Sign 788, the 'Direction to telephone at level crossing' sign, is a crucial indicator when roads and railways intersect in Great Britain. It warns you to approach a railway or tramway crossing with caution and prepare to stop. If you see this sign, always be ready to halt, ensure you can completely clear the crossing before entering, and use the provided telephone if necessary for assistance or to report issues.
This sign directs you to a telephone at a level crossing, crucial for your theory test revision. Understanding its specific meaning ensures you know how to safely navigate these potentially hazardous railway points, a key aspect of UK driving knowledge.
This level-crossing sign is used where road traffic interacts with rail, tram, or crossing equipment. It may refer to barriers, gates, warning lights, telephones, overhead cables, live rails, or special instructions for certain users. Because rail vehicles cannot stop quickly, the safe response is to slow early, obey signals and barriers, and enter only when there is enough space to clear the crossing completely. It is listed in the catalogue as code 788.
"Direction to telephone at level crossing" warns or instructs drivers at a railway, tramway, or private crossing. The driver should approach prepared to stop and must keep the crossing clear.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 788 - Direction to telephone at level crossing road sign. Learn how the sign works, what rules it represents, and how it affects real driving situations. This FAQ strengthens your understanding and supports accurate decision making for the British driving theory exam in Great Britain.
Sign 788 indicates that you are approaching a railway or tramway crossing where there is a telephone available for use. It's a warning to be prepared to stop and a reminder that you must not enter the crossing unless you can clear it completely.
Upon seeing Sign 788, you must slow down and approach the level crossing ready to stop. Crucially, never enter the crossing area if there isn't enough space on the other side for your vehicle to exit completely. Always obey any barriers, lights, or signals at the crossing.
A common trap is assuming a crossing is safe just because another vehicle has just crossed, or because you can't see a train. You must always ensure your exit is clear and obey all signals. Another mistake is stopping on the tracks or between gates if the exit is blocked.
The telephone indicated by Sign 788 is an emergency facility. You should use it if your vehicle breaks down on or near the crossing, or if you get trapped. It connects you to the railway or tramway authority who can then take appropriate action to ensure your safety and manage train movements.
No, the sign doesn't mean you must always stop. It means you must be prepared to stop and ensure the crossing is clear before you proceed. You should only stop if signals, barriers, or traffic conditions require it, or if you cannot clear the crossing.
A clear reference image of the 788 - Direction to telephone at level crossing road sign used in Great Britain.

The 788 - Direction to telephone at level crossing road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 788 - Direction to telephone at level crossing road sign is part of the Great Britain Level Crossing Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Comparing signs like the 'Direction to telephone at level crossing' with other level crossing signs sharpens your sign recognition skills and aids theory test revision. Understanding subtle differences in traffic sign comparison is key to accurate recall and fewer mistakes during your driving theory exam.

Prepare to stop for level crossings with gates or barriers ahead.

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Prepare to stop for light signals at railway or tramway crossings ahead.

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Sign 775 warns you not to block the level crossing ahead.

Second Train Warning Plate (777): What to do at busy level crossings.

Electrified Overhead Cable Ahead: What This Sign Means for Railway Crossings
After reviewing the full list of road signs, challenge yourself with practice questions focused specifically on sign recognition. Reinforce your learning and ensure you're fully prepared to identify and understand all traffic signs on the DVSA theory test.
Browse All GB Road Signs List