Highway Code: Special Infrastructure
Rules 288-307: Level Crossings & Trams | Free DVSA Practice Test
Master Temporary Zones, Flashing Light Sequences & Rail Shared Spaces
Test Coverage
Rules 288–307 of The Highway Code
Core Focus
Barrier delays & stall procedures
Key Value
Tram track safety & diamond layout rules
💡 Infrastructure Safety Blueprint:
Interfacing with mixed transit systems and dynamic road crews requires perfect obedience to active signal patterns. This module verifies your knowledge of high-risk operational zones:
🔴 Amber light sequence rules
🛑 Level crossing stall protocols
📉 Smart contraflow speed limits
🔲 Tramway alignment markers
- Questions are based on the ‘Road Works, Level Crossings and Tramways’ section (Rules 288–307) of The Highway Code.
- Covers how to safely approach and pass road works, including rules for motorways and high-speed roads.
- Includes guidance for high-speed road conditions, temporary signs, speed limits, and lane closures.
- Focuses on safe behavior at level crossings, including flashing lights, barriers, and what to do if your vehicle gets stuck.
- Also tests knowledge of tramway systems, shared spaces, signals, and road markings related to trams.
While driving near tram tracks, what should you do to stay safe?
Enter the tram lane to overtake
Drive on the tram rails to pass
Keep clear of tram lanes and follow their route
Avoid following trams into their reserved lanes
Trams have designated lanes, and you must not drive in these lanes or follow them. Doing so could create safety hazards, especially for passengers and vehicles. Always respect tram routes and signals to avoid accidents. Stay clear of tram lanes for your safety and that of others. Highway Code Rule 300: Stay clear of tram lanes and follow tram signals.
What must you do when a temporary maximum speed limit is in place at road works?
Drive as fast as the normal speed limit allows
Ignore it if there are no workers present
Only follow it at night
Never exceed it under any circumstance
Temporary speed limits are set to protect both drivers and road workers from unexpected hazards like narrowed lanes, loose surfaces, or equipment. Even if no workers are visible, the risks remain. Respecting these limits reduces crash chances and is required by law. Highway Code Rule 288: You MUST NOT exceed any temporary maximum speed limit.
You’ve crossed the white line at a level crossing and the amber light appears. How must you react?
Reverse behind the line and wait
Stop immediately where you are
Continue over the crossing to clear it
Wait for the train, then proceed slowly
If you have already crossed the white line when the amber light comes on, do not stop. Continue crossing to clear the crossing and avoid blocking it for other vehicles. Highway Code Rule 293.
How can cyclists and motorcyclists safely cross tram tracks, especially when wet?
Cross at a sharp angle to avoid obstructions
Always cross at right angles, especially when wet
Cross quickly at any angle as long as you're cautious
Ignore the angle of the tracks as long as you are cautious
Wet rails can be slippery, and crossing at a shallow angle or on bends can be hazardous for cyclists and motorcyclists. The safest approach is to cross tram tracks directly at right angles to maintain control, especially in slippery conditions. Highway Code Rule 306.
Under what condition is it acceptable to pass a tram at a roadside stop without a platform?
When the tram is stationary for less than a minute
If road signs indicate an alternative route
When there is no pedestrian activity around the tram
If the tram is blocking the entire road
According to Highway Code Rule 303, you must not overtake a tram at a roadside stop without a platform unless road signs guide you to another route. This rule is in place to ensure passenger safety, as they may cross directly from the tram into the road.
How are tram lanes typically indicated to help drivers avoid entering them?
Solid blue lines and square warning signs
Raised curbs and green arrows painted on the road
Dashed yellow lines and circular lights
White lines, yellow dots, or a different type of road surface
Tram lanes are usually marked by white lines, yellow dots, or a different type of surface to distinguish them from normal lanes. Drivers must recognize these signs and avoid driving in or following trams into these areas. Highway Code Rule 300: Tram lanes are marked with distinctive lines or surfaces—do not enter.
Do you follow the correct procedure when crossing an open crossing with a ‘Give Way’ sign?
Yes, I stop, look both ways, and listen for any trains
No, I proceed if the crossing looks clear
Yes, but I only look in one direction
No, I wait until I see a train pass
Open crossings have no barriers or lights. Always stop, look both ways, and listen for any trains before crossing to ensure it's safe. Ignoring this can result in dangerous situations, as there are no warning signals or barriers to protect you. Highway Code Rule 298: Always check for trains at open crossings.
