Union Pacific GCOR Examination
Questions With Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What does GCOR stand for?
A. General Carrier Operating Regulations
B. General Code of Operating Rules
C. Government Code of Railroad Operations
D. General Conduct of Railway Operations
Rationale: GCOR is the standard operating rulebook governing safe
railroad operations across many North American railroads, including
Union Pacific.
2. What is the primary purpose of the GCOR?
A. Increase train speed
B. Reduce labor costs
C. Promote safe railroad operations
D. Improve ticket sales
Rationale: The GCOR establishes standardized rules that ensure the
safe movement of trains, employees, and equipment.
, 3. Employees must know and obey:
A. Only supervisor instructions
B. Only federal laws
C. Only company policies
D. Operating rules, special instructions, and federal regulations
Rationale: Railroad employees are responsible for complying with all
applicable operating rules, special instructions, and regulatory
requirements.
4. The best authority for train movement is:
A. The conductor
B. The engineer
C. Proper operating authority
D. Radio communication alone
Rationale: Train movement must always be authorized through the
proper operating authority specified by the GCOR.
5. Before fouling a track, employees must:
A. Blow the horn
B. Notify dispatch after crossing
C. Ensure the track is protected
D. Obtain permission from another crew
,Rationale: Employees must verify that the track is protected before
occupying or fouling it.
6. A red signal generally means:
A. Proceed slowly
B. Proceed prepared to stop
C. Stop
D. Speed up
Rationale: A red signal indicates an absolute stop unless otherwise
authorized.
7. Yellow signals generally require employees to:
A. Stop immediately
B. Proceed prepared to stop at the next signal
C. Increase speed
D. Ignore the signal
Rationale: Yellow aspects warn crews that the next signal may require
stopping.
8. Green signals generally indicate:
A. Restricted speed
B. Stop
C. Track out of service
D. Proceed
, Rationale: Green signals authorize movement according to the signal
indication and operating rules.
9. Restricted speed requires the train to:
A. Operate at maximum speed
B. Stop within one-half the range of vision
C. Ignore obstructions
D. Travel exactly 40 mph
Rationale: Restricted speed enables trains to stop short of any
obstruction, switch not properly lined, or occupied track.
10. Employees must immediately report:
A. Personal opinions
B. Shift schedules
C. Unsafe conditions
D. Lunch breaks
Rationale: Reporting unsafe conditions helps prevent accidents and
injuries.
11. The employee responsible for safely operating the
locomotive is the:
A. Brakeman
B. Engineer
Questions With Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What does GCOR stand for?
A. General Carrier Operating Regulations
B. General Code of Operating Rules
C. Government Code of Railroad Operations
D. General Conduct of Railway Operations
Rationale: GCOR is the standard operating rulebook governing safe
railroad operations across many North American railroads, including
Union Pacific.
2. What is the primary purpose of the GCOR?
A. Increase train speed
B. Reduce labor costs
C. Promote safe railroad operations
D. Improve ticket sales
Rationale: The GCOR establishes standardized rules that ensure the
safe movement of trains, employees, and equipment.
, 3. Employees must know and obey:
A. Only supervisor instructions
B. Only federal laws
C. Only company policies
D. Operating rules, special instructions, and federal regulations
Rationale: Railroad employees are responsible for complying with all
applicable operating rules, special instructions, and regulatory
requirements.
4. The best authority for train movement is:
A. The conductor
B. The engineer
C. Proper operating authority
D. Radio communication alone
Rationale: Train movement must always be authorized through the
proper operating authority specified by the GCOR.
5. Before fouling a track, employees must:
A. Blow the horn
B. Notify dispatch after crossing
C. Ensure the track is protected
D. Obtain permission from another crew
,Rationale: Employees must verify that the track is protected before
occupying or fouling it.
6. A red signal generally means:
A. Proceed slowly
B. Proceed prepared to stop
C. Stop
D. Speed up
Rationale: A red signal indicates an absolute stop unless otherwise
authorized.
7. Yellow signals generally require employees to:
A. Stop immediately
B. Proceed prepared to stop at the next signal
C. Increase speed
D. Ignore the signal
Rationale: Yellow aspects warn crews that the next signal may require
stopping.
8. Green signals generally indicate:
A. Restricted speed
B. Stop
C. Track out of service
D. Proceed
, Rationale: Green signals authorize movement according to the signal
indication and operating rules.
9. Restricted speed requires the train to:
A. Operate at maximum speed
B. Stop within one-half the range of vision
C. Ignore obstructions
D. Travel exactly 40 mph
Rationale: Restricted speed enables trains to stop short of any
obstruction, switch not properly lined, or occupied track.
10. Employees must immediately report:
A. Personal opinions
B. Shift schedules
C. Unsafe conditions
D. Lunch breaks
Rationale: Reporting unsafe conditions helps prevent accidents and
injuries.
11. The employee responsible for safely operating the
locomotive is the:
A. Brakeman
B. Engineer
