Driving Test Practice

North Carolina: Railroad crossings

Crossing signs, signals and gates, and what to do at a crossing. Split into 3 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.

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Railroad crossings — Part 1

Questions in this part include: “When you must stop at a railroad crossing, how far from the nearest rail must you stop?”

17 questions≈ 7 min
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Railroad crossings — Part 2

Questions in this part include: “Where must you never stop for any reason?”

17 questions≈ 7 min
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Railroad crossings — Part 3

Questions in this part include: “What is the Railroad Emergency Notification System sign also known as?”

17 questions≈ 7 min
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All 51 Railroad crossings questions with answers

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  1. When you must stop at a railroad crossing, how far from the nearest rail must you stop?

    • Within 50 feet, but not less than 15 feet
    • Within 100 feet, but not less than 50 feet
    • Within 25 feet, but not less than 5 feet
    • Within 30 feet, but not less than 10 feet
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Within 50 feet, but not less than 15 feet

    G.S. 20-142.1 requires the driver to stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 60 · Open this page in the manual

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  2. You must stop at a crossing when a train that is an immediate hazard emits an audible signal from within approximately how far of the crossing?

    • 1,500 feet
    • 500 feet
    • 1,000 feet
    • 2,500 feet
    Show answer

    Correct answer: 1,500 feet

    A train approaching within approximately 1,500 feet that emits an audible signal and is an immediate hazard requires you to stop.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 60 · Open this page in the manual

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  3. When must you stop for an approaching railroad train that is plainly visible?

    A blue car driving toward a rural railroad crossing marked only by RAILROAD CROSSING crossbuck signs, as a freight train sounding its horn approaches from the left
    • Only when its whistle can be heard from 500 feet
    • Only when the train is less than one mile from the crossing
    • When it is in hazardous proximity to the crossing
    • Only when a flagger signals you to stop
    Show answer

    Correct answer: When it is in hazardous proximity to the crossing

    You must stop when an approaching train is plainly visible and in hazardous proximity to the crossing.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 60 · Open this page in the manual

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  4. Which of these does the law prohibit at a railroad crossing?

    A red car on a two-lane road with a double yellow centre line, heading toward a railroad track; a white X-shaped sign with two dark lamps stands beside the track.
    • Stopping within 50 feet of a gate that is fully raised and open
    • Driving around a gate that is closed or is being opened or closed
    • Waiting behind a lowered gate until the train has passed
    • Stopping at least 15 feet from the nearest rail before a gate lowers
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Driving around a gate that is closed or is being opened or closed

    No person shall drive through, around or under a crossing gate while it is closed or being opened or closed.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 60 · Open this page in the manual

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  5. When stopping as required at a railroad crossing, how should you position your vehicle?

    A long freight train crosses a road past lowered red-and-white striped gate arms with flashing red lights, and a white stop line on each side.
    • In the center of the roadway so that others can pass on either side
    • Forming two lanes of traffic wherever the road is wide enough
    • Straddling the center line so you can see both directions
    • As far to the right of the highway as possible
    Show answer

    Correct answer: As far to the right of the highway as possible

    The driver shall keep as far to the right of the highway as possible when stopping at a railroad crossing.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 60 · Open this page in the manual

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  6. When may drivers stopped at a railroad crossing form two lanes of traffic?

    • Only when the roadway is marked for two or more lanes
    • Whenever the shoulder is wide enough for a second line of vehicles
    • Only when the roadway is marked for four or more lanes of traffic
    • Only when an officer at the crossing directs traffic to do so
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Only when the roadway is marked for four or more lanes of traffic

    Drivers shall not form two lanes at a crossing unless the roadway is marked for four or more lanes of traffic.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 60 · Open this page in the manual

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  7. According to G.S. 20-142.1, what is a driver who violates the railroad signal law guilty of?

    • An infraction
    • A felony
    • A Class 1 misdemeanor
    • Nothing, if no crash occurs
    Show answer

    Correct answer: An infraction

    The statute says anyone who violates its provisions is guilty of an infraction.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 60 · Open this page in the manual

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  8. An employer who knowingly authorizes a commercial motor vehicle driver to violate the railroad crossing law is guilty of an infraction and also subject to what?

    • Loss of the company's business license
    • A mandatory driver-safety course for staff
    • Suspension of every driver's license
    • A civil penalty under G.S. 20-37.21
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A civil penalty under G.S. 20-37.21

    The employer is guilty of an infraction and will also be subject to a civil penalty under G.S. 20-37.21.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 60 · Open this page in the manual

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  9. About how many miles of railroad tracks are there in N.C.?

