Series 3-6: Railroad Crossings

The “Railroad Crossings” section of the Alberta School Bus knowledge test is critical for ensuring the safety of students and drivers.

Alberta School Bus Test - SERIES 3-6: Railroad Crossings

1 / 30

When does an approaching train typically activate flashing light signals and gates before reaching a crossing?

When the train is 1 kilometre away

Exactly 60 seconds before the train arrives

Approximately 20 seconds before the train reaches the crossing

Only when the train is travelling over 100 km/h

2 / 30

Why should you move generally in the direction of the approaching train if your vehicle is stuck on the tracks?

To stay closer to the road

To avoid being hit by debris swept forward by the train’s momentum

To signal the train to stop

So the train operator can see you

3 / 30

What is the approximate weight of an average locomotive?

110 tonnes

70 tonnes

2 tonnes

20 tonnes

4 / 30

At a multi‑track crossing after one train passes, what must the driver do before proceeding?

Sound the horn and proceed

Move forward slowly onto the tracks to look

Proceed as soon as the last car passes

Wait until all tracks are visible in both directions to ensure no second train is approaching

5 / 30

When should the driver proceed across the tracks?

As soon as the gate starts to rise

As soon as the warning bells stop

Only when absolutely certain it is safe and after preparing in the proper gear

As soon as the vehicle behind starts to move

6 / 30

How does the severity of rail/highway crossing collisions compare to other collisions?

They are at least 15 times more likely to result in death

They are less likely to cause fatalities

They are about the same as other collisions

They are only twice as likely to be fatal

7 / 30

What driving gear should be used when crossing the tracks?

Reverse gear for better control

Highest possible gear for speed

Neutral gear, coasting across

Low gear, without changing gears while crossing

8 / 30

Before reaching a railway crossing, what lane position should a school bus use on a multi‑lane highway?

The far left lane

The centre lane

The far right lane

Any lane, as long as the bus stops

9 / 30

Before leaving the bus to check an obstructed crossing, what must the driver do?

Turn on hazard lights and leave the bus in neutral

Leave the engine running for quicker departure

Ask a student to hold the brake pedal

Turn off the engine, set the brakes, put the transmission in lowest gear or park, and take the key out

10 / 30

Which of the following is a legal exception to the requirement for a school bus to stop at a railway crossing?

When the bus is behind schedule

When a peace officer or flagman directs you to proceed

When the road is dry and visibility is good

When there is no train visible

11 / 30

What is the only safe way for pedestrians to cross railway tracks?

Walk along the tracks until they find a clear area

Cross anywhere as long as they look both ways

Use designated crossings and obey all signs and signals

Cross only when a train is stopped nearby

12 / 30

What is the rule about shifting gears on the tracks?

Shift to a higher gear halfway across the tracks

Shift to neutral while on the tracks

Do not change gears while crossing railroad tracks

Always downshift on the tracks

13 / 30

After stopping at a railway crossing, what should the driver do to secure the bus?

Set the parking brake and shift the transmission into neutral

Shift into park only

Turn off the headlights and set the parking brake

Turn off the engine but leave the bus in gear

14 / 30

What should the driver do to look and listen for an approaching train?

Walk to the back of the bus

Flash the headlights three times

Honk the bus horn continuously

Open the front door and the operator’s left‑side window

15 / 30

At crossings equipped only with a warning sign or cross‑bucks, what is often the best warning of an approaching train?

The train whistle

The reflection of the train’s headlights

The sound of vehicle engines stopping

The bus horn

16 / 30

What is a key listening practice at a railway crossing?

Turn on interior lights to see better

Open all emergency exits

Sound the horn continuously

Turn off or down fans, heaters, and radios and ask passengers to be quiet

17 / 30

What should the driver do inside the bus as they prepare to stop at a railway crossing?

Have students move to the back of the bus

Turn on the radio for traffic updates

Open all windows for better hearing

Ask passengers to be quiet and turn off heaters, fans, and radios

18 / 30

Approximately what fraction of rail/highway crossing incidents involve a vehicle running into a train?

About 75 percent

About 10 percent

About 40 percent

About 5 percent

19 / 30

What should a driver do if the vehicle stalls on the tracks?

Run straight away from the tracks in any direction

Push the vehicle off the tracks alone

Stay in the vehicle and try to restart it

Get out quickly and move away from the vehicle and tracks, generally in the direction of the approaching train

20 / 30

What is an “uncontrolled” railway crossing?

A crossing with signals but no gates

A crossing on a private road

A crossing with no mechanical flashing signals or other signaling devices

A crossing controlled by a peace officer

21 / 30

What is a key danger when shifting gears on the tracks?

Increased fuel consumption

Risk of stalling or not getting the transmission into the next gear while on the tracks

Excessive tire wear

Reduced visibility for the driver

22 / 30

Why is equipping every public crossing with flashing signals not a guarantee of safety?

Because signals do not work in daylight

Because half of all crossing collisions occur at signalized crossings

Because drivers always ignore flashing lights

Because trains do not always activate the signals

23 / 30

When must a school bus stop at a railway crossing?

Only when there are students on board

Only during daylight hours

Only when there are no flashing lights or gates

At all railway crossings unless exempted by law

24 / 30

If visibility is obstructed at a railway crossing (e.g., fog, smoke), what may the driver need to do?

Wait until another vehicle crosses first

Walk to the track to see if it is safe to cross

Rely only on hearing the train whistle

Proceed slowly without stopping

25 / 30

What should be done after the bus has completely crossed the tracks?

Back up to recheck the tracks

Close the operator’s window and then turn on fans, heater, and radio

Turn on the alternately flashing red lights

Immediately stop and check for trains

26 / 30

How far from the nearest rail must a school bus be stopped?

No more than 5 metres

Not less than 5 metres and not more than 15 metres

Exactly 10 metres

At least 20 metres

27 / 30

What is the approximate stopping distance of an automobile travelling at 100 km/h?

About 108 metres

About 960 metres

About 2,500 metres

About 1,070 metres

28 / 30

Which lights must NOT be used when stopping at a railway crossing?

Low‑beam headlights

Hazard warning flashers

Alternately flashing red or amber school bus lights

Interior dome lights

29 / 30

What is a major cause of rail/highway crossing collisions?

Poor quality of railway tracks

Failure of motor vehicle operators to stop or exercise due care and attention

Weather conditions alone

Mechanical failure of train brakes

30 / 30

What should a driver do if their view is obstructed for 300 metres in either direction at a crossing?

Follow another vehicle closely across

Do not attempt to cross until certain no train is approaching and be especially careful in bad weather

Sound the horn and flash headlights, then cross

Proceed slowly so other drivers can warn you

Your score is

This section assesses a driver’s understanding of proper procedures when approaching, stopping at, and crossing railroad tracks. Drivers must know to stop at least five meters from the nearest rail, look and listen for trains, and never proceed until it is absolutely safe. The test also covers the use of hazard lights and the importance of not shifting gears while crossing tracks. Mastery of these procedures helps prevent tragic accidents and is an essential skill for all Alberta school bus drivers.