Control sign · R1.5
Manual STOP/GO control sign (R1.5)
A manually operated board indicates whether you must stop or may proceed cautiously.
What does the manual stop/go control sign mean?
A manually operated board indicates whether you must stop or may proceed cautiously.
What should you do?
Stop when STOP faces you. Move only when GO is displayed and the route is safe.
| Sign code | R1.5 |
|---|---|
| Sign group | Control signs |
| Applies to | All learner codes (1, 2 and 3) |
| Test section | Road signs and markings |
How to recognise the manual stop/go control sign
A hand-held board with two faces: a red octagon marked STOP on one side and a yellow GO octagon on the other.
Where you will see it
Roadworks and other places where a trained person controls a single lane or a narrow section for a short time.
What to do when you see it, step by step
- Stop and wait while STOP faces you.
- When the board turns to GO, move off with caution, but only if the way ahead is clear.
The common mistake
The operator can reverse the board at any moment, so do not simply follow the vehicle in front. Obey the face turned towards you now.
About control signs
Control signs tell you how to enter, cross or use part of the road, for example by stopping or giving way. They are mostly red and white. The K53 learner's test asks you to recognise signs like the manual stop/go control sign (R1.5) and choose the correct response, so learn both the picture and the action.
How to answer a test question about this sign
- Look at the shape and colour first. They tell you the group: control signs for this one.
- Recall what the sign asks of you: stop when STOP faces you. Move only when GO is displayed and the route is safe.
- Remove the options that describe a different group of sign, then choose the response that matches the action.
Want the full explanation? Read the chapter Stop and yield signs.
Signs it is often confused with
Learners mix up signs that look or sound similar. Compare the manual stop/go control sign with these:
Stop (R1)A red octagon with white STOP lettering. No other road sign has eight sides, so it can be recognised even when dirt hides the…
Stop with left-turn yield (R1.2)A STOP sign mounted above a small yield triangle that contains a left-turn arrow.
Three-way stop (R1.3)A STOP sign with a small plate showing the number 3 beneath it.Test yourself: Manual STOP/GO control sign questions
1 What does this sign mean?
- Vehicles may not enter from this direction.
- This route is restricted to motorcars.
- A manually operated board indicates whether you must stop or may proceed cautiously.
Show the answer
Answer C: A manually operated board indicates whether you must stop or may proceed cautiously.
Stop when STOP faces you. Move only when GO is displayed and the route is safe.
Memory tip: R1.5 · Manual STOP/GO control
All vehicle codes
2 Which response fits this sign?
- Check that your vehicle is in the permitted class.
- Find a permitted route. This sign applies even when the road appears empty.
- Stop when STOP faces you. Move only when GO is displayed and the route is safe.
Show the answer
Answer C: Stop when STOP faces you. Move only when GO is displayed and the route is safe.
Manual STOP/GO control: A manually operated board indicates whether you must stop or may proceed cautiously.
Memory tip: Stop when STOP faces you. Move only when GO is displayed and the route is safe.
All vehicle codes
Manual STOP/GO control sign: quick questions
What does the manual stop/go control sign (R1.5) mean?
A manually operated board indicates whether you must stop or may proceed cautiously.
What should you do at the manual stop/go control sign?
Stop and wait while STOP faces you. When the board turns to GO, move off with caution, but only if the way ahead is clear.
Where will you see the manual stop/go control sign?
Roadworks and other places where a trained person controls a single lane or a narrow section for a short time.
What is the common mistake with the manual stop/go control sign?
The operator can reverse the board at any moment, so do not simply follow the vehicle in front. Obey the face turned towards you now.
Sign artwork: Southern African Development Community (SADC), public domain. AceK53 is an independent study aid. Always confirm test requirements with your driving licence testing centre.