    • Over 1,000 miles
    • Over 5,000 miles
    • Over 2,500 miles
    • Over 10,000 miles
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Over 5,000 miles

    The manual says there are over 5,000 miles of railroad tracks in N.C.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 60 · Open this page in the manual

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  10. About how many railroad crossings are there in N.C.?

    • 2,800
    • 6,800
    • 4,800
    • 9,800
    Show answer

    Correct answer: 6,800

    The manual says there are 6,800 railroad crossings in N.C.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 60 · Open this page in the manual

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  11. How far does a train traveling at 55 mph take to come to a stop?

    • About 500 feet
    • About a quarter of a mile
    • About half a mile
    • More than a mile
    Show answer

    Correct answer: More than a mile

    A train that is traveling at 55 mph takes more than a mile to come to a stop.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 60 · Open this page in the manual

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  12. What does a yellow and black “RR” sign indicate?

    A round yellow sign with a black border showing a large black X with a black letter R in the left and right quarters.
    • You are approaching a railroad crossing
    • Trains stop at a station ahead
    • Trains are prohibited from crossing the road ahead
    • The road ahead is closed to all vehicle traffic
    Show answer

    Correct answer: You are approaching a railroad crossing

    A yellow and black “RR” sign indicates that you are approaching a railroad crossing.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 60 · Open this page in the manual

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  13. As you approach the railroad tracks, 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 so you clear the tracks before a train arrives
    • Look only in the direction from which trains normally come
    • Look both ways and listen because you may have to stop
    • Stop only if you see a train or a flashing light
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Look both ways and listen because you may have to stop

    The manual says to look both ways and listen as you approach the tracks because you may have to stop.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 60 · Open this page in the manual

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  14. From which direction and at what time can trains approach a crossing?

    A blue car driving toward a rural railroad crossing marked only by RAILROAD CROSSING crossbuck signs, as a freight train sounding its horn approaches from the left
    • Only at scheduled times of the day
    • Only from one direction on a single track
    • Only when the warning lights are flashing
    • At any time from any direction
    Show answer

    Correct answer: At any time from any direction

    The manual says trains can approach a crossing at any time from any direction.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 60 · Open this page in the manual

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  15. Who always has the right of way at a railroad crossing?

    A blue car driving toward a rural railroad crossing marked only by RAILROAD CROSSING crossbuck signs, as a freight train sounding its horn approaches from the left
    • The largest vehicle
    • The train
    • The first vehicle to arrive
    • Emergency vehicles
    Show answer

    Correct answer: The train

    The train always has the right of way at a railroad crossing.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 60 · Open this page in the manual

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  16. If there is a stop sign at a railroad crossing, what must you do?

    A blue car approaches a rural railroad crossing where a STOP sign is mounted below the RAILROAD CROSSING crossbuck, with a white stop line before the empty track.
    • Slow down and cross if no train is visible
    • Stop only if a train is in sight
    • Come to a full stop before safely crossing
    • Yield to the vehicle ahead and follow it across
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Come to a full stop before safely crossing

    If there is a stop sign at a crossing, you must come to a full stop before safely crossing.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 60 · Open this page in the manual

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  17. Trains have the right of way over which highway traffic?

    A rural railroad crossing with flashing red crossing signals and a train approaching along the track from the left; an ambulance with its lights on approaches the crossing with the blue car following.
    • All highway traffic, including police, fire and ambulance emergency vehicles
    • All traffic except police, fire and ambulance emergency vehicles
    • Only private vehicles, but not buses or commercial trucks
    • Only vehicles that have stopped at the crossing
    Show answer

    Correct answer: All highway traffic, including police, fire and ambulance emergency vehicles

    Trains have the right of way over all highway traffic, including police, fire and ambulance emergency vehicles.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 60 · Open this page in the manual

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  18. Where must you never stop for any reason?

    • On train tracks
    • On a highway shoulder
    • In front of a driveway
    • In a school zone
    Show answer

    Correct answer: On train tracks

    The manual says never to stop on train tracks for any reason.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 61 · Open this page in the manual

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  19. What is the X-shaped railroad grade crossing sign known as?

    A railroad crossing sign
    • A Grade Sign
    • A Rail Marker
    • A Crossbuck Sign
    • A Stop Warning Sign
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A Crossbuck Sign

    The X-shaped railroad grade crossing sign is known as a Crossbuck Sign.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 61 · Open this page in the manual

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  20. What does a smaller sign below the crossbuck indicate?

    • That a train stops at the crossing
    • That there is more than one track
    • That the crossing is closed at night
    • That the crossing has no gate
    Show answer

    Correct answer: That there is more than one track

    A smaller sign below the crossbuck indicates if there is more than one track.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 61 · Open this page in the manual

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  21. If the railroad warning signal activates as you approach, when must you stop?

