Warning sign · W313
Wild animals ahead sign (W313)
Wild animals may enter the road ahead.
What does the wild animals ahead sign mean?
Wild animals may enter the road ahead.
What should you do?
Watch the roadside and adjust speed to allow a safe response.
| Sign code | W313 |
|---|---|
| Sign group | Warning signs |
| Applies to | All learner codes (1, 2 and 3) |
| Test section | Road signs and markings |
How to recognise the wild animals ahead sign
A triangle showing a wild animal.
Where you will see it
Mostly on rural roads, especially near nature reserves.
What to do when you see it, step by step
- Slow down and watch the verges, particularly at dusk and dawn.
- Stop if an animal is in your path.
The common mistake
Do not swerve violently to avoid an animal; brake in a straight line where you can.
Why this sign matters
Wild animals can be large and fast. The sign tells you to watch the verges, because a collision with one can be serious.
About warning signs
Warning signs tell you about a hazard ahead so you can slow down and prepare. They are red-bordered triangles. The K53 learner's test asks you to recognise signs like the wild animals ahead sign (W313) 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: warning signs for this one.
- Recall what the sign asks of you: watch the roadside and adjust speed to allow a safe response.
- 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 Warning signs and temporary road controls.
Signs it is often confused with
Learners mix up signs that look or sound similar. Compare the wild animals ahead sign with these:
Crossroad ahead (W101)A triangle with a plain cross showing a road crossing yours.
T-junction ahead (W104)A triangle showing your road ending against a road that runs across it.
Skewed T-junction (W105)A triangle showing a T-junction whose cross-road meets yours at an angle (one of a left/right pair).Test yourself: Wild animals ahead sign questions
1 What does this sign mean?
- The passage ahead is only wide enough for one vehicle.
- Traffic may travel only in the direction shown by the arrow.
- Wild animals may enter the road ahead.
Show the answer
Answer C: Wild animals may enter the road ahead.
Watch the roadside and adjust speed to allow a safe response.
Memory tip: W313 · Wild animals ahead
All vehicle codes
2 Which response fits this sign?
- Approach carefully and follow any priority signs.
- Use this roadway only in the indicated direction.
- Watch the roadside and adjust speed to allow a safe response.
Show the answer
Answer C: Watch the roadside and adjust speed to allow a safe response.
Wild animals ahead: Wild animals may enter the road ahead.
Memory tip: Watch the roadside and adjust speed to allow a safe response.
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Wild animals ahead sign: quick questions
What does the wild animals ahead sign (W313) mean?
Wild animals may enter the road ahead.
What should you do at the wild animals ahead sign?
Slow down and watch the verges, particularly at dusk and dawn. Stop if an animal is in your path.
Where will you see the wild animals ahead sign?
Mostly on rural roads, especially near nature reserves.
What is the common mistake with the wild animals ahead sign?
Do not swerve violently to avoid an animal; brake in a straight line where you can.
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.