Driving Test Practice

Delaware: Railroad crossings Practice Test

Highway-rail crossing signs and signals, the emergency notification system, and crossing the tracks safely.

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31 questions · About 12 min

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Questions are original and based on the official manual "Delaware Driver Manual" (July 2026), Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

All 31 questions in this practice test

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  1. What is a highway-rail intersection?

    • The area where two highways meet at a traffic signal or sign
    • A crossing that is used only by trains and railroad workers
    • The area common to highways and railroad tracks that intersect or cross
    • A safety zone set aside beside the railroad tracks
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    Correct answer: The area common to highways and railroad tracks that intersect or cross

    The manual defines a highway-rail intersection as the area common to one or more highways intersecting with, or crossing, one or more railroad tracks.

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 12 · Open this page in the manual

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  2. A round yellow sign with a black X and the letters R R is used as 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 warning that a school zone or school crossing is approaching
    • A sign that trains always have the right-of-way at a crossing ahead
    • A sign that the railroad crossing ahead has no gate or signal
    • An advance warning that you are approaching a highway-rail intersection
    Show answer

    Correct answer: An advance warning that you are approaching a highway-rail intersection

    The round black on yellow sign is an advance warning of a highway-rail intersection.

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 75 · Open this page in the manual

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  3. When you come to the round advance warning sign for a highway-rail intersection at night, what does the manual tell you to take care to avoid?

    A round yellow sign with a black border showing a large black X with a black letter R in the left and right quarters.
    • Driving into the side of a train
    • Driving with your low beams on
    • Stopping before the crossing gates
    • Crossing without hazard flashers on
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Driving into the side of a train

    At night you are told to use particular caution to avoid driving into the side of a train.

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 75 · Open this page in the manual

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  4. What is the Emergency Notification System (ENS) number at a grade crossing used for?

    • Reporting a vehicle that has been parked illegally
    • Asking the railroad when the next train will arrive
    • Contacting the railroad to report problems at the crossing
    • Requesting a tow truck for a stalled vehicle
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Contacting the railroad to report problems at the crossing

    Every grade crossing has an emergency dispatch number for contacting the railroad to report problems.

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 83 · Open this page in the manual

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  5. Where is the ENS number typically located at a railroad crossing?

    • On a red sign at the nearest road intersection
    • On a blue sign on the crossbuck or near the crossing
    • On the pavement just before the railroad stop bar
    • On the flashing warning lights over the roadway
    Show answer

    Correct answer: On a blue sign on the crossbuck or near the crossing

    The manual says the ENS number is typically on a blue sign on the crossbuck or in the vicinity of the crossing.

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 83 · Open this page in the manual

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  6. What does the DOT number on the blue sign at a railroad crossing 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 number of train tracks at the crossing
    • The speed limit for trains at the crossing
    • The railroad company that owns the tracks
    • The physical location of the crossing
    Show answer

    Correct answer: The physical location of the crossing

    The DOT number identifies the physical location of the grade crossing so emergency crews or railroad personnel can respond.

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 83 · Open this page in the manual

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  7. Why does the ENS dispatcher need the DOT number of a crossing?

    • To tell trains coming in that direction to stop or slow down
    • To close the road to every vehicle for the whole day
    • To bill the driver for delaying the train
    • To record which drivers used the crossing that day
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    Correct answer: To tell trains coming in that direction to stop or slow down

    The DOT number tells the dispatcher exactly where the crossing is so trains can be told to stop or slow down.

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 83 · Open this page in the manual

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  8. Something is blocking the tracks at a railroad crossing. What does the manual call the best and most efficient way to contact the railroad?

    A red car stopped on railroad tracks with its hazard lights flashing, the crossing lights dark and the gates up
    • Flashing your headlights at the next train
    • Calling the local DMV office
    • Using the Emergency Notification System (ENS)
    • Waiting for the crossing gate to lower
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Using the Emergency Notification System (ENS)

    The manual says utilizing the ENS is the best and most efficient way to contact the railroads about a problem or a blockage.

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 83 · Open this page in the manual

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  9. What should you 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.
    • Stop at the crossing before the stop line
    • Beat a train across the tracks
    • Look both ways before crossing
    • Slow down when you see the warning sign
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Beat a train across the tracks

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

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 83 · Open this page in the manual

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  10. When should you not start to cross a railroad crossing?

    • When the road surface on the tracks is wet or covered with snow
    • When another vehicle has just crossed the tracks ahead of you
    • When you are driving in a lower gear than you usually drive in
    • When there is no room for your vehicle on the far side of the tracks
    Show answer

    Correct answer: When there is no room for your vehicle on the far side of the tracks

    The manual says never start to cross if there is not room for your vehicle on the far side or if you would have to stop on the tracks.

