Tennessee: Railroad crossings — Part 2 Practice Test
Questions in this part include: “About how far does a train traveling at 55 miles per hour take to stop?” · “If a train is approaching your stalled vehicle, which way should you run?”
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Questions are original and based on the official manual "Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual" (March 2025 printing), Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
All 23 questions in this practice test
Take the test above first, then use this list to study. Tap “Show answer” to see the correct answer and explanation.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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)