Iowa: Railroad crossings
Railroad signs, signals and gates, the vehicles that must stop, where to stop, and the Emergency Notification System sign. Split into 2 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
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All 46 Railroad crossings questions with answers
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Where are railroad crossing (crossbuck) signs placed?
- Only at crossings that have flashing lights
- At each crossing
- Only at crossings on interstate highways
- Only at crossings with several tracks
Show answer
Correct answer: At each crossing
Railroad crossing signs are placed at each crossing.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 7
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What does a number sign under the crossbucks show?
- How many sets of train tracks you must cross
- How many trains use the crossing each day
- How many feet away the next crossing is
- How many cars may wait between the tracks
Show answer
Correct answer: How many sets of train tracks you must cross
The number sign under the crossbucks shows how many sets of train tracks you must cross.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 7
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Where is the blue Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign posted?
- Only on the right side before the crossing
- Only at crossings without gates
- On both sides of the railroad crossing
- On the road a mile before each crossing
Show answer
Correct answer: On both sides of the railroad crossing
The blue Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign is posted on both sides of the railroad crossing.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 8
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What does the Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign at a railroad crossing include?
- The names of nearby towns and the distance to each one
- The train schedule and the expected delay for the crossing
- The speed limit for trains and the date the crossing was built
- A phone number for the railroad and a unique crossing ID number
Show answer
Correct answer: A phone number for the railroad and a unique crossing ID number
The ENS sign includes a phone number to contact the railroad and a unique crossing identification number.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 8
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What should drivers use the Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign information to report?
- Stalled vehicles, malfunctioning signals, or other hazards at the crossing
- Trains that are running ahead of schedule or late
- Questions about train schedules and ticket prices for travelers
- Complaints about the noise of train horns near homes
Show answer
Correct answer: Stalled vehicles, malfunctioning signals, or other hazards at the crossing
Drivers should use the phone number and crossing ID to report stalled vehicles, malfunctioning signals, or other hazardous situations at the crossing.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 8
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Why should you never stop your vehicle on railroad tracks?
- Trains cannot stop quickly
- Tracks are slippery in all weather
- A stopped vehicle sets off the crossing signals
- Railroad police ticket every stopped vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: Trains cannot stop quickly
The manual tells drivers to use extra caution at railroad crossings and never stop on the tracks, because trains cannot stop quickly.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 12
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What should you do as you approach railroad tracks?
- Put your windows up and turn on your radio to stay alert
- Speed up so you clear the tracks quickly
- Eliminate distractions, put windows down, and turn off music
- Flash your headlights to warn the train
Show answer
Correct answer: Eliminate distractions, put windows down, and turn off music
The manual says that as you approach tracks you should eliminate distractions, put your windows down, and turn off your music so you can notice a train.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 12
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What do highway-railroad crossings post in case of an emergency?
- The speed limit of the nearest train and a mile marker
- The name of the railroad and a number to call
- The county sheriff's name and a service center address
- The date of the last track inspection and a map
Show answer
Correct answer: The name of the railroad and a number to call
Highway-railroad crossings have the name of the railroad and a number to call posted in case of emergency.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 12
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If you become aware of a signal malfunction or a stalled vehicle at a railroad crossing, what should you do?
- Wait at the crossing until a train comes and signals you
- Stay at the crossing and direct other drivers across
- Report it the next time you renew your license
- Call the number posted to notify the appropriate railroad
Show answer
Correct answer: Call the number posted to notify the appropriate railroad
The manual says to call the number posted at the crossing to notify the appropriate railroad of a signal malfunction or other dangerous situation.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 12
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Which railroad crossings are called actively protected?
- Crossings where a police officer always directs traffic
- Crossings that have an EXEMPT sign posted
- Crossings equipped with lights and/or gates
- Crossings that only buses may use
Show answer
Correct answer: Crossings equipped with lights and/or gates
Actively protected railroad crossings are equipped with lights and/or gates.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 12
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What does it mean when a railroad crossing's lights are flashing or its gates are down?
- A train is approaching
- The crossing is closed for repairs
- A train has just passed and you may go
- The signals are malfunctioning
Show answer
Correct answer: A train is approaching
Flashing lights or lowered gates at a railroad crossing mean a train is approaching, so drivers must always obey these warning signals.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 12
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How are passively protected railroad crossings marked?