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 83 · Open this page in the manual

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  11. Why is it wise not to shift gears while crossing railroad tracks?

    • You might stall
    • The tracks could damage the gear shift
    • The crossing gate could lower on your vehicle
    • Shifting gears is illegal near a crossing
    Show answer

    Correct answer: You might stall

    The manual says not shifting gears on the tracks is wise just in case you might stall.

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 83 · Open this page in the manual

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  12. A round yellow warning sign has an “X” symbol and black “RR” letters. What is it called?

    A round yellow sign with a black border showing a large black X with a black letter R in the left and right quarters.
    • The Stop Ahead Sign
    • The Crossbuck Sign
    • The Advance Warning Sign
    • The Yield Warning Sign
    Show answer

    Correct answer: The Advance Warning Sign

    The manual says a round yellow sign with an X and black RR letters placed before a crossing is the Advance Warning Sign.

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 84 · Open this page in the manual

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  13. Which markings usually appear on the pavement in advance of a highway–rail intersection?

    • A solid double yellow line and the word “TRAIN”
    • An “X” symbol with the letters “RR” and a stop bar
    • A white arrow pointing toward the tracks
    • Diagonal white stripes with the letters “STOP”
    Show answer

    Correct answer: An “X” symbol with the letters “RR” and a stop bar

    The manual says the advance pavement markings usually include an X symbol with RR and a stop bar.

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 84 · Open this page in the manual

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  14. A white, X-shaped sign with Railroad Crossing on it is at a railroad crossing. It has the same meaning as which sign?

    A railroad crossing sign
    • A Stop sign
    • A Do Not Enter sign
    • A Merge sign
    • A Yield sign
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A Yield sign

    The manual says this crossbuck has the same meaning as a Yield sign, so you must yield to crossing trains.

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 84 · Open this page in the manual

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  15. What must you do when the side-by-side lights at a railroad crossing are flashing?

    A white RAILROAD CROSSING crossbuck sign with a bell and a pair of red signal lights, one of them lit
    • Stop
    • Slow down and cross if no train is visible
    • Stop only if the gate is lowered
    • Cross quickly before the train arrives
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    Correct answer: Stop

    The manual says that when the lights are flashing, you must stop.

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 84 · Open this page in the manual

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  16. A crossing gate has lowered at a railroad crossing. What does the manual say about it?

    A railroad crossing with flashing lights and a lowered gate
    • You may drive around it if you can see no train
    • You may drive around it if you slow down to 10 mph
    • Do not drive around the gate
    • You may drive around it if you stopped first
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    Correct answer: Do not drive around the gate

    The manual says a crossing gate lowers when a train is coming and you must not drive around it.

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 84 · Open this page in the manual

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  17. A bell is sounding at a railroad crossing. When may you cross?

    A white RAILROAD CROSSING crossbuck sign with a bell and a pair of red signal lights, one of them lit
    • As soon as the lights stop flashing
    • Not until the bell has stopped
    • Whenever the road ahead is clear
    • After you have slowed down to a crawl
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Not until the bell has stopped

    The manual says some crossings have a bell that sounds, and you must not cross until it has stopped.

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 84 · Open this page in the manual

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  18. What does a sign showing the number of tracks at a railroad crossing warn you about?

    A crossbuck sign with a plaque showing the number of tracks
    • A train will cross the road within the next minute or so
    • The railroad has set a speed limit for all trains there
    • The crossing is closed to heavy vehicles and large trucks
    • There is more than one track and maybe more than one train
    Show answer

    Correct answer: There is more than one track and maybe more than one train

    The manual says number-of-tracks signs warn that there is more than one track and possibly more than one train.

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 84 · Open this page in the manual

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  19. You come to a railroad crossing that has no number-of-tracks sign. What is important to 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.
    • Check for more than one track before crossing
    • Assume that there is only one track at the crossing
    • Stop for ten seconds and then cross the tracks
    • Follow the vehicle ahead of you across the tracks
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Check for more than one track before crossing

    The manual says that without a number-of-tracks sign you must always check for more than one track before crossing.

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 84 · Open this page in the manual

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  20. As you approach any railroad crossing, 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.
    • Speed up to cross before a train arrives
    • Keep your speed and watch only for flashing lights
    • Slow down and look up and down the tracks
    • Move to the far left of your lane
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Slow down and look up and down the tracks

    You should slow down and look up and down the tracks to make sure a train is not coming.

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 118 · Open this page in the manual

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  21. You have never seen a train at a certain railroad crossing. 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.
    • Assume that no train will come
    • Always expect a train
    • Cross without slowing down
    • Look only if the gates are down
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Always expect a train

    The manual says not to assume that a train is not coming, even if you have never seen one there. Always expect a train.

