Reverse Curve Sign: Meaning and What to Do
The yellow diamond with an S-shaped arrow warns of two curves in opposite directions joined together: the road bends one way and immediately bends back. The first curve's exit is the second one's entry, so there is no straight in which to recover speed or position.
Reverse Curve Sign
The transition is the hazard: the vehicle must roll from one lean to the other smoothly, and a driver who exits the first bend wide begins the second from the wrong side of the lane.
What to do when you see the reverse curve sign
Slow to a speed you can hold through BOTH curves before entering the first. Drive the first bend to an exit that sets up the second, keep inputs smooth through the transition, and accelerate only when the second curve releases you.
The signs it is confused with
Tests group it with Curve, one bend, and Winding Road, three or more. The S arrow means exactly two opposing bends; the count and the arrow match, which is what the identification questions check.
Signs are one topic of ten on every test
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Choose your stateQuestions about the reverse curve sign
What does the reverse curve sign mean?
Two curves in opposite directions follow immediately, with no straight between. One entry speed must serve both.
Why are back-to-back curves harder than one?
The exit of the first is the entry of the second, so position errors compound and the vehicle must swing from one lean to the other smoothly.
How should I drive an S-curve?
Set speed before the first bend, place the first exit to set up the second entry, and keep steering and throttle gentle through the changeover.
How does it differ from winding road?
Reverse Curve promises exactly two opposing bends; Winding Road promises a series. The arrow drawing encodes the count.
How is it tested?
Identification among the W1 arrow family and speed-management scenarios where slowing once, before the pair, is the correct answer.