Maryland permit test: railroad crossings
Crossing signs and signals, when to stop and what to do if stuck. 5 questions.
A flashing red signal is on at a railroad crossing, but you do not see a train. What must you do?
Keyboard: press 1–4 or A–D to answer, Enter for the next question, S to save, R to read aloud, P to pause reading, L to listen and answer.
Sample railroad crossings questions
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A flashing red signal is on at a railroad crossing, but you do not see a train. What must you do?
- A Stop completely and wait until the signal stops flashing
- B Slow down and cross if the tracks look clear
- C Stop, then cross right away if no train is visible either way
- D Speed up to cross before a train appears
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A. Stop completely and wait until the signal stops flashing
At a railroad crossing with a flashing red signal, you must come to a complete stop even if you do not see a train. Go only when the signal stops flashing and the way is clear. Trains are often closer and faster than they look.
Which vehicles must stop before every railroad crossing, so you should expect them to stop?
- A Motorcycles and mopeds
- B Buses, school buses and hazardous-material trucks
- C Pickup trucks pulling trailers
- D Every vehicle with three or more axles
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B. Buses, school buses and hazardous-material trucks
Buses, school buses and trucks carrying hazardous materials must stop before every railroad crossing. Be ready to stop behind them, and do not try to pass them near the tracks.
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A train has just passed the crossing in front of you. What should you do before crossing?
- A Cross right away while the gates are rising
- B Follow the car ahead closely so you both clear the tracks
- C Honk to warn any second train
- D Look both ways, since another train may be coming
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D. Look both ways, since another train may be coming
After a train passes, look both ways before crossing and make sure the tracks are clear, because another train may be coming on another track. Also be sure there is room for your car on the other side.
How should you report an emergency or safety problem at a railroad crossing?
- A Call the number on the crossbuck sign's back
- B Report it to the MVA at your next visit
- C Leave a note on the crossing gate arm
- D Use the information on the blue and white Emergency Notification System sign
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D. Use the information on the blue and white Emergency Notification System sign
Railroad crossings have a blue and white Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign with a number and crossing ID. If you have an emergency on the tracks, get out and move away first, then report it using the ENS information.