Code.
Traffic signs serve to issue orders, provide warnings or directions, supply information and notify of road works. Despite many drivers encountering them daily, with such a multitude of signs to remember, it’s understandable that some people might need a little reminder of their significance.
Annie is a professional driving instructor who has garnered a loyal following on social media, where she simplifies driving regulations and shares easy-to-grasp tips and tricks to help learners recall what they need to know to stay safe on the road.
In a recent TikTok video, Annie drew attention to a blue circular sign with a white arrow inside, pointing downwards and to the left.
Seated in the passenger seat of a moving car, she addressed the camera directly 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 to say: “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 provided a useful mnemonic 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 method to recall this is that the word “order” begins with an O, which mirrors the shape of these signs.
As the footage continued, Annie turned her camera round to capture the road ahead while approaching a roundabout. She went on: “So here’s another example of the blue circle sign – this one says you must pass on the left.”
Upon turning left to join the roundabout, another blue circular sign appeared on the central island.
The driving instructor continued: “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 which other road signs they “get confused with” so she could produce videos offering advice and guidance.
In the caption, Annie simply wrote: “Blue circle signs give mandatory instructions.”
Meanwhile in the comments section, people expressed their appreciation for the video, with some even revealing how Annie’s information had helped them in passing their theory tests.