What’s the Difference Between “No Overtaking” and “No Motor Cars
When you’re revising for the UK driving theory test, it’s easy to get tripped up by road signs that look straightforward but have very different meanings. Two that often cause confusion are the No Overtaking sign and the No Motor Cars sign.
Both are circular with red borders (which always means something is prohibited), but the rules behind them are not the same. Let’s break them down clearly so you’ll never mix them up again.
The No Overtaking Sign
- What it looks like: A white circle with a red border, showing two cars side by side. The car on the left is black, and the car on the right is red.
- What it means: You are not allowed to overtake other vehicles on this stretch of road.
- Why it exists: Overtaking is dangerous where visibility is poor — like on bends, hills, or near junctions. This sign removes the guesswork: don’t attempt it, because it’s not safe here.
- Key point for your theory test: You can still drive on this road, you just cannot overtake.
Easy memory trick: The red car looks like it’s trying to overtake — Red means STOP! the rule says you mustn’t.
The No Motor Cars Sign
- What it looks like: A white circle with a red border, with a single black car symbol in the middle.
- What it means: Motor cars are not permitted beyond this sign.
- Why it exists: These restrictions are used to protect pedestrian zones, cycle routes, or roads reserved for buses and other vehicles. It helps reduce congestion and improve safety in certain areas.
- Key point for your theory test: If you see this sign, cars are not allowed on that road at all. Other vehicles may or may not be allowed, depending on additional signs.
Easy memory trick: One car inside the red circle = that type of vehicle is banned.
The Key Difference
- No Overtaking is about an action you cannot do. You’re allowed on the road, but you must not overtake other vehicles.
- No Motor Cars is about a vehicle that cannot be there at all. If you’re in a car, you can’t enter.
Why This Matters for Your Theory Test
The DVSA loves to test learners with signs that look similar but carry very different rules. If you’re not paying attention, it’s easy to click the wrong answer.
Here’s how to keep it simple:
- Two cars? → It’s about overtaking.
- One car? → It’s about motor cars being banned.
By linking the picture to the rule, you’ll instantly know which sign means what.
What’s the Difference Between “No Overtaking” and “No Motor Cars
Don’t worry if you’ve confused these before — you’re not alone. Many learners mix up the “prohibition” signs because the red border always means something is banned. The good news? Once you lock in these differences, you’ll never forget them.
Keep practising little and often, use mock tests to spot the signs in context, and remember: every road sign you learn now is one less surprise waiting for you on test day. You’ve got this