Directional signs provide crucial information about specific locations, roads, or sections of road, often indicating special rules that apply. Understanding these signs is essential for safe navigation and crucial for passing your driving theory exam. This section will equip you with the knowledge to interpret these signs correctly and respond appropriately in various traffic situations.
An explanation of how Directional Signs (E) road signs apply in real traffic situations in Sweden. Learn where these signs are typically placed, what drivers are expected to do when they appear, and how correct reactions help you stay safe, avoid fines, and succeed in your Swedish driving theory exam.
Directional signs are ubiquitous in the driving environment, appearing on highways, rural roads, and within urban areas to guide drivers and inform them of specific regulations. For instance, signs like 'Motorway' (E1) or 'End of Motorway' (E2) clearly delineate high-speed routes. 'Built-up Area' (E5) and 'End of Built-up Area' (E6) signs are vital for adjusting speed and awareness as you enter or leave populated zones. You'll encounter signs for 'Pedestrian Street' (E7) and 'Walking Speed Area' (E9) in city centres, signalling restrictions on vehicular access or very low speed requirements. Additionally, signs like 'One-way Traffic' (E16) are common in towns to manage traffic flow, while 'Toll Road' (E25) and 'Tunnel' (E26) signs prepare you for specific road conditions or payment requirements. Understanding these signs is key to anticipating changes in road rules and adapting your driving accordingly, ensuring both safety and compliance.
An overview of the key learning outcomes when studying the Directional Signs (E) road sign category. Understand the main concepts, sign meanings, and traffic situations covered here so you can recognise patterns, answer theory questions more confidently, and build a solid foundation for safe driving in Sweden.
Browse every road sign in the Directional Signs (E) category. Each sign includes a clear meaning, purpose, and examples of how it is used in Sweden, helping you build strong recognition skills and a detailed understanding of this group of Swedish traffic signs.

Prepare for Motorway Driving: The E1 Motorway Entrance Sign

You are now entering an Expressway (Motor Traffic Road) with special rules.

The E4 sign signals the end of expressway rules, so be ready for a change in road conditions.

The E6 sign means you are leaving a built-up area, so urban conditions no longer apply.

The E7 Pedestrian Street sign means you must yield to pedestrians and restrict your driving.

The E9 Walking Speed Area sign means you must drive at walking pace.

The E11 sign recommends a lower speed for your safety and comfort.

The E12 Sign: Your Signal That Recommended Lower Speeds No Longer Apply

The E14 sign marks the end of a recommended maximum speed advisory.

Prepare for the Weaving Section sign where lanes merge ahead.

The E18 Passing Place sign means you've found a designated spot to let other vehicles pass.

E20 Zone Sign: Understand the Start of an Area with New Traffic Rules

Prepare to pay: This sign indicates a toll road or charging area.

Understand the E27 Emergency Stopping Place sign for safe breakdowns.

The E28 Emergency Exit sign guides pedestrians to safety in enclosed spaces.

The E29 Escape Route sign guides you to safety during emergencies.

Prepare for the Motorway to End with the E2 Traffic Sign

The E5 Built-up Area sign indicates you're entering an urban zone.

Understand the E8 'End of Pedestrian Street' Sign

E10 Road Sign: You Are Leaving the Walking Speed Area

Understand the Variable Recommended Maximum Speed Sign (E13)

The E17 Dead End Road sign means your route ahead is blocked.

E21 End of Zone: Your Signal to Return to Normal Traffic Rules

The E22 Bus Stop sign: What it means for your driving and the theory test.

The E23 sign marks the end of a designated taxi stand.

Be aware: Automatic traffic enforcement is active in this area.
Clear answers to common questions about the Directional Signs (E) road sign category. Use this FAQ to review tricky rules, understand how these signs appear in exam scenarios, and remove confusion that often leads to mistakes in the Swedish driving theory exam in Sweden.
A 'Motorway' sign (E1) indicates a high-speed, limited-access road designed for fast-moving traffic. An 'Expressway' sign (E3) also signifies a major road for motor traffic, but it may have some at-grade intersections or slightly different access rules compared to a full motorway. Both require appropriate speeds and attention.
A 'Recommended Lower Speed' sign (E11) suggests a minimum speed you should aim for in certain conditions, like on long, steep descents or in specific roadworks to maintain traffic flow. A 'Recommended Maximum Speed' sign (E13) is often a variable sign indicating a suggested upper speed limit, usually due to temporary conditions like bad weather or roadworks. You should always consider these recommendations for safety, even if they aren't mandatory prohibitions.
A 'Weaving Section' sign (E15) warns you that vehicles will be merging and exiting frequently within a short stretch of road, such as at an on-ramp and off-ramp close together on a motorway. This requires heightened awareness of other vehicles' movements and a willingness to adjust speed and position to allow safe merging and avoid conflicts.
A 'Zone Sign' (E20) indicates the beginning of a specific area where particular traffic rules apply, such as a low-speed zone, a residential zone, or an environmental zone. The 'End of Zone' sign (E21) signifies that these special rules no longer apply. You need to be aware of the specific rules associated with the zone when entering and know when they cease to be in effect.
Generally, a 'Pedestrian Street' sign (E7) indicates that the street is primarily for pedestrians, and vehicular traffic is either prohibited or heavily restricted. While cyclists may sometimes be permitted to ride at walking speed in designated areas, it's crucial to check for any additional signs or markings. In most cases, you should assume that motor vehicles are not allowed unless specifically indicated otherwise.