---
title: "White direction sign Meaning | UK Road Signs | Fast Track"
url: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory/road-signs/non-primary-route-direction-sign
description: "What white direction signs mean, how they differ from green and blue signs, and how the theory test covers them."
lang: en
---

# Non-primary route direction sign — UK road sign

A white sign with black lettering and a black border, pointing to local and minor roads.

Image: Non-primary route direction sign — white and black rectangle UK road sign (https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/signs/non-primary-route-direction-sign.svg)

White direction signs with black borders point along non-primary roads. These are the smaller A roads, B roads and unclassified routes that link villages and local destinations.

They complete the three colour system of blue for motorways, green for primary routes and white for everything else.

## What this sign means

The road being signed is a non-primary route. Expect lower speeds, more junctions and narrower carriageways than on a primary route.

Where a white panel appears on a green sign, that destination is reached by a non-primary road.

## What to do when you see it

Adjust your expectations of the road you are about to join.

- Anticipate slower traffic and tighter bends.
- Position early for the turn shown.
- Watch for cyclists, walkers and horse riders on rural links.
- Check the route number if you are navigating without a map.

## How this sign is tested

Questions ask what road type a white sign indicates, with green and blue as distractors.

The panel rule is tested separately.

## Common mistakes

Confusing white direction signs with local direction signs, which have blue borders.

Assuming a white signed road must be unclassified when many are A roads.

## 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

What colour are non-primary route signs?

White with black lettering and a black border.

Are white signed roads always minor?

No. They include A roads that are not designated primary routes.

What does a green panel on a white sign mean?

That destination is reached by joining a primary route.

## 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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