--- title: "Give Way To Oncoming Traffic Sign Meaning | UK Road Signs" url: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory/road-signs/give-way-to-oncoming-traffic description: "Understand the give way to oncoming traffic sign, common at traffic calming narrowings, and how it is tested in the theory test." lang: en --- # Give way to oncoming traffic — UK road sign A circular sign with two facing arrows showing that oncoming vehicles have priority through a narrowed section of road. Image: Give way to oncoming traffic — red, white and black circle UK road sign (https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/signs/give-way-to-oncoming-traffic.svg) At many traffic calming narrowings, only one vehicle can pass at a time, so priority must be clearly assigned. This sign tells drivers that oncoming traffic has priority and they must wait if a vehicle is already coming through. ## What this sign means The sign shows a thick red arrow pointing down and a thin black arrow pointing up, indicating that oncoming traffic has priority. It is usually paired with a give way sign or markings just before the narrow section. ## What to do when you see it Check carefully for oncoming vehicles and wait if any are approaching or already in the narrow section. - Slow down and look well ahead for oncoming traffic - Wait at the give way point if a vehicle is coming through - Only proceed when the way is clear - Do not assume other drivers will give way to you ## How this sign is tested The theory test may ask you to interpret the arrows correctly and identify who has priority at a narrowing. This sign is often confused with its opposite, so understanding the arrow thickness convention matters. ## Common mistakes Drivers sometimes misread the arrows and proceed when they should be giving way, risking a head on conflict. Another mistake is assuming priority applies to you without checking which arrow is thickest. ## 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 do I know who has priority at a narrowing The thick arrow shows which direction has priority, the thin arrow shows which direction must give way. What should I do if I see this sign Check for oncoming traffic and wait until the way is clear before entering the narrow section. Is this sign the same as a give way triangle No, this circular sign specifically deals with priority through narrow sections, unlike the standard give way triangle used at junctions. ## 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 ## Structured data ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/#organization", "name": "Fast Track Driving Lessons", "url": "https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/", "email": "info@fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk", "areaServed": "GB", "description": "Intensive driving courses and driving lessons across the UK with DVSA-approved instructors." }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/#website", "url": "https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/", "name": "Fast Track Driving Lessons", "publisher": { "@id": "https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/#organization" }, "potentialAction": { "@type": "SearchAction", "target": { "@type": "EntryPoint", "urlTemplate": "https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/search?q={search_term_string}" }, "query-input": "required name=search_term_string" } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Theory test", "item": "https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Road signs", "item": "https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory/road-signs" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Give way to oncoming traffic — UK road sign" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I know who has priority at a narrowing", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The thick arrow shows which direction has priority, the thin arrow shows which direction must give way." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What should I do if I see this sign", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Check for oncoming traffic and wait until the way is clear before entering the narrow section." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is this sign the same as a give way triangle", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No, this circular sign specifically deals with priority through narrow sections, unlike the standard give way triangle used at junctions." } } ] } ] } ] ```