Commercial driver’s license (CDL) knowledge tests · California DMV
Railroad Crossings and Mountain Driving
Questions and answers
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With what expectation must you approach every railroad-highway crossing?
That a train is coming
Crossings are always dangerous, so approach each one expecting a train.
Section 2 · 2.15 – Railroad-Highway Crossings ↗ -
How easy is it to judge the speed and distance of an approaching train?
Extremely difficult
It is extremely difficult to judge how far away a train is and how fast it is moving.
Section 2 · 2.15 – Railroad-Highway Crossings ↗ -
What is a passive railroad crossing?
A crossing with no traffic control device of any kind
A passive crossing has no traffic control device, so you must recognise it and search for trains yourself.
Section 2 · 2.15.1 – Types of Crossings ↗ -
At a passive crossing, who decides whether to stop or proceed?
You do, entirely
With no control device, the decision rests entirely with the driver.
Section 2 · 2.15.1 – Types of Crossings ↗ -
Which devices are found at an active crossing?
Flashing red lights, with or without bells, and sometimes gates
Active crossings have a traffic control device such as flashing red lights, bells and gates.
Section 2 · 2.15.1 – Types of Crossings ↗ -
What does the advance warning sign for a railroad crossing look like?
Round and yellow with black markings
The advance warning sign is round, black on yellow, and stands ahead of a public crossing.
Section 2 · 2.15.2 – Warning Signs and Devices ↗ -
What does the advance warning sign tell you to do?
Slow down, look and listen, and be ready to stop if a train is coming
It warns you to slow down, look and listen for a train and be prepared to stop at the tracks.
Section 2 · 2.15.2 – Warning Signs and Devices ↗ -
Which vehicles are required to stop at railroad crossings?
All passenger and HazMat carrying vehicles
Passenger-carrying and HazMat-carrying vehicles must stop.
Section 2 · 2.15.2 – Warning Signs and Devices ↗ -
What do railroad pavement markings consist of?
An “X” with the letters “RR” and a no-passing marking on 2-lane roads
The pavement markings carry the same meaning as the advance warning sign.
Section 2 · 2.15.2 – Warning Signs and Devices ↗ -
There is a white stop line painted before the tracks. Where must the front of a stopped school bus be?
Behind the stop line
The front of the bus must stay behind the white stop line while stopped at the crossing.
Section 2 · 2.15.2 – Warning Signs and Devices ↗ -
What does a crossbuck sign require you to do?
Yield the right-of-way to the train
The crossbuck marks the crossing and requires you to yield to trains.
Section 2 · 2.15.2 – Warning Signs and Devices ↗ -
There is no white stop line. How close to the nearest rail may a vehicle that is required to stop come?
No closer than 15 feet
The stop must be made no closer than 15 feet and no more than 50 feet from the nearest rail.
Section 2 · 2.15.2 – Warning Signs and Devices ↗ -
There is no white stop line. What is the farthest from the nearest rail a required stop may be made?
50 feet
The stopping zone runs from 15 feet to 50 feet from the nearest rail.
Section 2 · 2.15.2 – Warning Signs and Devices ↗ -
A driver who is required to stop halts 10 feet from the nearest rail at a crossing with no stop line. Is this correct?
No, the vehicle is too close and must be at least 15 feet away
Ten feet is inside the 15-foot minimum.
Section 2 · 2.15.2 – Warning Signs and Devices ↗ -
The road crosses more than one track. What tells you how many tracks there are?
A sign below the crossbuck
A sign under the crossbuck shows the number of tracks.
Section 2 · 2.15.2 – Warning Signs and Devices ↗ -
The red lights at a crossing begin to flash. What must you do?
Stop, because a train is approaching
Flashing red lights mean stop and yield the right-of-way to the train.
Section 2 · 2.15.2 – Warning Signs and Devices ↗ -
At a crossing with gates, when must you stop?
When the lights begin to flash and before the gate lowers
Stop as soon as the lights flash, before the gate comes down across your lane.
Section 2 · 2.15.2 – Warning Signs and Devices ↗ -
At a gated crossing, how long must you remain stopped?
Until the gates go up and the lights have stopped flashing
Wait for the gates to rise and the lights to stop, then proceed when it is safe.
