Railroad-Highway Crossings — CDL General Knowledge Practice Test

This CDL General Knowledge Railroad-Highway Crossings practice set has 15 practice questions based on the official exam materials, each with an instant explanation. You need 80% on the real CDL General Knowledge knowledge test to pass.

Sample questions

Three questions from the Railroad-Highway Crossings bank with the correct answer and an explanation. The practice quiz above draws 15 questions at random from the same bank.

1. What is a "passive" railroad-highway crossing?

   • A crossing with no traffic control device, where the decision to stop or proceed rests entirely with you — Correct answer
   • A crossing controlled by flashing red lights and gates
   • A crossing where trains are required to sound their horns
   • A crossing that has a flagman directing traffic

   Explanation: A passive crossing has NO traffic control device — the decision to stop or proceed rests entirely with you, so you must recognize the crossing, search for a train and decide if there is clear space to cross. English term: passive crossing（被动式道口 / cruce pasivo）.

   Handbook: Railroad-Highway Crossings — Types of Crossings

2. Which devices are found at an "active" railroad-highway crossing?

   • Flashing red lights, with or without bells, and flashing red lights with bells and gates — Correct answer
   • Only a cross-buck sign and nothing else
   • No control devices at all
   • A green traffic signal and a stop line only

   Explanation: An active crossing has a traffic control device that regulates traffic — flashing red lights (with or without bells) and flashing red lights with bells and gates. English term: active crossing（主动式道口 / cruce activo）.

   Handbook: Railroad-Highway Crossings — Types of Crossings

3. What does the round, black-on-yellow railroad advance warning sign tell you to do?

   • Slow down, look and listen for the train, and be prepared to stop if a train is coming — Correct answer
   • Speed up to clear the area before any train can arrive
   • Stop only if you actually see flashing lights
   • Make a U-turn and find an underpass instead

   Explanation: The advance warning sign is placed ahead of a public crossing and tells you to slow down, look and listen for the train, and be prepared to stop at the tracks if a train is coming. English term: advance warning sign（前置警告标志 / señal de advertencia anticipada）.

   Handbook: Railroad-Highway Crossings — Warning Signs and Devices