Louisiana: Railroad crossings
Railroad signs and signals, where to stop, crossing the tracks safely and what to do if your vehicle stalls on them. Split into 2 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
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Railroad crossings — Part 1
Questions in this part include: “Which line extends the entire distance of railroad crossing pavement markings to prevent passing?”
StartRailroad crossings — Part 2
Questions in this part include: “Your vehicle has a manual transmission. What does the manual say to do about shifting gears at a railroad crossing?”
StartAll 42 Railroad crossings questions with answers
Choose a part above to take a practice test, or study every question and answer here.
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What is the yellow circular sign used for?
- School zone advance warning
- Construction zone warning
- Route marker identification
- Railroad advance warning
Show answer
Correct answer: Railroad advance warning
The round yellow sign is an advance warning sign used exclusively for railroad advance warning.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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At which railroad crossings is a Railroad Cross buck sign required?
- Only crossings without flashing lights
- Only crossings on interstate highways
- All public railroad crossings
- Only crossings with more than one track
Show answer
Correct answer: All public railroad crossings
A Railroad Cross buck sign is required at all public railroad crossings.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 29 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 29)
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What does a Railroad Cross buck sign mean you must do?
- Stop and sound your horn before crossing
- Yield the right of way to a train
- Speed up to cross before the train arrives
- Follow the vehicle ahead across the tracks
Show answer
Correct answer: Yield the right of way to a train
A Railroad Cross buck sign means you must yield the right of way to a train.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 29 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 29)
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Which pavement marking is a white marking painted in the traffic lane before a railroad crossing, with a large "X" and two "R's"?
- Crosswalk marking
- Stop line
- Two-way left turn lane marking
- Railroad crossing marking
Show answer
Correct answer: Railroad crossing marking
Railroad crossing markings are white markings painted in the traffic lane before railroad crossings, with a large X and two R's on the pavement.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 35 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 35)
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Which line extends the entire distance of railroad crossing pavement markings to prevent passing?
- A double solid white line
- A dashed yellow center line
- A solid yellow center line
- A white edge line
Show answer
Correct answer: A solid yellow center line
At railroad crossing markings a solid yellow center line extends the entire distance to prevent passing.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 35 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 35)
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What is painted across the traffic lane at railroad crossing pavement markings?
- A white stop line
- A yellow stop line
- A solid white crosswalk lane
- A broken yellow line
Show answer
Correct answer: A white stop line
A white stop line is painted across the traffic lane at railroad crossing pavement markings.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 35 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 35)
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What should you do at the round warning sign as you approach a highway-railroad grade crossing?
- Speed up to cross before a train arrives
- Change lanes and sound your horn
- Slow down and look in each direction before the tracks
- Look only in the direction the train usually comes from
Show answer
Correct answer: Slow down and look in each direction before the tracks
You approach any highway-railroad grade crossing by slowing down at the round warning sign and looking in each direction prior to the tracks to make sure a train or railroad maintenance equipment is not coming.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 63 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 63)
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Which vehicles does the manual say you should leave extra room for at railroad crossings?
- Motorcycles, bicycles and other light vehicles that can stop quickly
- Passenger cars carrying only one person across the tracks
- Transit buses, school buses and vehicles carrying hazardous materials
- Vehicles that have already crossed the tracks
Show answer
Correct answer: Transit buses, school buses and vehicles carrying hazardous materials
At railroad crossings you leave extra room for vehicles required to stop, including transit buses, school buses, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 66 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 66)
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Under Louisiana law R.S. 32:171, how far from the nearest rail must a driver stop at a railroad crossing when a signal is flashing and a train is approaching?
- Within 100 feet but no less than 50 feet
- Within 25 feet but no less than 5 feet
- Within 50 feet but no less than 15 feet
- Within 30 feet but no less than 10 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: Within 50 feet but no less than 15 feet
R.S. 32:171 requires a driver to stop within 50 feet but no less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of the crossing.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 94 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 94)
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Under R.S. 32:171, in which situation must a driver stop within 50 feet but no less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of a railroad crossing?
