Control sign · R2
Yield sign (R2)
Give way to traffic on the road you are entering or crossing.
What does the yield sign mean?
Give way to traffic on the road you are entering or crossing.
What should you do?
Slow down early. Stop if needed to let traffic or pedestrians pass.
| Sign code | R2 |
|---|---|
| Sign group | Control signs |
| Applies to | All learner codes (1, 2 and 3) |
| Test section | Road signs and markings |
How to recognise the yield sign
A triangle pointing downwards with a red border and a plain white centre.
Where you will see it
Junctions where your road meets another, railway crossings and some entrances to busy roads.
What to do when you see it, step by step
- Ease off early.
- Look both ways, and stop if traffic or pedestrians with priority are close enough that your entering would endanger them.
- If the road is truly clear you may continue without stopping.
The common mistake
A yield sign does not always mean stop, but it does always mean give way. Do not confuse it with an upright warning triangle: this one points down.
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 yield sign (R2) 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: slow down early. Stop if needed to let traffic or pedestrians pass.
- 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 yield sign with these:
Stop with left-turn yield (R1.2)A STOP sign mounted above a small yield triangle that contains a left-turn arrow.
Yield to pedestrians (R2.1)A yield triangle with a small plate beneath it showing a pedestrian figure.
Yield at traffic circle (R2.2)A yield triangle containing black arrows chasing each other in a circle.Test yourself: Yield sign questions
1 What does this sign mean?
- You may not exceed 120 km/h.
- Give way to traffic on the road you are entering or crossing.
- You must turn right at this point.
Show the answer
Answer B: Give way to traffic on the road you are entering or crossing.
Slow down early. Stop if needed to let traffic or pedestrians pass.
Memory tip: R2 · Yield
All vehicle codes
2 Which response fits this sign?
- Check, signal and turn right safely.
- Adjust your speed to the road and weather conditions.
- Slow down early. Stop if needed to let traffic or pedestrians pass.
Show the answer
Answer C: Slow down early. Stop if needed to let traffic or pedestrians pass.
Yield: Give way to traffic on the road you are entering or crossing.
Memory tip: Slow down early. Stop if needed to let traffic or pedestrians pass.
All vehicle codes
Yield sign: quick questions
What does the yield sign (R2) mean?
Give way to traffic on the road you are entering or crossing.
What should you do at the yield sign?
Ease off early. Look both ways, and stop if traffic or pedestrians with priority are close enough that your entering would endanger them. If the road is truly clear you may continue without stopping.
Where will you see the yield sign?
Junctions where your road meets another, railway crossings and some entrances to busy roads.
What is the common mistake with the yield sign?
A yield sign does not always mean stop, but it does always mean give way. Do not confuse it with an upright warning triangle: this one points down.
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.