In road works with narrow lanes and temporary markings, how should you drive?
Keep distance and watch lane edges
Match the speed of the car ahead
Speed up through narrow sections
Change lanes to avoid narrow areas
Narrow lanes often lack the room for error. Keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead gives you more time to react to sudden stops or debris, while clearly seeing the lane edges helps you stay within the safe path. Highway Code Rule 290: Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front and make sure you can clearly see the edges of the lane ahead.
If your vehicle breaks down in road works, what should you do?
Walk to the nearest service station
Stay inside and wait no matter what
Move into a refuge area if available
Drive slowly through cones to the exit
If your vehicle breaks down during road works, moving into a refuge zone (if available) helps you stay safe and avoids creating additional hazards for other drivers or workers. These areas are designated for exactly this type of emergency. Highway Code Rule 290: Where available, move your vehicle into a signed road works refuge location.
How should you respond when tram tracks shift or run close to the kerb?
Overtake slowly if there’s space
Follow closely and wait to pass
Pass inside if tram slows suddenly
Give way; only pass if clearly allowed
When tram tracks cross the road or run close to the kerb, you must take extra care. Trams may move under different signals and have right of way. Never try to race, overtake, or pass them unless they're stopped by tram signals and a marked lane allows you to pass safely. Highway Code Rule 301.
Which action could endanger tram safety and breach parking rules?
Parking beside tram tracks in a marked bay
Parking near the track only if others have done so
Leaving your vehicle fully outside the tram path
Stopping briefly across the tram tracks in low traffic
Trams cannot steer around obstacles, making any vehicle stopped on the track a serious hazard. Even a brief stop can block the line. According to Highway Code Rule 302, only park in clearly marked bays fully outside the tram path. Never obstruct or force others to obstruct tram routes.
What’s the safest way to drive in a contraflow system at road works?
Speed up to pass before it ends
Change lanes to avoid contraflow
Stay in lane, slow down, leave space
Ignore any road signs
Contraflow systems are often narrow and may lack barriers between opposing traffic. Slowing down and increasing your following distance helps you react safely—especially with sudden camber changes. Highway Code Rule 290: At the start and finish of contraflows, slow down and increase the distance to the vehicle in front.
Approaching a works vehicle with a directional sign, what should you do?
Pass on the side the sign shows
Pass on the right if safe
Pass on the left if safe
Stay in your lane until last second
These vehicles display specific directional signs like ‘Keep Left’ or ‘Keep Right’ for safety. Following the direction shown is legally required. Passing on the wrong side, even if it seems safe, is dangerous and illegal. Highway Code Rule 289: You MUST move over and pass the works vehicle on the side indicated and not return to the closed lane until safe.
On what kind of occasion should you give priority to a tram when it signals to pull away from a stop?
Only when there are no other vehicles around
When the tram signals to move off, unless it’s unsafe
If you can overtake the tram quickly and safely
When the tram is stationary at the stop for a long time
You must give priority to trams pulling away from stops, as passengers, particularly standing ones, could be at risk. Overtaking or ignoring a tram can cause accidents. Always ensure it is safe to pass and never attempt to race the tram. Highway Code Rule 305: Always give priority to trams when they signal to pull away from a stop.
A traffic queue is building near a level crossing. What should you be most cautious about?
Moving quickly to avoid being cut off
Stopping before the barrier
Ensuring the exit is clear before crossing
Entering if lights aren't flashing
Never enter a level crossing unless the exit is fully clear. Even if the barriers are raised or the lights are not flashing, entering without space ahead can trap you on the tracks — a serious risk. Highway Code Rule 291: Never drive onto a crossing until the road is clear on the other side and do not get too close to the car in front.
What is the standard clearance height for tramway overhead wires?
Below 5.8 metres
5.8 metres
6.8 metres
Above 6.8 metres
The standard height clearance for tramway overhead wires is 5.8 metres. Always ensure your vehicle can pass safely, especially when carrying a load or using height-variable equipment. If in doubt, consult local authorities to avoid accidents. Highway Code Rule 307: Ensure sufficient clearance when driving under tramway overhead wires.
While nearing traffic queues at road works, what’s the correct action?
