Direction signs

What do direction signs look like?

Direction signs are square and can have several background colours, including blue, yellow, white, orange and brown. There are exceptions to this rule of thumb. Direction signs provide information about place names, services, routes, lane choices, road choices and the distance to destinations.

Overhead gantry direction sign

The sign shows which directions of travel or destinations the lanes are intended for.

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Is the gantry advance direction sign important for the theory test and the driving test?

The gantry advance direction sign is part of the syllabus for both the theory test and the driving test. You must be able to recognize the sign type and variant, and choose the correct lane in good time before the junction.

What is the gantry advance direction sign?

The gantry advance direction sign shows lane assignment using arrows and destinations (place names, road or route numbers, symbols). The variants are:

For one lane (709.1) – arrow next to or below the text.
For multiple lanes (709.2) – one sign above all lanes with straight arrows.
For multiple directions (709.3) – combined arrow for turning and going straight ahead.
For lane drop (709.4) – bent arrow when a lane ends.
For ferry terminals (709.5) – lane assignment at staging lanes.

When do you encounter the gantry advance direction sign?

You find the gantry advance direction sign particularly on:

Multi-lane roads – at complex junctions.
Motorways – before exit ramps.
Urban arterial roads – to distribute traffic between lanes.
Ferry terminals – for sorting into staging lanes.

What happens if you miss the gantry advance direction sign?

Missing the gantry advance direction sign can lead to dangerous lane changes, congestion problems and unexpected braking. On the driving test you may lose marks for failing to plan ahead and choose the correct lane.

Why is the gantry advance direction sign important?

The sign ensures safe and efficient traffic flow by giving early information about the correct lane. It reduces stress and incidents, and provides a predictable driving experience for all road users.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the gantry advance direction sign

What sets the variants apart? – The variants show different lane structures: one lane, multiple lanes, combined directions, lane drops or ferries.
Can the signs show multiple destinations? – Yes. A maximum of five destinations, but the gantry advance direction sign should have fewer to remain readable.