Driving Test Practice

Colorado: Railroad crossings and light rail

Crossbucks, warning signs, gates and lights, the blue emergency notification sign and driving near light rail. Split into 2 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.

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

Choose a part

Railroad crossings and light rail — Part 1

Questions in this part include: “Why should you not shift gears while crossing railroad tracks?”

22 questions≈ 9 min
Start

Railroad crossings and light rail — Part 2

Questions in this part include: “By how much do trains overhang the tracks?”

22 questions≈ 9 min
Start

All 44 Railroad crossings and light rail questions with answers

Choose a part above to take a practice test, or study every question and answer here.

Show the questions and answersHide the questions

  1. What does the manual say you should never try to do at a railroad crossing?

    A blue car on a two-lane road with a double yellow centre line, approaching a single track that crosses it at an angle, with a RAILROAD CROSSING crossbuck sign on each side.
    • Beat a train across the tracks
    • Stop before the tracks to look for trains
    • Wait for the gate arms to rise
    • Cross the tracks at a slow, steady speed
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Beat a train across the tracks

    The manual says never to try to beat a train across the tracks.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 8 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  2. When may you start to cross railroad tracks?

    A blue car approaches a railroad crossing on a two-lane road, with a crossbuck sign on each side of the tracks, as a yellow car drives along the other lane on the far side.
    • As soon as the vehicle ahead of you has begun to move onto the tracks
    • Once the front of your vehicle has reached the first rail of the tracks
    • Once there is enough room for your vehicle to clear the tracks on the other side
    • When the traffic behind you begins to sound its horns at you
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Once there is enough room for your vehicle to clear the tracks on the other side

    You never start to cross until there is enough room for your vehicle to clear the tracks on the other side.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 8 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  3. Why should you not shift gears while crossing railroad tracks?

    • Shifting gears is illegal on any rail line
    • Your vehicle could stall on the tracks
    • The tracks could damage the gear shift
    • The noise could cover the sound of a train
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Your vehicle could stall on the tracks

    You do not shift gears on the tracks in case your vehicle stalls.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 8 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  4. What does the manual say about the shapes of railroad crossing signs?

    • They are always round
    • They are always eight-sided
    • They are always diamond-shaped
    • They can be a variety of shapes
    Show answer

    Correct answer: They can be a variety of shapes

    Railroad crossing signs can be a variety of shapes.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 8 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  5. What color are railroad emergency notification system (ENS) signs?

    • Blue
    • Yellow
    • Green
    • Orange
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Blue

    The manual describes ENS signs as blue signs.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 8 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  6. Where are railroad emergency notification system (ENS) signs found?

    A blue rectangular sign with a white border, white lettering and a telephone symbol, mounted on a post below a white railroad crossbuck.
    • Only at crossings that have no gates or lights
    • Only at crossings on freeways
    • At every highway-rail grade crossing
    • Only at crossings in rural areas
    Show answer

    Correct answer: At every highway-rail grade crossing

    ENS signs are at every highway-rail grade crossing.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 8 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  7. What do ENS signs provide the public?

    • A schedule of the trains that use the crossing each day
    • A telephone number to report problems or emergencies there
    • The distance to the next railroad crossing along the road
    • The maximum speed trains may travel at the crossing
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A telephone number to report problems or emergencies there

    ENS signs give the public a telephone number to report problems or emergencies at the railroad location.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 8 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  8. What does the Department of Transportation number below the dispatch number on an ENS sign identify?

    A blue rectangular sign with a white border, white lettering and a telephone symbol, mounted on a post below a white railroad crossbuck.
    • The railroad company that owns the tracks
    • The number of tracks at the crossing
    • The date the crossing was last inspected
    • The exact location of the crossing
    Show answer

    Correct answer: The exact location of the crossing

    The Department of Transportation number identifies the exact location of the crossing.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 8 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  9. When approaching a railroad crossing that is not marked with flashing lights or gates, what should you do?

    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, if necessary, before the crossing to check for trains
    • Slow down slightly and cross if you see no train in the distance
    • Sound your horn and cross at normal speed
    • Follow the vehicle ahead of you across the tracks
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Stop, if necessary, before the crossing to check for trains

    You should stop (if necessary) before reaching the crossing to check for approaching trains.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  10. What does the handbook say about stopping on railroad tracks?

    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.
    • It is allowed if traffic is backed up ahead
    • It is allowed for a few seconds to check for trains
    • It is illegal and very dangerous
    • It is legal only at crossings with gates
    Show answer

    Correct answer: It is illegal and very dangerous

    Stopping on the tracks is illegal and very dangerous.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  11. Before you drive onto a railroad crossing, what must you be sure of?

