Abstract: A two-rail rear ladder system that automatically deploys and retracts a ladder from a vehicle, such as an emergency vehicle. The ladder is deployable and retractable with minimal or no human intervention, thereby saving time and/or creating less risk for injury. The ladder is deployed from the rear of a vehicle and rests at an angle on the ground when fully deployed. A two-stage drive unit system is used to deploy and retract the ladder. One drive unit deploys and retracts the ladder on a first rail to a position where the ladder tilts towards the ground. The second drive unit deploys and retracts the ladder from the tilted position to and from the ground on a second rail. Only a partial portion of the ladder's length is required to be deployed before the ladder will tilt downward towards the ground thereby minimizing open space needed behind the vehicle to deploy the ladder.