---
title: "Advance direction sign Meaning | UK Road Signs | Fast Track"
url: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory/road-signs/advance-direction-sign
description: "How advance direction signs work, how to use them to choose a lane, and how the theory test covers junction signs."
lang: en
---

# Advance direction sign — UK road sign

A map-style sign before a junction, showing the layout and which lane leads where.

Image: Advance direction sign — green, white or blue rectangle UK road sign (https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/signs/advance-direction-sign.svg)

Advance direction signs appear before a junction and show a simplified diagram of it, with destinations attached to each arm. On multi-lane approaches they include lane arrows.

They are designed to be read at speed so that the actual junction needs no decision making.

## What this sign means

The diagram matches the shape of the junction ahead. A thicker stem shows the main route through, and side arms show the turnings.

Where lane arrows are shown, they tell you which lane serves each destination.

## What to do when you see it

Choose your lane while you are still reading the sign.

- Match your destination to the arm or lane arrow.
- Change lane once, early, rather than at the junction.
- Signal after you have settled in the correct lane.
- If you miss the turn, carry on and turn round safely rather than swerving.

## How this sign is tested

Questions present a diagram and ask which lane you should use for a stated destination.

Roundabout versions of the sign are a frequent test topic.

## Common mistakes

Leaving the lane choice until the junction, which causes late lane changes.

Reading a roundabout diagram as a crossroads and taking the wrong exit.

## Test yourself on this one

Road and traffic signs is the biggest category in the question bank with 102 questions, and signs turn up inside other categories too. Work through them free, no sign-up needed.

Practise road sign questions (https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory/practice)

## Frequently asked questions

How far before a junction do these signs appear?

Typically several hundred metres, further on high speed roads.

What do lane arrows on the sign mean?

They show which lane leads to each destination.

What if I am in the wrong lane?

Carry on to the next safe place to turn round rather than crossing lanes at the junction.

## Passed your theory? Get the practical booked

Your theory certificate lasts two years. Most learners who use it quickly do it with an intensive course — a block of hours with a DVSA approved instructor and a practical test at the end, instead of one lesson a week for months.

Intensive course prices: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/pricing
All courses: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/courses
Crash courses: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/crash-courses
Automatic lessons: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/driving-lessons/automatic
Areas we cover: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/driving-lessons-in
Driving test centres: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/driving-test-centres
How it works: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/how-it-works
Test pass guarantee: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/test-pass-guarantee

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