Tunnels: the warning sign, dipped headlights and safe speed

Tunnels are short, but they change the driving conditions quickly: the light drops, the walls leave you no escape route and traffic often slows at the entrance. The K53 learner’s test checks that you recognise the tunnel warning sign and know exactly what to do when you see it.

The tunnel warning sign (W319)

W319 is a triangular warning sign that shows a tunnel entrance. You will usually see it on mountain passes and other roads that cut through hills. The K53 manual gives one clear action for it: slow down and switch on your headlights in the dipped position.

Dipped beam lights up the road at least 45 metres ahead without dazzling oncoming drivers, who are very close to you in a narrow tunnel. Switch on before you enter, because your eyes need a few seconds to adjust from bright daylight to the darker tunnel.

Rules that apply in and near tunnels

• No stopping. You may not stop inside a tunnel or within 6 metres of one, unless you must avoid an accident, a traffic officer tells you to, or something beyond your control forces you to stop.
• No risky overtaking. Tunnels are often marked with solid barrier lines or an overtaking prohibited sign. Obey them. You cannot see far enough ahead in a tunnel to overtake safely.
• Keep your gap. Keep at least the minimum following distance (two seconds for a car, three for a heavy vehicle) and more if the road is wet. Drivers ahead often brake at the entrance while their eyes adjust.

A simple routine for driving through

1. Check your mirrors and ease off the accelerator as soon as you see W319.
2. Switch on dipped headlights before the entrance, and take off sunglasses if you wear them.
3. Keep left in your lane, hold a steady speed within the limit and keep your following distance.
4. At the exit, expect bright glare and possibly a wet road or crosswind. Leave your lights on until you are well clear.

Test yourself

These questions come from the K53TestsOnline question bank. Choose an answer to see if you are right.

Test yourselfRoad signs

Where could you expect to find this sign and how should you respond?

AOn roads with high-incident collision zones. Switch on your vehicle's headlights on the main beamBIn mountainous areas before a tunnel. Switch on your vehicle's headlights in the dipped positionCOn roads that carry large amounts of traffic at night. Switch on your vehicle's headlights on the main beam

Practise more road signs questions

Keep learning

• Road rules: main and dipped beams
• Road rules: where you may not stop
• Traffic signs: symbolic warning signs
• Night driving: headlights, dipping and visibility