Control hierarchy
Rangorde
Directions from authorised persons rank above traffic signs and general rules; read the current controlling instruction first.
Rule
Do not memorise isolated signs—learn how the system speaks
Traffic controls communicate through shape, colour, symbol, location and context. When you understand the family a sign belongs to, you can often predict its purpose before recalling every detail.
A question may contain a sign, a marking, a light and an authorised direction at the same time. The exam expects you to know which one takes precedence and which one still provides useful information for the next part of the road.
Temporary controls deserve the same disciplined reading. Roadworks can change lanes and routes, so follow the current instruction rather than the road pattern you remember.
Authorised direction
Follow it before lights, signs or normal rules.
Sign plus panel
Read both as one complete instruction.
Temporary layout
Slow down and follow the current controlled route.
Guidance
What you need to understand
Sign families
Bordcategorieën
Use shape, border, colour and symbol to distinguish warnings, prohibitions, mandatory directions and information.
Road markings
Wegmarkeringen
Read lane lines, arrows, stop lines, shark teeth and coloured surfaces together with nearby signs.
Traffic lights
Verkeerslichten
Identify which signal applies to your lane, direction or road-user type.
Authorised directions
Aanwijzingen
Recognise signals from police, traffic controllers and other authorised persons and respond safely.
Temporary controls
Tijdelijke verkeersmaatregelen
Expect altered lanes, reduced space and unusual priority around roadworks or incidents.
Guidance
Use this visual-control scan
- 1
Find the highest-ranking instruction
Look for an authorised person before relying on lights, signs or normal rules.
- 2
Confirm it applies to you
Check lane, direction, road-user symbol, position and any supplementary panel.
- 3
Read the sign family
Use shape and colour to establish warning, prohibition, command or information.
- 4
Combine it with the road
Markings and physical layout show where and how the instruction operates.
- 5
Look for an end or change
A new sign, end sign, junction or zone boundary can alter the instruction.
Verkeerstekens is broader than signs alone: it includes road signs, lights and markings used to control traffic.
Vocabulary
Important Dutch terms
Verkeersteken
Traffic control or sign
A broad term covering signs, signals and markings.
Aanwijzing
Authorised direction
An instruction given by an authorised person.
Onderbord
Supplementary plate
Adds a condition, exception, distance or category to the main sign.
Stopstreep
Stop line
Shows where to stop for the relevant control.
Doorgetrokken streep
Solid line
A line whose meaning depends on position and context.
Zone
Zone
An instruction applying across an area until the zone ends.
Warning
Common mistakes learners make
Reading a sign without its supplementary plate
Why it's wrong: The plate can change who, when or how far the instruction applies.
Following a green light against an authorised stop signal
Why it's wrong: The authorised direction has the higher rank.
Using colour alone
Why it's wrong: Shape, symbol, border and location work together; one visual clue can be misleading.
Forgetting that a zone continues
Why it's wrong: The rule can remain active across multiple streets until an end indication.
Scenario
Work through the situation step by step
Scenario 01
A controller stops you at green
Your light is green but a police officer directs your lane to wait.
- What to inspect first
- Confirm the signal is intended for you and observe traffic already moving under the direction.
- Correct action
- Stop where directed and wait for the next instruction.
- Why
- Authorised directions take precedence over the traffic light.
Exam takeaway: When controls conflict, follow the legal hierarchy.
Scenario 02
A sign has a time panel
A restriction sign includes a supplementary plate with specified times.
- What to inspect first
- Read the main restriction and then the condition added by the panel.
- Correct action
- Apply the restriction only as the complete sign-and-panel combination requires.
- Why
- The supplementary plate is part of the instruction, not optional detail.
Exam takeaway: Read the whole traffic control, not only the largest symbol.
Scenario 03
Roadworks change the lane
Temporary arrows and barriers guide traffic away from the usual route.
- What to inspect first
- Identify the live temporary route and any controller or signal managing it.
- Correct action
- Reduce speed and follow the current temporary control.
- Why
- Familiar road knowledge does not override a present safety instruction.
Exam takeaway: Follow the road as controlled now, not as remembered.
Quick checkpoint
Check your understanding
3 questions, answers revealed only after you submit.
Question 1 of 3No account needed
Keep going
Related topics
Stay current
Official references
CBRKlaar explains the rules in plain English. For the current legal text and government guidance, use these primary sources.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
It is broader than traffic signs and can include road markings and traffic signals used to regulate or guide traffic.
An authorised person's direction comes first. Then consider the applicable lights, signs, markings and general rules in their legal relationship.
Learn the core signs and families, then practise reading shape, colour, symbol, location and supplementary plates together.
Use the current RVV 1990 and its sign appendix, alongside current government guidance.
Ready to practise Traffic Signs and Directions?
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