    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
    • No train horn can be heard from either direction
    • The tracks are clear and you have room on the far side
    • The vehicle ahead has already crossed the tracks
    • Your vehicle is in a low gear for crossing
    Show answer

    Correct answer: The tracks are clear and you have room on the far side

    Do not drive onto the crossing until the tracks are clear and you have enough room on the other side to clear a train.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  12. Why should you take special care at a crossing with multiple tracks?

    A blue car waiting behind lowered gates with flashing red lights while a freight train passes on the nearer of two railroad tracks
    • Gates only protect the first track
    • Trains on multiple tracks must stop
    • Crossbuck signs are not used there
    • There may be a second train
    Show answer

    Correct answer: There may be a second train

    The handbook warns that with multiple tracks there may be a second train.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  13. If your vehicle stalls on a railroad crossing, what should you do?

    A car stuck on railroad tracks behind stopped traffic, with the gates down and a train approaching
    • Get everyone out and immediately move as far away as possible
    • Stay in the vehicle and keep trying to restart the engine
    • Stay inside with seat belts on until a train is seen
    • Push the vehicle off the tracks if a train is close
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Get everyone out and immediately move as far away as possible

    You should get everyone out and move as far away as possible right away, even if you do not see a train approaching.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  14. After you have moved away from a vehicle stalled on a crossing, which phone number does the handbook say to call?

    A car stuck on railroad tracks behind stopped traffic, with the gates down and a train approaching
    • The number on the yellow advance warning sign
    • Your insurance company, before anyone else
    • The number on the blue Emergency Notification Sign
    • The railroad number printed on your registration
    Show answer

    Correct answer: The number on the blue Emergency Notification Sign

    The handbook says to call the number on the blue Emergency Notification Sign near the crossbuck sign or contact local law enforcement.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  15. What do Emergency Notification System (ENS) signs provide?

    • A schedule of the trains that use the crossing
    • The number of tracks at the crossing
    • A warning that a train is approaching
    • A 24/7/365 number for reporting crossing emergencies
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A 24/7/365 number for reporting crossing emergencies

    ENS signs provide a 24/7/365 telephone number for reporting problems or emergencies at the crossing.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  16. Where are Emergency Notification System (ENS) signs typically located?

    • On the railroad crossing posts below the crossbuck
    • Above the advance warning sign ahead of the crossing
    • On the pavement in front of the crossing
    • On a pole well before the crossing
    Show answer

    Correct answer: On the railroad crossing posts below the crossbuck

    The handbook says ENS signs are typically located on the railroad crossing posts below the crossbuck.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  17. Why should you give the DOT (X-ING) crossing number from an ENS sign when reporting a problem?

    • It lets the dispatcher identify your vehicle's license plate
    • It shows how many trains pass the crossing each day
    • The railroad dispatcher knows exactly where the crossing is
    • It tells the dispatcher what kind of train is coming
    Show answer

    Correct answer: The railroad dispatcher knows exactly where the crossing is

    The crossing number lets the dispatcher know exactly where the crossing is so trains can be notified to stop.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  18. About how far does the average freight train traveling at 55 mph need to stop?

    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
    • About 500 feet
    • About one mile
    • About half a mile
    • About 1,000 feet
    Show answer

    Correct answer: About one mile

    The handbook says the average freight train traveling at 55 mph requires about one mile to stop.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  19. What does the railroad crossing advance warning sign tell you?

    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 train is approaching
    • You must stop at the crossing
    • The crossing is closed
    • A railroad crossing is ahead
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A railroad crossing is ahead

    The advance warning sign tells you a railroad crossing is ahead, at a distance that lets you stop if necessary.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  20. The railroad crossing advance warning sign is the only traffic sign with which shape?

    • Round
    • Diamond
    • Square
    • Triangular
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Round

    The handbook says the advance warning sign is the only round traffic sign.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  21. What do the pavement markings in front of a railroad crossing consist of?

    • A yellow X and a double solid line
    • A white arrow and a crosswalk
    • An “R X R” and a stop line
    • Two diagonal yellow lines and a gate
    Show answer

    Correct answer: An “R X R” and a stop line

    The handbook says the markings consist of an “R X R” and a stop line.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  22. Where should you wait for a passing train if a stop line is painted on the pavement at a crossing?

