Warning sign · W339
General danger sign (W339)
A danger requiring extra caution lies ahead.
What does the general danger sign mean?
A danger requiring extra caution lies ahead.
What should you do?
Read any supplementary plate and approach carefully.
| Sign code | W339 |
|---|---|
| Sign group | Warning signs |
| Applies to | All learner codes (1, 2 and 3) |
| Test section | Road signs and markings |
How to recognise the general danger sign
A triangle with an exclamation mark.
Where you will see it
On any road, often with a plate explaining the danger.
What to do when you see it, step by step
- Slow down and look for anything on or beside the road that could make you change speed or direction.
The common mistake
It is a general warning. Read any supporting plate to learn what the danger is.
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 general danger sign (W339) 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: read any supplementary plate and approach carefully.
- 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 general danger 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: General danger sign questions
1 What does this sign mean?
- The road curves ahead in the direction shown.
- A danger requiring extra caution lies ahead.
- An axle mass restriction applies as shown.
Show the answer
Answer B: A danger requiring extra caution lies ahead.
Read any supplementary plate and approach carefully.
Memory tip: W339 · General danger
All vehicle codes
2 Which response fits this sign?
- Adjust speed before the curve.
- Check the axle load before proceeding beyond the sign.
- Read any supplementary plate and approach carefully.
Show the answer
Answer C: Read any supplementary plate and approach carefully.
General danger: A danger requiring extra caution lies ahead.
Memory tip: Read any supplementary plate and approach carefully.
All vehicle codes
General danger sign: quick questions
What does the general danger sign (W339) mean?
A danger requiring extra caution lies ahead.
What should you do at the general danger sign?
Slow down and look for anything on or beside the road that could make you change speed or direction.
Where will you see the general danger sign?
On any road, often with a plate explaining the danger.
What is the common mistake with the general danger sign?
It is a general warning. Read any supporting plate to learn what the danger is.
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.