Level crossings in the theory test: barriers, gates and what to do if you stall
Updated •6 min read
You must always obey the twin flashing red stop lights at a level crossing and stop behind the white line. If the barriers are open and the lights are off, you may cross only when the road is clear on the other side (rules 291 and 293).
This page covers the crossing types the Highway Code describes, how to use gates and barriers, and what to do if your vehicle breaks down on the line. Every rule is from the Highway Code on gov.uk and the rule numbers are given so you can check them.
The basic rule for any level crossing (rule 291)
A level crossing is where a road crosses a railway or tramway line. Rule 291 says to approach and cross it with care.
- Clear road beyond: never drive onto a crossing until the road is clear on the other side.
- Distance: do not get too close to the car in front.
- Stopping: never stop or park on, or near, a crossing.
Controlled crossings with lights and barriers (rule 293)
Rule 293 says most crossings have a steady amber light, twin flashing red stop lights and an audible alarm for pedestrians. They may have full, half or no barriers.
| Situation | What rule 293 says |
|---|---|
| Flashing red lights | You must always obey them and stop behind the white line across the road. |
| Amber comes on after you have crossed the white line | Keep going. |
| A train passes and the red lights keep flashing | You must wait, because another train will be passing soon. |
| Lights go off and barriers open | Only then should you cross. |
| Half-barriers | Never zig-zag around them. They lower automatically because a train is approaching. |
| No barriers | A train is approaching when the lights show. |
Rule 293 also says not to reverse onto or over a controlled crossing.
Crossings without traffic lights (rule 295)
Rule 295 says vehicles should stop and wait at the barrier or gate when it begins to close. Do not cross until the barrier or gate opens.
User-operated gates and barriers (rules 296 and 297)
Rule 296 describes crossings with "Stop" signs and small red and green lights. You must not cross when the red light is showing, and you should only cross if the green light is on.
If you are crossing with a vehicle, rule 296 says you should:
- open the gates or barriers on both sides of the crossing;
- check that the green light is still on and cross quickly;
- close the gates or barriers when you are clear of the crossing.
If there are no lights, rule 297 says to follow the same procedure, stop, look both ways and listen. If there is a railway telephone, always use it to contact the signal operator, and tell them again when you are clear.
Open crossings (rule 298)
Rule 298 says open crossings have no gates, barriers, attendant or traffic lights, but will have a "Give Way" sign. Look both ways, listen and make sure there is no train coming before you cross. This is the type most often met on a quiet rural or forest road.
Large, slow or low vehicles and railway telephones (rule 294)
Rule 294 says that if you drive a large or slow-moving vehicle, a long, low vehicle with a risk of grounding, or herd animals, a train could arrive before you are clear. You must obey any sign telling you to use the railway telephone to get permission to cross.
Overhead electric lines (rule 292)
Rule 292 says you must obey safe height warning signs. You should not continue forward onto the railway if your vehicle touches a height barrier or bells.
If you break down or have an incident (rule 299)
Rule 299 says you should:
- get everyone out of the vehicle and clear of the crossing immediately;
- use a railway telephone if available, and follow the instructions you are given;
- move the vehicle clear of the crossing only if there is time before a train arrives.
If the alarm sounds or the amber light comes on, leave the vehicle and get clear of the crossing immediately.
Trams
Rules 300 to 305 cover tramways. Rule 301 says to always give way to trams, and rule 302 says not to stop on any part of a tram track except in a designated bay.
Signs on the approach
The Highway Code's traffic signs page lists separate warning signs for a level crossing with a barrier or gate, one without, and light signals ahead at a level crossing. See our road signs guide for how signs are grouped, and the pedestrian crossings guide for crossings on the road itself.
Practise the rules
The free practice questions let you try these rules in question form, and the test centres page lists centres by city if you are booking.
Check what you remember
Try the free theorytest.ai diagnostic to see whether level crossings are a weak area. theorytest.ai is independent and is not affiliated with the DVSA. Gov.uk does not publish test questions, so we cannot say how many are about level crossings.
Frequently asked questions
You want to cross a level crossing with the barriers open. What is correct?
Cross only if the lights are off and the road is clear on the other side. Never stop on the crossing (rules 291 and 293).
What do you do at a level crossing with a gate?
Stop and wait at the barrier or gate when it begins to close. Do not cross until it opens (rule 295).
You are driving along a forest track and approach a level crossing. What should you do?
If it is an open crossing with a "Give Way" sign, look both ways, listen and make sure no train is coming (rule 298).
What should you do if your car stalls on a level crossing?
Get everyone out and clear, use the railway telephone if there is one, and leave the vehicle if the alarm sounds (rule 299).
Can you go through a level crossing on amber?
Only if you have already crossed the white line when the amber light comes on (rule 293).