New York permit test: railroad crossings

Crossing signs and signals, when to stop and what to do if stuck. 4 questions.

Question 1 of 4
Railroad crossingsNew York rule

Railroad crossing lights are flashing and the bell is ringing. How far from the tracks must you stop?

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

  1. Railroad crossing with red warning lights flashing and no gate; no train in sight
    View diagram
    Railroad crossing with red warning lights flashing and no gate; no train in sightYouStop lineRed lights flashing

    Railroad crossing lights are flashing and the bell is ringing. How far from the tracks must you stop?

    • A At least 5 feet
    • B At least 50 feet
    • C At least 15 feet
    • D At least 100 feet
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    C. At least 15 feet

    Flashing red lights, lowered gates or a bell mean you must stop at least 15 feet from the tracks. Do not cross until the lights and bell stop and the gates are fully up.

    Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 61

  2. Your car stalls on the tracks and a train is coming. After getting everyone out, which way should you run?

    • A Toward the train, away from the tracks at a 45-degree angle
    • B In the same direction the train is traveling
    • C Straight across the tracks to the other side
    • D Back to your car to grab your phone
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    A. Toward the train, away from the tracks at a 45-degree angle

    If you stall on the tracks, get everyone out and away. Run toward the approaching train but away from the tracks at a 45-degree angle, so debris thrown forward by the crash will not hit you.

    Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 61

  3. Traffic is backed up on the far side of a railroad crossing. What should you do?

    • A Cross and stop on the tracks until traffic moves
    • B Cross if no train is visible
    • C Wait until there is room for your whole vehicle on the other side
    • D Drive around the line of cars on the shoulder
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    C. Wait until there is room for your whole vehicle on the other side

    Do not start across railroad tracks unless your entire vehicle can clear all of them. If traffic would leave you stopped on the tracks, wait until there is room.

    Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 61

  4. At a crossing with several sets of tracks and no gates, a train has just passed. When may you cross?

    • A When you can clearly see down all the tracks in both directions
    • B As soon as the last car of the train passes
    • C After waiting exactly 10 seconds
    • D When the car ahead of you starts to cross
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    A. When you can clearly see down all the tracks in both directions

    At multiple-track crossings, a second train can be hidden by the first. Wait until you can clearly see down all sets of tracks in both directions before crossing.

    Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 60