Oklahoma: Railroad crossings
Crossbucks, flashing lights and gates, quiet zones, where to stop, the vehicles that must always stop, and what to do if you stall on the tracks. 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: “What is a railroad Quiet Zone?”
StartRailroad crossings — Part 2
Questions in this part include: “What may be painted on the pavement in front of a railroad crossing?”
StartRailroad crossings — Part 3
Questions in this part include: “After getting out of a vehicle stalled on the tracks, at what angle should you run away from the tracks?”
StartAll 48 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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After passing a railroad advance warning sign, within what distance of the first track should you be prepared to stop?
- 5 to 10 feet
- 100 to 200 feet
- 15 to 50 feet
- 50 to 100 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 15 to 50 feet
Slow down when you see the advance warning sign and be ready to stop 15 to 50 feet from the first track.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 22 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 22)
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As you approach railroad tracks, your view down the track is blocked in one direction. What should you do?
- Speed up so you spend less time on the tracks
- Drive very slowly until you can see down the track
- Sound your horn and cross at your normal speed
- Cross at normal speed if no lights are flashing
Show answer
Correct answer: Drive very slowly until you can see down the track
When your view is blocked either way, creep forward very slowly until you can see down the track.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 22 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 22)
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Which of these vehicles is required by law to stop at a railroad crossing?
- A motorcycle
- A pickup towing a trailer
- A farm tractor
- A church bus
Show answer
Correct answer: A church bus
School buses, church buses, motor coaches and vehicles hauling explosives or flammable liquids must stop at railroad crossings by law.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 22 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 22)
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At a railroad crossing marked with a crossbuck sign, what should you always do?
- Slow down, look, listen and be ready to yield
- Come to a full stop even when no train is near
- Speed up so you clear the tracks more quickly
- Keep your speed unless the lights are flashing
Show answer
Correct answer: Slow down, look, listen and be ready to yield
At a crossbuck you slow down, look and listen, and get ready to give the right-of-way to an oncoming train.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 22 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 22)
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At a railroad crossing with more than one track, what will a sign show?
- The time until the next train
- The number of tracks there
- Which track the next train uses
- The speed limit for trains
Show answer
Correct answer: The number of tracks there
Where there is more than one track, a sign at the crossing shows how many tracks there are.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 22 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 22)
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What do flashing red lights on a railroad crossbuck mean?
- Slow down and cross if you see no train
- The crossing is closed for track repairs
- A train has just gone by; cross with care
- A train is coming; you must stop
Show answer
Correct answer: A train is coming; you must stop
Flashing lights on a crossbuck mean a train is coming, and you must always stop while they flash.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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At a crossing with flashing lights and more than one track, what must you be sure of before you cross?
- That every track is clear
- That the nearest track is clear
- That the train's horn has stopped
- That a car ahead has crossed
Show answer
Correct answer: That every track is clear
With more than one track, a second train may be coming, so make sure all tracks are clear before crossing.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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At a crossbuck with flashing lights and a gate, when must you stop?
- Only after the gate has come all the way down
- Only when the train itself comes into your view
- When the lights begin flashing, before the gate is down
- Only when the bells start ringing at the post
Show answer
Correct answer: When the lights begin flashing, before the gate is down
You stop as soon as the lights start flashing, before the gate comes down.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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At a crossbuck with flashing lights and a gate, how long must you remain stopped?
- Until the gates begin to rise, even if lights flash
- Until the gates are up and the lights stop flashing
- Until the bells stop, even if the gates stay down
- Until a driver ahead of you goes around the gate
Show answer
Correct answer: Until the gates are up and the lights stop flashing
Stay stopped until the gates are fully raised and the lights have stopped flashing.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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What is a railroad Quiet Zone?
- Where drivers may not honk near the tracks
- Where trains must slow to a walking pace
- Where trains run only during daylight hours
- Where trains don't sound horns in normal operation
Show answer
Correct answer: Where trains don't sound horns in normal operation
In a Quiet Zone, trains do not blow their horns during normal operation.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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What is the quickest way to recognize an active Quiet Zone?
- A NO TRAIN HORN sign next to the crossing
- Orange gates instead of red and white ones
- A flashing yellow light above the crossbuck
- A double set of gates across the road
Show answer
Correct answer: A NO TRAIN HORN sign next to the crossing
An active Quiet Zone is easiest to spot by the 'No Train Horn' sign posted beside the crossing.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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In a Quiet Zone, may a train still sound its horn?