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 118 · Open this page in the manual

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  22. Before you cross railroad tracks, what must you make sure of?

    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.
    • Your hazard lights are on
    • Your vehicle is in the lane closest to the right side
    • No other vehicle is driving behind you
    • There is room for your vehicle on the far side
    Show answer

    Correct answer: There is room for your vehicle on the far side

    You must make sure there is room for your vehicle on the far side so you do not block the crossing.

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 118 · Open this page in the manual

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  23. Why should you wait until a passing train is well down the track at a crossing with more than one track?

    A blue car waiting behind lowered gates with flashing red lights while a freight train passes on the nearer of two railroad tracks
    • The crossing gates may not lift for several minutes
    • The train may reverse direction after it passes
    • The tracks may be slippery right after a train
    • Another train may be hidden by the one that just passed
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    Correct answer: Another train may be hidden by the one that just passed

    Another train may be hidden by the one that just passed.

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 118 · Open this page in the manual

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  24. At a railroad crossing, what do you need to make sure of before you cross?

    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.
    • That the crossing gates are painted red and white stripes
    • That there are no trains coming and that you have room to cross
    • That the vehicle behind you has stopped as well as you
    • That you are driving faster than the other vehicles nearby
    Show answer

    Correct answer: That there are no trains coming and that you have room to cross

    The manual says to make sure there are no trains coming and that you have room to cross, and not to block the crossing.

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 125 · Open this page in the manual

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  25. Why may you need to slow down at some railroad crossings?

    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
    • The tracks are always icy
    • The rails give off a bright glare
    • Crossing gates block most of the road
    • Some crossings are bumpy
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Some crossings are bumpy

    The manual says some crossings are bumpy, so you need to slow down to cross safely.

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 125 · Open this page in the manual

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  26. When approaching railroad crossings, which vehicles require you to leave extra room because they must stop?

    • Transit buses, school buses, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials
    • Passenger cars, pickup trucks and small sport utility vehicles
    • Motorcycles, mopeds, bicycles and other two-wheeled vehicles
    • Mail trucks, delivery vans and other commercial vehicles
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Transit buses, school buses, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials

    The manual says to leave extra room for vehicles required to stop at crossings, including transit buses, school buses and vehicles carrying hazardous materials.

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 128 · Open this page in the manual

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  27. When you cross railroad tracks, what must you make sure of?

    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.
    • You will not have to stop on the tracks
    • Your hazard lights are turned on first
    • The train’s horn can be heard clearly
    • You have shifted into a lower gear
    Show answer

    Correct answer: You will not have to stop on the tracks

    Before crossing, make sure you can cross without having to stop on the tracks.

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 131 · Open this page in the manual

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  28. If there is a railroad grade crossing ahead, what does the manual say about passing?

    A blue car with its left turn signal on behind a slow farm tractor on a two-lane road near a railroad crossing, with crossbuck signs, an RXR pavement marking, a round yellow warning sign and a question mark on the distance to the tracks
    • Do not pass
    • Pass quickly before you reach the crossing
    • Pass only if no train is in sight
    • Pass only if the crossing has gates
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Do not pass

    The manual says not to pass if there is a railroad grade crossing ahead.

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 132 · Open this page in the manual

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  29. What does the manual say about driving around lowered gates or trying to beat a train?

    A railroad crossing with flashing lights and a lowered gate
    • It is allowed if the train is far away
    • It is allowed if you sound your horn
    • It is safe if you slow down first
    • It can be fatal
    Show answer

    Correct answer: It can be fatal

    The manual warns that driving around lowered gates or trying to beat the train can be fatal.

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 135 · Open this page in the manual

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  30. If your vehicle stalls on railroad tracks and you are not sure whether a train is coming, what should you do?

    A red car stopped on railroad tracks with its hazard lights flashing, the crossing lights dark and the gates up
    • Stay in the vehicle and keep trying to start it
    • Stay in the vehicle and sound the horn
    • Leave the engine running and wait
    • Get out and move away from your vehicle
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Get out and move away from your vehicle

    The manual says to get out and move away if the vehicle does not start or you are unsure about a train.

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 138 · Open this page in the manual

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  31. If your vehicle stalls on tracks and a train is coming, in which direction should you run?

    A car stuck on railroad tracks behind stopped traffic, with the gates down and a train approaching
    • In the same direction the train is traveling
    • In the general direction the train is coming from
    • Straight along the tracks ahead of the train
    • Back to the vehicle to retrieve your belongings
    Show answer

    Correct answer: In the general direction the train is coming from

    The manual says to run in the general direction the train is coming from so collision debris will not hit you.

    Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 138 · Open this page in the manual

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