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

What driving gear should be used when crossing the tracks?

Neutral gear, coasting across

Low gear, without changing gears while crossing

Highest possible gear for speed

Reverse gear for better control

2 / 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

At least 20 metres

Exactly 10 metres

3 / 30

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

When the road is dry and visibility is good

When a peace officer or flagman directs you to proceed

When the bus is behind schedule

When there is no train visible

4 / 30

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

About 40 percent

About 5 percent

About 75 percent

About 10 percent

5 / 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

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

Leave the engine running for quicker departure

Ask a student to hold the brake pedal

6 / 30

What is the rule about shifting gears on the tracks?

Shift to neutral while on the tracks

Shift to a higher gear halfway across the tracks

Always downshift on the tracks

Do not change gears while crossing railroad tracks

7 / 30

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

They are less likely to cause fatalities

They are about the same as other collisions

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

They are only twice as likely to be fatal

8 / 30

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

So the train operator can see you

To stay closer to the road

To signal the train to stop

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

9 / 30

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

Shift into park only

Set the parking brake and shift the transmission into neutral

Turn off the engine but leave the bus in gear

Turn off the headlights and set the parking brake

10 / 30

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

Alternately flashing red or amber school bus lights

Hazard warning flashers

Low‑beam headlights

Interior dome lights

11 / 30

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

Poor quality of railway tracks

Mechanical failure of train brakes

Weather conditions alone

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

12 / 30

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

Because half of all crossing collisions occur at signalized crossings

Because drivers always ignore flashing lights

Because signals do not work in daylight

Because trains do not always activate the signals

13 / 30

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

Honk the bus horn continuously

Flash the headlights three times

Walk to the back of the bus

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

14 / 30

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

Proceed as soon as the last car passes

Move forward slowly onto the tracks to look

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

Sound the horn and proceed

15 / 30

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

Use designated crossings and obey all signs and signals

Cross only when a train is stopped nearby

Walk along the tracks until they find a clear area

Cross anywhere as long as they look both ways

16 / 30

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

The far right lane

The far left lane

Any lane, as long as the bus stops

The centre lane

17 / 30

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

Stay in the vehicle and try to restart it

Run straight away from the tracks in any direction

Push the vehicle off the tracks alone

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

18 / 30

When should the driver proceed across the tracks?

As soon as the warning bells stop

As soon as the vehicle behind starts to move

As soon as the gate starts to rise

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

19 / 30

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

Reduced visibility for the driver

Increased fuel consumption

Excessive tire wear

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

20 / 30

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

Approximately 20 seconds before the train reaches the crossing

Exactly 60 seconds before the train arrives

Only when the train is travelling over 100 km/h

When the train is 1 kilometre away

21 / 30

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

About 108 metres

About 2,500 metres

About 960 metres

About 1,070 metres

22 / 30

When must a school bus stop at a railway crossing?

At all railway crossings unless exempted by law

Only when there are students on board

Only during daylight hours

Only when there are no flashing lights or gates

23 / 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

Sound the horn and flash headlights, then cross

Proceed slowly so other drivers can warn you

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

24 / 30

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

Immediately stop and check for trains

Turn on the alternately flashing red lights

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

Back up to recheck the tracks

25 / 30

What is the approximate weight of an average locomotive?

20 tonnes

70 tonnes

110 tonnes

2 tonnes

26 / 30

What is an “uncontrolled” railway crossing?

A crossing with no mechanical flashing signals or other signaling devices

A crossing with signals but no gates

A crossing controlled by a peace officer

A crossing on a private road

27 / 30

What is a key listening practice at a railway crossing?

Turn on interior lights to see better

Sound the horn continuously

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

Open all emergency exits

28 / 30

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

Rely only on hearing the train whistle

Proceed slowly without stopping

Wait until another vehicle crosses first

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

29 / 30

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

The bus horn

The sound of vehicle engines stopping

The reflection of the train’s headlights

The train whistle

30 / 30

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

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

Open all windows for better hearing

Turn on the radio for traffic updates

Have students move to the back of the bus

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.