- No, horns are banned there at all times
- Only at night, between sunset and sunrise
- Yes, for emergencies or other safety reasons
- Only when a train runs late on its schedule
Show answer
Correct answer: Yes, for emergencies or other safety reasons
Even in a Quiet Zone the horn may be sounded in emergencies or for other safety reasons.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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Crossings within a Quiet Zone may have supplemental safety measures. Who funds them?
- Railroad companies
- Local governments
- Service Oklahoma
- The Federal Railroad Administration
Show answer
Correct answer: Local governments
The extra safety measures are funded by local governments that want to reduce train-horn noise.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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How far does a train traveling at 55 mph need to stop?
- About 500 feet
- About a quarter mile
- A mile or more
- About half a mile
Show answer
Correct answer: A mile or more
A train at 55 mph takes a mile or more to stop, which is why you must always yield to trains.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 55 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 55)
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According to the manual, who is always at fault in a car/train collision?
- The train engineer
- The car driver
- The railroad company
- Whoever reached the crossing first
Show answer
Correct answer: The car driver
The manual states that a train collision is always the fault of the car driver.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 55 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 55)
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Operation Lifesaver is a program that teaches what?
- Motorcycle safety
- School bus safety
- Safe driving in work zones
- Railroad crossing safety
Show answer
Correct answer: Railroad crossing safety
Operation Lifesaver teaches railroad crossing safety.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 55 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 55)
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Under the law, how close to the nearest rail must a driver stop at a railroad grade crossing when a train is approaching or a signal is given?
- Within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet
- Within 100 feet but not less than 50 feet
- Within 30 feet but not less than 5 feet
- Within 25 feet but not less than 10 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: Within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet
The law says to stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail and not to proceed until it is safe.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 56 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 56)
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Under the law, you must stop at a crossing when an approaching train sounds an audible signal and is an immediate hazard. Within about what distance of the crossing does this apply?
- 500 feet
- 1000 feet
- 1500 feet
- 2500 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 1500 feet
The law covers a train within approximately 1500 feet of the crossing that sounds a signal and is an immediate hazard by its speed or nearness.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 56 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 56)
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How are all Oklahoma public highway-rail crossings marked?
- With a gate at every crossing
- With one or more warning devices
- With flashing lights and bells at every crossing
- Only with painted pavement markings
Show answer
Correct answer: With one or more warning devices
Every public crossing has at least one warning device; over 1,200 also have gates, lights or bells.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 56 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 56)
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What does an advance warning sign for a highway-rail crossing mean?
- A train is coming right now
- The crossing is closed
- A stop sign is ahead
- A highway-rail crossing is ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: A highway-rail crossing is ahead
Advance warning signs tell you a highway-rail crossing is ahead.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 56 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 56)
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Where are advance warning signs for a highway-rail crossing placed?
- Far enough back to let you stop before the crossing
- Right beside the rails, where drivers can see them best
- Immediately after the crossing, on the far side
- Only on the far side of the tracks, facing traffic
Show answer
Correct answer: Far enough back to let you stop before the crossing
The signs are placed far enough back that you can stop before the crossing.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 56 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 56)
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What may be painted on the pavement in front of a railroad crossing?
- A yield triangle and a stop sign
- A railroad arrow and a no-passing zone
- An R X R and a stop line
- A hatched box and a school zone symbol
Show answer
Correct answer: An R X R and a stop line
The manual says an R X R and a stop line may be painted before a crossing.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 56 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 56)
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While waiting for a passing train, where should you stay in relation to the painted stop line?
- Over the stop line, to see farther down the track
- Behind the stop line
- Right at the rail, to be ready to go
- Beside the R X R marking, off the road
Show answer
Correct answer: Behind the stop line
The manual says to always stay behind the painted stop line while waiting for a passing train.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 56 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 56)
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How should you treat a railroad crossbuck sign, a white X-shaped sign reading RAIL ROAD CROSSING?
- Like a STOP sign
- Like a speed sign
- Like a no-parking sign
- Like a YIELD sign
Show answer
Correct answer: Like a YIELD sign
Crossbucks are treated like a YIELD sign: slow down and prepare to stop if you see or hear a train approaching.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 56 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 56)
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At a flashing-light crossing with more than one track, what must you do before crossing?
