Logo
Swedish Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Decode Road Symbols: Understanding Pictograms on Signs

Symbols (S)

This section focuses on the 'Symbols' (S) group of road signs, which uses pictograms to convey important information at a glance. These symbols are crucial for understanding who a particular instruction, restriction, or route applies to, making them vital for both safe driving and passing your theory exam. By mastering these signs, you'll be better equipped to navigate diverse traffic situations and react appropriately to specific vehicle types and user groups.

road signssymbolspictogramsvehicle typesuser groupstheory testdriving licencetraffic managementroad safetyexam prep

How Symbols (S) road signs are used in Sweden

An explanation of how Symbols (S) 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.

You will encounter these symbol signs most frequently on direction signs and supplementary plates across various road types, from urban areas to motorways. They are used to guide specific vehicle types, such as indicating a route suitable for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) or a lane reserved for buses. You'll also see them clarifying that a facility, like a ferry crossing, is intended for certain users, such as cars with trailers or motorcycles. For example, an HGV symbol might direct large trucks onto a specific bypass, while a bicycle symbol might indicate a shared path. Understanding these pictograms is essential for all drivers to ensure they follow the correct routes and are aware of which traffic regulations apply to them and others, preventing potential conflicts or delays.

What you will learn about Symbols (S) road signs

An overview of the key learning outcomes when studying the Symbols (S) 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.

Identify and understand the meaning of common vehicle and user group symbols on traffic signs.Recognise which restrictions or directions apply to specific vehicles like HGVs, cars with trailers, or buses.Interpret symbols indicating services or facilities relevant to certain road users, such as ferries or pedestrian areas.Apply knowledge of these symbols to make safer driving decisions in complex traffic scenarios.Successfully answer theory test questions related to the 'Symbols' (S) group of road signs.

Symbols (S) road signs

Browse every road sign in the Symbols (S) 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.

S1 - Heavy Goods Vehicle road sign

Heavy Goods Vehicle

The S1 Heavy Goods Vehicle Sign: What it Means for Trucks and Drivers

Symbols (S)S1
S2 - Heavy Goods Vehicle with Trailer road sign

Heavy Goods Vehicle with Trailer

S2 Heavy Goods Vehicle with Trailer: Know What This Sign Means for Your Drive

Symbols (S)S2
S3 - Passenger Car road sign

Passenger Car

Understand the S3 Passenger Car Road Sign

Symbols (S)S3
S4 - Passenger Car with Trailer road sign

Passenger Car with Trailer

The S4 Sign: Passenger Car with Trailer

Symbols (S)S4
S5 - Bus road sign

Bus

The S5 Bus Sign: Understanding Public Transport Guidance

Symbols (S)S5
S6 - Tractor and Motor Implement Class II road sign

Tractor and Motor Implement Class II

Understand the S6 Sign for Tractors and Class II Motor Implements

Symbols (S)S6
S7 - Motorcycle (Two-Wheeled) and Moped Class I (No Sidecar) road sign

Motorcycle (Two-Wheeled) and Moped Class I (No Sidecar)

S7 Sign: Guidance for Motorcycles and Mopeds Class I

Symbols (S)S7
S8 - Bicycle and Moped Class II road sign

Bicycle and Moped Class II

Understand the S8 sign for bicycles and Class II mopeds.

Symbols (S)S8
S9 - Trailer road sign

Trailer

The S9 sign indicates that instructions and restrictions apply to vehicles towing a trailer.

Symbols (S)S9
S11 - People with Disabilities road sign

People with Disabilities

The S11 Sign: Understanding Symbols for People with Disabilities

Symbols (S)S11
S12 - Ferry road sign

Ferry

Prepare for ferry crossings with the S12 Ferry road sign.

Symbols (S)S12
S10 - Pedestrians road sign

Pedestrians

The S10 Sign: Guiding You on Pedestrian Routes and Areas

Symbols (S)S10
S13 - Passenger Ferry road sign

Passenger Ferry

What Does the S13 Passenger Ferry Sign Mean for Drivers?

Symbols (S)S13

Symbols (S) road sign category frequently asked questions

Clear answers to common questions about the Symbols (S) 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.

Why are there so many different symbols for vehicles?

These symbols help to efficiently communicate that certain signs or instructions apply only to specific types of vehicles or road users. This is crucial for managing traffic flow, especially on roads where different vehicles have different needs or restrictions, like on bridges, ferries, or specific lanes. For example, a sign indicating a weight limit might have an HGV symbol to clarify it affects large trucks but not passenger cars.

Do these symbols always mean a restriction?

Not necessarily. While symbols often accompany restrictions (like 'no entry for HGVs'), they can also indicate information or directions. For instance, a symbol might point towards a facility or route specifically intended for a certain vehicle type, like a dedicated bus lane or a passenger ferry service. Always read the symbol in conjunction with the main sign it's attached to.

What if a sign has multiple symbols?

When multiple symbols appear on a sign or supplementary plate, it means the instruction applies to all the indicated vehicle types or user groups simultaneously. For example, a symbol for 'passenger car' and 'passenger car with trailer' together would mean the sign's message affects both.

How important are these symbols for the theory test?

These symbols are very important for the theory test. You can expect questions that specifically test your ability to interpret these pictograms and understand who a particular traffic sign is intended for. Misinterpreting these can lead to incorrect answers, so make sure you are familiar with all the common symbols presented in this group.

What's the difference between the 'Motorcycle' and 'Bicycle' symbols?

The symbols clearly distinguish between different types of two-wheeled transport. For example, S7 usually represents a motorcycle and a moped class I (without a sidecar), while S8 typically signifies bicycles and mopeds class II. This distinction is important for understanding which paths or lanes are designated for which users, ensuring safety for both motorized and non-motorized traffic.