Learner’s Licence Test: Road Signs and Rules You Must Know

The learner’s licence test is a short computer-based multiple-choice test on road signs, traffic rules and a driver’s duties. If you can recognise the three types of road signs and know the basic rules in this guide, you are well prepared. The test screen tells you how many questions there are and the pass mark before you begin.

The three types of road signs

Indian road signs follow simple shapes. Learn the shapes first, and many questions become easy.

Type	Shape and colour	What it does	Examples
Mandatory (regulatory)	Mostly circles with a red border; blue circles for compulsory directions	Gives an order you must obey	No Entry, No Parking, Speed Limit, No Horn, No U-Turn, Compulsory Turn Left
Cautionary (warning)	Triangles with a red border	Warns you about something ahead	School Ahead, Pedestrian Crossing, Sharp Curve, Speed Breaker, Narrow Bridge, Slippery Road
Informatory	Rectangles, usually blue	Gives useful information	Hospital, Parking, Petrol Pump, First Aid, Eating Place

Two mandatory signs have special shapes worth remembering: Stop is a red octagon, and Give Way is an upside-down triangle.

Traffic lights

• Red – stop behind the stop line.
• Amber – stop, unless you are already too close to stop safely.
• Green – go, if the road ahead is clear.
• Flashing amber – slow down and proceed with caution.

Road markings

• Broken white line – separates lanes. You may cross it to change lanes when it is safe.
• Continuous line – don’t cross it or overtake across it.
• Double continuous lines – never cross them.
• Zebra crossing – the striped area where pedestrians cross. Stop before it and give way.
• Stop line – the white line at a junction or signal. Stop behind it, not on it.

Rules of the road you must know

• Drive on the left side of the road, and keep left unless you are overtaking.
• Overtake from the right, and only when the road ahead is clear. Don’t overtake on bends, on bridges or near pedestrian crossings.
• Give way to pedestrians at zebra crossings.
• Give way to ambulances and fire engines – move aside and let them pass.
• Don’t use the horn in silence zones, such as near hospitals.
• Signal before turning, changing lanes or stopping.
• Wear a seat belt in a car. On a two-wheeler, both the rider and the pillion must wear helmets.
• Never use a mobile phone while driving.
• Never drive after drinking alcohol.
• At a railway level crossing, slow down, look both ways and never try to cross while the gate is closing.
• Carry your licence and the vehicle’s papers: registration certificate, insurance and pollution under control (PUC) certificate.
• While on a learner’s licence, drive only with a licensed driver beside you and “L” plates on the front and back.

Hand signals

Some questions show a driver’s hand signal. These are the common ones, given with the right arm out of the driver’s window:

What the driver means	The signal
I am turning right or moving to the right	Right arm stretched straight out, palm facing forward
I am turning left	Right arm stretched out and rotated in an anticlockwise circle
I am slowing down	Right arm stretched out, palm down, moved up and down
I am stopping	Right forearm raised upright, palm facing forward

Sample questions to test yourself

1. A red octagonal sign means – Stop.
2. An upside-down triangle sign means – Give way.
3. A triangular sign with a red border is – a warning (cautionary) sign.
4. When an ambulance approaches with its siren on, you should – move aside and let it pass.
5. You should overtake from – the right.
6. Near a hospital, you should – not use the horn.
7. A flashing amber signal means – slow down and proceed with caution.
8. While holding a learner’s licence, you must – drive with a licensed driver beside you and display “L” plates.
9. A blue circular sign with an arrow means – you must go in the direction shown.
10. A broken white line between lanes means – you may change lanes when it is safe.
11. A sign showing a horn with a red line across it means – using the horn is not allowed.
12. Before turning right, you should – check your mirrors, signal and move to the right side of your lane.

How to prepare

• Spend 20 minutes a day for a few days learning signs by shape and colour, then by meaning.
• Take a few free online practice tests on road signs and rules until you pass them comfortably.
• Read every question to the end. The options are often similar, and one word can change the answer.
• If you take the test online from home, keep your Aadhaar-linked phone ready for one-time passwords and sit somewhere quiet.

New to the process? Start with how to get a learner’s licence in Delhi and our documents checklist. Once you have your LL and start driving, our tips for driving in Delhi traffic will help you put these rules into practice.

Rules, fees and forms change. Confirm the current details on Parivahan Sewa or with the Delhi Transport Department before you apply. Last checked: October 2026.