Driving skills syllabus

28   Driving across railway level crossings

Aim

• To legally and safely approach and cross different kinds of railway level crossings.

Situation

• On a road with a railway level crossing that is:
  1. controlled by a Stop sign or a Give Way sign
  2. controlled by barrier arms or signals
  3. uncontrolled (does not have barrier arms, signals or a Stop or Give Way sign).

The driver should

1. When at a railway level crossing controlled by a Stop or Give Way sign:
   • Check the mirrors (inside and outside).
   • Look to right and left along railway line for rail traffic.
   • If there is a Give Way sign, slow down and be ready to stop.
   • Stop if there is a Stop sign.
   • If required to stop, come to a complete stop behind the limit line, or at a safe distance from the crossing (at least 5 metres away) if there is no limit line.
   • When it's safe to go, drive over the railway lines.
2. When at a railway level crossing controlled by signals or barrier arms:
   • Check the mirrors (inside and outside).
   • If signals are flashing or barrier arms are down, come to a complete stop behind the limit line, or at a safe distance from the crossing (at least 5 metres away) if there is no limit line. Stay stopped until the signals stop flashing and the barrier arms have completely lifted.
   • When it's safe to go, drive over the railway lines.
3. When at a railway level crossing that is uncontrolled:
   • Check the mirrors (inside and outside).
   • Look to right and left along railway line for rail traffic.
   • Slow down and be ready to stop.
   • If required to stop, come to a complete stop behind the limit line, or at a safe distance from the crossing (at least 5 metres away) if there is no limit line.
   • When it's safe to go, drive over the railway lines.
   • Perform the tasks at least three times.

< previous | next >

Last updated: 30 April 2009