This warning sign, code 573, alerts you to an upcoming hazard and indicates its distance and direction. It's crucial to treat this as an early cue, prompting you to adjust your speed smoothly and increase your observations well before the hazard becomes immediate. Always prepare for potential changes in road conditions, visibility, or traffic flow indicated by this sign.
Mastering the 'Distance and Direction to Hazard' sign (Code 573) is crucial for safe driving and your Great Britain theory test. This sign demands early speed reduction and increased observation, guiding your response to upcoming road conditions and ensuring a better understanding of traffic sign meanings for your revision.
This warning sign is used before a hazard or road feature that may require an earlier response than the driver would otherwise make. Its purpose is to give enough time to reduce speed smoothly, increase observation, and avoid sudden braking or steering. The correct practical response depends on the exact location, traffic level, visibility, road surface, and whether pedestrians, cyclists, animals, or crossing traffic may be present. It is listed in the catalogue as code 573.
"Distance and direction to hazard" gives advance warning of distance and direction to hazard. It tells the driver to look further ahead, manage speed early, and prepare for a possible change in priority, road position, visibility, or stopping distance.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 573 - Distance and direction to hazard road sign. Learn how the sign works, what rules it represents, and how it affects real driving situations. This FAQ strengthens your understanding and supports accurate decision making for the British driving theory exam in Great Britain.
The 'Distance and Direction to Hazard' sign (573) is a warning sign that provides advance notice of a hazard ahead. It tells you how far away it is and in which direction the hazard is located, giving you time to prepare by managing your speed and observation.
Upon seeing sign 573, you should ease off the accelerator early and adjust your speed smoothly. Increase your following distance and scan ahead for potential issues. Be ready to brake gently, change position, or yield if necessary, depending on the specific hazard and traffic conditions.
A common mistake is ignoring the sign until the hazard is very close. Learners might also forget to increase their observation or fail to reduce speed early enough, leading to sudden braking or jerky movements. Always remember this sign is for *advance* warning.
Yes, supplementary plates can significantly alter the interpretation of the 'Distance and Direction to Hazard' sign. These plates might specify the exact distance to the hazard, its nature (e.g., sharp bend, junction), or which direction to take. Always check for these plates.
While all warning signs alert you to potential dangers, sign 573 specifically provides both distance and direction. This is key as it allows for proactive rather than reactive driving, giving you more time to assess and respond safely to the upcoming situation.
A clear reference image of the 573 - Distance and direction to hazard road sign used in Great Britain.

The 573 - Distance and direction to hazard road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 573 - Distance and direction to hazard road sign is part of the Great Britain Warning Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Reviewing related road signs side-by-side helps solidify your understanding and prevent common mistakes during your theory test revision. Sharpen your sign recognition by comparing tricky traffic sign variations to improve your overall theory test preparation.

Prepare for a STOP or GIVE WAY sign ahead with this crucial advance warning.

The 502 'Distance to STOP line' plate adds vital information to warning signs.

What does the 'Distance to GIVE WAY Line' warning plate mean?

Prepare for Crossroads with the 504.1 Advance Warning Sign

Prepare for a T-junction ahead with this advance warning road sign.

Prepare for a side road joining from the right with this advance warning sign.

Prepare for a staggered junction ahead with this advance warning sign.

Prepare for traffic merging from the left with this advanced warning sign.
After reviewing the full list of road signs, challenge yourself with practice questions focused specifically on sign recognition. Reinforce your learning and ensure you're fully prepared to identify and understand all traffic signs on the DVSA theory test.
Browse All GB Road Signs List