Driving Test Practice

Alabama: Railroad crossings — Part 1 Practice Test

Questions in this part include: “How far before the track is the round railroad warning sign placed?” · “If a railroad crossing has more than one track, what does a sign below the crossbuck indicate?”

Independent educational site · not affiliated with any government agency or DMV

Start the test

Ready? Test yourself

20 questions · About 8 min

  • Instant feedback with an explanation
  • Every answer cites its source in the manual
  • Your best score is saved on this device

Questions are original and based on the official manual "Alabama Driver Manual" (November 2024), Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Driver License Division.

All 20 questions in this practice test

Take the test above first, then use this list to study. Tap “Show answer” to see the correct answer and explanation.

Show the questions and answersHide the questions

  1. A round yellow sign with a black X and the letters RR means what?

    A round yellow sign with a black border showing a large black X with a black letter R in the left and right quarters.
    • A railroad station is nearby
    • Trains stop at the next crossing
    • A railroad crossing is closed
    • A highway railroad crossing is ahead
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A highway railroad crossing is ahead

    The round yellow railroad warning sign with a black X and RR means a highway railroad crossing is ahead.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 38 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  2. How far before the track is the round railroad warning sign placed?

    • 750 feet
    • 500 feet
    • 1,000 feet
    • 250 feet
    Show answer

    Correct answer: 750 feet

    The round railroad warning sign is placed 750 feet before the track.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 38 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  3. What may be marked on the pavement in front of a railroad crossing?

    • A large arrow and the word TRAIN
    • Two white diamonds
    • A large X and two RR’s
    • A single white R inside a circle
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A large X and two RR’s

    The pavement in front of a railroad crossing may be marked with a large X and two RR’s.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 38 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  4. What does a yellow line in advance of a railroad crossing mean?

    A two-lane road with a double yellow center line leading to railroad tracks: a large X with the letters R R painted in the lane, a white line across the lane before the rails, a crossbuck and a round yellow sign beside the road, and a blue car approaching
    • Stop at the line
    • No passing
    • A train may approach from behind
    • Proceed only when the lights flash
    Show answer

    Correct answer: No passing

    A yellow line in advance of the crossing means no passing.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 38 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  5. At a railroad crossing, what do white lines on each side of the track show motorists?

    A two-lane road with a double yellow center line leading to railroad tracks: a large X with the letters R R painted in the lane, a white line across the lane before the rails, a crossbuck and a round yellow sign beside the road, and a blue car approaching
    • Where to pass when no train is coming
    • Where the crossing gate will be lowered
    • How many tracks are ahead
    • Where to stop when a train is approaching
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Where to stop when a train is approaching

    White lines on each side of the track show motorists where to stop when a train is approaching.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 39 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  6. When the lights at a railroad crossing begin to flash, what must you always do?

    A railroad crossing with flashing lights and a lowered gate
    • Stop until it is safe to proceed
    • Slow down and proceed with caution
    • Stop only if you can see a train
    • Stop only if the gates are lowering
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Stop until it is safe to proceed

    When lights begin to flash, you must always stop until it is safe to proceed.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 39 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  7. When railroad gates are being lowered, what warns you to stop?

    • A yellow flashing signal
    • A flashing white strobe light
    • Red flashing lights
    • A sounding horn on the crossbuck
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Red flashing lights

    When gates are being lowered, the red flashing lights warn you to stop.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 39 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  8. At a crossing with gates, how long must you remain stopped?

    A railroad crossing with flashing lights and a lowered gate
    • Until the train’s last car has passed the gate
    • Until the gates are raised and the lights are no longer flashing
    • Until the gates are raised, even if lights still flash
    • For at least 15 seconds after the lights stop
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Until the gates are raised and the lights are no longer flashing

    Remain stopped until the gates are raised and the lights are no longer flashing.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 39 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  9. What should you do at a railroad crossing that has no warning device?

    A blue car approaches a railroad crossing marked only by crossbuck signs, where trees, a hedge and a barn beside the tracks hide the view along the line.
    • Stop completely and wait one minute
    • Sound your horn and proceed at your normal speed
    • Proceed, because a crossing without a device is out of use
    • Slow down, look and listen for trains before proceeding
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Slow down, look and listen for trains before proceeding

    If a crossing has no warning device, slow down, look and listen for trains before proceeding.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 39 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  10. What should a driver do upon sighting a train when approaching a railroad crossbuck?

