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DVA report 12.0–12.5

Response to Signs and Signals on the Northern Ireland driving test

You need to recognise road signs, markings, traffic lights and lawful signals early enough to respond safely.

What the examiner is assessing

The correct response may involve speed, lane choice, stopping, giving way or following directions from police, school crossing patrols or other authorised controllers.

The category does not determine the grade by itself.A mistake can be recorded differently depending on the circumstances, repetition and level of risk. One serious or dangerous fault fails the test, while 16 or more driving faults also results in a fail.

Examples of weaknesses in this area

These examples are for understanding and practice; they are not a promise that a particular mistake will always receive a particular grade.

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Seeing a sign but acting too late to change lane or speed safely.

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Moving on a green light without first checking that the junction is clear.

How to improve before the next test

  1. Use PureCar’s road-sign library to remove recognition gaps.
  2. On lessons, identify each important sign early and say what action it requires.

Turn the report into practice

Related practice guide

Work directly on the driving skill most closely connected to this report area.

Open practice guide →

Build an Improvement Plan

Add this category alongside the other marks from your report.

Create plan →

Mock Practical Test

Track faults during a supervised practice drive.

Start mock →

Other report categories

1.0 Eyesight Test 1.2 Vehicle Safety Questions 2.0 Ancillary Controls 3.0 Precautions 4.0–4.7 Control 5.0–5.2 Move Away 6.0–6.2 Emergency Stop 7.0–7.2 Reverse to the Left or Right 8.0–8.2 Turn in the Road 9.0–9.2 Reverse Parking
Reviewed against official Northern Ireland guidanceInformation checked 21 September 2026.
Official source ↗