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What are level crossings?
Level crossings are locations where a road, path or cycle route crosses a railway or tramway
on the level, rather than using a bridge or tunnel. They can be controlled automatically by traffic lights
and barriers, or manually by gates or signals operated by railway staff or the road user.
As a driver or rider, you must always approach level crossings with caution, be prepared to stop and follow
all traffic lights, signs, road markings and instructions. Trains and trams cannot swerve and need a long
distance to stop, so it's vital that you never enter a level crossing unless your exit is clear and you can
get all the way through safely.
Key level crossing rules
As a learner driver or rider, you need to show that you understand how to approach and use
level crossings safely. Here are the key level crossing rules you should know:
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Always be ready to stop. Slow down on the approach so that you can stop safely if the
warning lights come on, the alarm sounds or barriers start to come down.
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Obey all traffic lights and signals. At crossings with lights, a steady amber light
means you must stop unless you are already too close to stop safely. Flashing red
lights mean you must not go onto the crossing.
-
Never cross if your exit is blocked. Only drive onto a level crossing if the road
beyond is clear and there is enough space for your vehicle to completely clear the tracks.
-
Do not weave around barriers or gates. Never drive, ride or walk around lowered
barriers or through closed gates, even if you cannot see a train approaching.
-
Use crossings correctly if you are directed. At some crossings, you must follow
instructions given by signs, traffic lights, signals, an operator or a telephone at the crossing before
you cross.
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Extra care for long, large or low vehicles. If you are driving a long vehicle, towing a
trailer or driving a low vehicle that might ground on the tracks, follow any special signs and
instructions before you cross.
-
If you break down on the crossing, get everyone out. Move passengers clear of the
crossing immediately and, if it is safe, use the emergency telephone or follow the instructions at the
crossing to contact the signal operator.
-
Never stop or park on a level crossing. You must not stop or wait on the crossing area
- keep moving until you are well clear of the tracks.
These level crossing rules are based on Rules 291-299 of the UK Highway Code, which explain
how to approach, cross and deal with emergencies at level crossings. Want to see the Highway Code
level crossing rules?
View the Highway Code level crossing rules.
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Types of level crossings you may encounter
-
Crossings with barriers and lights: controlled by flashing red lights, an audible alarm
and barriers that close the road when a train is approaching.
-
Crossings with gates: may be operated by railway staff or (at some locations) by the road
user following instructions at the crossing.
-
Open crossings: may have no barriers, so you must rely on signs, markings and your own
observation (only cross when you are sure it is safe).
-
Tram crossings: can appear in built-up areas and may be controlled by traffic lights,
signs and road markings.
Whatever type of crossing it is, the key rule is the same: only go when the signals allow it and you can
completely clear the tracks without stopping.
Level crossings in real driving situations
Level crossings are not just a theory test topic - they're an important part of everyday driving, especially on
rural routes and in areas with busy rail lines or tram systems. You'll use the rules for level crossings
whenever you:
- Drive on rural or suburban roads where there may be automatic, user-operated or open level crossings.
- Approach crossings that have flashing lights, alarms and barriers that can activate suddenly.
- Need to judge whether there is enough space to fully clear the crossing before you enter it.
- Encounter delays, queues or unexpected stops near a crossing and must avoid stopping on the tracks.
- Deal with an incident such as a stalled engine or a vehicle that has grounded on the crossing.
In your practical driving test, examiners will expect you to approach level crossings cautiously, obey all
signals and markings, and only proceed when it is clearly safe to do so.
Level crossings theory test questions in the DVSA theory test
Level crossings appear in the multiple-choice part of the DVSA theory test in several ways. You may be asked:
- What you must do when the amber light comes on at a level crossing.
- What flashing red lights, alarms or lowering barriers mean for drivers and riders.
- How to deal with long or low vehicles at a level crossing.
- What actions you should take if your vehicle breaks down or becomes stuck on a crossing.
Explore a sample of the latest DVSA theory test revision questions in Driving Theory 4 All's
theory test questions and answers
section.
Source: Department for Transport (GOV.UK) - The Highway Code. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.