---
title: "Tram signals Meaning | UK Road Signs | Fast Track"
url: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory/road-signs/tram-signals
description: "How tram signals work, why they differ from traffic lights, and how the DVSA theory test asks about them."
lang: en
---

# Tram signals — UK road sign

White bar signals used to control trams separately from the ordinary traffic lights beside them.

Image: Tram signals — white and black signal head UK road sign (https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/signs/tram-signals.svg)

Trams are controlled by their own signals, which use white bars rather than red, amber and green lights. A vertical bar allows the tram to proceed, a horizontal bar means stop.

Drivers must not act on tram signals. They apply only to trams.

## What this sign means

The white bar signals give the tram driver an instruction. Angled bars indicate the direction the tram may take.

Ordinary traffic lights nearby govern road vehicles.

## What to do when you see it

Obey your own traffic lights and ignore the tram signals.

- Never move off because a tram signal has changed.
- Expect a tram to move on a phase when your light is still red.
- Do not block a tram junction while waiting.
- Give way to trams turning across your path.

## How this sign is tested

Questions ask which signals apply to which road users, using the white bar signals as the distinguishing feature.

## Common mistakes

Moving off when a white tram bar turns vertical.

Stopping on the rails while queuing at a junction.

## 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 does a vertical white bar mean?

It permits the tram to proceed.

Do tram signals apply to cars?

No. Cars follow the ordinary traffic lights.

Why are tram signals different?

So tram drivers get their own phases without confusing other traffic.

## 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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