Warning signs · W1-6
One-Direction Large Arrow sign
Archive file: W01-06 Large Arrow (1-direction)/W01-06R Large Arrow (1-direction) 24x12.svg
FHWA public-use information
What it means
The large arrow emphasizes an abrupt bend in the road.
Source: FHWA MUTCD — MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 (December 2025), Section 2C.10, paragraph 01, PDF page 200.
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Meaning
The One-Direction Large Arrow emphasizes an abrupt change in the road’s path. PennDOT describes an extreme angle ahead. It is a warning about how sharply the road bends, rather than a One Way regulation assigning the only permitted traffic direction along a street.
What to do
PennDOT tells you to reduce speed before that extreme bend as much as you would for an intersection turn. Do not approach it like an ordinary gentle sweep. The arrow helps identify the path, but it does not supply grip or space if your entry speed is too high.
Where it is used
Federal standards put the large arrow along the bend’s outer edge, facing approaching traffic. It can reinforce a Turn or Reverse Turn warning to emphasize the abrupt change. The arrow’s roadside position marks the bend itself, rather than the start of a new traffic lane.
A sign to tell apart
One Way controls the permitted flow along a street. This large warning arrow emphasizes road alignment. Reading both as simply “go that way” misses the distinction: one regulates traffic direction, while the other tells you to prepare for an unusually abrupt bend.
Practice with explanations
These are original learning questions based on the cited handbooks. Read each answer and its explanation below.
1. How much should a Pennsylvania driver slow before the extreme bend indicated by a large arrow?
- As much as for a turn at an intersection.
- Only enough to switch off cruise control.
- No slowing is needed if the arrow is visible.
Answer: A. As much as for a turn at an intersection.
PennDOT compares this extreme bend with an intersection turn. Make the reduction before reaching it.
2. What does PennDOT’s One Direction Large Arrow warn about?
- An ordinary street-name change.
- An extreme change in the road’s direction.
- A lane reserved for buses.
Answer: B. An extreme change in the road’s direction.
The warning describes abrupt road alignment. It does not assign a reserved lane or identify a street name.
State source coverage
Handbook coverage and sample questions do not prove that a sign will appear on your exam. Even a published test scope cannot guarantee an individual exam question.
Pennsylvania
Handbook coverage
Pennsylvania’s driver manual explicitly discusses this sign. This establishes handbook coverage, without a promise about any individual exam.
Pennsylvania permit sources · Practice with Pennsylvania questions
State variations
State-specific variations have not been independently established for this study.
Verified question coverage
These free state-bank questions were independently verified. This does not establish complete state-bank readiness, app availability or what will appear on your permit exam.
No currently verified state-bank question is available for this sign.
The linked 20-question permit quizzes do not currently include this sign.
This meaning is a federal MUTCD reference. Check your state's handbook for its rules and sign coverage; this page does not establish what appears on a state permit exam.
Try the free road sign quiz or find your state's handbook.
