Prohibited Practices and Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings
What this domain tests
This domain tests prohibited practices that can disqualify or endanger you, and the required procedure for railroad-highway grade crossings with passengers aboard.
Core rules
- No texting or handheld phone use while driving. No driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Do not fuel a bus with passengers aboard. Do not leave passengers unattended in a bus, and do not move the bus with passengers standing in prohibited areas.
- Railroad crossings: stop 15 to 50 feet before the nearest rail, look and listen, turn off noisy fans and radios, and open a window or door if needed to hear. Cross only when the tracks are clear.
- Do not shift gears while crossing; do not stop on the tracks. If the bus stalls or gates lower, evacuate passengers away from the tracks immediately and call 911.
- The stop is not required where an exempt crossing is marked or where a police officer or flagman directs you to proceed; never go around a lowered gate.
Worked example
A passenger bus approaches a crossing with flashing lights but no gate. The driver stops 20 feet back, opens the door, turns off the radio, looks both ways, and listens. After confirming the tracks are clear, the driver crosses without shifting and does not stop on the far rail. Reasoning: the stop-and-listen step is required because a bus with passengers cannot safely rely on speed or other traffic to protect it.
Traps that cost marks
Rolling through a crossing, following another bus without stopping, stopping on the tracks, and going around a gate. Also remember that a clear track can hide a second train on multiple-track crossings.