Tennessee permit test: railroad crossings
Crossing signs and signals, when to stop and what to do if stuck. 4 questions.
A train is approaching a railroad crossing. Where 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

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A train is approaching a railroad crossing. Where must you stop?
- A Between 5 and 10 feet from the tracks
- B Between 15 and 50 feet from the tracks
- C Right at the edge of the first rail
- D Between 50 and 100 feet from the tracks
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B. Between 15 and 50 feet from the tracks
When a train is coming, stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail and never on the tracks. Wait until the train has passed and it is safe before crossing.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, page 64
Your car stalls on the tracks and a train is coming. Everyone is out. Which way should you run?
- A Straight along the tracks away from the train
- B In the same direction the train is going
- C Back to the car to try one more restart
- D Toward the train at a 45-degree angle, away from the tracks
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D. Toward the train at a 45-degree angle, away from the tracks
Get everyone out and away from the tracks immediately. If a train is coming, run toward it at about a 45-degree angle so you end up away from and behind the point of impact. Then call the number on the blue ENS sign.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, page 128
You are crossing the tracks when the warning lights start flashing and the gates begin to come down. What should you do?
- A Back up off the tracks
- B Stop where you are and wait for the train to pass
- C Get out of the car and run
- D Keep moving and finish crossing
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D. Keep moving and finish crossing
If the lights start flashing or the gates come down while you are crossing, keep moving. The signals give enough time to clear the crossing, and the far gate will not trap you. Never try to back up.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, page 128
Which vehicle must stop at every railroad crossing in Tennessee, even with no train and no signals active?
- A A church bus with no passengers aboard
- B A motorcycle with a passenger
- C A pickup truck pulling a small trailer
- D A private SUV carrying seven people
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A. A church bus with no passengers aboard
Church and school buses must stop at every crossing, whether or not they are carrying passengers, as must vehicles carrying passengers for hire and those hauling flammables or explosives. Expect these vehicles to stop.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, page 65