NORAC Study Guide Questions And
Answers Latest Update
What is the term of the block signal system 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 of 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]
Why 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 schedule and other rule books?
General Order (GO)
[NORAC p.4]
What publication is issued from time to time that contains instruction and information
which 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 permits equipment to be released from a positive
stop. [NORAC p.7]
What is a Positive Train Control System?
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 speed shall never exceed 15MPH?
Reduced Speed
[NORAC p.7]
What speed shall never exceed 30MPH?
Medium Speed
[NORAC p.7]
What speed shall never exceed 45MPH passenger and 40MPH for freight?
Limited Speed
[NORAC p.7]
What is Maximum Authorized Speed called?
Normal Speed
[NORAC p.7]
What is a 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]
Whome should an employee consult if in doubt as to the meaning or application of a rule
or special instruction?
EMPLOYEES shall be familiar with and observe all rules and special instructions that
pertain to their work. When the meaning or application of a rule or special instruction is
not understood, an explanation shall be obtained from 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.
Their department's safety rules.
The Hazardous Materials Instructions if their duties involved the transportation of
hazardous materials
The Air Brake Instructions if their duties are affected thereby
[NORAC Rule A, p.9]
Under what circumstances must a train crew be provided with instructions before going
on duty?
A train crew must send notice to the train dispatcher indicating they will not be tied up
before the expiration of their legal on duty period under which circumstances?
The train and engine crews must notify the appropriate Train Dispatcher or other
designated supervisor not less than 3 hours in advance of the time when they will be on
duty for a period exceeding the limit, unless their scheduled assignment is to be
completed prior to the expiration of their legal work period.
[NORAC Rule Q, p.14]
Where must switch keys be carried?
The switch keys are to be kept in secure places by the employees and shall not be
allowed to fall into the hands of unqualified or unauthorized persons.
[NORAC Rule L, p.13]
Why is unauthorized use of an electronic device prohibited?
Answers Latest Update
What is the term of the block signal system 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 of 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]
Why 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 schedule and other rule books?
General Order (GO)
[NORAC p.4]
What publication is issued from time to time that contains instruction and information
which 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 permits equipment to be released from a positive
stop. [NORAC p.7]
What is a Positive Train Control System?
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 speed shall never exceed 15MPH?
Reduced Speed
[NORAC p.7]
What speed shall never exceed 30MPH?
Medium Speed
[NORAC p.7]
What speed shall never exceed 45MPH passenger and 40MPH for freight?
Limited Speed
[NORAC p.7]
What is Maximum Authorized Speed called?
Normal Speed
[NORAC p.7]
What is a 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]
Whome should an employee consult if in doubt as to the meaning or application of a rule
or special instruction?
EMPLOYEES shall be familiar with and observe all rules and special instructions that
pertain to their work. When the meaning or application of a rule or special instruction is
not understood, an explanation shall be obtained from 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.
Their department's safety rules.
The Hazardous Materials Instructions if their duties involved the transportation of
hazardous materials
The Air Brake Instructions if their duties are affected thereby
[NORAC Rule A, p.9]
Under what circumstances must a train crew be provided with instructions before going
on duty?
A train crew must send notice to the train dispatcher indicating they will not be tied up
before the expiration of their legal on duty period under which circumstances?
The train and engine crews must notify the appropriate Train Dispatcher or other
designated supervisor not less than 3 hours in advance of the time when they will be on
duty for a period exceeding the limit, unless their scheduled assignment is to be
completed prior to the expiration of their legal work period.
[NORAC Rule Q, p.14]
Where must switch keys be carried?
The switch keys are to be kept in secure places by the employees and shall not be
allowed to fall into the hands of unqualified or unauthorized persons.
[NORAC Rule L, p.13]
Why is unauthorized use of an electronic device prohibited?
