Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings
What this domain tests
This domain tests the special stopping duty for buses carrying passengers at highway-rail crossings, plus clearance and gate judgment. The exam wants a complete stop and a deliberate look-and-listen procedure, not a rolling check.
Core rules
- A bus carrying passengers must stop at every highway-rail crossing unless the crossing is legally exempt or traffic is controlled by a police officer or flagger.
- Stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail, or at the stop line if one is marked. Do not stop closer than 15 feet.
- Open the service door and window if your procedure requires it; turn off fans and radios so you can hear. Look both ways and check for a second train.
- Never stop on the tracks. Make sure there is room to completely clear the crossing on the far side before proceeding.
- Do not shift gears while crossing. Proceed without stopping once you start.
- Never drive around a lowered gate or around a gate that is stuck.
Worked example
A gate lowers but no train is visible. Reasoning: gates activate for approaching trains, and a second train may be hidden. The driver waits behind the stop line until the gate rises and the lights stop, then makes the required stop, looks, listens, and crosses only with clear space beyond.
Traps
Rolling through a crossing; following another bus too closely; stopping less than 15 feet from the rail; stopping on the tracks; ignoring a second track; driving around a gate.