    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
    • On the tracks' edge
    • Behind the painted stop line
    • Just past the stop line
    • Beside the crossbuck sign
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Behind the painted stop line

    The handbook says to always stay behind the painted stop line while waiting for a passing train.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  23. If no stop line is visible at a railroad crossing, how far from the tracks must you be?

    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
    • At least 3 feet
    • At least 5 feet
    • At least 6 feet
    • At least 10 feet
    Show answer

    Correct answer: At least 10 feet

    The handbook says that if no line is visible, you must be at least 10 feet from the tracks.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  24. By how much do trains overhang the tracks?

    • 3 feet
    • 1 foot
    • 6 feet
    • 8 feet
    Show answer

    Correct answer: 3 feet

    The handbook says trains overhang the tracks by 3 feet.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  25. What sign is posted below the Advance Warning sign at crossings in designated quiet zones?

    • A “Stop Here” sign
    • A “Yield to Trains” sign
    • A “No Train Horn” sign
    • A “Stop on Red” sign
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A “No Train Horn” sign

    Crossings in designated quiet zones have a “No Train Horn” sign posted below the Advance Warning signs.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  26. At a crossing in a designated quiet zone, what warns you of an approaching train?

    • A train horn
    • The flashing lights and gates
    • A railroad worker with a flag
    • A bell on the crossbuck
    Show answer

    Correct answer: The flashing lights and gates

    Train horns do not blow in quiet zones, so the flashing lights and gates warn you of an approaching train.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  27. How should you treat a crossbuck sign?

    A railroad crossing sign
    • The same as a stop sign
    • As a marker for trains only
    • As a speed limit sign
    • The same as a yield sign
    Show answer

    Correct answer: The same as a yield sign

    The handbook says crossbuck signs should be treated the same as a yield sign.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  28. At a crossing with more than one track, what does the sign below the crossbuck indicate?

    • The number of tracks at the crossing
    • The maximum train speed
    • The distance to the next crossing
    • Whether train horns are allowed
    Show answer

    Correct answer: The number of tracks at the crossing

    If there is more than one track, a sign below the crossbuck indicates the number of tracks.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  29. Crossbuck signs normally serve as caution signs. When do they become regulatory?

    A railroad crossing sign
    • At night only
    • When the gates are up
    • When a train approaches
    • During rush hour
    Show answer

    Correct answer: When a train approaches

    They normally serve as caution signs but become regulatory when a train approaches.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  30. Which vehicles must stop at most railroad crossings?

    • Commercial buses and all trucks carrying any load
    • Commercial buses and trucks carrying hazardous materials
    • All passenger vehicles towing a trailer
    • Commercial vans and every truck over 10,000 pounds
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Commercial buses and trucks carrying hazardous materials

    The handbook says commercial buses and trucks carrying hazardous materials must stop at most railroad crossings.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  31. What should you do when railroad crossing lights are flashing?

    A railroad crossing with flashing lights and a lowered gate
    • Stop only if you can see a train approaching
    • Slow down and cross if no train is in sight
    • Cross quickly if you are already close to the tracks
    • Always stop, and do not cross until they stop flashing
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Always stop, and do not cross until they stop flashing

    The handbook says to always stop when the lights flash and not to cross until they have stopped flashing.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  32. When may you cross a railroad crossing that has gates and flashing lights?

    A railroad crossing with flashing lights and a lowered gate
    • Only after the gates are raised and the lights stop flashing
    • As soon as the gates begin to rise, if no train is visible
    • After the train has passed, even if the lights still flash
    • When the gates are down, if there is no train in sight
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Only after the gates are raised and the lights stop flashing

    The handbook says not to cross until the gates are raised and the lights have stopped flashing.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  33. While the gates are down at a railroad crossing, what is the status of the road?

    A railroad crossing with flashing lights and a lowered gate
    • It is open to turning vehicles
    • It is open only to pedestrians
    • The road is closed
    • It is open to vehicles that can cross safely
    Show answer

    Correct answer: The road is closed

    The handbook says that while the gates are down, the road is closed.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  34. How are light rail vehicles (LRVs) governed when they operate on streets?

    A street with light rail tracks down the middle, a light rail vehicle on the tracks, and a car in the lane to its right.
    • By their own signals only, not by street signs
    • By all traffic signals and signs, like other motorists
    • By railroad rules only, since they run on tracks
    • By transit-district rules that override traffic signals
    Show answer

    Correct answer: By all traffic signals and signs, like other motorists

    LRVs are governed by all traffic signals and signs and have the same rights and responsibilities as other motorists on the streets.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  35. In which direction do light rail vehicles operate on streets compared with other traffic?

