Command sign · R116
Motorcycles only sign (R116)
Only motorcycles may use this route.
What does the motorcycles only sign mean?
Only motorcycles may use this route.
What should you do?
Use another route if you are driving a different vehicle.
| Sign code | R116 |
|---|---|
| Sign group | Command signs |
| Applies to | All learner codes (1, 2 and 3) |
| Test section | Road signs and markings |
How to recognise the motorcycles only sign
A blue circle with a white motorcycle symbol.
Where you will see it
At the beginning of a road or part of a road that is reserved for motorcycles.
What to do when you see it, step by step
- Only riders may use it.
- Drivers of other vehicles must take another route.
The common mistake
The reverse of the “motorcycles prohibited” sign (R222), which excludes riders instead.
Why this sign matters
Reserving a road for motorcycles separates riders from larger vehicles in places where that is safer or more efficient.
About command signs
Command signs tell you what you must do, such as keeping left or using a minimum speed. They are blue circles with white symbols. The K53 learner's test asks you to recognise signs like the motorcycles only sign (R116) 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: command signs for this one.
- Recall what the sign asks of you: use another route if you are driving a different vehicle.
- 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 Speed signs and mandatory directions.
Signs it is often confused with
Learners mix up signs that look or sound similar. Compare the motorcycles only sign with these:
Minimum speed (R101)A blue circle with a white number. It looks like a speed limit but is blue, not red-bordered.
Vehicles over indicated mass only (R102)A blue circle with a mass figure in tonnes (the sample artwork shows 10 t).
Keep left (R103)A blue circle with a white arrow slanting down to the left.Test yourself: Motorcycles only sign questions
1 What does this sign mean?
- Only motorcycles may use this route.
- Sounding the horn is prohibited for the next 100 metres.
- A traffic-light-controlled junction is ahead.
Show the answer
Answer A: Only motorcycles may use this route.
Use another route if you are driving a different vehicle.
Memory tip: R116 · Motorcycles only
All vehicle codes
2 Which response fits this sign?
- Avoid unnecessary noise. Always act to prevent an immediate collision.
- Use another route if you are driving a different vehicle.
- Prepare to stop if the signal requires it.
Show the answer
Answer B: Use another route if you are driving a different vehicle.
Motorcycles only: Only motorcycles may use this route.
Memory tip: Use another route if you are driving a different vehicle.
All vehicle codes
Motorcycles only sign: quick questions
What does the motorcycles only sign (R116) mean?
Only motorcycles may use this route.
What should you do at the motorcycles only sign?
Only riders may use it. Drivers of other vehicles must take another route.
Where will you see the motorcycles only sign?
At the beginning of a road or part of a road that is reserved for motorcycles.
What is the common mistake with the motorcycles only sign?
The reverse of the “motorcycles prohibited” sign (R222), which excludes riders instead.
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.