NORAC Study Guide 2026 Questions with
Verified Correct Answers
What is the block signal system called in which the use of each block is governed by an
automatic block signal, cab signal or both?
Automatic Block Signal System (ABS)
[NORAC p.1]
What is the term for an uncoupled engine (or engines) or the leading portion of a train
that is directed back toward the remaining stationary portion of the same train?
Return Movement
[NORAC p.6]
What type of signal is used to govern the approach to a home signal?
Distant Signal
[NORAC p.3]
The signal that governs the entrance to an interlocking is called what?
Home Signal
[NORAC p.4]
What is the name of a track that is designated by timetable upon which movements are
authorized by ABS, DCS or interlocking rules?
Main Track
[NORAC p.5]
What publication is used to inform employees of information affecting the movement of
trains?
,Bulletin Order (BO)
[NORAC p.1]
What publication is used to summarize changes to the timetable and other instruction
manuals?
General Order (GO)
[NORAC p.4]
What publication is published periodically which contains instruction and information
that does not affect the movement of trains?
Division Notice (DN)
[NORAC p.3]
What is the Stop Release function?
An operation of the PTC system which allows equipment to be released from a positive stop.
[NORAC p.7]
What is a Positive Train Control System (PTC)?
An electronic train control system which enforces Normal Speed, Temporary Speed
Restrictions, Stop Signals, or other conditions requiring a train stop. [NORAC p.6]
What is a Data Radio?
A radio used on PTC equipped trains and fixed sites to send and receive PTC data updates
and information. [NORAC p.2]
What is a Transponder?
,A device mounted between the rails that transmits location specific information to trains
equipped with on board PTC apparatus.
[NORAC p.8]
What is the speed that does not exceed 15MPH?
Slow Speed
[NORAC p.7]
What is the speed that does not exceed 30MPH?
Medium Speed
[NORAC p.7]
What is the speed that does not exceed 45MPH for passenger trains and 40MPH for
freight trains?
Limited Speed
[NORAC p.7]
What is the term used for Maximum Authorized Speed?
Normal Speed
[NORAC p.7]
What is the fouling point?
The point on a track beyond which equipment will foul an adjacent track. Fouling points will
not safely accommodate a person riding the side of a car. [NORAC p.4]
Whom should an employee consult if in doubt as to the meaning or application of a rule
or special instruction?
, Employees must be familiar with and obey all rules and special instructions that relate to their
duties. If in doubt as to the meaning or application of a rule or special instruction, an
employee must request an explanation from the proper authority.
[NORAC Rule B, p.9]
What required books must employees maintain and have with them on duty?
The operating rules and timetable, if their duties are affected by them.
The safety rules for their department.
The Hazardous Materials Instructions, if they are involved in the shipment of hazardous
materials.
The Air Brake Instructions, if their duties are affected by them.
[NORAC Rule A, p.9]
When must a train crew notify the train dispatcher before the expiration of their legal
on duty period?
Train and engine crews must notify the appropriate Train Dispatcher or other designated
supervisor not less than 3 hours before the expiration of their legal on-duty period, unless
scheduled to complete their assignment before their legal work period expires.
[NORAC Rule Q, p.14]
Where must employees keep their switch keys?
Employees must keep switch keys in secure places, and must not allow unqualified or
unauthorized persons to use or gain possession of these keys.
[NORAC Rule L, p.13]
Verified Correct Answers
What is the block signal system called in which the use of each block is governed by an
automatic block signal, cab signal or both?
Automatic Block Signal System (ABS)
[NORAC p.1]
What is the term for an uncoupled engine (or engines) or the leading portion of a train
that is directed back toward the remaining stationary portion of the same train?
Return Movement
[NORAC p.6]
What type of signal is used to govern the approach to a home signal?
Distant Signal
[NORAC p.3]
The signal that governs the entrance to an interlocking is called what?
Home Signal
[NORAC p.4]
What is the name of a track that is designated by timetable upon which movements are
authorized by ABS, DCS or interlocking rules?
Main Track
[NORAC p.5]
What publication is used to inform employees of information affecting the movement of
trains?
,Bulletin Order (BO)
[NORAC p.1]
What publication is used to summarize changes to the timetable and other instruction
manuals?
General Order (GO)
[NORAC p.4]
What publication is published periodically which contains instruction and information
that does not affect the movement of trains?
Division Notice (DN)
[NORAC p.3]
What is the Stop Release function?
An operation of the PTC system which allows equipment to be released from a positive stop.
[NORAC p.7]
What is a Positive Train Control System (PTC)?
An electronic train control system which enforces Normal Speed, Temporary Speed
Restrictions, Stop Signals, or other conditions requiring a train stop. [NORAC p.6]
What is a Data Radio?
A radio used on PTC equipped trains and fixed sites to send and receive PTC data updates
and information. [NORAC p.2]
What is a Transponder?
,A device mounted between the rails that transmits location specific information to trains
equipped with on board PTC apparatus.
[NORAC p.8]
What is the speed that does not exceed 15MPH?
Slow Speed
[NORAC p.7]
What is the speed that does not exceed 30MPH?
Medium Speed
[NORAC p.7]
What is the speed that does not exceed 45MPH for passenger trains and 40MPH for
freight trains?
Limited Speed
[NORAC p.7]
What is the term used for Maximum Authorized Speed?
Normal Speed
[NORAC p.7]
What is the fouling point?
The point on a track beyond which equipment will foul an adjacent track. Fouling points will
not safely accommodate a person riding the side of a car. [NORAC p.4]
Whom should an employee consult if in doubt as to the meaning or application of a rule
or special instruction?
, Employees must be familiar with and obey all rules and special instructions that relate to their
duties. If in doubt as to the meaning or application of a rule or special instruction, an
employee must request an explanation from the proper authority.
[NORAC Rule B, p.9]
What required books must employees maintain and have with them on duty?
The operating rules and timetable, if their duties are affected by them.
The safety rules for their department.
The Hazardous Materials Instructions, if they are involved in the shipment of hazardous
materials.
The Air Brake Instructions, if their duties are affected by them.
[NORAC Rule A, p.9]
When must a train crew notify the train dispatcher before the expiration of their legal
on duty period?
Train and engine crews must notify the appropriate Train Dispatcher or other designated
supervisor not less than 3 hours before the expiration of their legal on-duty period, unless
scheduled to complete their assignment before their legal work period expires.
[NORAC Rule Q, p.14]
Where must employees keep their switch keys?
Employees must keep switch keys in secure places, and must not allow unqualified or
unauthorized persons to use or gain possession of these keys.
[NORAC Rule L, p.13]
