Level crossing signs warn that a railway crosses the road ahead. A gate symbol means a crossing with barriers or gates; a steam train symbol means one without. Countdown markers with three, two and one bars show the distance to a concealed crossing. Flashing red lights mean you must stop.
What does each level crossing sign mean?
Each sign is shown with its official meaning from the Department for Transport. Tap through to the quiz when you’re ready to test yourself.
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Another train or tramcar may be about to pass over the level crossing -
Electrified overhead cable ahead -
Level crossing with gate or barrier ahead -
Railway level crossing without gate or barrier ahead -
Risk of grounding at a railway or tramway level crossing or hump backed bridge -
Countdown marker to railway or tramway level crossing -
Direction to emergency telephone or telephone at or near a railway or tramway level crossing -
Drivers of large or slow vehicles must stop and telephone before using an automatic railway or tramway crossing -
Drivers of long low vehicles must telephone to obtain permission before using a railway or tramway level crossing -
Level crossing ahead is crossed by more than one railway or tramway track, and more than one train or tramcar may pass over it in quick succession -
Light signal at level crossing for pedestrians -
Load gauge giving audible warning to drivers where vehicle exceeds safe height under electrified overhead cables -
Location of railway or tramway level crossing without a gate or barrier -
New method of controlling traffic at a railway or tramway level crossing ahead -
Open railway level crossing without light signals -
Place where drivers of large or slow, or long low vehicles should park near a level crossing while contacting the signal operator -
Safe height beneath electrified overhead cable ahead -
Site of emergency telephone or telephone at or near a railway or tramway level crossing -
Vehicular traffic must not stop within the area of a railway or tramway level crossing -
Warning of light signals at a level crossing without a gate or barrier ahead
Ready to test yourself on road signs?
The free road signs quiz uses the same official artwork, with an explanation for every answer. Revise the rules behind them in our Rules of the Road guide.
Start the road signs quizFrequently asked questions
How do you recognise level crossing signs?
Level crossing signs warn that a railway crosses the road ahead. A gate symbol means a crossing with barriers or gates; a steam train symbol means one without. Countdown markers with three, two and one bars show the distance to a concealed crossing. Flashing red lights mean you must stop.
Do level crossing signs come up in the theory test?
Yes. Signs appear throughout the theory test, mainly in the Road & Traffic Signs topic and also in topics such as Rules of the Road. Practise with our free questions until you can read each sign from its shape and colour.
Which other road sign categories should you learn?
Traffic sign images: Crown copyright, Department for Transport. Reproduced under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Licence · Source.