The 'Electrified Overhead Cable Ahead' sign (code 779) warns you of an approaching railway or tramway crossing where there are live overhead cables. It's crucial to approach such crossings with caution, preparing to stop, and ensuring you can clear the crossing completely before entering. These signs are part of a system to manage safe interactions between road traffic and rail or tram lines.
This sign warns of electrified overhead cables at railway crossings, crucial for your theory test revision. Knowing its meaning is vital for safe decision-making and avoiding hazards on Great Britain roads.
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 779.
"Electrified overhead cable ahead" 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 779 - Electrified overhead cable ahead 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.
This sign is a warning that you are approaching a railway or tramway crossing with electrified overhead cables. You must approach at a speed that allows you to stop safely if necessary, and you must never enter the crossing unless you are certain you can clear it completely without stopping.
The primary danger is collision with a moving train or tram, which cannot stop quickly. Additionally, the overhead cables carry high voltage electricity, posing a severe risk if contacted. It's vital to obey all signals, barriers, and instructions at the crossing.
You are prohibited from entering the crossing unless the exit is clear. Never drive around barriers or ignore red warning lights. Do not stop on the tracks, between gates, or anywhere within the crossing area. Never assume a train or tram isn't coming just because another vehicle has crossed.
If your vehicle breaks down and you are trapped at or near the crossing, use the emergency telephone provided if available. Follow any instructions given and alert the railway authorities immediately to prevent a potential collision or electrical hazard.
Yes, if you are driving a long vehicle, a high vehicle, or using an animal-drawn vehicle, you need to plan extra carefully. Ensure there is ample space and time to clear the entire crossing, considering the length of your vehicle and the potential for overhead cable clearance issues.
This sign (779) specifically warns of electrified overhead cables. Other railway crossing signs might warn of barriers, gates, or just general rail traffic. Regardless of the specific warning, the fundamental rule of never entering a crossing unless the exit is clear and obeying all signals and barriers always applies to all types of railway crossings.
A clear reference image of the 779 - Electrified overhead cable ahead road sign used in Great Britain.

The 779 - Electrified overhead cable ahead road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 779 - Electrified overhead cable ahead road sign is part of the Great Britain Level Crossing Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Mastering the theory test involves understanding how similar road signs can be confused; comparing the 'Electrified overhead cable ahead' sign with related traffic signs aids recognition and reduces errors. Effective theory test revision includes detailed traffic sign comparison to build confidence for your exam.

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Explore curated explanations and practical examples to strengthen your visual recognition of essential Great Britain road signs. These supplementary materials provide the context needed to navigate junctions safely and pass your official DVSA theory test.
Prepare for your Great Britain driving theory test by understanding the critical rules for level crossings, as detailed in the Highway Code. This guide covers everything from approaching crossings with flashing lights and lowered barriers to what action to take if your vehicle breaks down. Grasping these safety protocols is vital for preventing accidents and ensuring you meet DVSA requirements.
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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 780A.
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 level-crossing-user-operated-gate.
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