Arizona: Railroad and light rail
Railroad crossings and how to drive, walk and bike safely around METRO light rail. Split into 2 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
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Railroad and light rail — Part 1
Questions in this part include: “You must not pass when you are approaching within how many feet of a railroad crossing?”
StartRailroad and light rail — Part 2
Questions in this part include: “What activates when trains approach a controlled crossing of the METRO trackway?”
StartAll 33 Railroad and light rail questions with answers
Choose a part above to take a practice test, or study every question and answer here.
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You must not pass when you are approaching within how many feet of a railroad crossing?
- 200 feet
- 300 feet
- 500 feet
- 100 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 100 feet
The manual prohibits passing within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 28
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What does a circle-shaped sign provide a warning of?
- That a school crossing is ahead of you
- That you are approaching a railroad crossing
- That a work zone is ahead of you
- That a divided highway is ahead of you
Show answer
Correct answer: That you are approaching a railroad crossing
A circle-shaped sign provides a warning that you are approaching a railroad crossing.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 42
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What is the closest you may stop to the nearest railroad track when you observe flashing red lights, a lowered barricade or ringing bells?
- 5 feet
- 10 feet
- 25 feet
- 15 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 15 feet
You must stop no closer than 15 feet from the nearest railroad track.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 42
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At a railroad crossing, which of these requires you to stop no closer than 15 feet from the nearest track?
- A flagger warning of an approaching train
- A school bus stopped near the crossing
- A yellow pavement marking on the road
- Reduced visibility from fog or dust
Show answer
Correct answer: A flagger warning of an approaching train
A flagger warning of an approaching train or other on-track equipment is one of the signals that requires you to stop at least 15 feet from the nearest track.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 42
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When may you cross the tracks at a railroad crossing that has signals and a barricade?
- As soon as the train has passed, even if bells still ring
- As soon as the barricade begins to rise
- Not until the signals stop and the barricade is fully up
- After waiting 15 seconds for the signals to stop
Show answer
Correct answer: Not until the signals stop and the barricade is fully up
Do not cross the tracks until all signals have stopped and the crossing barricade is up all the way.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 42
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What should you do about a lowered crossing barricade?
- Drive around it if no train is visible
- Never drive around or under it
- Go under it only if it is partly down
- Drive around it using the shoulder
Show answer
Correct answer: Never drive around or under it
Do not drive around or under a lowered crossing barricade.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 42
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On which track should you expect a train or other on-track equipment?
- Only tracks with warning signs
- Only tracks that carry daily service
- Only tracks marked by flashing lights
- Any track at any time
Show answer
Correct answer: Any track at any time
The manual says to expect a train or other on-track equipment on any track at any time.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 42
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What should you avoid doing at a railroad crossing?
- Getting trapped on the crossing
- Stopping at least 15 feet from the nearest track
- Obeying a flagger's warning
- Looking for a second train
Show answer
Correct answer: Getting trapped on the crossing
The manual says not to get trapped on a railroad crossing.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 42
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What should you do if your vehicle stalls on railroad tracks?
- Stay inside with your seat belt fastened
- Keep trying to restart the engine
- Get out of your vehicle
- Stay inside and sound your horn
Show answer
Correct answer: Get out of your vehicle
If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, get out of your vehicle.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 42
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Besides the track you are crossing, what should you look for at a railroad crossing?
- A freight car left standing on a side track near the crossing
- A second train or other on-track equipment in the other direction
- A warning sign painted on the pavement before the tracks
- A flagger waiting on the far side of the tracks
Show answer
Correct answer: A second train or other on-track equipment in the other direction
The manual says to look for a second train or other on-track equipment in the other direction.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 42
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What does the manual say about racing a train or other on-track equipment across a crossing?
- Do it only if you can see no second train
- Do it only when the crossing has no barricade
- Do it only if you are driving a passenger car
- Never race with it
Show answer
Correct answer: Never race with it
The manual says never to race with a train or other on-track equipment.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 43
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Which vehicles should you watch for because they must stop at railroad crossings?
- Buses and gasoline tankers
- Motorcycles and mopeds
- Pickup trucks and vans
- Taxis and tow trucks
Show answer
Correct answer: Buses and gasoline tankers
The manual says to watch for vehicles such as buses and gasoline tankers, which must stop at railroad crossings.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 43
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What should you be alert for when driving at night near railroad crossings?
- Trains that always sound a horn when they approach
- Crossing barricades that are not lowered at night
- Railroad crossing warning signs that are not lighted
- Flaggers wearing orange vests and jackets
Show answer
Correct answer: Railroad crossing warning signs that are not lighted
When driving at night, be alert for railroad crossing warning signs that are not lighted.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 43
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In which county do METRO light rail vehicles operate on Valley streets?
- Pima County
- Yavapai County
- Maricopa County
- Coconino County
Show answer
Correct answer: Maricopa County
The manual says METRO light rail vehicles operate on Valley streets in Maricopa County.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 48
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Where may automobiles turn across the METRO tracks?
- From any lane at any intersection along the line
- Only from designated turn lanes controlled by signals
- From any lane when no train is in sight
- Only from the right lane of the road
Show answer
Correct answer: Only from designated turn lanes controlled by signals
Protected turn lanes allow turns across the tracks only from designated, signal-controlled turn lanes.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 48
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How is the METRO trackway separated from traffic?
