Alaska: Railroad crossings Practice Test
Crossbucks, warning signs, what to do if you are stuck on the tracks, and the emergency notification sign.
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Questions are original and based on the official manual "Alaska Driver Manual" (Revised October 2025), Alaska Department of Administration, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
All 30 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.
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At a railroad crossing with a gate or flag person, how long must you stay stopped?
- Until the gates are raised or the flag person ends the signal
- Until you no longer hear a train whistle or horn
- Until the vehicle ahead of you has crossed the tracks
- Until you have counted to ten and seen no train
Show answer
Correct answer: Until the gates are raised or the flag person ends the signal
You stop until crossing gates are raised or until the flag person discontinues the signal.
Source: Alaska Driver Manual (Revised October 2025), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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What should you be prepared to do when you see a railroad crossbuck or a round yellow railroad warning sign?
- Stop for trains
- Yield only to pedestrians
- Stop only if you see a train
- Sound your horn and proceed
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop for trains
The manual says the railroad crossbuck and warning sign means be prepared to stop for trains.
Source: Alaska Driver Manual (Revised October 2025), page 58 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 58)
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When traffic is heavy near a railroad crossing, what should you do?
- Drive onto the crossing and wait for traffic ahead to move
- Stop on the tracks so you can leave as soon as traffic moves
- Wait on the approach until you are sure you can clear the crossing
- Pull to the shoulder beside the tracks and wait there
Show answer
Correct answer: Wait on the approach until you are sure you can clear the crossing
Never get trapped on a crossing: wait on the approach until you are sure you can clear it.
Source: Alaska Driver Manual (Revised October 2025), page 58 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 58)
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When the last car of a train passes the crossing, when should you start up?
- As soon as the last car has cleared the crossing and the train has moved on down the line
- Only when you are sure no train is coming on another track, especially from the other direction
- As soon as the sound of the train has faded out and the crossing appears to be clear
- Once the vehicle in front of you has started to cross the tracks without stopping
Show answer
Correct answer: Only when you are sure no train is coming on another track, especially from the other direction
The manual warns about a second train: do not start until you are sure no train is coming on another track.
Source: Alaska Driver Manual (Revised October 2025), page 58 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 58)
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If the gates at a railroad crossing are down, what must you do?
- Cross carefully if you cannot see a train in either direction
- Go around the gates if you are driving slowly
- Cross after you honk your horn to warn any train
- Stay in place and not cross the tracks until the gates are raised
Show answer
Correct answer: Stay in place and not cross the tracks until the gates are raised
The manual says to stay in place until the gates are raised, and it is against the law to go around crossing gates.
Source: Alaska Driver Manual (Revised October 2025), page 58 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 58)
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What could result from racing a train to the crossing?
- Serious injury or death
- Only a traffic ticket
- A warning from the railroad dispatcher
- Nothing, if you reach the crossing first
Show answer
Correct answer: Serious injury or death
The manual states that racing a train to the crossing could result in serious injury or death.
Source: Alaska Driver Manual (Revised October 2025), page 58 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 58)
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If your vehicle has a manual transmission, what should you do while crossing railroad tracks?
- Shift to a higher gear to cross more quickly
- Shift into neutral and coast across the tracks
- Shift down and not change gears while crossing
- Change gears as needed to keep the vehicle moving
Show answer
Correct answer: Shift down and not change gears while crossing
The manual says never to shift gears on the crossing: shift down and do not change gears while crossing.
Source: Alaska Driver Manual (Revised October 2025), page 58 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 58)
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What should you be prepared to do when you are following a bus or truck that is required to stop at railroad crossings?
- Pass it before the crossing
- Stop
- Follow it closely and cross with it
- Drive around it on the shoulder
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop
The manual says to be prepared to stop when following buses or trucks that must stop at crossings.
Source: Alaska Driver Manual (Revised October 2025), page 58 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 58)
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If it is legal to pass a bus or truck that is approaching a railroad crossing, what must you make sure of?
- The vehicle ahead is moving slower than other traffic and has a signal on
- The crossing has no gates and is unmarked
- You have enough speed to clear the tracks quickly
- There are no unsafe conditions and you have a clear view of the tracks
Show answer
Correct answer: There are no unsafe conditions and you have a clear view of the tracks
The manual says that if passing is legal, make sure there are no unsafe conditions and that you have a clear view of the tracks.
Source: Alaska Driver Manual (Revised October 2025), page 58 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 58)
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How close must a train be to a crossing for you to be prepared to stop?