    A railroad crossing with flashing lights and a lowered gate
    • After you cross the first set of tracks
    • As soon as you can see the train itself
    • Only after the gate touches the front of your vehicle
    • Before the gates lower across your side of the road
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Before the gates lower across your side of the road

    If the warning signal activates you must stop before the gates lower across your side of the road.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 61 · Open this page in the manual

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  22. What is unlawful and extremely dangerous at a railroad crossing?

    A red car on a two-lane road with a double yellow centre line, heading toward a railroad track; a white X-shaped sign with two dark lamps stands beside the track.
    • Stopping behind the gate when it is lowered across your side
    • Slowing down as you approach the tracks with a train in view
    • Moving through the crossing when the gates are lowered
    • Looking both ways before you cross the tracks
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Moving through the crossing when the gates are lowered

    It is unlawful and extremely dangerous to move through a railroad crossing when the gates are lowered.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 61 · Open this page in the manual

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  23. Which is one thing you must do as you approach a railroad crossing?

    Pavement markings warning of an upcoming railroad crossing
    • Slow your speed
    • Increase your speed
    • Sound your horn continuously
    • Turn on your high beams
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Slow your speed

    As you approach a railroad crossing you must slow your speed, look both ways, listen for the train, keep alert and watch for the signal.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 61 · Open this page in the manual

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  24. What does the manual say about railroads and where you may cross the tracks?

    • Railroads are public property; cross wherever the tracks are level
    • Railroads are private property; cross wherever there is no train in sight
    • Railroads are public property; cross at any point without a fence
    • Railroads are private property; cross only at designated railroad crossings
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Railroads are private property; cross only at designated railroad crossings

    Railroads are private property, and it is illegal and dangerous to drive on or cross the tracks except at designated crossings.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 61 · Open this page in the manual

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  25. At a crossing that has only a crossbuck and no lights or gates, what must vehicles do?

    A blue car driving toward a rural railroad crossing marked only by RAILROAD CROSSING crossbuck signs, as a freight train sounding its horn approaches from the left
    • Cross if no train is in sight without slowing
    • Always yield to a train
    • Slow down only if the crossing is marked with gates
    • Stop only if a train is visible
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Always yield to a train

    Vehicles must always yield to a train even when the crossing only has a crossbuck and no lights or gates.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 61 · Open this page in the manual

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  26. When flashing red lights are used with crossbuck signs at a railroad crossing, what must you do?

    A white RAILROAD CROSSING crossbuck sign with a bell and a pair of red signal lights, one of them lit
    • Slow down and proceed when the road appears clear to you
    • Stop, just as you would for any flashing red traffic signal
    • Yield to the train only if it is close to the crossing
    • Stop only if you see a train approaching the crossing
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Stop, just as you would for any flashing red traffic signal

    With flashing red lights at a crossing you must stop, just as you would stop for any flashing red traffic signal.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 61 · Open this page in the manual

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  27. Why should you not move immediately after a train has passed?

    The last boxcar of a freight train clears a single-track crossing, gates down and red lights flashing, while a blue car and a white car wait behind the stop line.
    • The crossing signals may need time to reset before you can go
    • The road surface near the tracks may be too slippery to cross
    • The engineer may signal you to wait for the next car
    • Another train may be moving from the opposite direction or behind
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Another train may be moving from the opposite direction or behind

    There may be another train moving in the opposite direction from, or following, the first train.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 61 · Open this page in the manual

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  28. When may you move ahead at a crossing with flashing red lights?

    The last boxcar of a freight train clears a single-track crossing, gates down and red lights flashing, while a blue car and a white car wait behind the stop line.
    • Only after the red lights have stopped flashing
    • As soon as the last train car has passed you
    • When the vehicle ahead of you starts to cross
    • After the gates start to rise, even if lights still flash
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Only after the red lights have stopped flashing

    The manual says to always wait until the red lights have stopped flashing before moving ahead.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 61 · Open this page in the manual

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  29. You should be prepared to stop at a railroad crossing for which vehicle, because it must stop there?

    • A motorcycle carrying one rider on the highway
    • A pickup truck hauling firewood to a nearby home
    • A vehicle transporting explosives or hazardous materials
    • A truck hauling only sand or gravel to a work site
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A vehicle transporting explosives or hazardous materials

    Vehicles that must stop at crossings include school buses, passenger-carrying and for-hire vehicles, and vehicles transporting explosives or hazardous materials.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 61 · Open this page in the manual

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  30. You are crossing the tracks when the warning lights begin flashing or the gates start to come down. What should you do?

