---
title: "Pass Either Side Sign Meaning | UK Road Signs | Fast Track"
url: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory/road-signs/pass-either-side
description: "Learn the UK Pass Either Side road sign meaning, Highway Code ref P.609, theory test questions, and traffic island rules."
lang: en
---

# Pass either side — UK road sign

This blue circular sign indicates that vehicles may pass on either the left or right side of an obstacle.

Image: Pass either side — blue and white circle UK road sign (https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/signs/pass-either-side.svg)

Featuring two white arrows pointing diagonally downward to the left and right on a blue circle, this sign permits drivers to pass on either side.

It is positioned at central traffic islands, lane separators, and entrance channels to gyratories or petrol stations where both paths lead to valid lanes.

## What this sign means

Traffic may pass on either the left or right side of the island or obstruction.

Both routes beyond the sign lead to the same destination or continuing traffic stream.

- Blue circular sign with two white downward-diverging arrows.
- Permits passing on either the left or right side.
- Used at island separators, toll plazas, and gyratory approaches.

## What to do when you see it

Choose the lane that is clearest and best aligned with your intended destination ahead.

Avoid late lane changes or swerving between lanes when approaching the island.

## How this sign is tested

Theory test questions ask candidates to identify the meaning of diverging downward white arrows.

Questions check whether candidates understand that both paths are legal and safe.

## Common mistakes

Hesitating or coming to an unnecessary stop because of uncertainty over which side to take.

Confusing this sign with lane split warning signs (triangular warning signs).

## 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

Does it matter which side I choose to pass?

No, both sides are legal, but choose the lane that provides the clearest path for your route.

Where are Pass Either Side signs typically installed?

On central refuge islands at multi-lane junction approaches, traffic split points, and petrol station entries.

Is Pass Either Side a mandatory sign?

Yes, blue circular signs give positive mandatory instructions.

## 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": "Pass either side — UK road sign"
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "@type": "FAQPage",
        "mainEntity": [
          {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "Does it matter which side I choose to pass?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
              "@type": "Answer",
              "text": "No, both sides are legal, but choose the lane that provides the clearest path for your route."
            }
          },
          {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "Where are Pass Either Side signs typically installed?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
              "@type": "Answer",
              "text": "On central refuge islands at multi-lane junction approaches, traffic split points, and petrol station entries."
            }
          },
          {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "Is Pass Either Side a mandatory sign?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
              "@type": "Answer",
              "text": "Yes, blue circular signs give positive mandatory instructions."
            }
          }
        ]
      }
    ]
  }
]
```