Right-of-Way

Study questions with answers

4 sample Right-of-Way questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. What is the safe assumption to make about hearing a train at a crossing?

   Correct answer: You should not count on hearing a train

   Do not expect to hear a train. Engine and road noise, and the train's own angle, can keep you from hearing it, so you must rely on looking carefully in both directions.

   Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.15, Railroad Crossings

2. 2. At a passive railroad crossing with no lights or gates, what is your responsibility?

   Correct answer: Look for a train and judge whether it is safe to cross

   A passive crossing gives no active warning, so you must recognize it, look for any approaching train, and decide whether there is enough clear space to cross safely.

   Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.15, Railroad Crossings

3. 3. How should you judge your speed at a railroad crossing where your view of approaching trains is limited?

   Correct answer: Slow enough to stop short of the tracks if needed

   Reduce speed based on how well you can see trains in each direction, and keep it slow enough that you could stop short of the tracks if a stop becomes necessary.

   Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.15, Railroad Crossings

4. 4. Before crossing at a location with more than one set of tracks, what must you confirm?

   Correct answer: That all of the tracks are clear

   When multiple tracks are present, make sure every track is clear before you cross. A train on one track can hide a second train approaching on another.

   Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.15, Railroad Crossings