Road signs
Know every sign before the test
What each Irish road sign means and what to do when you see it. Learn the colour and shape system once and you can read any sign on the day.
Warning signs
Roundabout aheadWarning signs in Ireland are yellow diamonds. This one warns of a roundabout ahead, giving you time to slow down and prepare to give way.Crossroads aheadThis yellow diamond warns of a crossroads ahead. Traffic may cross or emerge, so approach with caution and be ready to give way as directed.Pedestrian crossing aheadA yellow diamond showing a pedestrian warns that a crossing is ahead. Be ready to slow or stop for people crossing the road.Slippery road aheadThis warning sign indicates the road ahead may be slippery, for example from surface water, ice, or loose material. Adjust your driving accordingly.Sharp bend to the leftThis yellow diamond warns of a sharp bend to the left ahead. The arrow shows the direction the road turns so you can adjust your speed and position before entering it.Road narrowsA yellow diamond showing the carriageway pinching in warns that the road narrows ahead. It may narrow on both sides or just one, reducing the space available.T-junction aheadThis yellow diamond warns that the road you are on ends at a T-junction ahead. You will have to turn left or right and give way to traffic on the through road.School aheadA yellow diamond showing children warns that a school or a place where children cross is ahead. Children can be unpredictable, so be ready to slow or stop.Level crossing aheadThis yellow diamond warns of a railway level crossing ahead. A gated crossing shows a fence symbol; an unguarded one shows a steam train. Never queue across the tracks.Traffic signals aheadThis yellow diamond warns that traffic signals (traffic lights) are ahead. It gives you time to slow down and be ready to stop if the lights are red or about to change.Two-way traffic aheadA yellow diamond showing two opposing arrows warns of two-way traffic ahead. It is common where a one-way street or a divided road returns to two-way working.Falling or fallen rocksThis yellow diamond warns of falling or fallen rocks, usually on roads cut through rock or beneath steep slopes. Loose material may be lying on the carriageway.Cattle or animals crossingA yellow diamond showing a cow warns that cattle or other farm animals may be on or crossing the road ahead, often near farms or open grazing land.Steep hill downwardsThis yellow diamond warns of a steep downhill gradient ahead. The percentage shows the steepness of the slope so you can prepare to control your speed.
Regulatory signs
Stop signThe STOP sign is the only octagonal (eight-sided) sign on Irish roads. It requires every driver to come to a complete stop -- not just slow down -- at the stop line.Yield (give way) signThe YIELD sign is an inverted (point-down) red triangle. It means you must give way to traffic on the road you are joining, stopping only if necessary to do so safely.No entryA red circle with a single white horizontal bar means NO ENTRY. Vehicular traffic is prohibited from entering -- typically the exit of a one-way street.Speed limit (50 km/h)A white circle with a red ring and a number sets the maximum speed in kilometres per hour. 50 km/h is the default limit in built-up areas unless another limit is signed.No overtakingThis regulatory sign prohibits overtaking. It is used where overtaking would be dangerous, such as bends, hills, or stretches with limited visibility.No left turnA red circle showing a left-turn arrow with a red diagonal bar prohibits turning left. It is used to keep traffic flowing or to protect a one-way or restricted road.No parkingA blue disc with a red ring and one red diagonal stroke means no parking. Stopping briefly to set down or pick up may be allowed, but you may not park.No U-turnA red circle showing a U-turn arrow with a red diagonal bar prohibits U-turns. It is used where turning back would be dangerous or would block traffic.No right turnA red circle showing a right-turn arrow with a red diagonal bar prohibits turning right. It is used to keep traffic flowing or to protect oncoming or restricted roads.No goods vehiclesA red ring around a lorry symbol prohibits goods vehicles, usually those above a weight shown on a plate, from using the road. It protects unsuitable or restricted routes.No stopping (clearway)A blue disc with a red ring and a red cross (two diagonal strokes) means no stopping -- a clearway. Unlike the no-parking sign, you may not even stop to set down passengers.
Mandatory signs
Turn left aheadBlue circular signs are mandatory: they tell you what you MUST do. A white arrow indicates the direction you are required to take.Keep leftA blue circle with a white arrow pointing down to the left is a mandatory sign: you must pass to the left of it. It is common on traffic islands and central refuges.Turn right aheadBlue circular signs are mandatory. A white arrow pointing right means you are required to turn right ahead -- no other direction is permitted.Ahead onlyBlue circular signs are mandatory. An upward white arrow means you must continue straight ahead -- turning is not permitted at this point.Mini-roundaboutA blue circle with three curved arrows marks a mini-roundabout. You must drive around the central marking in a clockwise direction and give way to traffic from your right.
Information signs
ParkingA blue square showing a white "P" is an information sign indicating where parking is permitted. Additional plates may set time limits or conditions.HospitalA blue rectangular sign showing a white "H" is an information sign directing you to a hospital. In Ireland it generally indicates one with accident and emergency facilities.Pedestrian crossing pointA blue square showing a pedestrian on a crossing is an information sign marking a designated pedestrian crossing point, such as a zebra crossing, at that exact location.Motorway service areaA blue rectangular sign showing facility symbols directs you to a motorway service area, where you can stop for fuel, food, toilets and rest. It guides without commanding.Tourist informationA blue rectangular sign showing a white "i" directs you to a tourist information point. Related signs in white on a brown background point to tourist and heritage attractions.