Section 2 · 2.15.2 – Warning Signs and Devices ↗ -
A train is approaching and you think you can reach the crossing first. What should you do?
Never try to race the train
Never race a train. Its speed is extremely difficult to judge.
Section 2 · 2.15.3 – Driving Procedures ↗ -
How should you set your speed when approaching a crossing?
Slow enough to stop short of the tracks if a stop is needed
Reduce speed according to how well you can see approaching trains, so that you can stop before the tracks.
Section 2 · 2.15.3 – Driving Procedures ↗ -
Can you count on hearing a train horn before every crossing?
No, trains may not sound horns, or may be prohibited from doing so, at some crossings
At some crossings horns are not sounded, and such public crossings should be marked by signs.
Section 2 · 2.15.3 – Driving Procedures ↗ -
Besides quiet crossings, what else may keep you from hearing a train horn in time?
Noise inside your vehicle
Noise in the cab may hide the horn until the train is dangerously close.
Section 2 · 2.15.3 – Driving Procedures ↗ -
Should you rely only on warning signals, gates or flagmen to tell you a train is coming?
No
Do not rely solely on signals, gates or flagmen. Look and listen yourself.
Section 2 · 2.15.3 – Driving Procedures ↗ -
Why do double tracks require a double check?
A train on one track may hide a train on the other
Look both ways, because a second train may be hidden behind the first.
Section 2 · 2.15.3 – Driving Procedures ↗ -
A train has just cleared the crossing. What should you do before starting across?
Be sure no other trains are near
Another train may be coming on a second track.
Section 2 · 2.15.3 – Driving Procedures ↗ -
How dangerous are yard areas and grade crossings in cities and towns compared with rural crossings?
Just as dangerous
Approach them with as much caution as rural crossings.
Section 2 · 2.15.3 – Driving Procedures ↗ -
When is a full stop required at a grade crossing?
When the cargo makes a stop mandatory under regulations, or the law otherwise requires it
A full stop is required when state or federal rules for the cargo demand it, or when the law otherwise requires a stop.
Section 2 · 2.15 – Railroad-Highway Crossings ↗ -
When making a required stop at a crossing, how should you slow down?
Gradually, checking traffic behind and using a pullout lane if there is one
Check for traffic behind you, stop gradually and use a pullout lane if available.
Section 2 · 2.15 – Railroad-Highway Crossings ↗ -
Which lights should you turn on when making a required stop at a railroad crossing?
Your 4-way emergency flashers
The flashers warn traffic behind that you are stopping.
Section 2 · 2.15 – Railroad-Highway Crossings ↗ -
What can a railroad crossing with a steep approach do to your unit?
Cause it to hang up on the tracks
Steep approaches can leave a unit stuck on the tracks.
Section 2 · 2.15.5 – Crossing the Tracks ↗ -
Traffic is backed up on the far side of a crossing. When may you start across?
Only when you are sure you can get all the way across
Never let traffic trap you in a position where you must stop on the tracks.
Section 2 · 2.15.5 – Crossing the Tracks ↗ -
How long does a typical tractor-trailer need to clear a single track?
At least 14 seconds
A typical tractor-trailer takes at least 14 seconds to clear a single track.
Section 2 · 2.15.5 – Crossing the Tracks ↗ -
How long does a typical tractor-trailer need to clear a double track?
More than 15 seconds
A double track takes more than 15 seconds to clear.
Section 2 · 2.15.5 – Crossing the Tracks ↗ -
What does the handbook say about shifting gears while crossing railroad tracks?
Do not shift gears while crossing
Choose your gear before the tracks and do not shift while crossing.
Section 2 · 2.15.5 – Crossing the Tracks ↗ -
Which kind of trailer can get stuck on a raised crossing?
A low slung unit such as a lowboy or car carrier
Low slung units such as lowboys, car carriers, moving vans and possum-belly livestock trailers can get stuck.
Section 2 · 2.15.6 – Special Situations ↗ -
Which tractor and trailer combination can get stuck on a raised crossing?
A single-axle tractor pulling a long trailer with landing gear set for a tandem-axle tractor
With the landing gear set for a tandem-axle tractor, it can catch on a raised crossing.
Section 2 · 2.15.6 – Special Situations ↗ -
Your vehicle is stuck on the tracks. What is the first thing to do?
