Traffic rules
Traffic Lights and Signals
The colours
- Red: stop. Do not edge over the line.
- Red and amber together: the next show is green. Stay stopped until green.
- Green: you may go, straight or in a direction that is not banned, if pedestrians and other traffic are clear.
- Amber alone: stop, unless you are so close that stopping would be dangerous.
- Flashing amber, where it is used: proceed with caution, giving way.
Arrows and officers
A green filter arrow lets you move in the direction of the arrow even when the full green is not showing. You still give way to pedestrians crossing that path. A red light with no arrow does not become optional because the junction looks empty.
A police officer directing traffic overrides the lights. Face the officer and follow the signal you are given. If the lights are out, treat the junction as unsigned: give way to the right, and be slow enough to stop.
Free practice question
These are PassDrive practice examples, written so you learn the rule. The VID screen randomises its questions, so the wording on the day will be different.
Practice
The light is green and pedestrians are still on the crossing in front of you. What do you do?
- Go, because green gives you priority over pedestrians
- Hoot and move slowly through them
- Wait until they have cleared, then go
- Turn without indicating
Show the answer
C. Wait until they have cleared, then go. Green is permission to go when the way is clear. It is not permission to drive through people.
Questions people ask
May I turn left on a red light?
Only if a filter arrow or a sign allows that movement. A plain red light means stop.