    A red car on railroad tracks across a two-way road, with two white X-shaped signs on posts with flashing red lights, and a blue car beyond the tracks facing the other way.
    • Stop immediately and back away from the tracks
    • Stop on the tracks and wait for the gate to rise
    • Back up quickly to leave the crossing
    • Do not stop or back up; keep moving
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Do not stop or back up; keep moving

    If you are already crossing when the warning lights flash or gates come down, do not stop, do not back up, keep moving.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 61 · Open this page in the manual

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  31. If the gate on the far side of the tracks comes down before you get across, what should you do?

    A red car on railroad tracks across a two-way road, with two white X-shaped signs on posts with flashing red lights, and a blue car beyond the tracks facing the other way.
    • Stop on the tracks and wait for the gate to be raised again
    • Drive through the gate, which is flexible and will not block you in
    • Back up across the tracks to the side you came from
    • Turn off the engine and leave the vehicle immediately
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Drive through the gate, which is flexible and will not block you in

    The manual says to drive through the gate because it is flexible and will not block you in.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 62 · Open this page in the manual

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  32. What may happen if you stop and try to back up when a crossing gate comes down?

    A red car on railroad tracks as the crossing's red lights flash and the gates come down, with a car on the other side
    • The gate may lock and trap you
    • The train's engineer may stop the train
    • Your vehicle may stall
    • The crossing lights will reset
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Your vehicle may stall

    The manual warns that if you stop and try to back up, your vehicle may stall.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 62 · Open this page in the manual

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  33. Crossing gates will not trap you, but what might?

    A red car on railroad tracks as the crossing's red lights flash and the gates come down, with a car on the other side
    • Stopping traffic
    • The railroad crossing lights
    • A train that stops on the tracks
    • The crossbuck sign
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Stopping traffic

    The manual says crossing gates will not trap you, but stopping traffic might.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 62 · Open this page in the manual

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  34. Before you cross railroad tracks, what should you be sure of?

    • That traffic ahead will not stop and block you in on the tracks
    • That no vehicle is following you closely across the tracks
    • That the crossing gate has already been raised for the train
    • That your hazard lights are turned on before you cross them
    Show answer

    Correct answer: That traffic ahead will not stop and block you in on the tracks

    You should be sure the traffic ahead will not stop and block you in on the tracks.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 62 · Open this page in the manual

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  35. What is the Railroad Emergency Notification System sign also known as?

    • The Green Sign
    • The Red Sign
    • The Blue Sign
    • The Yellow Sign
    Show answer

    Correct answer: The Blue Sign

    The Railroad Emergency Notification System sign is also known as the Blue Sign.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 62 · Open this page in the manual

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  36. How must the Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign be posted at all highway-railroad crossings in North Carolina?

    A blue rectangular sign with a white border, white lettering and a telephone symbol, mounted on a post below a white railroad crossbuck.
    • Only on the approach with the most traffic
    • In each traffic direction
    • Only at crossings that have gates
    • Only on the side facing the train
    Show answer

    Correct answer: In each traffic direction

    All highway-railroad crossings in North Carolina must have an ENS sign posted in each traffic direction.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 62 · Open this page in the manual

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  37. Which information does the ENS “Blue sign” contain?

    • The crossing's speed limit, the train schedule and the nearest station
    • The number of tracks, the speed of the train and the gate height
    • The county name, the road number and the date of the last inspection
    • Crossing ID number, railroad company name and an emergency phone number
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Crossing ID number, railroad company name and an emergency phone number

    The ENS sign contains the railroad crossing identification number, name of the railroad company and an emergency telephone number.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 62 · Open this page in the manual

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  38. What does each railroad crossing have that is unique?

    • A separate speed limit for the trains
    • A locked gate control box at the site
    • A USDOT crossing identification number
    • A color-coded warning light on its gate
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A USDOT crossing identification number

    Each railroad company has its own emergency telephone number and each crossing has a unique USDOT crossing identification number.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 62 · Open this page in the manual

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  39. If your vehicle stalls on or near the tracks, what should you do?

    A red car stopped on railroad tracks with its hazard lights flashing, the crossing lights dark and the gates up
    • Get out immediately
    • Try to restart the engine
    • Stay inside and call for help
    • Wait for the gates to lower
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Get out immediately

    If your vehicle stalls on or near the tracks, get out immediately.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 62 · Open this page in the manual

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  40. After getting out of a vehicle stalled on or near the tracks, 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 close to the tracks so you can wave down the train
    • Wait inside the vehicle with the doors locked and hazard lights on
    • Walk down the tracks in the direction the train will come
    • Walk quickly along the roadway to a safe location away from the tracks
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Walk quickly along the roadway to a safe location away from the tracks

    The manual says to move away from your vehicle and the tracks and walk quickly along the roadway to a safe location.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 62 · Open this page in the manual

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  41. When you are safely away from the tracks, what should you find to report the emergency?