- With flashing red lights and gates that lower
- With flashing lights but no gate arms
- With a flagger holding a stop/slow paddle
- Only with a crossbuck and a stop or yield sign
Show answer
Correct answer: Only with a crossbuck and a stop or yield sign
Passively protected crossings have no lights or gates and are only marked with a crossbuck and a stop or yield sign.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 12
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What should you do at a passively protected railroad crossing?
- Keep your speed and rely on the lights to warn you
- Slow down and look for an oncoming train
- Speed up so you clear the tracks before a train comes
- Wait for the gates to lower before you slow down
Show answer
Correct answer: Slow down and look for an oncoming train
At a passively protected crossing you should slow down and look for an oncoming train, and never rely on lights or gates because you should always expect a train.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 12
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Which of these drivers must stop before crossing railroad tracks, unless an exception applies?
- The driver of a charter bus
- The driver of a pickup truck with an empty bed
- The driver of a sports car
- The driver of a motorcycle
Show answer
Correct answer: The driver of a charter bus
All school buses, charter buses, drivers carrying passengers for hire and vehicles required to be placarded for hazardous materials must stop before crossing railroad tracks.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 12
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How close to railroad tracks must a school bus stop before crossing?
- Within 5 to 15 feet
- Within 50 to 100 feet
- Within 15 to 50 feet
- Within 25 to 75 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: Within 15 to 50 feet
School buses, charter buses, drivers carrying passengers for hire and vehicles placarded for hazardous materials must stop within 15 to 50 feet of the tracks before crossing.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 12
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When does a driver who normally must stop at a railroad crossing not have to stop?
- When no other vehicle is behind the driver
- When a police officer or traffic signal directs traffic to proceed
- When the driver can see far down the tracks in both directions
- When the vehicle is traveling empty with no passengers
Show answer
Correct answer: When a police officer or traffic signal directs traffic to proceed
A driver does not have to stop if a police officer or highway traffic signal directs highway traffic to proceed.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 12
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A vehicle that normally must stop at railroad crossings does not have to stop at a crossing marked with which sign?
- A railroad advance warning sign
- A low ground clearance sign
- An Emergency Notification System sign
- An EXEMPT sign
Show answer
Correct answer: An EXEMPT sign
The stop requirement does not apply at a crossing that is marked with an EXEMPT sign.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 12
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Which sign gives the number to call if your vehicle is stuck or stalls at a railroad crossing?
- The blue and white ENS sign
- The yellow advance warning sign
- The white crossbuck sign
- The red YIELD sign
Show answer
Correct answer: The blue and white ENS sign
You should call the number on the blue and white Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign at the crossing.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 12
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When you call the number on an Emergency Notification System sign about a stuck vehicle, what should you share with the dispatcher?
- Your driver's license number
- Your vehicle's license plate number
- The train's engine number
- The crossing ID number
Show answer
Correct answer: The crossing ID number
The caller should share the crossing ID number shown on the sign with the dispatcher.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 12
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What should you do if your vehicle is stuck at a railroad crossing that has no Emergency Notification System sign?
- Wait for a train crew to find you
- Call 911
- Call the county treasurer's office
- Call your insurance company
Show answer
Correct answer: Call 911
If there is no Emergency Notification System sign, the manual says to call 911.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 12
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Where is the only safe and legal place for anyone to cross railroad tracks?
- At designated crossings
- At any point where the tracks are level with the ground
- Anywhere there is no train visible in either direction
- At any road shoulder next to the tracks
Show answer
Correct answer: At designated crossings
The only safe and legal place for anyone to cross railroad tracks is at designated crossings.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 12
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Not every railroad crossing has gates. What should you watch for that tells you railroad tracks cross the road ahead?
- Gates that come down at every crossing
- A police officer posted at the crossing
- Advance warning signs and pavement markings
- Bright orange cones placed on the road
Show answer
Correct answer: Advance warning signs and pavement markings
Not all train tracks have gates. Watch for advance warning signs and pavement markings indicating railroad tracks cross the road ahead.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 12
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Why do rail cars have reflective stripes?
