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Single-track
The sign warns of a single-track railway.
When you see the sign
Slow down and approach the level crossing with particular caution so that you can stop at a safe distance. Look and listen for trains in both directions, and only cross when you can clear the entire track without having to stop.
Rules
- The sign warns of a level crossing with a single railway track.
- You must give way to trains and stop if a train is approaching.
- A red light signal, audible signal, lowered barrier or a guard giving a stop signal means that you must stop before the level crossing.
- You must not enter the level crossing if a queue or other obstructions could cause you to stop on the track.
- The sign itself does not require you to make a full stop or impose a specific speed limit, but you must drive slowly enough to be able to stop safely.
Tips
- Actively look both right and left, even if the barrier is raised and the light signal is not flashing.
- Select the correct gear before driving onto the track so that you can cross without stopping or changing gear unnecessarily.
- Keep a good distance from the vehicle in front so that your entire car can fit on the other side of the track.
- In poor visibility, reduce your speed further and listen for trains or warning signals.
Common misconceptions
- Some people think the sign means that the road narrows to a single lane, but it indicates a single railway track.
- Some people think they must always stop at the sign. Stopping is only necessary when the situation or signals require it.
- Some people rely entirely on the barrier and light signal and fail to look for trains, even though the driver must always check that it is safe to cross.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this sign warn about?
- AA road that becomes one lane narrower
- BA level crossing with one railway track
- CA road with a steep slope
- DA road with several dangerous bends
Medium
You are approaching the level crossing without a red light or lowered barrier. What should you do?
- AMaintain the same speed and rely on the light signal to warn of trains.
- BIncrease your speed, cross quickly and avoid stopping on the track.
- CCome to a complete stop, wait briefly and cross without looking for trains.
- DAdjust your speed, look for trains and cross when it is safe.
Hard
The barrier is up and the light signal is off, but the queue after the level crossing means that you may come to a stop on the tracks. What should you do?
- ADrive onto the level crossing because the barrier is still fully up.
- BWait before the level crossing until there is room to drive completely across.
- CDrive onto the level crossing because the light signal is still completely off.
- DDrive onto the level crossing and stop as close as possible to the car in front.
Theory test tip
Pay attention to the number of crosses: One cross means a single-track level crossing. A common trap is to interpret the shape as a warning that the road narrows or to think that the sign always means you must stop unconditionally.
Did you know
The sign is shaped like a St Andrew's cross and is used at level crossings with a single track. At level crossings with several tracks, a variant with a double cross is used, making the driver aware that another train may arrive on a different track.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always have to stop at this sign?
No, the sign alone does not impose an unconditional stopping requirement. However, you must slow down and stop if a train, signal, barrier, guard or visibility conditions make it necessary.
Can I drive when the barrier starts to rise?
You must wait until the signals allow you to cross and it is clear that the crossing can be crossed safely. Also check that no new train is approaching before you drive across.
What does single-track mean?
It means that the level crossing crosses one railway track. However, trains can still approach from both directions.
What should I do if there is a queue on the other side of the track?
Wait before the level crossing until there is enough space for your entire car on the other side. You must never drive onto the track if you risk being left standing there.
Practise for the theory test
Teorio has the complete theory syllabus in your own language. Download the app and practise whenever it suits you.