- Within 1500 feet
- Within 500 feet
- Within 1000 feet
- Within 2500 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: Within 1500 feet
The manual says to be prepared to stop if a train is within 1500 feet of the crossing.
Source: Alaska Driver Manual (Revised October 2025), page 58 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 58)
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What must you do when a train is close to a crossing that is unmarked?
- Cross if no gates or lights are present
- Slow down and cross if the train looks far away
- Stop, even though the crossing is unmarked
- Stop only if a crossbuck sign is posted
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop, even though the crossing is unmarked
The manual says you must stop even if the crossing is unmarked.
Source: Alaska Driver Manual (Revised October 2025), page 58 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 58)
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Why should you not take a chance with a train that is near a crossing?
- Train crews cannot see vehicles waiting at crossings
- Trains cannot stop easily, nor within a short distance
- Train horns do not sound until the train is on the crossing
- Crossing gates may take several minutes to lower
Show answer
Correct answer: Trains cannot stop easily, nor within a short distance
The manual warns that trains cannot stop easily or within a short distance.
Source: Alaska Driver Manual (Revised October 2025), page 58 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 58)
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If your vehicle is on the tracks at a grade crossing and the lights begin to flash, about how much time may you have to escape before the train arrives?
- About 45 seconds
- About 1 minute
- About 2 minutes
- About 20 seconds
Show answer
Correct answer: About 20 seconds
The manual says you may only have 20 seconds, the minimal time a train takes to reach the crossing once the lights activate.
Source: Alaska Driver Manual (Revised October 2025), page 59 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 59)
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If your vehicle is stuck on the tracks, what does the manual say the word "GO" stands for?
- Get Out of your vehicle
- Grab your belongings first
- Go forward off the tracks
- Gain speed and drive off
Show answer
Correct answer: Get Out of your vehicle
The manual says to remember the word "GO," as in GET OUT of your vehicle.
Source: Alaska Driver Manual (Revised October 2025), page 59 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 59)
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After you get out of a vehicle that is stuck on the tracks, where should you go?
- Stay beside the vehicle so you can watch for the train
- Stand next to the tracks near your vehicle
- Run away from both the tracks and the vehicle
- Wait beside the vehicle until help arrives
Show answer
Correct answer: Run away from both the tracks and the vehicle
The manual says that once outside you should run away from both the tracks and the vehicle.
Source: Alaska Driver Manual (Revised October 2025), page 59 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 59)
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Once you are clear of a vehicle stuck on the tracks, what should you do immediately?
- Go back and try to move your vehicle
- Dial 911
- Try to wave down the train
- Wait for the gates to rise
Show answer
Correct answer: Dial 911
The manual says that once clear you should immediately dial 911.
Source: Alaska Driver Manual (Revised October 2025), page 59 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 59)
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Your vehicle is stuck on the tracks and the warning lights have not activated yet. What should you do?
- Stay in the vehicle and keep trying to restart it until the lights flash
- Wait in your vehicle until the warning lights activate, then get out
- Stay with the vehicle and call only the nearest railroad office
- Get out, then immediately dial 911 and the ENS number
Show answer
Correct answer: Get out, then immediately dial 911 and the ENS number
With no lights or lights not yet activated, the manual says to get out and immediately dial 911 and the ENS number.
Source: Alaska Driver Manual (Revised October 2025), page 59 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 59)
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Which information should you provide when you call about a vehicle stuck on the tracks?
- Your license number, your insurance company and the tow service you would prefer to use
- The name of the railroad, the length of the train and its speed
- The location, the crossing number (if posted) and the road or highway that intersects the tracks
- Your destination, your route and the time you left
Show answer
Correct answer: The location, the crossing number (if posted) and the road or highway that intersects the tracks
The manual lists the location, the crossing number if posted, and the road or highway that intersects the tracks.
Source: Alaska Driver Manual (Revised October 2025), page 59 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 59)
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When you report a vehicle stuck on the tracks, what must you be sure to specify?
- That the crossing gates are down
- That a vehicle is on the tracks
- That the driver was not injured
- That no train is in sight
Show answer
Correct answer: That a vehicle is on the tracks
The manual says to be sure to specify that a vehicle is on the tracks.
Source: Alaska Driver Manual (Revised October 2025), page 59 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 59)
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What color is the Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign typically?
- Green
- Red
- Yellow
- Blue
Show answer
Correct answer: Blue
The manual describes the ENS sign as typically blue colored.
