Massachusetts: Railroad crossings Practice Test
Railroad crossing signs, signals and gates, where to stop, and what to do if you are stuck on the tracks.
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Questions are original and based on the official manual "Massachusetts Driver's Manual" (Revised April 2026), Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.
All 17 questions in this practice test
Take the test above first, then use this list to study. Tap “Show answer” to see the correct answer and explanation.
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What kind of sign is usually posted before a railroad crossing?
- A square regulatory sign
- A white octagonal sign
- A green guide sign
- A round warning sign
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Correct answer: A round warning sign
There is usually a round warning sign before a railroad crossing.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 86 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 86)
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When you see the round warning sign before a railroad crossing, what should you do?
- Stop completely and honk
- Keep your speed if the tracks look empty
- Slow down and prepare to stop
- Move to the left lane
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Correct answer: Slow down and prepare to stop
When you see the round railroad warning sign, slow down and prepare to stop.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 86 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 86)
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If you see or hear a train coming, what must you not do?
- Slow down and prepare to stop
- Speed up to beat the train to the crossing
- Stop before the gate
- Stay stopped until the train has passed
Show answer
Correct answer: Speed up to beat the train to the crossing
If you see or hear a train coming, do not speed up and try to beat the train to the crossing.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 86 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 86)
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With what is the point at which train tracks cross a road marked?
- A white crossbuck sign
- A red octagon
- A yellow diamond only
- A green rectangle
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Correct answer: A white crossbuck sign
The point at which train tracks cross a road is marked with a white crossbuck sign.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 86 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 86)
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If more than one track crosses a road, how is that shown?
- A second crossbuck is posted across the road
- The number of tracks is posted below the crossbuck
- The gate has two red stripes
- A white line is painted across each track
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Correct answer: The number of tracks is posted below the crossbuck
If more than one track crosses a road, the number of tracks is posted below the crossbuck.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 86 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 86)
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What may lower across the roadway at a railroad crossing when a train is passing?
- A yellow-and-black striped barrier
- A white crossbuck sign
- A red-and-white striped gate
- A green-and-white striped gate
Show answer
Correct answer: A red-and-white striped gate
A railroad crossing may have a red-and-white striped gate that lowers across the roadway when a train is passing.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 87 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 87)
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If the lights at a railroad crossing begin to flash, how far before the light post or gate must you stop?
- At least 5 feet
- At least 25 feet
- At least 50 feet
- At least 15 feet
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Correct answer: At least 15 feet
If the lights begin to flash, you must stop at least 15 feet before the light post or gate.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 87 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 87)
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After you stop for flashing lights at a railroad crossing, how long must you remain stopped?
- Until the gate raises and the lights stop flashing
- Until you can no longer see the train coming
- Until the first vehicle ahead has crossed
- For at least three minutes after the train
Show answer
Correct answer: Until the gate raises and the lights stop flashing
You must remain stopped until the gate raises and the lights stop flashing.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 87 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 87)
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What is the penalty for failing to stop at a railroad crossing with flashing lights?
- A warning only for a first violation
- Automatic loss of license for one year
- It is a violation that has a heavy fine
- No penalty if no train is present
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Correct answer: It is a violation that has a heavy fine
Failure to stop at a railroad crossing is a violation that has a heavy fine.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 87 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 87)
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You do not see a train coming at a railroad crossing with a lowered gate. What must you never do?
- Wait for the gate to rise
- Drive around the lowered gate
- Look both ways before crossing
- Stop at least 15 feet away
Show answer
Correct answer: Drive around the lowered gate
Even if you do not see a train coming, never drive around a lowered gate or ignore the flashing lights.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 87 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 87)
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Your vehicle stalls on railroad tracks and a train is coming. What should you do?
- Try to restart the engine until the train arrives
- Get everyone out immediately and move far from the tracks
- Stay inside with your safety belts fastened tightly
- Stay in the vehicle and sound your horn repeatedly
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Correct answer: Get everyone out immediately and move far from the tracks
The manual says to get everyone out immediately and move as far from the tracks as you can.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 125 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 125)
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Your vehicle is stalled on the tracks and a train is coming. In which way should you run to avoid being hit by wreckage?
- At a 45 degree angle away from the tracks, in the direction the train is going
- Straight along the tracks, away from the train
- At a 90 degree angle, straight back from the tracks
- At a 45 degree angle away from the tracks, in the direction the train is coming
Show answer
Correct answer: At a 45 degree angle away from the tracks, in the direction the train is coming
To avoid being hit by wreckage, run at a 45 degree angle away from the tracks in the direction that the train is coming, then call 911.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 125 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 125)
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Your vehicle stalls on the tracks and no train is coming. What should you do first?
- Roll down your window or open your door and listen
- Call 911 and wait inside the vehicle for help
- Push the vehicle off the tracks as quickly as you can
- Leave the vehicle and walk away from it
Show answer
Correct answer: Roll down your window or open your door and listen
The manual says to roll down your window or open your door and listen for a train, then try to start your engine.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 125 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 125)
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Your vehicle stalls on the tracks, no train is coming, and it will not start. What should you try?
- Shift to park, leave it on the tracks, and wait for help
- Leave it and call a tow truck from a nearby phone
- Shift to neutral and try to push it off the tracks
- Keep cranking the engine until it starts
Show answer
Correct answer: Shift to neutral and try to push it off the tracks
The manual says that if the vehicle won't start, you shift to neutral and try to push it off the tracks.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 125 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 125)
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If you cannot move your stalled vehicle from the tracks, where is the toll free Emergency Notification System (ENS) number located?
- On the back of the gate arm at the railroad crossing signal
- In the middle of the crossbuck or on the metal box by the crossing
- On the registration card of your vehicle or insurance card
- On the nearest utility pole beside the road near the tracks
Show answer
Correct answer: In the middle of the crossbuck or on the metal box by the crossing
The manual says the ENS number is located in the middle of the crossbuck or on the metal box near the grade crossing.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 125 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 125)
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When you call the ENS number about a vehicle stuck on the tracks, what do you give the railroad dispatcher?
- Your driver's license number and your home address
- The vehicle's registration number and your phone number
- The train's schedule number posted on the nearest signal
- The DOT grade crossing locator number on the sign
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Correct answer: The DOT grade crossing locator number on the sign
The manual says to give the railroad dispatcher the DOT grade crossing locator number that is also on the sign.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 125 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 125)
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Besides a vehicle stuck on the tracks, when should you call the ENS number?
- When you see tampering with rail switches along a railroad
- When you see a train traveling at high speed on the line
- When you hear a train horn sounding at night
- When you see a railroad crossing sign near the road
Show answer
Correct answer: When you see tampering with rail switches along a railroad
The manual says you should also call the ENS number if you see anything suspicious, such as tampering with rail switches, along a railroad.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 125 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 125)