    • The nearest police vehicle on the highway
    • The blue sign at or near the railroad crossing
    • The railroad's mile marker along the tracks
    • The stop sign at the next intersection
    Show answer

    Correct answer: The blue sign at or near the railroad crossing

    When safely away, find the blue sign at or near the crossing and report the emergency using the information on it.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 62 · Open this page in the manual

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  42. Who should you contact about damaged or missing Emergency Notification System signs?

    • The railroad company that owns the tracks
    • The USDOT Federal Railroad Administration
    • The local county sheriff's department
    • The North Carolina State Highway Patrol
    Show answer

    Correct answer: The USDOT Federal Railroad Administration

    For damaged or missing signs, the manual says to contact the USDOT Federal Railroad Administration.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 62 · Open this page in the manual

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  43. When a train hits a 4,000-lb. car, what is it like?

    • A truck hitting a mailbox
    • A bicycle hitting a curb
    • Your car running over a pothole
    • Your car running over a soda can
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Your car running over a soda can

    The manual compares a train hitting a 4,000-lb. car to your car running over a soda can.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 62 · Open this page in the manual

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  44. What does a circular yellow sign with a black cross and the letters “RR” warn of?

    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 school crossing ahead
    • A railroad crossing ahead
    • A road-work zone ahead
    • A steep downgrade ahead
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A railroad crossing ahead

    The circular yellow sign with a black cross and RR gives advance warning of a railroad crossing.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 84 · Open this page in the manual

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  45. What should you do when you see the circular yellow sign with the letters “RR”?

    A round yellow sign with a black border showing a large black X with a black letter R in the left and right quarters.
    • Keep your speed if no train is in sight
    • Stop every time and wait for a train to pass
    • Sound your horn and continue
    • Slow down, and stop if necessary
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Slow down, and stop if necessary

    You should slow down and stop if necessary to be sure you can safely clear the crossing.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 84 · Open this page in the manual

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  46. What words are printed in black on the white crosspieces of the crossbuck sign at a railroad crossing?

    • “RAILROAD CROSSING”
    • “TRAIN CROSSING”
    • “RAILWAY STOP”
    • “LOOK FOR TRAINS”
    Show answer

    Correct answer: “RAILROAD CROSSING”

    The words RAILROAD CROSSING are printed in black on the white crosspieces of the crossbuck.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 84 · Open this page in the manual

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  47. How are multiple tracks at a railroad crossing shown?

    • On a sign above the crossbuck
    • By additional crosspieces on the crossbuck
    • On a sign below the crossbuck
    • By a second set of flashing lights
    Show answer

    Correct answer: On a sign below the crossbuck

    Multiple tracks are shown on a sign below the crossbuck.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 84 · Open this page in the manual

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  48. When must you stop at a railroad crossing?

    • Only when you can see or hear a train approaching the crossing
    • Whenever a flagger, signal or gate indicates an approaching train
    • Only when you are driving a bus or a vehicle carrying passengers
    • Only when the crossing is located outside a city or town
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Whenever a flagger, signal or gate indicates an approaching train

    You must stop whenever a flagger, signal or gate indicates an approaching train.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 84 · Open this page in the manual

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  49. How long must you remain stopped at a railroad crossing when a train is approaching?

    • Until you have counted ten seconds after the train’s horn stops
    • Until the vehicle ahead of you starts to cross the tracks
    • Until you no longer hear the train, even if the gate is down
    • Until the gate lifts or the signal or flagger indicates it is safe
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Until the gate lifts or the signal or flagger indicates it is safe

    You must stay stopped until the gate lifts or the signal or flagger indicates it is safe to proceed.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 84 · Open this page in the manual

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  50. How many times in each direction should you check before crossing a railroad track?

    • Twice
    • Once
    • Three times
    • Four times
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    Correct answer: Twice

    The manual advises checking twice in each direction before crossing a railroad track.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 84 · Open this page in the manual

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  51. What does the DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS sign remind the driver of?

    • Not to stop on the railroad track for any reason
    • To stop before the railroad track when a train is near
    • To stop and look both ways before crossing the track
    • Not to stop on the track unless traffic ahead has stopped
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    Correct answer: Not to stop on the railroad track for any reason

    The sign reminds drivers not to stop on the railroad track for any reason.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), page 86 · Open this page in the manual

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