Trams in the theory test: rules 300 to 307
Updated •9 min read
What do you need to know about trams for the theory test? Always give way to trams, never enter a road or lane reserved for trams, and never stop on a tram track. Those are Highway Code rules 300 to 302, in the tramways section on gov.uk.
Trams run on fixed rails, so a tram cannot steer round you. Rule 224 says trams "move quickly but silently and cannot steer to avoid you" (gov.uk: rules 204 to 225). Most tram questions in the theory test come back to that one fact.
This page sets out the eight tramway rules, the other rules that mention trams, and the tram signs. Every rule is from the Highway Code on gov.uk, and the rule numbers are given so you can check them.
The tramway rules at a glance
| Rule | What it says |
|---|---|
| 300 | You MUST NOT enter a road, lane or other route reserved for trams. Avoid driving directly on top of the rails. |
| 301 | Always give way to trams. Do not race them, overtake them or pass them on the inside, except at tram stops or tram signals where there is a designated lane for you. |
| 302 | You MUST NOT park where you would get in the way of trams. Do not stop on any part of a tram track, except in a designated bay clear of the track. |
| 303 | At tram stops, follow the route shown by signs and markings. Where there is no platform, you MUST NOT drive between a stopped tram and the left-hand kerb. |
| 304 | Look out for pedestrians, especially children, running to catch a tram approaching a stop. |
| 305 | Always give priority to trams, especially when they signal to pull away from stops, unless it would be unsafe. |
| 306 | Take extra care near or crossing the tracks, especially when wet. It is safest to cross them at right angles. |
| 307 | Tramway overhead wires are normally 5.8 metres above the carriageway, but can be lower. |
Source: gov.uk: The Highway Code, rules 288 to 307, read on 30 October 2026.
Tram lanes and the rails (rule 300)
Rule 300 says the width a tram takes up "is often shown by tram lanes marked by white lines, yellow dots or by a different type of road surface". If a road or lane is reserved for trams, you must not drive in it.
Where trams share the road with you, rule 300 says to avoid driving directly on top of the rails. Take care where a tram leaves the main road for its own route, so that you do not follow it.
Rule 300 also says that diamond-shaped signs and white light signals give instructions to tram drivers only. The Highway Code's light signals page says the same: "White light signals may be provided for trams". So a tram can move off while your own light is still red.
Giving way to trams (rules 301 and 305)
Rule 301 says to take extra care where the track crosses from one side of the road to the other, and where the road narrows and the tracks come close to the kerb. Tram drivers usually have their own traffic signals and "may be permitted to move when you are not".
Rule 305 adds the reason. Trams may be carrying large numbers of standing passengers, who could be injured if the tram had to make an emergency stop.
When you turn, rule 183 says to give way to any vehicles using a bus lane, cycle lane, cycle track or tramway from either direction (gov.uk: rules 159 to 203).
Tram stops (rules 303 and 304)
Some tram stops have a platform in the middle or at the side of the road. There, rule 303 says you MUST follow the route shown by the road signs and markings.
Other stops have no platform, and passengers step straight into the road. At these, rule 303 says you MUST NOT drive between a tram and the left-hand kerb when the tram has stopped to pick up passengers. If no other route is signed, do not overtake the tram: wait until it moves off.
The overtaking rules say the same. Rule 167 says do not overtake "when a tram is standing at a kerbside tram stop and there is no clearly marked passing lane for other traffic" (gov.uk: rules 159 to 203).
Rule 304 warns that pedestrians, especially children, may run to catch a tram approaching a stop. Rule 206 lists "driving past bus and tram stops" as a time to drive carefully and slowly, because pedestrians may step into the road suddenly (gov.uk: rules 204 to 225).
Parking near trams (rules 240, 243 and 302)
Rule 302 says to remember that "a tram cannot steer round an obstruction". If you stop in a designated bay beside the track, every part of your car must be outside the marked tram path.
The parking rules add three more places to avoid (gov.uk: rules 238 to 252):
- Rule 240: you MUST NOT stop or park in a tram lane during its period of operation.
- Rule 243: do not stop or park at or near a tram stop, or on the approach to a tramway crossing.
- Rule 243: do not stop or park where you would force other traffic to enter a tram lane.
Our parking rules guide covers the rest of rules 238 to 252.
Tram tracks, cyclists and motorcyclists (rule 306)
Rule 306 says all road users, but particularly cyclists and motorcyclists, should take extra care close to or crossing the tracks, "especially if the rails are wet". It says it is safest to cross the tracks directly at right angles, and to take particular care at shallow angles, on bends and at junctions.
Rule 306 also says other road users "should be aware that cyclists and motorcyclists may need more space to cross the tracks safely". Expect a cyclist near tram lines to swing out to cross them squarely. The cyclists' section points riders to rule 306 too (rule 82, gov.uk: rules 59 to 82).
Overhead wires (rule 307)
Rule 307 says tramway overhead wires are normally 5.8 metres above the carriageway, but can be lower. Where they are lower, height clearance markings similar to low bridge signs will show it. If you are carrying a tall load and are unsure whether you will fit, rule 307 says to contact the local police or the tramway operator.
Tram signs
The Highway Code's traffic signs page shows three tram signs:
| Sign | Group | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Trams only | Signs giving orders (blue circle) | The route is reserved for trams. Do not drive in it (rule 300). |
| Pedestrian crossing point over tramway | Signs giving orders | People may cross the tram tracks here. |
| Trams crossing ahead | Warning signs (triangle) | Tram tracks cross the road ahead. |
See our road signs guide for how sign shapes and colours work. Trams also cross roads at level crossings, which the level crossings guide covers.
Practise tram questions
These free practice questions on theorytest.ai test the tram rules:
- A tram has a green tram signal while your light is still red, which tests rule 301.
- A tram is approaching a stop where children are waiting, which tests rule 304.
- Driving slowly past a busy tram stop, which also tests rule 304.
gov.uk does not publish how many theory test questions are about trams, so we cannot say how many you will get. To find out whether trams and other rules of the road are a weak area for you, take the free theorytest.ai diagnostic. theorytest.ai is independent and is not affiliated with the DVSA.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to give way to trams?
Yes. Rule 301 says "Always give way to trams", and rule 305 says always give priority to trams, especially when they signal to pull away from stops, unless it would be unsafe to do so.
Can you drive on tram lines?
You must not enter a road, lane or route reserved for trams (rule 300). Where trams share the road with you, you can drive on that road, but should avoid driving directly on top of the rails.
Can you overtake a tram?
Do not overtake or pass a tram on the inside, unless it is at a tram stop or stopped by tram signals and there is a designated tram lane for you to pass (rule 301). Never pass between a stopped tram and the left-hand kerb at a stop without a platform (rule 303).
Can you park on a tram track?
No. Do not stop on any part of a tram track except in a designated bay alongside and clear of the track (rule 302). You must not stop or park in a tram lane during its period of operation (rule 240).
Why do trams have different traffic lights?
Tram drivers usually have their own signals, so a tram may be allowed to move when you are not (rule 301). Diamond-shaped signs and white light signals are for tram drivers only (rule 300).
How should a cyclist cross tram tracks?
Directly at right angles, which rule 306 says is safest. Drivers should allow cyclists and motorcyclists extra space to do this.