West Virginia permit test: railroad crossings
Crossing signs and signals, when to stop and what to do if stuck. 4 questions.
A railroad crossing has two sets of tracks. A train has just passed on the near track. What should you watch for before crossing?
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
A railroad crossing has two sets of tracks. A train has just passed on the near track. What should you watch for before crossing?
- A A second train on the other track
- B Nothing; once a train passes the crossing is clear
- C Only the gate arms rising
- D A flagger to wave you across
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A. A second train on the other track
When there are two or more tracks, a second train may be coming on another set of tracks. A sign under the crossbuck shows how many tracks there are. Look and listen in both directions before you cross.
Traffic is slow and the car ahead of you has just crossed the railroad tracks. When should you start across?
- A Right away, to keep the line moving
- B When there is room for your car to clear the tracks
- C When the car ahead is touching the far rail
- D As soon as the car behind you honks
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B. When there is room for your car to clear the tracks
Do not enter a railroad crossing until the vehicle ahead has moved far enough that you can clear the tracks completely. Otherwise you may get trapped on the tracks and be hit by a train or another vehicle.
View diagram
A railroad crossing's lights are flashing, but you do not see a train. What does West Virginia law require?
- A Slow down and cross if no train is in sight
- B Stop only if the gate arms are down
- C Stop only when a bell is also ringing
- D Stop; failing to stop will result in a citation
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D. Stop; failing to stop will result in a citation
You must yield to all trains. Failing to stop when the crossing lights are flashing or a gate is down will get you a citation. Trains can be closer and faster than they look.
Your car stalls on railroad tracks and a train is coming. What should you do?
- A Stay inside and try to restart
- B Get out and move to a safe location
- C Push the car off the tracks
- D Wave to signal the train to stop
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B. Get out and move to a safe location
If your vehicle is stalled on the tracks and a train is coming, get out and go to a safe location. Your life matters more than the car.