Tennessee: Railroad crossings
Railroad signs, signals and markings, where to stop, vehicles that must stop at every crossing, and getting stuck on the tracks. Split into 2 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
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All 47 Railroad crossings questions with answers
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A round yellow sign shows a black X and two letters R. What does it always mean?
- A railroad grade crossing is ahead
- A crossroad intersection is ahead
- The road ahead is closed
- A four-way stop is ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: A railroad grade crossing is ahead
The round railroad sign always means you are approaching a railroad grade crossing.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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What must you do when you see the round railroad advance warning sign?
- Stop at the sign every time
- Speed up to cross quickly
- Slow down and be ready to stop
- Sound your horn and keep going
Show answer
Correct answer: Slow down and be ready to stop
At the round railroad sign you must slow down and be ready to stop, because it is up to you to stop if a train is coming.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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Why should you never try to “beat” a train to a crossing?
- A train always stops for cars on the tracks
- You will usually misjudge its speed
- The crossing lights stay on too long
- Trains speed up when near a crossing
Show answer
Correct answer: You will usually misjudge its speed
Drivers who race a train usually misjudge how fast it is going.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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What does a crossbuck (broad “X”) sign show?
- How far away the nearest train is
- The safe speed for crossing the tracks
- The time when the next train will pass
- Exactly where the tracks are located
Show answer
Correct answer: Exactly where the tracks are located
A crossbuck is placed at all railroad grade crossings and marks exactly where the tracks are.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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A small sign under a crossbuck reads “3 TRACKS.” Why is knowing the number of tracks important?
- One train may hide a train coming the other way
- You must stop once before each of the tracks
- Each track has its own posted speed limit
- Only one of the tracks is still in use today
Show answer
Correct answer: One train may hide a train coming the other way
When there are two or more tracks, a passing train can hide another train approaching from the other direction.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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Two red lights under a crossbuck are flashing. What do they mean?
- The crossing is out of order
- A train has just passed
- A train is coming
- Slow down, no stop is needed
Show answer
Correct answer: A train is coming
Flashing lights on a crossbuck mean a train is coming, so you must stop.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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You stop for flashing lights at a crossbuck that has no gate. How long must you remain stopped?
- For ten seconds, then cross with care
- Until the train has passed
- Until the lights begin to flash faster
- Until the car ahead of you starts to cross
Show answer
Correct answer: Until the train has passed
At a crossbuck with flashing lights, stop and stay stopped until the train has passed.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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A train has just passed a crossing that has more than one track. What must you do before crossing?
- Cross right behind the train
- Wait one minute, then cross
- Follow the car ahead across
- Be sure all tracks are clear
Show answer
Correct answer: Be sure all tracks are clear
Where there is more than one track, make sure every track is clear before you cross.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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You are approaching a railroad crossing that has flashing lights and a gate. When must you stop?
- When the lights begin flashing
- Once the gate is fully down
- When the gate starts to rise
- When the car ahead stops
Show answer
Correct answer: When the lights begin flashing
At a crossing with lights and a gate, stop when the lights begin flashing, before the gate comes down.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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At a railroad crossing with flashing lights and a gate, how long must you remain stopped?
- Until the gates begin to rise from the road
- Until the front of the train has gone by
- Until the gates are up and the lights stop flashing
- Until the vehicle in front of you starts to cross
Show answer
Correct answer: Until the gates are up and the lights stop flashing
At a gated crossing, stay stopped until the gates are raised and the lights have stopped flashing.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
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A white crossbuck and the letters RR painted on the pavement are a warning marker for what?
- School crossings and pedestrian walkways
- Many railroad/highway grade crossings
- Bicycle crossings on shared-use paths
- Truck parking areas and rest stops
Show answer
Correct answer: Many railroad/highway grade crossings
A white crossbuck with RR on the pavement warns of a railroad/highway grade crossing.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 43 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 43)
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Which of these is among the pavement markings at a railroad crossing?
- A yellow diamond and a double white line across both lanes
- A crossbuck (X), the letters RR, a no-passing stripe and a stop line
- A white arrow, the word TRAIN and a solid red stripe
- Two red stripes, a bike symbol and a yellow diamond
Show answer
Correct answer: A crossbuck (X), the letters RR, a no-passing stripe and a stop line
Railroad crossing pavement markings include a large crossbuck, the letters RR, a no-passing zone stripe and a stop line.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 50 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 50)
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Every motor vehicle should be driven at a speed that permits it to be stopped before reaching what?
