Alabama permit test: railroad crossings

Crossing signs and signals, when to stop and what to do if stuck. 6 questions.

Question 1 of 6
Railroad crossingsAlabama rule

How far before the tracks is the round yellow railroad warning sign usually placed in Alabama?

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Sample railroad crossings questions

  1. Road sign for this question

    How far before the tracks is the round yellow railroad warning sign usually placed in Alabama?

    • A 750 feet
    • B 100 feet
    • C 300 feet
    • D 1,500 feet
    Show answer

    A. 750 feet

    The round yellow sign with a black X and RR warns that a railroad crossing is ahead. It is placed 750 feet before the track, giving you time to slow down, look and listen.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual, page 40

  2. Highway-rail grade crossing with a crossbuck sign and no train in sight
    View diagram
    Highway-rail grade crossing with a crossbuck sign and no train in sightYouStop line

    When you must stop for a train at a railroad crossing, how far from the tracks should you stop?

    • A Between 5 and 10 feet
    • B Between 50 and 100 feet
    • C Between 15 and 50 feet
    • D Right at the edge of the rail
    Show answer

    C. Between 15 and 50 feet

    When approaching a railroad crossing where you must stop, stop within 15 to 50 feet of the tracks. That keeps you clear of the train while letting you see the tracks.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual, page 41

  3. Which vehicles must stop before every railroad crossing in Alabama, even when no train is in sight?

    • A Passenger and church buses, and trucks carrying hazardous materials
    • B Motorcycles and mopeds
    • C All passenger cars and pickup trucks
    • D Vehicles towing small trailers
    Show answer

    A. Passenger and church buses, and trucks carrying hazardous materials

    School buses, church buses, other passenger buses, and trucks carrying flammables, explosives or other hazardous materials must stop before crossing any railroad crossing. Be ready to stop when following them.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual, page 41

  4. You are driving a car with a manual transmission over railroad tracks. What should you avoid?

    • A Slowing down as you approach the tracks
    • B Changing gears while on the tracks
    • C Crossing at a steady speed
    • D Downshifting before you reach the tracks
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    B. Changing gears while on the tracks

    To avoid stalling, do not change gears while crossing the tracks. With a manual transmission, shift down before the crossing and stay in that gear until you are across.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual, page 42