Get out of the vehicle and away from the tracks
Leave the vehicle and move away from the tracks.
Section 2 · 2.15.6 – Special Situations ↗ -
Where at a crossing can you find emergency notification information?
On the signposts or signal housing
Check the signposts or signal housing at the crossing.
Section 2 · 2.15.6 – Special Situations ↗ -
When you report a vehicle stuck on the tracks, what is especially useful for giving the location?
The DOT number of the crossing, if posted
Call 9-1-1 or another emergency number and give all identifiable landmarks, especially the DOT number.
Section 2 · 2.15.6 – Special Situations ↗ -
On an upgrade, what makes you need lower gears?
A steeper grade, a longer grade or a heavier load
Gravity slows you on any upgrade. The steeper or longer the grade and the heavier the load, the lower the gear.
Section 2 · 2.16 – Mountain Driving ↗ -
How can you prepare for long, steep grades on your planned route?
Get information in advance and talk to drivers who know the grades
Plan ahead and, if possible, ask drivers familiar with the grades what speeds are safe.
Section 2 · 2.16 – Mountain Driving ↗ -
What does it mean when brakes “fade”?
You must apply them harder and harder to get the same stopping power
Brakes that get too hot fade, and you need more and more pedal for the same effect.
Section 2 · 2.16 – Mountain Driving ↗ -
What can happen if you keep using fading brakes hard?
They can keep fading until you cannot slow down or stop at all
Continued hard use can leave you with no braking at all.
Section 2 · 2.16 – Mountain Driving ↗ -
Which factors decide a safe speed for going down a grade?
Vehicle and cargo weight, grade length and steepness, road conditions and weather
Choose a speed that is not too fast for the total weight, the length and steepness of the grade, the road and the weather.
Section 2 · 2.16.1 – Select a “Safe” Speed ↗ -
A sign shows a “Maximum Safe Speed” for the downgrade. What does this mean for you?
Never exceed the speed shown
Never go faster than a posted speed limit or a Maximum Safe Speed sign.
Section 2 · 2.16.1 – Select a “Safe” Speed ↗ -
What must be your principal way of controlling speed on a downgrade?
The braking effect of the engine
Engine braking is the main control. The brakes are saved for slowing or stopping when traffic requires it.
Section 2 · 2.16.1 – Select a “Safe” Speed ↗ -
Under which conditions does the engine give its strongest braking effect on a downgrade?
Near the governed rpms, in the lower gears
Engine braking is strongest near governed rpm in the lower gears.
Section 2 · 2.16.1 – Select a “Safe” Speed ↗ -
You are nearing the top of a long downgrade in a high gear. When must you shift down to a low gear?
Before starting down the grade
Shift down before the descent begins.
Section 2 · 2.16.2 – Select the Right Gear Before Starting Down the Grade ↗ -
What can happen if you try to downshift after your speed has already built up on a downgrade?
You may not get into any gear and lose all engine braking
At speed you will not be able to shift down, and you may be stuck out of gear with no engine braking.
Section 2 · 2.16.2 – Select the Right Gear Before Starting Down the Grade ↗ -
What can forcing an automatic transmission into a lower gear at high speed do?
Damage the transmission and lose all engine braking
It can damage the transmission and also lead to a loss of all engine braking effect.
Section 2 · 2.16.2 – Select the Right Gear Before Starting Down the Grade ↗ -
What is the gear rule for older trucks going down a hill?
Use the same gear you would need to climb the hill
For older trucks, the gear for going down matches the gear for going up.
Section 2 · 2.16.2 – Select the Right Gear Before Starting Down the Grade ↗ -
How may the gear choice for a modern truck going downhill differ from the older rule?
It may need a lower gear than it would use to climb the hill
Modern trucks may have to go down in a lower gear than they would use going up.
Section 2 · 2.16.2 – Select the Right Gear Before Starting Down the Grade ↗ -
Why do modern trucks have less to hold them back going downhill?
Low friction parts and streamlined shapes give less friction and air drag
Features that save fuel also reduce the friction and air drag that would slow the truck on a downgrade.
Section 2 · 2.16.2 – Select the Right Gear Before Starting Down the Grade ↗ -
What makes brakes fade or fail from excessive heat?
Using them too much and not relying on engine braking
Brakes are built to take a lot of heat, but overuse without engine braking overheats them.