- Check only the track nearest to you
- Check only the track the train is on
- Cross as soon as the first train has passed
- Make sure all tracks are clear
Show answer
Correct answer: Make sure all tracks are clear
With more than one track, you must be sure every track is clear before you begin to cross.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 56 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 56)
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At a crossing with gates and flashing signals, when should you stop?
- When the lights begin to flash, before the gate lowers
- Only after the gate has been lowered across your lane
- Once you see the train in the distance
- Only when the train's horn is heard
Show answer
Correct answer: When the lights begin to flash, before the gate lowers
Stop as soon as the lights begin to flash, before the gate is lowered across your lane.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 56 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 56)
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At a crossing with gates and flashing signals, how long must you remain stopped?
- Until the lights stop flashing, even if the gates remain down
- Until the train's engine is out of sight
- Until the gates are raised and the lights have stopped flashing
- Until the gates begin to rise
Show answer
Correct answer: Until the gates are raised and the lights have stopped flashing
You must remain stopped until the gates are up and the lights have stopped flashing.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 56 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 56)
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What must you do at a stop sign at a railroad crossing before driving across the tracks?
- Slow down and cross if no train is visible
- Stop completely and look both ways
- Stop only if a train is in view
- Stop and honk before crossing
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop completely and look both ways
A stop sign at a crossing requires a complete stop and a look both ways before you cross.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 56 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 56)
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As you approach a highway-railway crossing, what should you do?
- Maintain your speed and sound your horn as you cross
- Speed up so you clear the tracks as quickly as you can
- Move to the shoulder and stop at once
- Slow down, keep alert and watch for the sign or signal
Show answer
Correct answer: Slow down, keep alert and watch for the sign or signal
The manual advises slowing down, staying alert and watching for the crossing sign or signal.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 57 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 57)
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At a highway-railway crossing, on which track should you expect a train?
- Any track at any time
- Only the track nearest to you
- Only tracks that have signals
- Only at times posted on the signs
Show answer
Correct answer: Any track at any time
A train can come on any track at any time, so be ready.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 57 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 57)
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When is it safe to move onto a railroad track?
- Whenever the lights are not flashing at the crossing
- Whenever no train is visible in either direction
- Only when you are certain you can drive across safely
- Whenever the car ahead of you is already crossing
Show answer
Correct answer: Only when you are certain you can drive across safely
The manual says never to move onto a track unless you are certain you can get across, so you do not get trapped.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 57 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 57)
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What should you do if the crossing gates are down?
- Drive around it if no train is visible
- Stop behind the gate
- Drive slowly under it
- Go through if the gate looks broken
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop behind the gate
If the gates are down, stop behind the gate and wait until they are raised and the lights have stopped flashing.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 57 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 57)
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What does the manual say about driving through lowered crossing gates?
- It is allowed if you slow down
- It is allowed when no train is in sight
- It is allowed at night
- It is against the law
Show answer
Correct answer: It is against the law
Driving through lowered gates is against the law.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 57 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 57)
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If the warning lights begin flashing or the gates start coming down while you are crossing the tracks, what should you do?
- Keep moving
- Stop and back up
- Stop and wait for the gate to rise
- Turn off the engine and get out
Show answer
Correct answer: Keep moving
The signals allow enough time to finish crossing, and the gate on the far side will not block you in. Stopping and backing up risks stalling.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 57 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 57)
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At a multiple-track crossing, what should you do after the last car of a train passes?
- Proceed at once, because the crossing is now clear
- Look only in the direction opposite to the train that passed
- Be sure no train is coming on another track from either direction
- Wait a few seconds, then cross if the lights are still on
Show answer
Correct answer: Be sure no train is coming on another track from either direction
Another train may be on a different track, so check both directions before going.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 57 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 57)
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What should you do if your vehicle stalls on the tracks and the lights begin to flash?
- Stay in the car and restart it
- Get out of your vehicle
- Stay in the car and honk the horn
- Try to push the car off the tracks
Show answer
Correct answer: Get out of your vehicle
Get out right away: you may have very little time before the train arrives.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 57 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 57)
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If your vehicle is on the tracks and the lights begin to flash, how little time may you have to escape before the train arrives?
