How far must you stop from railway tracks when a train is coming?
At least 5 metres from the nearest rail or gate
If a train is coming, stop at least 5 metres from the nearest rail or gate, and do not cross until you are sure all trains have passed. If there are signal lights or a gate, wait until the lights stop flashing and the gate rises.
Why the other answers are wrong
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At least 1 metre from the nearest rail
One metre is far short of the five metre minimum, and a gate coming down needs that space. Picture about five big steps back from the rail, not one.
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Anywhere, as long as you are not on the tracks
Staying off the tracks is not enough. The rule gives an actual number, 5 metres from the nearest rail or gate, and where there are lights you also wait until they stop flashing.
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At least 20 metres from the nearest rail
20 metres is the school bus number: that is how far back you stop when you come up behind a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing. For trains it is 5 metres.
Quick way to remember
Far enough to be well clear of the tracks, a few car-lengths is too close.
Based on the official Ontario MTO Driver's Handbook.
Reading it once is not enough
Drill this question in a scored round and find out what else you are shaky on.
Practise Rules of the Road: The Basics