- The first warning sign at a railroad crossing
- The middle of the tracks
- The far side of the tracks
- The nearest rail of a railroad crossing
Show answer
Correct answer: The nearest rail of a railroad crossing
Drive at a speed that lets you stop before the nearest rail of a crossing, and do not cross until all tracks are completely clear.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 50 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 50)
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When you approach a railroad crossing and a train is coming, how far from the tracks must you stop?
- Between 15 and 50 feet
- Between 5 and 10 feet
- Between 50 and 100 feet
- Between 100 and 200 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: Between 15 and 50 feet
You must stop between 15 and 50 feet from the railroad tracks and never stop on the tracks.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 50 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 50)
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Violations of railroad signals or signs carry what penalties?
- Higher penalties than any other traffic violation
- No penalty if no train is present
- The same penalties as other traffic control devices
- Only a warning for a first offense
Show answer
Correct answer: The same penalties as other traffic control devices
The manual says violating railroad signals or signs carries the same penalties as other traffic control devices.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 50 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 50)
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Which of these is an indication that a train is approaching a crossing?
- A crossing gate that is lowered
- A green light at the crossing
- A raised crossing gate
- A speed limit sign next to the tracks
Show answer
Correct answer: A crossing gate that is lowered
A lowered crossing gate, flashing lights on a crossbuck sign, or a human flagger all indicate an approaching train.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 50 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 50)
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About how far from a railroad crossing must trains signal with a horn?
- Approximately 500 feet
- Approximately 3,000 feet
- Approximately 1,500 feet
- Approximately 150 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: Approximately 1,500 feet
Trains are required to sound their horn when about 1,500 feet from passing through a crossing.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 50 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 50)
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An empty school bus approaches a railroad crossing where no signal is active. What does Tennessee law require of it?
- It may cross without stopping because no children are aboard
- It must stop only if a train is visible
- It must slow down but need not stop when the signals are off
- It must stop before crossing, whether or not it carries passengers
Show answer
Correct answer: It must stop before crossing, whether or not it carries passengers
Church and school buses must stop before every railroad grade crossing, even when empty.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 51 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 51)
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Which of these vehicles must stop before crossing any railroad grade crossing, whether or not signals are activated?
- A pickup truck pulling a trailer
- A taxi carrying passengers for hire
- A car carrying a family of five
- A truck hauling lumber
Show answer
Correct answer: A taxi carrying passengers for hire
Common carriers such as taxis and other vehicles transporting passengers for hire are required by law to stop at every crossing.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 51 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 51)
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Which cargo makes a truck stop at every railroad grade crossing, whether or not a train is coming?
- Flammables, explosives or other dangerous articles
- Farm produce, grain or livestock hauled to market
- Building materials such as lumber, brick or steel
- Household furniture and goods in a moving van
Show answer
Correct answer: Flammables, explosives or other dangerous articles
Vehicles carrying flammables, explosives or other dangerous articles as cargo must stop before crossing any railroad crossing.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 51 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 51)
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You are following a bus toward a railroad crossing. What shows that the bus is getting ready to stop?
- It moves to the left lane and sounds its horn
- It speeds up and flashes its headlights
- It pulls to the right and shows its stoplights
- It turns on its red roof lights
Show answer
Correct answer: It pulls to the right and shows its stoplights
The side movement to the right along with the stoplights is a clear signal, day or night, that a bus is about to stop at a crossing.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 51 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 51)
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How do tanker trucks and other vehicles required to stop at all railroad tracks usually signal the stop?
- By displaying their emergency flashers
- By sounding the horn twice
- By flashing the high beams
- By extending an arm out of the window
Show answer
Correct answer: By displaying their emergency flashers
These vehicles usually show their emergency flashers to warn other drivers that a stop is coming.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 51 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 51)
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When should you leave extra space ahead of your vehicle, besides using the 2-Second Rule?
