The answer options
- Steady amber lightCorrect
- Red flashing lights
- One half-barrier down
- Both half-barriers down
Why that is the answer
As you approach a level crossing with light signals, the first warning is always a steady amber light. This means you must stop unless it is unsafe to do so. The twin red lights only start flashing after the amber light goes out, followed by the barriers lowering. Drivers often mistakenly choose the red flashing lights, but the amber light is designed to give you time to stop safely before those begin.
How this comes up in the real test
Questions from hazard awareness appear throughout the 50-question multiple-choice section, and the wording changes between versions. Learn the rule rather than the sentence: the DVSA can ask the same point from the opposite direction, and a memorised answer falls over the moment the phrasing moves.
The pass mark is 43 out of 50, so seven wrong answers is your entire margin. If a whole category is shaky, run the topic practice below until you are getting every question right for the right reason, then go back to full mocks under the clock.
More hazard awareness questions
- A friend has given you some cough medicine. You take some and wish to drive your car, what should you do first?
- A motorcyclist has just overtaken you. What should you do if the motorcyclist sharply cuts in front of you?
- A police officer is making this signal to oncoming traffic. What does this mean?
- Before taking any medicine you should always check the leaflet. Why is this?
- Certain two-way streets have three lanes on them. Why do they pose a special risk?
- Do you need to plan rest stops when you’re planning a long journey?