Understanding Road Signs in Western Australia

For most people, learning to drive is an exciting experience. This new skill comes with new freedom, giving you the ability to explore the open road whenever and wherever.

However, before you get your chance to enjoy the perks of being a full-fledged driver, there’s a lot you need to learn so that you can confidently and safely navigate the roads. There’s crucial information you need to retain and master. This information includes basic automobile knowledge, including how vehicles function, different traffic situations, road signs and many more.

In this article, you’ll learn about the various traffic signs including school zone signs that you’re sure to encounter while driving in Western Australia.

Road Signs and the Basic Rules of the Road

Before confidently getting behind the wheel of a car, there are the basic rules of the road you should be aware of.

As a learner driver, you must develop an appreciation and understanding of road rules. These are embodied in road signs, traffic rules and regulations, and manifested in proper driving etiquettes, such as your driving behaviour at roundabouts, intersections and crowded city streets.

Mastering the various traffic signs requires commitment, patience, practice and discipline. However, you’ll gain significant insights into the different road signs that will help you remember and understand them with the information below.

3 Main Groups of Traffic Signs

Traffic signs provide drivers and other road users vital information to keep them safe, maintain order and prevent accidents. Without Australian road signs (or if drivers disregard them), driving would be a dangerous undertaking, and the roads would be unsafe for everyone.

Road signs come in different shapes and colours. Each traffic control sign conveys a particular meaning or communicates a specific message. Using various shapes and colours, it becomes easier for motorists and pedestrians to identify each sign quickly.

This way, drivers can act accordingly with little to no interruption in their driving.

Although there are several road signs you’ll encounter as a driver, most of them fall within one of the three main groups, namely:

• Regulatory signs
• Warning signs
• Guide or information signs

Regulatory Signs

The primary purpose of regulatory signs is to control traffic. Regulatory signs are not optional, so they must be abided by you at all times. They usually appear as red or black signs with a white background.

Below are some common regulatory road signs you’re sure to encounter in Western Australia:

1. No Entry – under no circumstances should you enter

2. One Way – the road is one way to the right

3. Give Way – slow down and be prepared to stop

4. You are approaching a roundabout; be prepared to give way (or yield)

5. Signs showing speed limits (80km/h speed limit)

6. Stop (compulsory)

7. School Zone Speed

8. No U-Turn

9. No Left Turn

10. Pedestrian Crossing

11. Bridge Load Limit

12. Keep to the Right

Warning Signs

Warning road signs alert you of the possible dangers that lie ahead. They usually appear yellow with black lines, numbers or diagrams, although pedestrian-related warning signs typically appear red or orange.

These signs could indicate the presence of people, such as children or pedestrians, or animals like kangaroos, koalas, ducks and others. They also warn drivers about hidden or unexpected changes in the road ahead, as with an upcoming bump, intersection or curve.

Sometimes, advisory speed signs appear together with warning signs so that drivers can slow down before reaching a curve, bend or junction.

Warning road signs come in two distinct types:

Signs used to indicate temporary hazards

1. Men at Work

2. Left Lane Ends/Closed

3. Temporary Emergency Warning Triangles

Signs used to indicate permanent hazards

1. Merging Traffic

2. Children Crossing

3. Slippery When Wet

4. Steep Downhill

5. Winding Road

Guide or Information Signs

Information or guide signs provide essential information to make it easier for drivers and other road users to navigate their way or get around an area quickly. These include the distance or directions to the next town, specific routes and information on available road user services and particular points of interest.

Most of these road signs are rectangular-shaped and take different sizes and colours.

Below are some examples of information or guide signs.

1. Reduce Speed

2. Low Bridge Ahead

3. Form One Lane

The Benefits of Taking Driving Lessons

Booking driving lessons to get trained in driving is a wise decision as it provides the following benefits:

• You get formal driving training with the help of a professional, certified and experienced trainer.
• You’ll have access to a structured driving programme and regular training.
• You’ll be using a school vehicle to practice and develop your driving skills.
• You have an experienced pro driver who can evaluate your performance and help you identify critical areas of improvement to focus on those.
• You’ll learn to follow traffic rules and master the meanings behind the different symbols and signs you’ll encounter on the road.

When it comes to understanding Australian road signs and meanings, there’s no better place to learn than in a driving school. With the help of your driving instructor, you’ll be able to familiarise yourself with the different kinds of road signs and what they mean.

You’ll become accustomed to different traffic signs through constant exposure and practice and know them by heart. So anytime you see one, you can avoid panicking since you know precisely how to navigate the situation. You will also prepare for your driving test with mastery of the different Australian road signs and their meanings.

Practice Makes Perfect

Consider heading out with an experienced driver or your instructor for a leisurely learning drive now that you have some essential knowledge of the different road signs.

Observe how they adjust their driving following what each traffic sign communicates to them. Ask questions about the signs you see and be attentive every time the driver adjusts their mirrors, checks blind spots, etc.

By being an active learner, you’ll not only be mastering the different road signs but be on your way to becoming a skilled and safe driver, too.

Are you looking for a school to hone your driving skills?

Along with teaching novices safe and efficient driving practises, we offer different driving lessons to drivers of varying skill levels or expertise. Get in touch with Eclipse Driving School today!