- When driving on an empty straight road
- When approaching railroad crossings
- When passing a green traffic light
- When driving through a parking lot
Show answer
Correct answer: When approaching railroad crossings
The manual says to leave extra space when approaching railroad crossings or when stopped behind a vehicle on a hill or curve.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 94 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 94)
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What do you need to make sure of at a railroad crossing?
- That your headlights are on high beam
- That no trains are coming and that you have room to cross
- That the vehicle behind you has also come to a complete stop
- That your horn is working
Show answer
Correct answer: That no trains are coming and that you have room to cross
You must check for trains and make sure you have room to get across.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 102 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 102)
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Why may you need to slow down at some railroad crossings?
- Trains pass slowly there
- Gates only lower at slow speeds
- Signal lights stay red longer
- Some crossings are bumpy
Show answer
Correct answer: Some crossings are bumpy
The manual says some crossings are bumpy so you need to slow down to cross safely.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 102 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 102)
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Who has the right-of-way at a railroad crossing?
- The vehicle that arrives at the crossing first
- The train, because you must always yield to it
- The larger of the two vehicles at the crossing
- The vehicle that is on the main road
Show answer
Correct answer: The train, because you must always yield to it
The manual says drivers must always yield the right of way to trains because it is the law.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 113 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 113)
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About how far does a train traveling at 55 miles per hour take to stop?
- About 100 feet
- About 500 feet
- About 1,000 feet
- A full mile
Show answer
Correct answer: A full mile
A train going 55 miles per hour takes a full mile to stop.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 113 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 113)
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What do railroad crossing signs tell a driver to do?
- Stop at every crossing for ten full seconds
- Speed up to get across the tracks quickly
- Slow down, look, listen and be ready to stop
- Honk the horn before you cross the tracks
Show answer
Correct answer: Slow down, look, listen and be ready to stop
Railroad crossing signs signal drivers to slow down, look, listen and be ready to stop.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 113 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 113)
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What must you do if you approach a railroad crossing with a stop sign posted?
- Stop completely and cross only after looking both ways
- Slow down and cross if no train is visible ahead
- Stop only if the crossing lights are flashing
- Cross at the same speed as you came
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop completely and cross only after looking both ways
At a posted stop sign you must stop completely and look both ways before crossing.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 113 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 113)
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On which track should you expect a train?
- Only on tracks that are in use daily
- Only at scheduled times
- Only when the lights are flashing
- On any track at any time
Show answer
Correct answer: On any track at any time
Trains can cross at any time of day or night, so expect one on any track.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 113 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 113)
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What does the manual say about trying to beat a train to a crossing?
- It is safe if the train looks far away
- Never attempt to race a train to the crossing
- It is allowed if your car has a strong engine
- It is allowed if the crossing gates are up
Show answer
Correct answer: Never attempt to race a train to the crossing
The manual forbids racing a train to a crossing.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 113 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 113)
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What does the manual say about driving through lowered crossing gates?
- It is allowed if no train is visible
- It is against the law
- It is allowed if you drive slowly
- It is allowed on a one-lane road
Show answer
Correct answer: It is against the law
Never drive around or through lowered gates; it is against the law.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 113 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 113)
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When may you cross the tracks after the gates have been lowered?
- When one train has passed and the gates start to rise
- When the lights begin flashing more slowly
- When the gates are half way back up
- When the gates are fully up and the lights stop flashing
Show answer
Correct answer: When the gates are fully up and the lights stop flashing
You must wait until the gates are fully up and the lights have stopped flashing.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 113 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 113)
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How far ahead of a crossing should you slow down?
- Far enough ahead to stop where a train could first be seen
- Only after the gates start to lower in front of you
- Only after you hear the train horn sound
- Within about 10 feet of the tracks
Show answer
Correct answer: Far enough ahead to stop where a train could first be seen
Slow down early enough to stop at the point where you could first see a train.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 113 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 113)
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At a crossing with electric or mechanical signal devices, where must you stop?
- Within 15 feet and no closer than 5 feet from the nearest rail
- Between 50 and 100 feet from the nearest rail
- Within 50 feet and no closer than 15 feet from the nearest rail
- Right at the nearest rail
Show answer
Correct answer: Within 50 feet and no closer than 15 feet from the nearest rail
The operator must stop within 50 feet but no closer than 15 feet from the nearest rail.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 113 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 113)
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When should you proceed to cross the tracks?
