Driving Lessons Notes #2: Basic understanding of the road (general rules, road categories, road signs & markings)

I would like to begin with learning about the general rules, road systems, road signs and markings. I feel it is important to understand how the road works, where there traffic flows and navigate through the roads.

General road rules:

Here are some general rules to know when get started driving on the road, especially minor roads.

1. Stay on the correct lane:
   • Two-way road system: stay on the left lane on a two-way road system.
   • One-way road system: you can be on any lane. It is determined by where you will turn i.e. right lane for turning right
   • Certain roads may have specified lanes depending on where you intend to turn.
2. Stay within the national speed limit:
   • Built-in areas (30mph)
   • Single carriageway (60mph),
   • Dual carriageway (70mph)
   • Motorway (70mph).
3. Give way: Know who has priority:
   • Understand major & minor roads in junctions
   • Look at priority signs and road markings (give way lines)
   • Understand which side has priority on narrow roads i.e. side with no obstruction has priority etc…
4. Slow down when approaching junctions:  slow down when approaching certain junctions, roundabouts and crossings.
5. Follow the road warning & instructions: follow the road instructions such as no entry roads, where to go in one-way road systems etc…

 

Start with urban minor roads:

Urban minor roads (B & C Type Road) are a good place to start learning how to drive.

 

Road categories:

Here is the category of roads in the UK:

(i) A-Roads:

• Names: these roads are also known as “trunk roads” or “principal roads”.
• Functions: These are major roads that link regional towns and cities.
• Roads: These roads include single carriageway & dual carriageway.
• Signs: These roads has “A” prefix and the sign is green with white text.

(ii) B and C-Roads:

• Names: these roads are known as “minor roads” or “non-primary routes”
• Functions: Connect small towns and villages together.
• Signs: The sign is white with black text.

(iii) Motorways:

• Function: These high-speed roads that link major towns and cities.
• Signs: The signs are blue

 

Road signs & markings:

a) Road signs:

Here are common road signs to learn:

• Speed limit
• Priority signs: Give way
• One-way road
• Two-way road: two types of warnings (i) vertical (ii) horizontal
• Stop
• No entry
• Directional instruction
• Road works
• Junctions ahead: different junctions and roundabout
• Common hazard ahead: (…)

More traffic signs and signals can be found here.

 

b) Road markings:

Here are common road markings to learn:

• Direction instruction (arrow) at a junction
• Speed limit marking
• No entry
• Centre line hazard level
• Hatch area
• Central reverse
• Solid lines that not allow changing lanes
• Yellow lines on the kerbs: single or double lines
• Stop line at junctions or crossings
• Give way lines
• Zig zag line
• Yellow box

More road markings can be found here.