Step 1. The big picture
In one sentence…
Master the hierarchy between officers, circumstantial signalling, traffic lights, vertical signs and road markings, and study the current official catalogue paying attention to the most recent updates. Don't memorise loose drawings; relate each sign to the conduct it requires.
Step 2. The syllabus
2.1Hierarchy of signalling
The priority between signs isn't arbitrary: first you obey officers' orders, then circumstantial signalling, then traffic lights, vertical signs and finally road markings.
- If two signs appear to contradict each other, the higher-ranking one prevails; in the exam, many questions are solved by remembering this hierarchy before looking at shape or colour.
- Signs apply from the place where they're positioned, unless they indicate a distance, the length of a section or the end of a prohibition.
- Remembering the full order gives you a fixed rule for resolving situations that at first glance seem ambiguous or conflicting.
2.2Families of signs
Danger warning signs warn of a nearby risk; regulatory signs impose prohibitions or obligations; and information signs guide, confirm or inform about the use of the road.
- Distinguishing the family by its function, not just its drawing, lets you work out the correct behaviour even if you don't recall the exact sign from memory.
- Danger signs only warn, while regulatory signs command; confusing warning with obliging is a common source of errors in the exam.
2.3Traffic lights and officers
Traffic lights regulate the right of way with priority over an incompatible vertical sign, and their lights can be aimed at all users or at a specific lane, vehicle or manoeuvre.
- Officers' orders rank above any traffic light or sign, so an officer directing traffic takes precedence even if the traffic light indicates otherwise.
- Faced with a question that sets an officer, a traffic light and a sign against each other, always resolve it by rank: officer first, then traffic light, then vertical signage.
2.4Road markings
Road markings define lanes, excluded zones, pedestrian crossings, continuous or broken lines and rules for stopping, parking and priority.
- A continuous line must not be crossed or driven over to overtake, while a broken line allows certain manoeuvres; misreading them completely changes the correct answer.
- Don't read a road marking in isolation: relate it to the vertical signs and the rest of the signalling on the lane or at the junction before deciding.
2.5Practical reading in the exam and on the road
Don't study signs as loose drawings: relate each one to the conduct required, the position of the vehicle and the anticipation needed.
- At a junction, a priority sign is worth more than the general rule of giving way to the right; at roadworks, temporary signalling can override the permanent signalling.
- When a question mentions a reversible lane, an extra lane or a temporary diversion, pay attention to the road delineation devices, the arrows and the variable message panels.
2.6Official catalogue and the 2025 update
The official catalogue of signs was updated in 2025, with new representations and pictograms and panels adapted to current mobility.
- To study rigorously, use up-to-date material and be wary of old diagrams that keep discontinued signs or incomplete meanings.
- If a question sets a new sign against a classic one, the key remains the same: identify danger, prohibition, obligation or information and apply the correct conduct.
2.7Signs that matter most on a motorcycle
On a motorcycle you must pay special attention to slippery road surface, crosswind, level crossings, animals, linked bends, roadworks and category-specific restrictions.
- These warnings weigh more on two wheels because a slippery surface or a gust of wind affects balance in a way a passenger car barely notices.
- Anticipating the sign gives you time to reduce speed and adjust your line before reaching the dangerous section, instead of reacting once already inside it.
Step 3. Key points
If you only have a minute before the exam, revise this.
- 1.Recognise the full hierarchy of signalling.
- 2.Apply first the officer, then the traffic light and then the vertical sign.
- 3.Distinguish danger, regulatory, information and temporary signalling.
- 4.Relate each sign to the conduct required and the section affected.
- 5.Read road markings alongside the rest of the signalling, not in isolation.
- 6.Study the updated catalogue, not just old images.
- 7.Pay attention to the signs that most affect motorcycles.
Step 4. Exam traps
Mistakes the DGT uses again and again on this topic.
- Confusing the general priority rule with a vertical sign or an operating traffic light.
- Forgetting that temporary roadworks signalling can modify the usual regime.
- Reading a road marking in isolation without relating it to the rest of the signalling on the lane or at the junction.
- Confusing a danger sign, which only warns, with a regulatory sign, which obliges.
- Studying with old material that keeps signs discontinued after the 2025 reform.
