Indiana permit test: turns, intersections and railroad crossings
Legal turning, U-turns, median U-turns, all-way stops, roundabouts and railroad crossings. 21 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key turns, intersections and railroad crossings rulesShow the rules
- Before entering a street from an alley or driveway, stop and yield the right of way to traffic and pedestrians. (p. 40)
- Move into the proper lane well before the turn, using your signal. (p. 43)
- Lighted signals are safest, but if one is malfunctioning you may use hand signals. (p. 44)
- When two drivers arrive at the same time at an all-way stop, the vehicle on the left yields. (p. 44)
- At an all-way stop, the first vehicle to stop at the intersection is the first to proceed. (p. 44)
- Never make a U-turn on an interstate. (p. 44)
- Traffic in a roundabout moves counterclockwise, and incoming traffic always yields to circulating traffic. (p. 45)
- When following a driver who has signaled or slowed for a turn, slow down and be prepared to stop. (p. 45)
- Never begin to cross unless you can clear the tracks without stopping, and avoid stopping or shifting gears on the tracks. (p. 54)
- When an officer directs traffic, the officer's command must be obeyed even if it differs from a signal or sign. (p. 59)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample turns, intersections and railroad crossings questions
1.A railroad crossing is marked only by a crossbuck, with no lights or gates. How should you treat it?
- AAs a green light, so you may keep going
- BAs a no-passing sign and nothing more
- CAs a yield sign, stopping if a train is coming
- DAs a stop sign, stopping every single time
Show the answer
✓ C. As a yield sign, stopping if a train is coming
A crossbuck alone should be treated as a yield sign: you decide whether to stop or cross, but you must stop if a train is approaching.
Source: Indiana Driver's Manual (Published July 2026), page 53
2.Your car stalls on the tracks and a train is coming. After getting everyone out, which way should you run?
- ADirectly away from the train, staying between the rails
- BStraight along the tracks, away from the oncoming train
- CAway from the tracks at a 45-degree angle, toward the oncoming train
- DBack into the car to try to start it one more time
Show the answer
✓ C. Away from the tracks at a 45-degree angle, toward the oncoming train
Get everyone clear and move off at an angle of about 45 degrees, heading toward the side the train comes from so debris flies away from you. Call 911 once you are safe.
Source: Indiana Driver's Manual (Published July 2026), page 54
3.The driver ahead signals a turn and starts slowing down. What should you do?
- ASlow down and be prepared to stop
- BKeep your speed and change lanes at the last second
- CHonk to hurry them
- DPass on the right
Show the answer
✓ A. Slow down and be prepared to stop
When following a driver who has signaled or slowed for a turn, slow down and be prepared to stop.
Source: Indiana Driver's Manual (Published July 2026), page 45
4.Traffic is backed up just past a railroad crossing. When should you start across the tracks?
- ARight away; you can wait on the tracks
- BWhen the car ahead starts moving
- COnly when you can clear the tracks without stopping
- DWhen the crossing lights are off for a few seconds
Show the answer
✓ C. Only when you can clear the tracks without stopping
Never begin to cross unless you can clear the tracks without stopping, and avoid stopping or shifting gears on the tracks.
Source: Indiana Driver's Manual (Published July 2026), page 54