Direction guidance

Direction guidance: how to read them

This chapter teaches 6 signs from the official manual: Stack-type advance direction, Stack-type direction, Confirmation, Fingerboard, Map-type advance direction, Overhead direction.

Read the wording and symbol on each sign carefully. They tell you who the sign applies to, where it applies and what you must do, and two signs that look alike can apply to different road users.

Key idea: Check who a sign applies to before deciding what it means for you.

Stack-type advance direction — GD1

How to read it. This sign lists the route numbers leading from an intersection and the destinations that can be reached from it. It is a stacked list of directions.

Where you meet it. It is on the left-hand side of the road before an intersection.

What to do. Make sure which route you want, slow down for the intersection and take the correct route. It applies to all drivers approaching the intersection.

In practice. On the approach to a big intersection you read the list, find your destination and slow down to take the correct route.

Key idea: Read the stacked directions early and take the right route.

Stack-type direction — GD1.112

How to read it. This sign lists the route numbers leading from the intersection and the destinations that can be reached from it.

Where you meet it. It is on the far left-hand corner of an intersection.

What to do. Slow down and make sure you take the correct route. Also look out for other traffic at the intersection that might not yield. It applies to all drivers.

In practice. At the intersection you read the sign at the far left corner, slow down to take the correct route and check that other traffic yields.

Easily confused. It is at the intersection itself; the stack-type advance sign is placed before it.

Key idea: At the intersection: slow down, pick your route and watch other traffic.

Confirmation — GD3

How to read it. This sign confirms the route to a destination and the distance to it in kilometres.

Where you meet it. It is on the left-hand side of the road a short distance beyond an intersection.

What to do. Note the destination, and especially the distance, so you can plan your trip, for example to fill up with petrol or rest. It applies to all drivers.

In practice. After an intersection you see the sign, note the distance to the next town and decide to stop for fuel before going on.

Key idea: Confirmation sign: use the distance to plan fuel and rest.

Fingerboard — GD4

How to read it. This sign guides you to small locations or to destinations on less travelled routes.

Where you meet it. It is on the far left-hand corner of an intersection.

What to do. Slow down and look out for traffic that might not yield at the intersection. It applies to all drivers.

In practice. At a country intersection you see the sign pointing to a small place. You slow down and check for other traffic.

Key idea: Fingerboard at the corner: slow down and watch for traffic.

Map-type advance direction — GD5

How to read it. This sign gives advance guidance on the shape of the intersection ahead, plus the numbers and destinations of the routes leaving it.

Where you meet it. It is on the left-hand side of the road before an intersection.

What to do. Use it to decide where you want to go before you reach the intersection. It applies to all drivers approaching.

In practice. You read the sign ahead of the intersection, see which way your route leaves it, and prepare early.

Key idea: Map-type sign: plan your route before you reach the intersection.

Overhead direction — GD12

How to read it. This sign tells you in advance which lane leads to a specific destination.

Where you meet it. It is used on any road with more than one traffic lane, especially in rural areas.

What to do. Move in good time to the correct lane for your destination or route. It applies to all drivers on that road.

In practice. On a multi-lane road you see the sign above the lanes, check which lane goes your way, and change lanes early.

Key idea: Overhead sign: get into the correct lane in good time.

Quick recap

• Stack-type advance direction (GD1): Read the stacked directions early and take the right route.
• Stack-type direction (GD1.112): At the intersection: slow down, pick your route and watch other traffic.
• Confirmation (GD3): Confirmation sign: use the distance to plan fuel and rest.
• Fingerboard (GD4): Fingerboard at the corner: slow down and watch for traffic.
• Map-type advance direction (GD5): Map-type sign: plan your route before you reach the intersection.
• Overhead direction (GD12): Overhead sign: get into the correct lane in good time.