Mississippi: Railroad crossings
Railroad signs, signals and gates, the vehicles that must always stop, what to do if you stall on the tracks and how to report a crossing problem. Split into 2 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
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All 33 Railroad crossings questions with answers
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What is painted on the pavement in front of a railroad crossing?
- A large X and two R’s
- A large arrow and two W’s
- A large R and two X’s
- A large circle and two crossing lines
Show answer
Correct answer: A large X and two R’s
In front of railroad crossings, the pavement is marked with a large X and two R’s.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 35 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 35)
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Which line is used in advance of a railroad crossing to prevent passing?
- A broken yellow line
- A double white line
- A solid yellow line
- A broken white line
Show answer
Correct answer: A solid yellow line
A solid yellow line is used to prevent passing in advance of the crossing.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 35 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 35)
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A round yellow sign shows a black X and two R’s. What does it mean?
- A railroad crossing is closed
- A railroad crossing is ahead
- A railroad station is ahead
- A school crossing is ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: A railroad crossing is ahead
A round yellow sign with a black “cross buck” and two R’s means a railroad crossing is ahead.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 35 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 35)
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In rural areas, how far in front of the tracks is the round yellow railroad warning sign normally posted?
- 100 to 300 feet
- 1,000 to 1,500 feet
- 50 to 100 feet
- 500 to 900 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 500 to 900 feet
In rural areas, the round yellow railroad warning sign is normally posted 500 to 900 feet in front of the tracks.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 35 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 35)
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What does the round yellow railroad warning sign tell you to do?
- Look, listen, and slow down because you may have to stop
- Stop at once and stay stopped until a train passes
- Speed up and cross before a train arrives
- Look for a flag person and wait for a signal
Show answer
Correct answer: Look, listen, and slow down because you may have to stop
The round yellow railroad warning sign tells you to look, listen, and slow down because you may have to stop.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 35 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 35)
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A railroad crossing has more than one track. What does the sign below the white cross buck show?
- The speed limit for trains
- The distance to the next crossing
- The number of tracks
- The name of the railroad
Show answer
Correct answer: The number of tracks
If there is more than one track, the number of tracks is shown on a sign below the cross buck.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 35 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 35)
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What do the flashing light signals at a railroad crossing mean?
- A train has just passed
- A train is coming
- The crossing is out of service
- You must slow down but need not stop
Show answer
Correct answer: A train is coming
The flashing lights mean a train is coming, so you must stop.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 35 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 35)
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You stopped at a railroad crossing that has flashing lights but no gates. When may you proceed?
- As soon as the train’s engine has passed you
- After waiting 30 seconds at the crossing
- Once you look both ways and see no train
- After the lights stop flashing
Show answer
Correct answer: After the lights stop flashing
At a crossing with flashing lights, you must remain stopped until the lights stop flashing; then you can proceed safely.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 35 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 35)
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At a railroad crossing with gates and flashing lights, when must you stop?
- When the lights begin to flash, before the gates lower
- Only after the gates have lowered across your side
- Only when you can see a train coming
- Only when a flag person signals you to stop
Show answer
Correct answer: When the lights begin to flash, before the gates lower
You must always stop when the lights begin to flash, before the gates lower across your side of the tracks.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 35 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 35)
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You are stopped at a railroad crossing that has gates. When may you proceed?
- After the gates are raised, even if the lights still flash
- As soon as a train has passed in front of you
- After the gates are raised and the lights stop flashing
- After the lights stop flashing, even if the gates are still down
Show answer
Correct answer: After the gates are raised and the lights stop flashing
You must remain stopped until the gates are raised and the lights stop flashing.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 35 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 35)
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Which vehicle must stop at all railroad crossings, regardless of signage and whether lights are flashing?
- A pickup truck carrying heavy building materials
- A vehicle carrying explosives or flammable liquids
- A dump truck loaded with gravel or sand
- A delivery van carrying packages or groceries
Show answer
Correct answer: A vehicle carrying explosives or flammable liquids
A vehicle carrying explosives or flammable liquids must stop at all railroad crossings, whatever the signage and lights.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 35 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 35)
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A school bus carrying a child stops completely at a railroad crossing. What must its driver do before proceeding?
