DGT Road Signs Guide: Every Sign You Need to Know
Spanish road signs are divided into five main categories: prohibition, obligation, warning, priority, and information signs. On the DGT Permit B theory test, road signs account for 5 to 7 of the 30 questions — more than any other topic. Understanding every sign category is essential to passing.
How Many Road Sign Questions Are on the DGT Test?
Road signs are the single largest topic on the DGT exam, typically accounting for 5 to 7 questions per test. Questions cover not just recognition but also understanding what action you must take. The exam tests both common signs and less frequently seen ones. Many candidates know the obvious signs but fail on unusual prohibition or end-of-restriction signs.
Prohibition Signs (Circular, White Background, Red Border)
Prohibition signs tell you what you cannot do. They are circular with a white background and a red border. Common examples include no entry, no overtaking, speed limit, no parking, and no stopping. The diagonal red line across the sign indicates prohibition. End-of-prohibition signs look similar but with a black diagonal line on a white background — a common source of confusion on the exam. Key prohibitions to know: no entry (red circle, white horizontal bar), no vehicles in both directions, no overtaking, no horn use, and no U-turn.
Obligation Signs (Circular, Blue Background)
Obligation signs tell you what you must do. They are circular with a blue background and white symbol. Common obligations include: mandatory direction (straight, turn left, turn right), roundabout, minimum speed, snow chains required, and separated lanes for different vehicle types. The key difference from prohibition signs: obligation signs are positive instructions (do this), not restrictions (don't do this). On the exam, pay attention to the arrows — a slight change in arrow direction completely changes the meaning.
Warning Signs (Triangular, White Background, Red Border)
Warning signs alert you to upcoming hazards. They are triangular with a white background and red border, point upward. Common warnings include: curve ahead, intersection, pedestrian crossing, roadworks, slippery road, animals crossing, and falling rocks. Warning signs do not prohibit or require action — they advise caution. The exam often tests whether you understand the difference between a warning sign and a prohibition sign. For example, a warning for a curve does not impose a speed limit, but you should adjust your speed.
Priority Signs
Priority signs establish who has the right of way. They have distinctive shapes that differ from other categories. The yield sign (inverted triangle, white with red border), stop sign (octagonal, red), priority road (diamond, yellow and white), and end of priority road are essential. Also included are signs indicating priority over oncoming traffic and signs giving priority to oncoming traffic. These are among the most frequently tested and most commonly failed sign categories.
Information Signs (Rectangular, Blue or Green)
Information signs provide useful information rather than instructions. They are rectangular and come in blue (general information, parking, hospital, etc.) or green (direction signs on motorways). White rectangular signs indicate urban destinations. Brown signs indicate tourist or cultural points of interest. The exam rarely tests information signs directly, but they appear in intersection images where you need to understand the context of the scenario.
Road Markings
Road markings complement vertical signs. Continuous white lines mean no crossing or overtaking. Dashed white lines allow crossing when safe. Double continuous lines prohibit crossing from either direction. Yellow lines on the kerb indicate parking restrictions: continuous yellow = no stopping, dashed yellow = no parking but stopping allowed. Zig-zag lines near pedestrian crossings mean no parking or stopping. The exam tests these frequently, especially in combination with signs.
Traffic Lights and Signals
Beyond standard red/amber/green lights, the DGT tests knowledge of arrow signals, flashing amber lights, police hand signals, and their hierarchy. The priority order is: police officer signals override traffic lights, which override road signs, which override road markings. Flashing amber means proceed with caution. A green arrow allows turning in that direction regardless of the main signal. Flashing red means stop completely, similar to a stop sign.
Tips for Mastering Road Signs on the DGT Exam
Study signs by category rather than randomly. Learn the sign "families" — once you understand that all prohibition signs share the same shape and colours, you can quickly identify unfamiliar ones. Pay special attention to: end-of-restriction signs (commonly confused with their active counterparts), signs that look similar but have different meanings, and the interaction between signs and road markings. Practice with timed tests to build speed and confidence. DGT Pass organises questions by topic, so you can drill road signs specifically until you master them.