An information sign
Parking place
A blue sign with a white 'P' marks a parking place - somewhere you may park, subject to whatever the plate with it says.
01
What it means
The 'P' itself is permissive, but the detail is on the plate: who it's for (permit holders, disabled badge, pay-and-display), the hours it applies, and any maximum stay. A blue 'P' is the opposite of the prohibitory yellow-line and no-waiting rules - but always read the plate and the bay markings before you leave the car, because 'P' rarely means 'park freely, forever'.
02
Where you'll see it
Car parks, on-street bays, park-and-ride sites, and rest areas.
03
On your driving test
Not a manoeuvre you're tested at directly, but reading a parking sign correctly is part of choosing a safe, legal place to stop.
Often confused with
Quick answers
Does a blue P mean free parking?
Not necessarily. It means parking is allowed there, but the plate sets who can park, the hours, the maximum stay and whether you pay. Always read it and the bay markings.
Sign artwork is Crown copyright, reproduced under the Open Government Licence v3.0; meanings from the Highway Code (gov.uk).
Last updated:
Start with a first lesson.