    A street with light rail tracks down the middle, a light rail vehicle on the tracks, and a car in the lane to its right.
    • Only in the same direction as other vehicles
    • Only in the opposite direction from other traffic
    • Only in the center lane of the street
    • In the same direction in some areas, opposite in others
    Show answer

    Correct answer: In the same direction in some areas, opposite in others

    In some areas LRVs operate in the same direction as other motor vehicles, and in other areas in the opposite direction.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  36. How much can each light rail car weigh?

    • Up to 40 tons
    • Up to 10 tons
    • Up to 20 tons
    • Up to 100 tons
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Up to 40 tons

    The handbook says each light rail car weighs up to 40 tons and cannot stop quickly.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  37. What should you never do when a light rail vehicle (LRV) is approaching?

    A road crossing a pair of rail tracks with overhead wires, a blue and white light rail vehicle on the tracks to the right, and a red car on the road at the lower left.
    • Stop beside the tracks
    • Let it pass
    • Turn in front of it
    • Wait for it at a red light
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Turn in front of it

    The handbook's first light rail tip is never to turn in front of an approaching LRV.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  38. What should you do before turning across a set of light rail tracks?

    A car waiting to turn left across a set of light rail tracks while a light rail vehicle approaches along those tracks.
    • Check only for traffic ahead
    • Check in all directions
    • Check only to the right
    • Sound your horn
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Check in all directions

    The handbook says never to turn across a set of light rail tracks without checking in all directions.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  39. Which people should you watch for in a light rail area?

    Top view of a light rail station: an island platform with yellow edge strips, a shelter and two benches lies between two tracks; a blue-and-silver train runs on the right track.
    • Only people already crossing the tracks
    • LRV drivers leaving the vehicle unattended
    • Cyclists riding on the LRV platform
    • People getting on and off a stopped LRV
    Show answer

    Correct answer: People getting on and off a stopped LRV

    The handbook says to watch for people getting on and off a stopped LRV.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  40. Why should you be especially alert in light rail areas?

    A street with light rail tracks down the middle, a light rail vehicle on the tracks, and a car in the lane to its right.
    • Buildings and foliage can make it hard to see LRVs
    • Light rail signals are hard to tell from traffic signals
    • LRVs can stop faster than any other vehicle
    • LRVs do not use lights when approaching
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Buildings and foliage can make it hard to see LRVs

    Nearby buildings and foliage can make it difficult for motorists to see LRVs.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 21 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  41. At a light rail crossing, regular traffic lights, warning lights and gates with railroad-type arms all mean the same thing. What is it?

    Top view of a street crossing two light rail tracks with overhead wires: gate arms lowered across both lanes, red lights on the gate posts, a light rail vehicle at the edge of the crossing, and a blue car approaching.
    • Stop and do not cross the tracks
    • Slow down and cross when the train is far away
    • Proceed with caution if no vehicle is visible
    • Stop only if you see a light rail vehicle
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Stop and do not cross the tracks

    The manual says all these light rail signals mean the same thing: stop and do not cross the tracks.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 22 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  42. Why must you never drive around traffic gates at a light rail crossing, even if a light rail vehicle (LRV) has just passed?

    Top view of a street crossing two light rail tracks with overhead wires: gate arms lowered across both lanes, red lights on the gate posts, a light rail vehicle at the edge of the crossing, and a blue car approaching.
    • The gates stay down for at least ten minutes after a vehicle passes
    • The overhead wires lose power after the vehicle passes
    • Another vehicle might be coming from the other direction
    • Light rail vehicles always run in pairs
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Another vehicle might be coming from the other direction

    The handbook warns that another vehicle might be coming from the other direction.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 22 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  43. What is the standard height of the overhead wires above the center of light rail tracks?

    • 12 feet, 6 inches
    • 18 feet, 6 inches
    • 15 feet, 9 inches
    • 22 feet, 3 inches
    Show answer

    Correct answer: 18 feet, 6 inches

    The manual states overhead wires are a standard height of 18 feet, 6 inches above the center of the tracks.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 22 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  44. What should you assume about a wire hanging from the overhead catenary above light rail tracks?

    • It is dead once the light rail vehicle has passed
    • It is safe to touch if it is hanging on the ground
    • It is electrified only when a light rail vehicle is nearby
    • It is electrified, so never touch it or anything it is touching
    Show answer

    Correct answer: It is electrified, so never touch it or anything it is touching

    The manual says to always assume a hanging overhead wire is electrified and never touch the wire or anything it is touching.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025), page 22 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question