- Whenever the first track in front is clear
- As soon as the train is out of your sight
- After you have reached the middle of the crossing
- Only if you can clear all tracks without stopping
Show answer
Correct answer: Only if you can clear all tracks without stopping
Never stop on the tracks, so cross only when you can clear them all.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 113 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 113)
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You are crossing the tracks when the warning lights begin flashing and the gates start coming down. What should you do?
- Stop and wait on the tracks for the train
- Keep moving and do not back up
- Back up to the stop line behind you
- Turn around on the tracks to go back
Show answer
Correct answer: Keep moving and do not back up
The warning signals give enough time to finish crossing, and the far gate will not block you in.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 114 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 114)
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If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, what should all occupants do?
- Stay inside the vehicle until a train is seen
- Wait in the car while you call for help
- Get out at once and move away from the tracks
- Stay near the tracks to guide the traffic
Show answer
Correct answer: Get out at once and move away from the tracks
Everyone should leave the vehicle and move away from the tracks right away.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 114 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 114)
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If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, what number is on the Emergency Notification System sign that you give when you call?
- The DOT crossing number
- The speed limit number
- The vehicle registration number
- The highway route number
Show answer
Correct answer: The DOT crossing number
You tell the emergency contact about the stalled vehicle and give them the DOT crossing number from the sign.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 114 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 114)
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If you stall on the tracks and cannot find the Emergency Notification System sign, whom should you call?
- 911, to notify local law enforcement
- The railroad company's office
- A tow truck company
- The Department of Transportation office
Show answer
Correct answer: 911, to notify local law enforcement
Without the sign, call 911 to notify local law enforcement.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 114 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 114)
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If a train is approaching your stalled vehicle, which way should you run?
- In the same direction the train is traveling
- Straight away from the train
- Toward the train at a 45 degree angle
- Straight toward the train
Show answer
Correct answer: Toward the train at a 45 degree angle
Running toward the train at a 45 degree angle keeps you away from and behind the point of impact, away from flying debris.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 114 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 114)
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What color is the Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign normally?
- Green
- Blue
- Red
- Orange
Show answer
Correct answer: Blue
The ENS sign is normally blue and may be on the crossbuck post or signal post.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 114 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 114)
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Where there is more than one track, what must a driver waiting for one train to pass make sure of?
- That the first train is the only one on the line
- That the gates will stay down for the next train
- That the train has its flashing light turned on
- That no other train is coming on another track
Show answer
Correct answer: That no other train is coming on another track
A second train may come from the opposite direction after the first one clears.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 114 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 114)
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Which of these vehicles must stop at all highway-railway crossings, whether signals are activated or not?
- Pickup trucks
- Farm tractors
- Passenger buses
- Motorcycles
Show answer
Correct answer: Passenger buses
School buses, passenger buses and trucks carrying hazardous materials must stop at all crossings.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 114 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 114)
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Where must you never attempt to pass a stopped school bus, passenger bus or hazardous materials truck at a railroad crossing?
- On a two-way road
- On a one-way road only
- On a road with a speed limit above 55
- On a road with a crossbuck sign only
Show answer
Correct answer: On a two-way road
The manual says never to pass such vehicles stopped at a crossing on a two-way road.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 114 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 114)
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On a multi-lane roadway, when may you pass a vehicle stopped at a crossing?
- Whenever the right lane is blocked by the vehicle
- Whenever you can see the tracks clearly ahead
- Whenever the stopped vehicle is a school bus
- Only if the crossing has signals or gates not activated
Show answer
Correct answer: Only if the crossing has signals or gates not activated
A stopped vehicle in the right lane may block your clear view of the tracks, so pass only when signals or gates are not activated.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 114 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 114)
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A diamond-shaped yellow sign shows a side road with a railroad crossing symbol. What is it warning you about?
- A railroad station is just ahead on this road
- A train may be encountered if you turn onto that road
- The road you are on ends at the railroad tracks
- You must stop at the next railroad crossing
Show answer
Correct answer: A train may be encountered if you turn onto that road
A yellow diamond showing a side road with tracks gives advance warning of a railroad on the cross road where you may turn.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 114 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 114)