Traffic signs that give orders are identified mainly by their shape and colour , and in driving theory questions this has a very specific meaning.

Quick Scoop

Core rule (the exam-style answer)

When a question asks: “How can you identify traffic signs that give orders?” , the expected answer is:

  • They are circular with a red border.

This is the answer used in UK-style theory tests and many online practice questions.

The five main types of road signs

To see where “signs that give orders” fit, think of the usual categories:

  1. Signs giving orders
    • Mostly circular, used for “you must” or “you must not”.
  1. Warning signs
    • Usually red triangles , used to warn you about hazards or changes ahead.
  1. Direction signs
    • Often rectangles, showing directions, routes, and destinations.
  1. Information signs
    • Rectangular, giving general information, lane use, and service details.
  1. Road works signs
    • Temporary signs (often yellow or with special symbols) around road works.

Order-giving signs in more detail

There are two big families of “order” signs on the road:

  1. Prohibitory orders – what you must NOT do
    • Shape: Circular
    • Colour: Red border (often with white background and black symbol).
 * Examples:
   * Speed limit signs (20, 30, 40, etc.).

   * “No entry” (white bar in a red circle).

   * Vehicle-specific bans (no bicycles, no motor vehicles, etc.).

   * “No waiting” / “No stopping” signs (red border with blue circle and diagonal red line).
  1. Mandatory orders – what you MUST do
    • Shape: Circular
    • Colour: Blue background, usually with white symbols.
 * Examples:
   * “Turn left only”, “Turn right only”, “Ahead only”.

   * “Keep left” or “Keep right”.

   * “Cycle path only” or “Bus lane only”.

Story moment:
Picture a wet evening on a new route. A red-bordered circle flashes in your headlights: “30”. Without even reading the number clearly, your brain knows: circular + red border = an order — you ease off the accelerator because you’re being told what you must not exceed.

Common trick points in tests

Theory tests and mock exams often play on these details:

  • Trick 1: Mixing up triangles and circles
    • Red triangles warn.
    • Red circles give orders (the test’s “correct” answer).
  • Trick 2: “Give way” and “STOP”
    • “Give way” is a red-bordered triangle that still tells you what to do (slow down and give way), but officially it’s a warning shape.
* “STOP” is an eight‑sided **octagon** in red; it is an order but deliberately shaped differently so you can recognise it from the back at junctions.

* Tests still want you to answer: **orders = circular with a red border**.
  • Trick 3: Blue circles
    • These also give orders (mandatory actions), but some theory questions focus only on red-bordered circles when they use the wording “How can you identify traffic signs that give orders?”.

Quick memory hack

Use this simple mini-story to lock it in:

You’re driving through a “Story Town” of road signs:

  • Triangles are shouting, “Look out!” (warnings ahead).
  • Rectangles are chatting, “Here’s some info for you.”
  • Circles step forward like strict teachers: “Do this” or “Don’t do that.”
    And the strictest teacher wears a red border.

So, if you’re revising for a test and see the question “how can you identify signs that give orders” , remember:

  • Look for circular signs with a red border — that’s the test-ready answer.

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Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.