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Traffic Lights on Your Driving Test: What to Do

Traffic lights are responsible for a significant number of test failures. Get the rules right and they become one of the easiest parts of the test.

4 min read

Traffic lights appear on virtually every UK driving test. The rules are clear — but under test pressure, learners make avoidable mistakes. Understanding every light state and junction configuration removes the uncertainty.

The Full Guide

Red = stop at the stop line. Red and amber together = prepare to go (do not move yet). Green = go if the way is clear. Amber = stop unless you have already crossed the stop line or are so close that stopping would be unsafe. Amber does not mean accelerate to beat the light — it means stop if you safely can.

Common Faults

  • Running amber lights aggressively
  • Stopping short of the stop line (not in the right position)
  • Entering a box junction without a clear exit
  • Moving on red + amber before the light turns green

What the Examiner Looks For

  • Correct response to every light state
  • Smooth approach and stop if required
  • Correct position at the stop line
  • Response to pedestrians at light-controlled crossings

Quick Tips

  • 1Look for pedestrian crossing lights — they warn you the vehicle lights are about to change
  • 2Approach at a speed that lets you stop comfortably if needed
  • 3Never accelerate to beat an amber — it's a fail every time
  • 4At red, engage first gear, be ready to move when green

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