Source: Alaska Driver Manual (Revised October 2025), page 59 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 59)
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Where is the Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign posted?
- At every highway-rail grade crossing
- Only at crossings that have gates
- Only at crossings outside of towns
- Only at crossings with flashing lights
Show answer
Correct answer: At every highway-rail grade crossing
The manual says the ENS sign is at every highway-rail grade crossing.
Source: Alaska Driver Manual (Revised October 2025), page 59 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 59)
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How often is the telephone number on the ENS sign available to the public?
- Only during daytime business hours
- Only on weekdays
- 24 hours a day, every day of the year
- Only while a train is approaching
Show answer
Correct answer: 24 hours a day, every day of the year
The ENS sign provides the public with a 24/7/365 telephone number.
Source: Alaska Driver Manual (Revised October 2025), page 59 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 59)
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Where may the ENS sign be located?
- Only on the gate arm that lowers across the road
- On the black and white crossbuck or near the actual crossing
- Only on the sign posted at the start of the railroad approach
- On the front of the train that is approaching
Show answer
Correct answer: On the black and white crossbuck or near the actual crossing
The manual says the sign is either on the black and white cross buck or near the actual crossing.
Source: Alaska Driver Manual (Revised October 2025), page 59 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 59)
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Who answers the toll-free ENS number?
- Local police officers
- State highway patrol officers
- Employees of the DMV
- Railroad dispatchers
Show answer
Correct answer: Railroad dispatchers
The manual says the toll-free ENS number is answered by railroad dispatchers.
Source: Alaska Driver Manual (Revised October 2025), page 59 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 59)
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During an emergency, what do the railroad dispatchers who answer the ENS number attempt to do?
- Stop all train traffic at the crossing
- Send a tow truck to the crossing
- Direct traffic around the crossing
- Lower the gates by remote control
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop all train traffic at the crossing
The manual calls them the first line of defense to attempt to stop all train traffic at the crossing during an emergency.
Source: Alaska Driver Manual (Revised October 2025), page 59 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 59)
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Which of these can the public report by using the information on the ENS sign?
- Weather forecasts for the area near the crossing
- Lost-and-found items left on a passenger train
- Malfunctions of warning signals and crossing gates
- Trains that are running behind schedule
Show answer
Correct answer: Malfunctions of warning signals and crossing gates
The manual lists malfunctions of warning signals, crossing gates and other safety devices as reportable.
Source: Alaska Driver Manual (Revised October 2025), page 59 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 59)
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Which of these can the public report by using the information on the ENS sign?
- Vehicles parked on the road shoulder far from the tracks
- Disabled cars, trucks or other vehicles blocking the tracks
- Lost-and-found items left on a passenger train
- Passenger trains that stop at a nearby station
Show answer
Correct answer: Disabled cars, trucks or other vehicles blocking the tracks
The manual lists disabled cars, trucks or other vehicles blocking the railroad tracks as reportable.
Source: Alaska Driver Manual (Revised October 2025), page 59 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 59)
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Which of these can the public report by using the information on the ENS sign?
- Drivers who stop at the crossing as required
- Bus drivers who open their doors at the crossing
- Weather forecasts that affect the crossing
- Trespassers on the tracks or along the right of way
Show answer
Correct answer: Trespassers on the tracks or along the right of way
The manual lists trespassers on the tracks or along the right of way at the crossing as reportable.
Source: Alaska Driver Manual (Revised October 2025), page 59 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 59)
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What is the emergency dispatch number posted at every grade crossing used for?
- Buying tickets for the passenger trains that use this crossing and nearby stations
- Getting the schedule of the trains that use the crossing and any posted delays
- Contacting the railroad to report problems with the crossing, tracks, or train travel
- Getting road directions and travel information for the area around the crossing
Show answer
Correct answer: Contacting the railroad to report problems with the crossing, tracks, or train travel
The manual says every grade crossing has an emergency dispatch number for contacting the railroad to report problems with the crossing, tracks, or train travel.
Source: Alaska Driver Manual (Revised October 2025), page 53 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 53 · PDF 65)
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What does the DOT number on the ENS sign identify so emergency crews or railroad personnel can respond?
- The railroad company that owns the track
- The physical location of the grade crossing
- The number of trains that use the crossing
- The direction the nearest train is traveling
Show answer
Correct answer: The physical location of the grade crossing
The manual says the DOT number identifies the grade crossing’s physical location so emergency crews or railroad personnel can respond.
Source: Alaska Driver Manual (Revised October 2025), page 53 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 53 · PDF 65)