- A crossing gate is lowered
- The tracks are clear and no signal is flashing
- The crossing has more than one track
- The driver is the first vehicle in a line of traffic
Show answer
Correct answer: A crossing gate is lowered
The law requires a driver to stop when a signal device is flashing and a train is approaching, a crossing gate is lowered, or a train is an immediate hazard.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 94 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 94)
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After stopping at a railroad crossing, when may the driver proceed to cross the tracks?
- After waiting at least 30 seconds
- Once the train's horn stops sounding
- After the next vehicle in line has crossed
- Only when he can do so safely
Show answer
Correct answer: Only when he can do so safely
R.S. 32:171 says that after stopping, the driver shall not proceed to cross the tracks until he can do so safely.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 94 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 94)
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What does Louisiana law R.S. 32:171 say about stopping a vehicle on railroad tracks?
- It allows it when traffic ahead is backed up
- It prohibits any driver from doing so
- It allows it if the hazard lights are flashing
- It allows it for a short time if no train is in sight
Show answer
Correct answer: It prohibits any driver from doing so
R.S. 32:171 prohibits any driver from stopping a vehicle on railroad tracks.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 94 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 94)
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You are in a line of vehicles approaching a railroad grade crossing. When should you attempt to cross the tracks?
- As soon as the vehicle ahead of you has started to cross
- Only if you are certain you can cross to the other side safely
- Whenever the crossing gate is up
- Whenever the warning lights are not flashing
Show answer
Correct answer: Only if you are certain you can cross to the other side safely
The manual says you should not attempt to cross unless you are certain that your vehicle can safely cross to the other side of the tracks.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 94 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 94)
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Your vehicle becomes pinned between two vehicles or stalls in the path of an oncoming train. What should you do?
- Stay in the vehicle with your seat belt fastened and wait for help
- Get out and stand beside the vehicle until the train has passed
- Get out and move in the direction toward the approaching train, away from the tracks
- Stay in the vehicle and keep trying to restart it until the train arrives
Show answer
Correct answer: Get out and move in the direction toward the approaching train, away from the tracks
The manual says to get out and move in the direction toward the approaching train, away from the tracks.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 94 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 94)
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What do advanced warning signs at a railroad crossing tell you to do?
- Look, listen and slow down
- Stop completely and wait for a signal from the railroad
- Slow down, shift to a lower gear and cross at once
- Look, listen and speed up to cross quickly
Show answer
Correct answer: Look, listen and slow down
Advanced warning signs tell you to look, listen and slow down, and you may have to stop.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 94 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 94)
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A vehicle carrying explosives or flammable liquids approaches a railroad crossing. What must its driver do?
- Slow down, and stop only if a train is in sight
- Stop only if the warning lights are flashing
- Proceed if the tracks look clear
- Stop at the crossing
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop at the crossing
The manual says vehicles carrying explosives or flammable liquids must stop at railroad crossings.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 94 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 94)
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What does the manual say about passing vehicles that must stop at railroad crossings?
- Pass them at once so you are not delayed at the tracks
- Pass them only on the right side
- Pass them only when the warning lights are flashing
- Do not pass them unless it is legal and conditions are safe
Show answer
Correct answer: Do not pass them unless it is legal and conditions are safe
The manual says not to pass vehicles that must stop at railroad crossings unless it is legal to do so and there are no unsafe conditions.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 94 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 94)
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The pavement before a railroad crossing is marked with a large "X" and two "R"s. What type of zone is this?
- A school zone
- A no passing zone
- A slow-speed zone
- A turnaround zone
Show answer
Correct answer: A no passing zone
The manual says the large X and two R's marking painted before a railroad crossing is a no passing zone.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 95 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 95)
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What should the driver do upon seeing a train when approaching a railroad crossing?
- Slow down and be prepared to stop
- Speed up to cross ahead of the train
- Keep a steady speed and look both ways
- Shift to a lower gear on the tracks
Show answer
Correct answer: Slow down and be prepared to stop
The manual says the driver should slow down and be prepared to stop upon seeing a train.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 95 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 95)
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A railroad crossing has more than one track. What does the sign below the cross buck indicate?
- The speed limit for trains
- The distance to the next crossing
- The number of trains expected
- The number of tracks
Show answer
Correct answer: The number of tracks
The manual says that if there is more than one track, a sign below the cross buck indicates the number of tracks.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 95 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 95)
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What should you always do when the lights at a railroad crossing are flashing?