- 5 seconds
- 45 seconds
- 2 minutes
- 20 seconds
Show answer
Correct answer: 20 seconds
The manual says you may have only 20 seconds, the minimum time a train needs to reach the crossing after the lights activate.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 57 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 57)
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After getting out of a vehicle stalled on the tracks, at what angle should you run away from the tracks?
- 45 degrees
- 90 degrees
- 30 degrees
- 15 degrees
Show answer
Correct answer: 45 degrees
The manual says to run at a 45-degree angle away from the tracks, in the direction the train is coming, then call 911.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 57 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 57)
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If you are stuck on the tracks and the warning lights are not on or have not activated yet, what should you do?
- Stay in your vehicle and wait for the lights
- Try to push the vehicle off the tracks first
- Get out and immediately dial 911 and the ENS
- Walk down the tracks to look for the train
Show answer
Correct answer: Get out and immediately dial 911 and the ENS
Leave the vehicle and call 911 and the Emergency Notification System number right away.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 57 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 57)
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Where is the ENS number located at a railroad crossing?
- On the pavement near the stop line
- On the crossing posts or the metal control box
- On the advance warning sign ahead
- On a door at the nearest railroad office
Show answer
Correct answer: On the crossing posts or the metal control box
The ENS number is posted on the railroad crossing posts or the metal control box near the tracks.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 57 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 57)
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What is the Emergency Notifications System (ENS) sign at a grade crossing?
- A red and white sign giving the train schedule
- A yellow sign warning of the number of tracks
- A green sign showing the distance to the next crossing
- A blue and white sign with a number unique to the crossing
Show answer
Correct answer: A blue and white sign with a number unique to the crossing
The ENS sign has a unique number for each grade crossing and tells the railroads the exact location.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 57 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 57)
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When you call about a vehicle stuck on the tracks, what information should you provide?
- The location, crossing number if posted, and the intersecting road
- Your license number, your insurance company and the time of day
- The railroad's name, the train's color and the number of cars
- Your phone number, your passengers' names and the car's year
Show answer
Correct answer: The location, crossing number if posted, and the intersecting road
You should give the location, the crossing number if posted and the intersecting road or highway, and say a vehicle is on the tracks.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 57 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 57)
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When you call about a vehicle stuck on the tracks, what must you be sure to specify?
- That the train is running late
- That the crossing gate is broken
- That a vehicle is on the tracks
- That you need a tow truck
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: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 57 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 57)
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Why should you never race a train?
- A train can speed up when it sees a car beside it
- You will never have a second chance if you lose the race
- Train crews report racing drivers to the police
- Crossing gates drop faster than they can be seen
Show answer
Correct answer: You will never have a second chance if you lose the race
Racing a train leaves no second chance if you lose.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 57 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 57)
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Which of these does the manual list as a vehicle that must stop at highway-railway crossings?
- A passenger car
- A taxi
- A motorcycle
- A church bus
Show answer
Correct answer: A church bus
The manual lists trucks carrying hazardous materials and school, church and passenger buses as vehicles that must stop at crossings.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 57 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 57)
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Why do drivers tend to misjudge a train's speed?
- Its loud horn makes it sound much closer than it really is
- Its bright headlight makes it look much faster than it is
- Its large size makes it appear to move much slower than it does
- Its rails and ties hide how far away it really is
Show answer
Correct answer: Its large size makes it appear to move much slower than it does
Because of a train's size it looks slower than it really is, so STOP and WAIT if you see or hear one.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 57 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 57)
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Why is it especially important to be careful at railway crossings at night?
- Crossing gates are not lowered during the night hours
- It is very hard to judge a train's speed and distance at night
- Trains travel much faster at night than they do in daylight
- Warning signals are turned off at many crossings after dark
Show answer
Correct answer: It is very hard to judge a train's speed and distance at night
At night a train's speed and distance are very hard to judge, so stop and wait if you see or hear one.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 57 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 57)
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What must school buses do at railway crossings?
- Stop only when a gate is lowered across the road
- Stop only when the signal lights are flashing at the crossing
- Stop whether or not gates or signal lights protect it
- Stop only when a train is in sight
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop whether or not gates or signal lights protect it
School buses must stop at every railway crossing, whether or not it is protected by gates or signal lights.
Source: Oklahoma Driver Manual (2025 (updated November 24, 2025)), page 57 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 57)