Railroad Crossing

Before reaching the crossing, all commercial drivers should:

1. Decelerate, brake smoothly, and shift gears as necessary.
2. Look and listen for the presence of trains.
3. Check traffic in all directions.

Do not stop, change gears, pass another vehicle, or change lanes while any part of your vehicle is in the crossing.

If you are driving a bus, a school bus, or a vehicle displaying placards, you should be prepared to observe the following procedures at every railroad crossing (unless the crossing is exempt):

1. As the vehicle approaches a railroad crossing, activate the four-way flashers. 
2. Stop the vehicle within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail.
3. Listen and look in both directions along the track for an approaching train and for signals indicating the approach of a train. If operating a bus, you may also be required to open the window and door prior to crossing the tracks.
4. Keep hands on the steering wheel as the vehicle crosses the tracks.
5. Do not stop, change gears, or change lanes while any part of your vehicle is proceeding across the tracks.
6. Four-way flashers should be deactivated after the vehicle crosses the tracks.
7. Continue to check mirrors and traffic.

Not all driving road test routes will have a railroad crossing. You may be asked to explain and demonstrate the proper railroad crossing procedures to the examiner at a simulated location.