BNSF Conductor Final Exam (New
2026/ 2027 Update) Questions &
Answers {Grade A} 100% Correct
(Verified Solutions)
7.1 Switching Safely and Efficiently 3 - Correct answer Equipment may be left on a:
• Main track, fouling a siding switch, when the switch is lined for the main track.
• Siding, fouling a main track switch, when the switch is lined for the siding.
• Yard switching lead, fouling a yard track switch when the switch is lined for the yard
switching lead.
or
• Industry track beyond the clearance point of the switch leading to the industry.
8.3 Main Track Switches 1 - Correct answer The normal position of a main track switch
is for main track movement, and it must be lined and locked in that position. At points
where double track begins, the normal position of a spring switch is for movement
with the current of traffic.
,8.3 Main Track Switches 2 - Correct answer However, the main track switch may be
left open:
• In CTC territory within track and time limits.
• When attended by a crew member or switch tender.
• During switching operations when it is certain that no other train or engine will pass
over the switch.
• For another train or engine when the switch is attended by a member of that crew.
• Within ABS limits when instructed by the train dispatcher at:
- The entering switch of a siding in Rule 9.14 (Movement with the Current of Traffic)
territory.
- Either switch of a siding in Rule 16.1 (Authority to Enter DTC Limits) territory.
• Within TWC territory when authorized by track warrant. Track warrant protection
must be provided for this condition. The switch must not be considered restored to
normal position until the train dispatcher is notified by an employee or train at that
location.
8.3 Main Track Switches 3 - Correct answer or
,• Within ABS-TWC, ABS-DTC, or Rule 9.14 (Movement with the Current of Traffic)
territory at the entering switch of a siding after the following has been done:
1. Communication has been established between crews of trains meeting or passing.
2. An understanding has been reached that the train on the main track will stop and
restore the switch to the normal position. A crew member must not report clear of the
limits until it is known the switch is lined and locked in the normal position.
8.3 Main Track Switches 4 - Correct answer On main track switches (if equipped), the
target will be red if the switch is lined in other than its normal position.
Before leaving the location where a hand-operated main track switch was operated:
• Crew members must confirm the position of the switch with each other.
• Engineering Department employees granted authority to enter working limits must
confirm the position of the switch with the employee in charge or a designated
employee who will notify the employee in
charge.
, 8.7 Clear of Main Track Switches 1 - Correct answer Except in switching movements,
when a train or engine is approaching or passing on a main track, employees must not
go nearer than 20 feet to any main track switch.
8.7 Clear of Main Track Switches 2 - Correct answer When a train or engine that will
be met or passed is on a siding or other track, the employee attending the switch must
be in a safe location. The employee must not be nearer than 150 feet, if possible, from
the switch when the train is closely approaching and passing.
8.9.1 Testing Spring Switch 1 - Correct answer A crew member tests the switch by
lining the switch over and back by hand and examining the switch points to see that
they fit properly.
Before a train or engine makes a facing point movement over a spring switch, the
switch must be tested when any of the following conditions exist:
1. A block signal governing movement over the switch indicates:
• Stop.
• Stop and Proceed.
or
2026/ 2027 Update) Questions &
Answers {Grade A} 100% Correct
(Verified Solutions)
7.1 Switching Safely and Efficiently 3 - Correct answer Equipment may be left on a:
• Main track, fouling a siding switch, when the switch is lined for the main track.
• Siding, fouling a main track switch, when the switch is lined for the siding.
• Yard switching lead, fouling a yard track switch when the switch is lined for the yard
switching lead.
or
• Industry track beyond the clearance point of the switch leading to the industry.
8.3 Main Track Switches 1 - Correct answer The normal position of a main track switch
is for main track movement, and it must be lined and locked in that position. At points
where double track begins, the normal position of a spring switch is for movement
with the current of traffic.
,8.3 Main Track Switches 2 - Correct answer However, the main track switch may be
left open:
• In CTC territory within track and time limits.
• When attended by a crew member or switch tender.
• During switching operations when it is certain that no other train or engine will pass
over the switch.
• For another train or engine when the switch is attended by a member of that crew.
• Within ABS limits when instructed by the train dispatcher at:
- The entering switch of a siding in Rule 9.14 (Movement with the Current of Traffic)
territory.
- Either switch of a siding in Rule 16.1 (Authority to Enter DTC Limits) territory.
• Within TWC territory when authorized by track warrant. Track warrant protection
must be provided for this condition. The switch must not be considered restored to
normal position until the train dispatcher is notified by an employee or train at that
location.
8.3 Main Track Switches 3 - Correct answer or
,• Within ABS-TWC, ABS-DTC, or Rule 9.14 (Movement with the Current of Traffic)
territory at the entering switch of a siding after the following has been done:
1. Communication has been established between crews of trains meeting or passing.
2. An understanding has been reached that the train on the main track will stop and
restore the switch to the normal position. A crew member must not report clear of the
limits until it is known the switch is lined and locked in the normal position.
8.3 Main Track Switches 4 - Correct answer On main track switches (if equipped), the
target will be red if the switch is lined in other than its normal position.
Before leaving the location where a hand-operated main track switch was operated:
• Crew members must confirm the position of the switch with each other.
• Engineering Department employees granted authority to enter working limits must
confirm the position of the switch with the employee in charge or a designated
employee who will notify the employee in
charge.
, 8.7 Clear of Main Track Switches 1 - Correct answer Except in switching movements,
when a train or engine is approaching or passing on a main track, employees must not
go nearer than 20 feet to any main track switch.
8.7 Clear of Main Track Switches 2 - Correct answer When a train or engine that will
be met or passed is on a siding or other track, the employee attending the switch must
be in a safe location. The employee must not be nearer than 150 feet, if possible, from
the switch when the train is closely approaching and passing.
8.9.1 Testing Spring Switch 1 - Correct answer A crew member tests the switch by
lining the switch over and back by hand and examining the switch points to see that
they fit properly.
Before a train or engine makes a facing point movement over a spring switch, the
switch must be tested when any of the following conditions exist:
1. A block signal governing movement over the switch indicates:
• Stop.
• Stop and Proceed.
or