- By a painted yellow line
- By a row of cones
- By a chain-link fence
- By six-inch curbs
Show answer
Correct answer: By six-inch curbs
METRO travels in its own trackway separated from traffic by six-inch curbs.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 48
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Where may auto traffic cross the METRO train-only trackway?
- Only at controlled locations
- Anywhere that looks clear
- At any intersection with a stop sign
- Only at night
Show answer
Correct answer: Only at controlled locations
Auto traffic may cross only at controlled locations, where special signals and warning signs activate when trains approach.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 48
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What activates when trains approach a controlled crossing of the METRO trackway?
- Gates that lock the whole intersection
- A speed limit sign next to the track
- Special traffic signals and warning signs
- Flashing lights built into the curb
Show answer
Correct answer: Special traffic signals and warning signs
The manual says special traffic signals and warning signs activate when trains approach.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 48
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How does having METRO station platforms and vehicle floors at the same height help passengers?
- It lets trains stop faster
- It removes the need for doors
- It lets cars use the platform
- It provides a no-step entry
Show answer
Correct answer: It provides a no-step entry
Platforms and vehicle floors are the same height, giving passengers a no-step entry.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 48
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How are frontage roads near the METRO tracks controlled?
- With stop signs only
- With speed bumps
- With traffic signals
- They are not controlled
Show answer
Correct answer: With traffic signals
Frontage roads near the tracks are controlled with traffic signals and designed for large trucks and emergency vehicles.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 48
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What must happen before a METRO light rail vehicle can move?
- The platform must be empty
- The doors must close
- A signal must turn green
- The tracks must be cleared of cars
Show answer
Correct answer: The doors must close
Cameras help operators ensure passengers clear the doors, and doors must close before the vehicle can move.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 49
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What covers the couplers that connect light rail vehicles to minimize injuries in a crash?
- A thick steel protective plate
- A hard rubber bumper strip
- A rigid plastic safety shield
- An energy absorbing material
Show answer
Correct answer: An energy absorbing material
The couplers are covered in an energy absorbing material.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 49
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How are left turns and U-turns controlled at METRO light rail intersections?
- With stop signs
- With traffic signals
- With police officers
- They are not controlled
Show answer
Correct answer: With traffic signals
Left turns and U-turns are controlled with traffic signals.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 49
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Where should you never stop or park your car or bike?
- Within 20 feet of a METRO station
- Near a METRO sign
- On a METRO frontage road
- On light rail tracks
Show answer
Correct answer: On light rail tracks
The manual says never stop or park your car or bike on light rail tracks.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 49
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What does a red arrow mean at a METRO light rail intersection?
- Do not turn
- Turn after yielding
- Proceed with caution
- Stop only if a train is coming
Show answer
Correct answer: Do not turn
The manual says to stop on red, and a red arrow means Do Not Turn.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 49
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What should you do before crossing the tracks by car or bike?
- Speed up
- Sound your horn
- Look both ways
- Shift into a lower gear
Show answer
Correct answer: Look both ways
Look both ways before crossing the tracks by car or bike.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 49
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Where should you never drive your car or ride a bike?
- On the road beside the trackway or station
- In the area in which the train operates
- In a crosswalk at a light rail intersection
- On a frontage road near the light rail tracks
Show answer
Correct answer: In the area in which the train operates
The manual says never to drive or ride in the area in which the train operates.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 49
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Why should you pay attention near light rail tracks?
- Light rail trains are very slow
- Light rail trains run only at night
- Light rail trains never stop
- Light rail trains are quiet
Show answer
Correct answer: Light rail trains are quiet
The manual says light rail trains are quiet, so look for flashing headlights and listen for bells and horns.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 49
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What should you look and listen for near light rail tracks?
- Flashing train headlights and warning bells and horns
- Steady red lights and loud sirens only on the train
- Green beacons and sounding train whistles only
- Brake lights and the noise of an engine nearby
Show answer
Correct answer: Flashing train headlights and warning bells and horns
Look for flashing train headlights and listen for warning bells and horns.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 49
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What do white headlights on a light rail train show?
- A train is moving away
- A train is stopped
- A train is approaching
- A train is out of service
Show answer
Correct answer: A train is approaching
The ends of a light rail train are identical: white headlights show approach, red taillights show it moving away.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 49
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What do red taillights on a light rail train show?
- The train is approaching
- The train is moving away
- The train is about to stop
- The train is carrying passengers
Show answer
Correct answer: The train is moving away
Red taillights show a train moving away, since the ends of a light rail train are identical.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 49
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According to the manual, what is the rule about skateboarding, rollerblading and riding bikes on light rail tracks or platforms?
- It is not safe and is not permitted
- It is permitted only outside rush hour
- It is permitted if you walk beside the train
- It is permitted on the platforms but not on the tracks
Show answer
Correct answer: It is not safe and is not permitted
The manual says skateboarding, rollerblading and riding bikes on the tracks or on light rail platforms is not safe and is not permitted.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 50
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Around light rail, what does the manual say you should not do near the overhead power lines?
- Fly kites or airplane models
- Use a phone while waiting for a train
- Wait at a stop for a bus or a ride
- Walk your bike across at the crosswalk
Show answer
Correct answer: Fly kites or airplane models
The manual says not to climb trees or fly kites or airplane models near the light rail's overhead power lines.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 50