A sign that gives orders
No overtaking
No overtaking - a red circle showing one car passing another - means you must not overtake until the restriction ends.
01
What it means
The sign forbids overtaking on that stretch of road (Highway Code Rule 165 lists it among the places you MUST NOT overtake). It stays in force until you pass an 'end of no overtaking' sign. It is placed where overtaking would be dangerous, because you cannot see far enough ahead to do it safely.
It does a similar job to double white lines with a solid line on your side, which you also must not cross to overtake (Rule 129) - but that is a road marking, and this is a sign.
02
Where you'll see it
Bends, the brows of hills, road narrowings, and stretches with limited forward visibility. You will see it on rural A- and B-roads far more than in town.
03
On your driving test
Overtaking where it is prohibited is a clear fault, but examiners also fail people for overtaking where it is not signed yet clearly is not safe (not enough sight line, or forcing oncoming traffic to slow). The judgement is the same either way: only overtake when you can see it is completely clear and you will not make anyone else react.
On most test routes you simply will not need to overtake, so do not go looking for it.
Quick answers
What does the no overtaking sign look like?
A red circle with two cars side by side, the red car on the left and a black car on the right, meaning you must not overtake.
When does the no overtaking restriction end?
When you pass the 'end of no overtaking' sign, a similar circle with a diagonal line through it. Until then, do not overtake.
Is overtaking common on the driving test?
Not usually - most test routes do not require it. What matters is judgement: never overtake unless you can see the road is completely clear and you will not force another driver to slow or move.
Sign artwork is Crown copyright, reproduced under the Open Government Licence v3.0; meanings from the Highway Code (gov.uk).
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