Mandatory direction signs provide clear instructions on the exact route drivers must follow, helping maintain predictable and safe traffic flow. These signs indicate required turns, lane directions, and the correct side to pass obstacles. Mastering this group improves confidence at intersections, roundabouts, and complex layouts while strengthening your understanding of mandatory rules that frequently appear in driving-theory examinations.
An explanation of how Mandatory Direction Signs (D) road signs apply in real traffic situations in the Netherlands. 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 Dutch driving theory exam.
Mandatory direction signs (D group) are frequently encountered at junctions, intersections, and around traffic calming measures or obstacles. You'll see the 'Roundabout' sign (D1) clearly indicating that you must proceed in a counter-clockwise direction around the central island. Signs like 'Pass on the Right' (D2) or 'Pass on Either Side' (D3) are typically found before obstructions in the road, such as road works or parked vehicles, guiding you on how to safely manoeuvre around them. Furthermore, signs like 'Straight Ahead' (D4), 'Right' (D5), or combinations like 'Straight and Right' (D6) are used to enforce specific lanes or required travel paths at complex intersections, ensuring vehicles are in the correct position and preventing conflicts. Cyclist and moped specific passing signs (D101-D104) are often seen on shared paths or near separated cycle lanes, reminding drivers of vehicles to pass cyclists or mopeds on a designated side when they are present.
An overview of the key learning outcomes when studying the Mandatory Direction Signs (D) 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 the Netherlands.
Browse every road sign in the Mandatory Direction Signs (D) category. Each sign includes a clear meaning, purpose, and examples of how it is used in the Netherlands, helping you build strong recognition skills and a detailed understanding of this group of Dutch traffic signs.
Understand the D1 Sign: Mandatory Counterclockwise Roundabout Traffic Flow
Cyclists and Snorfietsers Must Pass on the Right of this D101 Sign.
D102: Cyclists and Snorfietsers Must Pass on the Left
Mopeds Must Pass on the Right: Understanding the D103 Sign
D104: Directing Mopeds and Speed-Pedelecs to Pass on the Left
Know the D2 'Pass on the Right' traffic sign for safe Dutch driving.
D3: Obstacles Ahead? You Can Pass on Either Side!
You must go straight ahead: the D4 mandatory direction sign explained.
Mandatory Direction Right: You MUST turn right here!
D6: You must go straight ahead or turn right.
D7 Mandatory Directions: You Must Turn Left or Right
Clear answers to common questions about the Mandatory Direction Signs (D) 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 Dutch driving theory exam in the Netherlands.
Mandatory direction signs tell you what you MUST do, such as the direction you must travel or the side you must pass an obstacle. Prohibitory signs, on the other hand, tell you what you MUST NOT do, like speed limits or 'no entry' signs. Both are crucial for following traffic rules, but they convey opposite types of instructions.
The 'Roundabout' sign (D1) specifically indicates that you are approaching a roundabout where traffic must circulate in only one direction – counter-clockwise. You must yield to traffic already in the roundabout and then proceed around the central island in the direction indicated by the arrows on the sign.
Signs like 'Cyclists Pass on the Right' (D101) or its variants for mopeds (D103) are usually placed where a vehicle lane might intersect with or run alongside a cycle path or a moped lane. They instruct drivers of larger vehicles that when passing cyclists or mopeds, they must do so on the specified side (in this case, the right) to maintain a safe distance and avoid conflict.
Yes, these signs are mandatory, meaning you are legally required to comply with them. Failure to follow a mandatory direction sign can result in a traffic violation, a fine, or points on your licence, in addition to potentially causing a dangerous situation.
Often, mandatory direction signs are accompanied by supplementary signs (sub-signs) that provide additional information or exceptions. For instance, a 'Straight Ahead' sign might have a sub-sign indicating it only applies during certain hours or to specific vehicle types. Always read any supplementary signs carefully to understand the full context of the mandatory instruction.