- To help railroad crews count and identify each car in a yard
- To be easier to see at night and in low visibility
- To reduce the heat of the sun on the cars during summer
- To show nearby drivers how fast the train is moving
Show answer
Correct answer: To be easier to see at night and in low visibility
Rail cars have reflective stripes to enhance their visibility at night and in low-visibility conditions such as rain, snow, or fog.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 12
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How does a train compare with how it looks from a distance?
- It is always farther away than it appears
- It is always traveling slower than it appears
- It travels at a constant speed that is easy to judge
- It may be closer and traveling faster than it appears
Show answer
Correct answer: It may be closer and traveling faster than it appears
The manual warns that trains may be closer and traveling faster than they appear and can run on any track at any time.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 12
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What must you be able to do before you proceed when a railroad crossing has multiple tracks?
- Hear the horn of each approaching train
- Identify which track the first train will use
- See clearly down the tracks in both directions
- Follow the vehicle ahead of you across
Show answer
Correct answer: See clearly down the tracks in both directions
Multiple tracks may mean multiple trains, so you must ensure you can clearly see down the tracks in both directions before proceeding.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 12
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What should you never try to do when a train is approaching a railroad crossing?
- Beat the train
- Stop behind the white line
- Look both ways
- Wait for the lights to stop flashing
Show answer
Correct answer: Beat the train
The manual says to avoid crossing while lights are flashing or gates are down and never to try to beat a train.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 12
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Before you cross railroad tracks, what must you be sure of?
- That the crossing has gates
- That the train's horn has sounded
- That your fuel tank is at least half full
- That you can completely clear the tracks
Show answer
Correct answer: That you can completely clear the tracks
Before crossing, you must be sure you can completely clear the tracks so you do not get stuck on them.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 12
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How does the width of a train compare with the width of the tracks?
- Trains are exactly as wide as the tracks
- Trains are wider than the tracks
- Trains are narrower than the tracks
- Trains are the same width only on curves
Show answer
Correct answer: Trains are wider than the tracks
The manual tells drivers to keep in mind that trains are wider than the tracks when deciding whether they can clear the crossing.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 12
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When you are stopped near a railroad crossing, how much space should you leave between your vehicle and the nearest rail?
- At least 15 feet
- At least 5 feet
- At least 10 feet
- At least 25 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: At least 15 feet
When stopped, leave at least 15 feet between the front and rear of your vehicle and the nearest rail.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 12
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What does the manual say about shifting gears while crossing railroad tracks?
- Shift to a lower gear on the tracks
- Shift into neutral to coast across
- Avoid shifting gears while crossing
- Shift gears quickly to speed up the crossing
Show answer
Correct answer: Avoid shifting gears while crossing
Drivers should avoid shifting gears while crossing the tracks.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 12
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A white X-shaped sign reading RAILROAD CROSSING stands at a crossing and a train is approaching. What must you do?
- Speed up and cross ahead of the train
- Yield to the train
- Proceed if the train is far away
- Honk your horn and cross before the train arrives
Show answer
Correct answer: Yield to the train
At a crossbuck you must yield if a train is approaching, because trains always have the right-of-way.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 13
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Who always has the right-of-way at a railroad crossing?
- Vehicles that arrive first at the crossing
- Vehicles that are already crossing
- Vehicles carrying the most passengers
- Trains
Show answer
Correct answer: Trains
Trains always have the right-of-way at a railroad crossing.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 13
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What should you do when the red lights at a railroad crossing are flashing?
- Slow down and cross if you see no train coming
- Go around the gate arm if there is no train in sight
- Stop and wait until they stop flashing
- Stop only when the gate arms have come down
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop and wait until they stop flashing
You should stop when the lights are flashing and not proceed until the lights stop flashing.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 13
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You have already started across the tracks when the red lights begin flashing. What should you do?
- Keep going
- Stop on the tracks and wait
- Back up to where you started
- Stop and wait for the gates to lower
Show answer
Correct answer: Keep going
If the lights begin flashing after you start across the tracks, you should keep going.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 13
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When may you proceed after the gates at a railroad crossing have lowered and the lights have started flashing?
- As soon as you can see no train coming
- After the train's horn stops sounding
- Once other drivers begin driving around the gates
- Only after the lights turn off and the gates go up
Show answer
Correct answer: Only after the lights turn off and the gates go up
With lowering gates and flashing red lights, you must not proceed until the lights turn off and the gates go up.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 13
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What does the manual say about driving around lowered railroad crossing gates?