- Slow down and cross if no train is visible to you
- Stop, because a train is coming
- Cross quickly if the gates are still raised
- Proceed carefully after looking both ways
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop, because a train is coming
The manual says to always stop when the lights are flashing because a train is coming.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 95 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 95)
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Why should you look both ways as you approach a railroad crossing even if the warning lights are not flashing?
- Trains only use the crossing at night
- The lights flash only after a train has passed
- The warning lights may not be working
- Warning lights are used only at private crossings
Show answer
Correct answer: The warning lights may not be working
The manual says to always look both ways, even if the warning lights are not flashing, because they may not be working.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 95 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 95)
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Your vehicle has a manual transmission. What does the manual say to do about shifting gears at a railroad crossing?
- Shift into a lower gear as you cross the first rail
- Shift into neutral and coast across the tracks
- Shift before the tracks and do not change gears on them
- Change gears on the crossing only if you need to slow down
Show answer
Correct answer: Shift before the tracks and do not change gears on them
The manual says never to shift gears on the crossing: shift before reaching the tracks and do not change gears while crossing.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 95 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 95)
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At a crossing with gates and flashing signals, when should you stop?
- When the light begins flashing and before the gates are lowered
- Only after the gates have been lowered
- Only when the train is in sight
- Only when the gates are lowered and a train is visible
Show answer
Correct answer: When the light begins flashing and before the gates are lowered
The manual says to stop when the light begins flashing and before the gates are lowered.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 95 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 95)
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At a railroad crossing with gates, how long must you remain stopped?
- Until the first vehicle ahead of you has crossed
- Until you can see the far side of the tracks
- Until the train's horn stops sounding
- Until the gates are raised
Show answer
Correct answer: Until the gates are raised
The manual says to remain stopped until the gates are raised.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 95 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 95)
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Which of these is against the law at a railroad crossing?
- Stopping 20 feet from the nearest rail
- Driving through or around any crossing gate
- Waiting for the gates to be raised
- Looking both ways before crossing
Show answer
Correct answer: Driving through or around any crossing gate
The manual says it is against the law to drive through or around any crossing gate at a railroad crossing.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 95 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 95)
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At a railroad crossing, where and when should you expect a train?
- Only on the track nearest to you
- On any track at any time
- Only at the times posted at the crossing
- Only during the daytime
Show answer
Correct answer: On any track at any time
The manual says to expect a train on any track at any time.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 95 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 95)
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What does the manual say about the times and schedules of freight trains?
- They travel on fixed schedules posted at each crossing
- They travel only at night
- They do not travel at fixed times and schedules
- They travel only during daylight hours
Show answer
Correct answer: They do not travel at fixed times and schedules
The manual says freight trains do not travel at fixed times and schedules.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 95 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 95)
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When does the manual say you should be especially careful at a railroad crossing?
- When visibility is low or the tracks are hidden from view
- Only when the crossing has no gates
- Only when the crossing has more than one set of tracks
- Only when the flashing lights are on
Show answer
Correct answer: When visibility is low or the tracks are hidden from view
The manual says to be especially careful when visibility is low or the tracks may be hidden from view by trees, hills, buildings and similar things.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 95 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 95)
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What is the Emergency Notification System (ENS) at a railroad crossing used for?
- To ask the railroad to hold a train for waiting traffic
- To check the posted schedule of trains that use the crossing
- To pay fines for crossing violations
- To notify the railroad of an emergency or warning device malfunction
Show answer
Correct answer: To notify the railroad of an emergency or warning device malfunction
The manual says the ENS is used to notify the railroad of an emergency or warning device malfunction.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 95 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 95)
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Besides a telephone number, what does the Emergency Notification System sign at a railroad crossing list?
- The speed limit for trains
- A US DOT number
- The number of tracks at the crossing
- The date of the last inspection
Show answer
Correct answer: A US DOT number
The manual says the Emergency Notification System sign lists a telephone number along with a US DOT number.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 95 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 95)
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What does the manual say about judging an oncoming train?
- You can judge its speed but not its distance
- You can judge both if the track is straight
- You cannot judge its distance and speed
- You can judge both if the gates are lowered
Show answer
Correct answer: You cannot judge its distance and speed
Track Fact #1 in the manual is that you cannot judge the distance and speed of an oncoming train.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 96 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 96)
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What are railroad tracks, trestles, bridges and railroad yards, according to the manual?