- Giving the traffic light priority over the order of an officer directing traffic.
Step 5. Quick check
Four real exam questions on what you have just read.
You ride a motorcycle normally on a road outside a built-up area with two lanes in each direction and a passable hard shoulder. There is no emergency or authorised extraordinary use of the shoulder. Which lane should you generally use?
Step 6. Frequently asked questions about signs
- Can road traffic accidents be avoided?
- Yes, by knowing the causes that trigger them. Knowing the risk factors that contribute to the occurrence of road traffic accidents, as well as the causes that trigger them, can prevent a large number of them. Among the factors that promote accident-free driving are ergonomics, road safety education, and the correct interpretation of the stimuli encountered while driving.See full question
- The knowledge of the motorcycle necessary to drive safely is obtained...
- Mainly through experience, in addition to good theoretical and practical training. Knowledge of the motorcycle and how it should be driven correctly is achieved, in addition to good theoretical and practical training, through experience gained at the controls of the vehicle. This is why, at the beginning, we must be extremely prudent and drive safely, as we do not yet have the necessary experience.See full question
- You ride a motorcycle in a conventional roundabout with several concentric lanes and no signs or markings establishing a different exit arrangement. Which lane must you move into before leaving?
- In the right-hand lane. Move into the outer right-hand lane beforehand and signal the exit. When changing lanes, respect vehicles already in the lane and make the manoeuvre safely and in good time. Do not cut across another vehicle’s path from an inner lane; if you cannot get into position in time, continue around and prepare the exit again. Lane use while circulating depends on the applicable rules and signs.See full question
- Under current regulations, what accessory must a motorcycle carry while in use?
- A high-visibility reflective vest meeting regulatory requirements. It must carry a high-visibility reflective vest meeting the requirements for personal protective equipment. This duty appears in paragraph 3 of Annex XII to the General Vehicle Regulations, effective from 1 October 2026. That annex does not require motorcycles to carry a spare wheel or the tools to change it. Carrying the vest does not mean it replaces the helmet, gloves or footwear required of the rider and passenger.See full question
- Your motorcycle has hazard warning lights and is immobilised by a breakdown, creating a danger for other road users. May you use those lights to warn them?
- Yes. Yes. You may use the motorcycle’s hazard warning lights to warn of dangerous immobilisation; they are not prohibited on motorcycles and their use is not restricted to roads outside built-up areas. On motorways, dual carriageways or in circumstances significantly reducing visibility, use those lights if fitted and, where appropriate, position lights to indicate the vehicle’s presence. They are a warning rather than a means of obtaining priority; move the vehicle to a safe place when possible.See full question
Official sources
Test what you've studied on signs
Exam-style questions on this topic, with an explanation after every answer.
Now, practise it
Test what you have read with exam-style questions and an explanation after each answer.
Related lessons
- A1Signs
Master the hierarchy between officers, temporary signage, traffic lights, vertical signs and road markings, and study the current official catalogue with attention to the most recent updates. Don't memorise isolated pictures: link each sign to the conduct it requires.
- AMSigns
Master the hierarchy between officers, temporary signage, traffic lights, vertical signs and road markings, and study the current official catalogue with attention to the most recent updates. In the moped exam, many questions are solved by correctly applying that priority order.
- BSigns
Master the hierarchy between officers, temporary signage, traffic lights, vertical signs and road markings. In the exam you must recognise which order prevails, what conduct each sign requires, and when a temporary indication changes what you would normally expect to see on the road.
- B+ESigns
Master the hierarchy between officers, circumstantial signalling, traffic lights, vertical signs and road markings, and study the current official catalogue paying attention to how combinations with a trailer behave. In B+E you must read every sign thinking about mass, length, lane, stability and the section affected.
- CSigns
Master the hierarchy between officers, circumstantial signalling, traffic lights, vertical signs and road markings, and study the current official catalogue paying attention to the most recent updates. For the C licence - Truck, always add the restrictions specific to goods and heavy vehicles.
- C+ESigns
Master the hierarchy between officers, circumstantial signalling, traffic lights, vertical signs and road markings, and study the official catalogue in force, paying attention to recent updates. In C+E, every sign must be read together with the combination's size, length, mass and manoeuvre.