- It is allowed if no train is in sight
- It is illegal and dangerous
- It is allowed if you drive slowly
- It is allowed if you first stop and look
Show answer
Correct answer: It is illegal and dangerous
It is illegal and dangerous to go around lowered gates at a railroad crossing.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 13
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What is true of the phone number and location ID number on Emergency Notification System signs?
- Each sign has a different phone number and location ID number
- All signs show the same phone number and location ID number
- Only the location ID differs; the phone number is the same everywhere
- Neither number is printed on the sign itself
Show answer
Correct answer: Each sign has a different phone number and location ID number
Each Emergency Notification System sign has its own phone number and location ID number.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 13
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Which of these should you also report using the phone number on an Emergency Notification System sign?
- A train running behind schedule
- Slow traffic on a nearby road
- Debris on the tracks
- Loud train horns at night
Show answer
Correct answer: Debris on the tracks
Besides a stuck or stalled vehicle, the number is also used to report people, vehicles or debris on the tracks, damaged signs or signals, and obstructed views.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 13
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What do the letters RxR and a wide white line painted across the road mean?
- A school crossing is directly ahead
- You are approaching a railroad crossing
- A lane is reserved for buses only
- A bicycle lane begins at this point
Show answer
Correct answer: You are approaching a railroad crossing
RxR and a wide white line on the roadway mean you are approaching a railroad crossing.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 13
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While waiting for a train to pass at a crossing that has a white stop line, where should you stay?
- Just past the white line
- Beside the nearest rail
- On the shoulder next to the crossbuck
- Behind the white line
Show answer
Correct answer: Behind the white line
You should stay behind the white line while waiting for a train to pass.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 13
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A yellow diamond sign shows a low vehicle on railroad tracks with the words LOW GROUND CLEARANCE. What does it warn of?
- A crossing that is closed
- A railroad crossing with two tracks
- A raised crossing ahead
- A low bridge ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: A raised crossing ahead
The low ground clearance sign warns of a raised crossing ahead where low vehicles risk getting hung up on the tracks.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 13
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At a low ground clearance railroad crossing, when may you proceed?
- Once you know your vehicle will clear the tracks
- As soon as the road ahead looks clear of cars
- After you slow to a crawl and look both ways
- Once a train has sounded its horn nearby
Show answer
Correct answer: Once you know your vehicle will clear the tracks
You must not proceed until you know your vehicle will clear the tracks, because low vehicles can get hung up.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 13
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What should you do when you see a round yellow sign with a black X between two letter Rs?
- Stop completely and wait for a signal to go
- Yield to traffic on the cross street first
- Speed up to clear the tracks quickly
- Slow down, look, listen, and be prepared to stop
Show answer
Correct answer: Slow down, look, listen, and be prepared to stop
The railroad advance warning sign means to slow down, look, listen and be prepared to stop.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 13
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Typically, which railroad crossing sign is the first one you see when approaching a crossing?
- The crossbuck
- The advance warning sign
- The Emergency Notification System sign
- The low ground clearance sign
Show answer
Correct answer: The advance warning sign
The advance warning sign is typically the first sign you see when approaching a railroad crossing.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 13
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What does the manual say about warning devices at railroad crossings on rural roads?
- Flashing lights and bells are always installed, but gates are not
- They always have crossing gates that lower when a train comes
- There are typically no flashing lights, bells, gates or pavement markings
- They have the same warning devices as crossings on major roads
Show answer
Correct answer: There are typically no flashing lights, bells, gates or pavement markings
Unlike most railroad crossings on major roads, rural road crossings typically have no red flashing lights, warning bells, crossing gates or pavement markings.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 56
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What should you always do before crossing railroad tracks on a rural road?
- Keep your speed and wait for warning bells to tell you a train is near
- Slow down, look both ways, and be prepared to stop for a train
- Look only in the direction of traffic and cross without slowing
- Cross quickly so that a train cannot reach the crossing first
Show answer
Correct answer: Slow down, look both ways, and be prepared to stop for a train
Rural crossings usually have no automatic warnings, so you must always slow down, look both ways and be prepared to stop for a train.
Source: Iowa Driver’s License Manual (July 2026), page 56