- Private property
- Public property open to pedestrians
- Public rights-of-way
- State-owned roadways
Show answer
Correct answer: Private property
Track Fact #2 in the manual is that railroad tracks, trestles, bridges and railroad yards are private property.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 96 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 96)
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Which of these has the right of way 100% of the time over emergency vehicles, cars, the police and pedestrians?
- Trains
- School buses
- Funeral processions
- Police vehicles with sirens
Show answer
Correct answer: Trains
Track Fact #4 in the manual is that trains have the right of way 100% of the time over emergency vehicles, cars, the police and pedestrians.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 96 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 96)
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According to the manual, how far does a 100 car freight train traveling at 55 miles per hour need to stop?
- About a quarter of a mile
- About half a mile
- About 500 feet
- More than a mile
Show answer
Correct answer: More than a mile
The manual says a 100 car freight train traveling at 55 miles per hour requires more than a mile to stop.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 96 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 96)
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How does the manual say many rural highway-railroad grade crossings are marked?
- With flashing red lights and lowering crossing gates
- Only with a stop sign and a stop line at the tracks
- With a flagger who stops traffic at each crossing
- Only with a warning sign and a white X-shaped sign
Show answer
Correct answer: Only with a warning sign and a white X-shaped sign
The manual says many rural crossings are marked only with a warning sign and a white X-shaped railroad crossing sign and typically have no lights or gates.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 103 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 103)
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At a rural highway-railroad grade crossing without lights or gates, what should you always do?
- Slow down, look both ways and be prepared to stop for a train
- Stop only if you can see a train approaching the tracks
- Speed up so you can clear the tracks as quickly as you can
- Sound your horn and cross without slowing down
Show answer
Correct answer: Slow down, look both ways and be prepared to stop for a train
The manual says you should always slow down, look both ways and be prepared to stop for a train before crossing the tracks.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 103 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 103)
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If your vehicle is stalled on a railroad track and a train is an immediate danger, what should you do?
- Get all passengers and yourself out of the vehicle
- Stay inside and keep trying to restart the engine
- Stay inside with seat belts fastened and sound the horn
- Make a last-minute attempt to push the vehicle clear
Show answer
Correct answer: Get all passengers and yourself out of the vehicle
With an approaching train in immediate danger, do not try last-minute heroics; get all passengers and yourself out.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 116 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 116)
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After you get everyone out of a vehicle stalled on the tracks with a train about to hit it, which way should you walk?
- Alongside the tracks, away from the approaching train
- Straight across the tracks to the far side
- Alongside the tracks, toward the approaching train
- Back along the road you came on, away from the tracks
Show answer
Correct answer: Alongside the tracks, toward the approaching train
Walk quickly alongside the tracks toward the approaching train so you will not be struck by debris when the vehicle is hit.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 116 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 116)
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In the Class D chauffeur's license railroad stop rules, where must you stop in relation to the nearest rail?
- Within 25 feet but not closer than 5 feet
- Within 100 feet but not closer than 50 feet
- Within 50 feet but not closer than 15 feet
- Within 30 feet but not closer than 10 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: Within 50 feet but not closer than 15 feet
The manual says you must stop within 50 feet but not closer than 15 feet from the nearest rail.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 129 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 129)
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According to the Class D chauffeur's license railroad stop rules, when may you change gears at a railroad crossing?
- Only while the front wheels are on the tracks
- Only after you have completely crossed the tracks
- Any time after you have come to a full stop
- Only when the crossing has no flashing lights
Show answer
Correct answer: Only after you have completely crossed the tracks
You may not change gears until you have completely crossed over the tracks.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 129 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 129)
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In the Class D chauffeur's license section, the railroad stop rules also apply to which kind of crossing?
- Only rail crossings outside business and residential districts
- Only crossings that have lowered gates or flashing lights
- Only crossings on rural highways away from residential areas
- Street-rail crossings within a business or residential district
Show answer
Correct answer: Street-rail crossings within a business or residential district
The railroad stop rules also apply to street-rail crossings within a business or residential district.
Source: Class D & E Driver’s Guide (Revised August 2025 (DPSMV2052 R08/25)), page 129 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 129)