---
title: "Diversion route symbol Meaning | UK Road Signs | Fast Track"
url: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory/road-signs/diversion-route-symbol
description: "How diversion symbols work when a road is closed, why they use shapes, and how the theory test covers diversions."
lang: en
---

# Diversion route symbols — UK road sign

Black symbols on a yellow patch, used to guide traffic along an official diversion when a road is closed.

Image: Diversion route symbols — yellow and black rectangle UK road sign (https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/signs/diversion-route-symbol.svg)

When a road is closed, traffic is routed along a signed diversion marked with a simple black symbol on a yellow patch. Symbols include a solid triangle, a square, a circle and a diamond.

Different symbols allow several diversions to run through the same area without confusion.

## What this sign means

Follow the symbol shown at every junction until you rejoin your original route. The symbol, not the destination, is your instruction.

Yellow marks the signing as temporary.

## What to do when you see it

Pick your symbol at the start of the diversion and keep following the same one.

- Note the shape of the symbol at the closure point.
- Follow that symbol at each junction, ignoring other shapes.
- Do not try to shortcut back to the closed road.
- Expect heavier traffic on the diversion route.

## How this sign is tested

Questions ask what the yellow diversion symbols mean and why several different shapes may appear on the same street.

Motorway diversion symbols are tested alongside them.

## Common mistakes

Switching between symbols and ending up on someone else diversion.

Leaving the diversion early and reaching the closure from the other side.

## 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

Why are there different diversion symbols?

So that multiple diversions can be signed through the same area without conflict.

What colour are diversion signs?

Black symbols on a yellow background, marking them as temporary.

Do I have to follow the diversion?

It is the signed route around the closure and is normally the only through route available.

## 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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