- Check both directions for any approaching train
- Sound the horn twice and then proceed
- Shift into a lower gear before crossing
- Turn on the emergency flashers and cross
Show answer
Correct answer: Check both directions for any approaching train
After coming to a complete stop, the driver must check both directions for any approaching train before proceeding.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 35 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 35)
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All drivers must stop within what distance of the outer rail of a railroad crossing when a gate is lowered or a signal flashes?
- Within five to two feet
- Within seventy to fifty feet
- Within fifty to ten feet
- Within thirty to twenty-five feet
Show answer
Correct answer: Within fifty to ten feet
All drivers must always stop within fifty to ten feet of the outer rail of any railroad crossing.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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You see a lowered crossing gate or a flashing signal at a railroad crossing, but no train is visible. What must you do?
- Slow down and cross if no train is in sight
- Stop, even though you do not see a train
- Stop only if you can hear a train horn
- Honk your horn and cross carefully
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop, even though you do not see a train
You must stop even if you do not see a train.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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Which of these requires every driver to stop within fifty to ten feet of the outer rail of a railroad crossing?
- A round yellow warning sign 500 feet ahead
- A white cross buck sign showing the number of tracks
- A large X and two R’s painted on the pavement
- A flag person giving you a signal
Show answer
Correct answer: A flag person giving you a signal
All drivers must stop at a railroad crossing when a flag person gives a signal, along with a lowered gate, a flashing electric signal, a posted STOP sign or a rapidly approaching train.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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How long must you remain stopped at a railroad crossing?
- Until all tracks are clear, any gates are raised, and lights no longer flash
- Until you have waited at least one full minute at the crossing
- Until the train’s horn stops sounding and the engine is out of view
- Until you have counted to ten after the last train car passes
Show answer
Correct answer: Until all tracks are clear, any gates are raised, and lights no longer flash
You must remain stopped until all tracks are clear, any gates are raised, and lights no longer flash.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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What does the law say about driving around lowered gates at a railroad crossing?
- It is allowed if no train is visible
- It is allowed if you slow down first
- It is against the law
- It is allowed on rural roads only
Show answer
Correct answer: It is against the law
It is against the law to drive around any lowered gates at a crossing.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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What should you NOT do as you drive across railroad tracks?
- Watch for a second train
- Shift gears
- Stay alert
- Look in both directions
Show answer
Correct answer: Shift gears
The manual says not to shift gears as you drive across tracks.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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At a railroad crossing, what should you always check carefully for?
- A second set of gates on the far side of the crossing
- A signal from the train’s engineer to cross
- A railroad worker who will stop the traffic
- A second train following close behind the first
Show answer
Correct answer: A second train following close behind the first
You should always check carefully for a second train following close behind the first.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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What should you never try to do at a railroad crossing?
- Try to “beat” a train
- Stay alert at all times
- Check for a second train
- Obey a traffic officer’s signal
Show answer
Correct answer: Try to “beat” a train
The manual says to stay alert at all times and never try to “beat” a train.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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A traffic officer directs you to proceed over a railroad crossing. What should you do?
- Stop and wait for the officer to repeat the order
- Ignore the order until you see that the tracks are clear
- Follow the order immediately
- Wait until the lights have stopped flashing
Show answer
Correct answer: Follow the order immediately
If a traffic officer directs you to proceed over a railroad crossing, you must follow the order immediately.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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A vehicle becomes stranded on a railroad track. What should you look for at the crossing?
- A red Railroad Emergency Response sign
- A blue Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign
- A yellow Crossing Information Center sign
- A green Train Safety Notification sign
Show answer
Correct answer: A blue Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign
The blue Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign is situated at every highway-rail grade crossing and lets you report emergencies.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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Where is the Emergency Notification System sign located at a railroad crossing?