Change lanes to get ahead
Use the hard shoulder
Overtake slower traffic
Stay in lane, don’t overtake
Overtaking queuing traffic at road works is dangerous, unfair, and can lead to accidents or delays. Narrow lanes and reduced visibility make switching lanes risky. Staying in your lane helps maintain safety and order. Highway Code Rule 288 advises not to overtake in such areas.
At a user-operated crossing showing a green light, what must you do in order?
Check light, open one gate, then cross
Open both gates, check light, cross, then close gates
Cross on green, then return to shut the gates
Cross slowly if light isn’t flashing and one gate is open
The correct sequence at a user-operated crossing is essential: open both gates, confirm the green light is still showing, cross quickly, and close the gates after clearing. Skipping or misordering any steps increases risk. Highway Code Rule 296: Follow proper procedure at gated crossings.
What should you be especially cautious of when approaching a tram stop?
Pedestrians, particularly children, rushing to catch an approaching tram
Pedestrians walking on the opposite side of the road
Vehicles parked near the tram stop
Pedestrians standing too close to the tram tracks
Highway Code Rule 304 emphasizes the need for drivers to be vigilant when approaching tram stops, particularly for pedestrians, especially children, running to catch the tram. Children may act unpredictably, darting into the road without warning. Drivers should reduce speed and anticipate sudden movements to ensure safety.
While approaching a railway crossing with no traffic lights, what should you do if the barrier starts to close?
Speed up and cross quickly before it shuts fully
Wait only if the barrier is fully horizontal and blocking the road
Stop and wait until the barrier or gate fully reopens
Proceed carefully if no train is visible beyond the gate
Without lights, barriers or gates alone control the crossing. As soon as it starts to close, you MUST stop and wait until it opens again. Attempting to beat or ignore it is dangerous and illegal. Highway Code Rule 295: Vehicles should stop when the barrier begins to close and not cross until it reopens.
Driving a high-sided vehicle, you see a warning for overhead electric lines. What should you do?
Proceed if your height is below the limit
Judge visually if wires look high enough
Follow height signs; avoid if unsure
Go slowly to reduce risk
Even if your vehicle is technically below the posted limit, conditions like road surface variations or signage errors can still result in dangerous contact with overhead lines. Always follow posted warnings and avoid crossing if unsure. Highway Code Rule 292: You MUST obey safe height warning road signs and not continue if your vehicle touches a barrier.
If your vehicle breaks down or an incident occurs on a crossing, what should you do first?
Stay in the vehicle and wait for help
Get everyone out and clear of the crossing immediately
Drive off the crossing as soon as possible
Try to fix the problem before leaving the crossing
If your vehicle breaks down on a crossing, your top priority is to get everyone out and clear of the crossing. This ensures safety, especially if a train is approaching. Follow this immediately to avoid danger. Highway Code Rule 299: Act swiftly to ensure safety in case of incidents on crossings.
Red lights begin flashing at a level crossing as you near it. How should you respond?
Stop behind the white line and wait
Slow down and continue if they turn amber
Zig-zag around the barrier before the train comes
Proceed if the track looks clear
When the red lights flash, you must stop and wait. Proceeding or trying to zig-zag around barriers is dangerous, as it could result in being trapped when a train passes. Never continue until the lights stop and barriers open. Highway Code Rule 293: Always obey the flashing red stop lights and stop behind the white line.
You're at a level crossing with no lights but a railway phone is provided. How should you handle the situation?
Look both ways and cross quickly if it seems clear
Use the phone only if a train is visible in the distance
Call the signal operator before and after crossing
Cross slowly after checking for lights or alarms
At crossings without lights, you must follow Rule 296 and call the signal operator using the railway phone—before crossing to confirm it’s safe, and after to confirm you’re clear. Skipping this step can result in dangerous miscommunication. Highway Code Rule 297: Always contact the signal operator where phones are provided.
What must you do when following a vehicle displaying the sign ‘CONVOY VEHICLE NO OVERTAKING’?
Follow without overtaking
Flash headlights to pass
Overtake if it feels safe
Overtake if it’s slow
A ‘CONVOY VEHICLE NO OVERTAKING’ sign is a legal instruction. It ensures traffic moves safely through a controlled or hazardous area. Overtaking it, even if it seems safe, is illegal and dangerous. These vehicles regulate safe distance and speed in narrow or high-risk work zones. Highway Code Rule 289.