    A blue car driving toward a rural railroad crossing marked only by RAILROAD CROSSING crossbuck signs, as a freight train sounding its horn approaches from the left
    • Slow down and be prepared to stop
    • Maintain speed and cross quickly
    • Honk the horn and keep going
    • Shift to a lower gear and cross at once
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Slow down and be prepared to stop

    At a crossbuck the driver should slow down and be prepared to stop upon sighting a train.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 39 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  11. If a railroad crossing has more than one track, what does a sign below the crossbuck indicate?

    • The speed limit for the crossing
    • The distance to the next crossing
    • The number of tracks
    • The number of trains per day
    Show answer

    Correct answer: The number of tracks

    A sign below the crossbuck indicates the number of tracks.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 39 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  12. Which of these must stop before crossing any railroad crossing?

    • A pickup truck
    • A church bus
    • A passenger car with a trailer
    • A motorcycle
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A church bus

    School buses, church buses and any passenger bus are required to stop before crossing any railroad crossing.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 39 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  13. Which trucks are required to stop before crossing any railroad crossing?

    • All trucks that have more than two axles on the road
    • Trucks that are pulling more than one trailer behind them
    • Trucks that carry any load over a set weight limit on the road
    • Trucks transporting flammables, explosives or other hazardous material
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Trucks transporting flammables, explosives or other hazardous material

    Trucks transporting flammables, explosives or other hazardous material must stop before every railroad crossing.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 39 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  14. How far from a railroad crossing must you stop when approaching it?

    • Within 15 to 50 feet
    • Within 5 to 10 feet
    • Within 25 to 75 feet
    • Within 50 to 100 feet
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Within 15 to 50 feet

    The manual says you must stop within 15 to 50 feet of the crossing.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 39 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  15. Why does the manual say the driver needs to slow down when approaching a railroad crossing?

    A blue car approaches a railroad crossing marked only by crossbuck signs, where trees, a hedge and a barn beside the tracks hide the view along the line.
    • To let the train driver see your vehicle well in advance
    • To lower your speed well below the posted speed limit of the road
    • To have enough time to be certain of stopping when a train can first be seen
    • To check your tires for damage from the rails
    Show answer

    Correct answer: To have enough time to be certain of stopping when a train can first be seen

    The driver needs to slow down to have enough time to be certain of being able to stop when a train can first be seen.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 39 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  16. At a railroad crossing protected by electric or mechanical signal devices, what is the operator required to do?

    A railroad crossing with flashing lights and a lowered gate
    • Slow to a crawl and watch both directions
    • Bring the vehicle to a complete stop
    • Sound the horn and cross without slowing
    • Stop only when a train is in view
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Bring the vehicle to a complete stop

    Crossings protected by electric or mechanical signal devices require the operator to bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 39 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  17. When must you also stop at a railroad crossing, besides at signal-protected crossings?

    A red car on a two-lane road with a double yellow centre line, heading toward a railroad track; a white X-shaped sign with two dark lamps stands beside the track.
    • Only when the crossing has two or more tracks to cross
    • Only when the road beyond the crossing is blocked
    • Only when a school bus is directly ahead of you
    • When the crossing gate is lowered or a train is approaching
    Show answer

    Correct answer: When the crossing gate is lowered or a train is approaching

    You must also stop if the crossing gate is lowered or when a train is approaching.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 40 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  18. If a railroad crossing has more than one track, what must you make certain of before crossing?

    A blue car waiting behind lowered gates with flashing red lights while a freight train passes on the nearer of two railroad tracks
    • That all tracks are clear
    • That the first track is clear
    • That the gates have been raised for at least a minute
    • That a vehicle is in front of you
    Show answer

    Correct answer: That all tracks are clear

    If there is more than one track, make certain all tracks are clear before crossing.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 40 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  19. When should you expect a train, according to the safety tips for motorists?

    A blue car driving toward a rural railroad crossing marked only by RAILROAD CROSSING crossbuck signs, as a freight train sounding its horn approaches from the left
    • Only during daytime hours
    • On any track at any time, day or night
    • Only at crossings with gates
    • Only at crossings with a crossbuck sign
    Show answer

    Correct answer: On any track at any time, day or night

    The manual says to expect a train on any track at anytime, and to be cautious both day and night.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 40 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  20. When traffic is heavy at a railroad crossing, what should you do before proceeding?

    A blue car approaches a railroad crossing while a line of cars, stopped at a red traffic light just beyond the tracks, backs up toward the far rail.
    • Move onto the tracks to stay close to the car ahead
    • Sound your horn to hurry the cars ahead
    • Cross as soon as the gate rises
    • Wait until you are sure you can clear the crossing
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Wait until you are sure you can clear the crossing

    Never get trapped on a crossing; when traffic is heavy, wait until you are sure you can clear it.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual (November 2024), page 40 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question