- On the pavement just before the first set of tracks
- On the nearest utility pole beside the road
- On the front of the nearest warning gate arm
- On the cross buck or on a metal box near the crossing
Show answer
Correct answer: On the cross buck or on a metal box near the crossing
The sign is located on the black and white cross buck or on the metal box near the crossing.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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Who answers the toll-free number on the Emergency Notification System sign?
- Railroad dispatchers
- Highway Patrol dispatchers
- Local fire department staff
- Driver Service Bureau clerks
Show answer
Correct answer: Railroad dispatchers
The toll-free number is answered by railroad dispatchers who can attempt to stop all train traffic at the crossing.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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What does the Emergency Notification System sign include to identify your exact location?
- A mile marker number
- A street address
- An identification number
- A set of GPS coordinates
Show answer
Correct answer: An identification number
The sign includes an identification number for your exact location.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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Which of these can you report by following the information on the Emergency Notification System sign?
- A train running behind schedule
- Warning signals that are malfunctioning
- A crowded parking lot near the crossing
- A railroad worker on a break near the crossing
Show answer
Correct answer: Warning signals that are malfunctioning
The sign lets you report malfunctions of warning signals, crossing gates and other safety devices at the crossing.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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Your vehicle is on the train tracks and the lights begin to flash. About how much time may you have to escape before the train arrives?
- 2 minutes
- 1 minute
- 5 minutes
- 20 seconds
Show answer
Correct answer: 20 seconds
You may only have 20 seconds, the minimal time a train takes to reach the crossing once the warning lights activate.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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Your vehicle is stuck on the tracks and the lights begin to flash. What should you do?
- Get out of your vehicle
- Stay inside with your seat belt fastened
- Try to start the engine and drive off the tracks
- Wait inside for the gates to lower
Show answer
Correct answer: Get out of your vehicle
The manual says that if you are stuck on the tracks you should get out of your vehicle.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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After you get out of a vehicle stuck on the tracks while the lights flash, how should you run?
- At a 45-degree angle away from the tracks, in the direction the train is going
- Straight down the tracks, in the direction the train is going
- At a 45-degree angle away from the tracks, in the direction the train is coming
- At a 90-degree angle straight away from the tracks
Show answer
Correct answer: At a 45-degree angle away from the tracks, in the direction the train is coming
Once outside, you should run at a 45-degree angle away from the tracks in the direction the train is coming, then immediately dial 911.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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You are stuck on the tracks and the warning lights have not activated. What should you do?
- Stay in the vehicle until the lights begin flashing
- Get out and immediately dial 911 and the ENS number
- Try to push the vehicle off the tracks before calling
- Wait for a train to appear before calling for help
Show answer
Correct answer: Get out and immediately dial 911 and the ENS number
If there are no warning lights or they have not activated, you should get out of your vehicle and immediately dial 911 and the ENS number.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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When you call about a vehicle stuck on the tracks, what must you be sure to specify?
- The make and model of your vehicle
- The name of the vehicle’s owner
- The license plate number of your vehicle
- That a vehicle is on the tracks
Show answer
Correct answer: That a vehicle is on the tracks
The manual says to be sure to specify that a vehicle is on the tracks.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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Which information should you provide when you call about a vehicle stuck on the tracks?
- The crossing number, if it is posted
- The year, make, and model of your vehicle
- Your driver license number and your date of birth
- Your insurance policy number and company name
Show answer
Correct answer: The crossing number, if it is posted
You should provide the location, the crossing number (if posted), and the road or highway that intersects the tracks.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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What must a vehicle carrying explosives or flammable liquids do at railroad crossings?
- Stop at every crossing, even with no signals
- Stop only if a signal warns of an approaching train
- Slow down and cross if no train is seen
- Stop only at crossings that have no gates
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop at every crossing, even with no signals
A vehicle carrying explosives or flammable liquids must stop at all railroad crossings even if no signals warn that a train is approaching.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 87 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 87)