Section 2 · 2.16.3 – Brake Fading or Failure ↗ -
How do brakes that are out of adjustment affect the other brakes?
The other brakes do more of the work and can overheat and fade
Brakes out of adjustment stop doing their share, so the rest overheat and fade.
Section 2 · 2.16.3 – Brake Fading or Failure ↗ -
Why must brake adjustment be checked frequently?
Brakes can get out of adjustment quickly, and linings wear faster when hot
Heavy use and heat wear the linings and change adjustment quickly.
Section 2 · 2.16.3 – Brake Fading or Failure ↗ -
On a long or steep downgrade, what role do the brakes play?
They are only a supplement to the braking effect of the engine
The brakes add to engine braking. They do not replace it.
Section 2 · 2.16.4 – Proper Braking Technique ↗ -
Once in the proper low gear on a downgrade, how hard should you apply the brakes?
Just hard enough to feel a definite slowdown
Apply the brakes just hard enough to feel a definite slowdown, then release.
Section 2 · 2.16.4 – Proper Braking Technique ↗ -
On a downgrade, when should you release the brakes?
When your speed is about 5 mph below your safe speed
Slow to about 5 mph under your safe speed, then let the brakes off.
Section 2 · 2.16.4 – Proper Braking Technique ↗ -
About how long should each brake application last on a downgrade?
About 3 seconds
Each application should last about 3 seconds.
Section 2 · 2.16.4 – Proper Braking Technique ↗ -
Your safe speed on a downgrade is 40 mph. When do you apply the brakes?
When your speed reaches 40 mph
You do not brake until your speed climbs to the safe speed.
Section 2 · 2.16.4 – Proper Braking Technique ↗ -
Your safe speed on a downgrade is 40 mph and you have just applied the brakes. To what speed do you slow before releasing them?
35 mph
Slow gradually to 35 mph, release, and repeat when your speed returns to 40 mph.
Section 2 · 2.16.4 – Proper Braking Technique ↗ -
What do escape ramps use to slow a runaway vehicle?
A long bed of loose, soft material, sometimes with an upgrade
Loose, soft material, sometimes combined with an upgrade, slows the vehicle.
Section 2 · 2.16.4 – Proper Braking Technique ↗ -
What are escape ramps made to do?
Stop runaway vehicles safely without injuring drivers and passengers
Escape ramps save lives, equipment and cargo.
Section 2 · 2.16.4 – Proper Braking Technique ↗ -
How do you know where escape ramps are on your route?
Signs show where the ramps are located
Know the ramp locations on your route. Signs point them out.
Section 2 · 2.16.4 – Proper Braking Technique ↗
Questions and answers by topic
- Licenses, endorsements and tests105
- Disqualifications and state rules110
- Vehicle inspection80
- Basic control and shifting gears47
- Seeing and communicating46
- Controlling your speed62
- Managing space40
- Seeing hazards49
- Distracted and Aggressive Driving71
- Night, Fog, Winter and Hot Weather124
- Emergencies, ABS and Skids102
- Accident Procedures and Fires49
- Alcohol, Drugs and Illness41
- Hazardous Materials Rules for All Drivers42
- Transporting Cargo Safely79
- Bus Inspection, Loading and Hazardous Materials74
- Driving a Bus: Stops, Crossings and Prohibited Practices56
- Air Brake Parts: Compressor, Tanks and Foundation Brakes52
- Warnings, Spring Brakes, ABS and Dual Systems59
- Inspecting Air Brake Systems61
- Using Air Brakes51
- Driving Combination Vehicles Safely50
- Combination Vehicle Air Brakes and ABS59
- Coupling and Uncoupling63
- Inspecting a Combination Vehicle24
- Pulling Double and Triple Trailers16
- Coupling, Inspecting and Brake Checks for Doubles34
- Tank Vehicles62
- HazMat basics and who does what48
- Hazard classes, labels and lists64
- Shipping papers and package markings49
- Placards and placard tables40
- Loading and unloading HazMat58
- Bulk packaging and tanks30
- HazMat driving and parking rules72
- HazMat emergencies and reporting60
- Danger zones and mirrors34
- Loading and unloading students47
- Emergency exit and evacuation34
- Railroad-highway crossings40
- Student management, ABS and special situations47