LIRR BLOCK OPERATOR MAIN EXAM TEST 2025/2026
QUESTIONS WITH SOLUTIONS GRADED A+
✔✔Aspect - ✔✔The appearance of a fixed signal which conveys an indication as
viewed from the direction of an approaching train; the appearance of a cab signal
indicator as viewed in the engine control compartment.
✔✔Block-Limit Signal - ✔✔A fixed signal indicating the limit of the block, the use of
which is governed by manual block signal system rules.
✔✔Block Signal - ✔✔A fixed signal or a hand signal in the absence of a fixed signal, at
the entrance to a block that governs trains using that block.
✔✔Cab Signal Indicator - ✔✔A signal indicator located in the engine control
compartment displaying the maximum speed for the movement of the train. It will be
used in conjunction with interlocking signals and either in conjunction with or in lieu of
block signals.
✔✔Distant Signal - ✔✔A fixed signal used to govern the approach to a home signal.
✔✔Fixed Signal - ✔✔A signal of a fixed location indicating a condition which affects the
movement of a train.
✔✔Home Signal - ✔✔A fixed signal that displays stop as its most restrictive aspect and
governs the entrance to a route or block.
✔✔Indication - ✔✔The information conveyed by the aspect of a signal.
✔✔Interlocking Signals - ✔✔The fixed signals of an interlocking.
✔✔Marker - ✔✔A highly visible marking device in the red-orange-amber color range,
affixed to the rear of the train to indicate that the train is complete.
✔✔Advanced Civil Speed Enforcement System (ACSES) - ✔✔A transponder and data-
radio based train-control system which will automatically apply the brakes of an
equipped train if, while approaching a Speed Restriction or Positive Train Stop Location,
the speed of the train exceeds the predetermined rate.
✔✔ACSES Controlled Train - ✔✔A passenger or Freight class train equipped with the
following ACSES controlled apparatus: A Data Radio, Aspect Display Unit, sealed
ACSES valve or switch, audible warning device and acknowledging switch in operative
condition
, ✔✔Foul Time - ✔✔A method of establishing working limits on a main track, secondary
track or siding in which a roadway worker is notified by the Train Dispatcher through the
Block Operator that no trains will operate within the working limits established on that
track until the roadway worker reports clear of the track.
✔✔Inaccessible Track - ✔✔A method of establishing working limits on tracks not
controlled by the Train Dispatcher or Block Operator by physically preventing the entry
and movement of trains.
✔✔Job Breifing - ✔✔When reporting for duty, employees whose duties require
coordination with other employees must hold a job briefing to review operational and
safety conditions. If these conditions change, employees must hold an additional job
briefing to discuss the new conditions.
✔✔Roadway Worker - ✔✔An employee of a railroad, or of a contractor to a railroad,
whose duties include inspection, construction, maintenance or repair of railroad track,
bridges, roadway, signal and communication systems, electric traction systems,
roadway facilities or roadway maintenance machinery on or near track or with the
potential of fouling a track and flagmen and watchmen/lookouts responsible for their
protection.
✔✔Watchman/Lookout - ✔✔A properly equipped employee that has been annually
trained on roadway worker protection whose sole duty is to provide at least 15 seconds
advanced visual and auditory warning of approaching trains or on-track equipment to
roadway workers.
✔✔Working Limits - ✔✔A segment of track with definite boundaries upon which trains
may move only as authorized by the roadway worker in charge of that segment of track.
✔✔Limited Speed - ✔✔A speed not exceeding 45 mph.
✔✔Maximum Authorized Speed (MAS) - ✔✔The highest speed that is permitted over a
specific portion of the railroad, it may be authorized by the special instructions of the
current timetable, rules of the operating department or any other publication authorized
by the general superintendent - transportation
✔✔Medium Speed - ✔✔A speed not exceeding 30 mph, except in ASC territory, train
will be governed by speed displayed on the cab signal indicator not to exceed 40 mph.
✔✔Reduced Speed - ✔✔A speed at which a train can be stopped short of another train
or obstruction.
✔✔Restricted Speed (RS) - ✔✔A mode of operation, at which a train can be stopped
within one half the range of vision, short of the next signal, another train, obstruction,
QUESTIONS WITH SOLUTIONS GRADED A+
✔✔Aspect - ✔✔The appearance of a fixed signal which conveys an indication as
viewed from the direction of an approaching train; the appearance of a cab signal
indicator as viewed in the engine control compartment.
✔✔Block-Limit Signal - ✔✔A fixed signal indicating the limit of the block, the use of
which is governed by manual block signal system rules.
✔✔Block Signal - ✔✔A fixed signal or a hand signal in the absence of a fixed signal, at
the entrance to a block that governs trains using that block.
✔✔Cab Signal Indicator - ✔✔A signal indicator located in the engine control
compartment displaying the maximum speed for the movement of the train. It will be
used in conjunction with interlocking signals and either in conjunction with or in lieu of
block signals.
✔✔Distant Signal - ✔✔A fixed signal used to govern the approach to a home signal.
✔✔Fixed Signal - ✔✔A signal of a fixed location indicating a condition which affects the
movement of a train.
✔✔Home Signal - ✔✔A fixed signal that displays stop as its most restrictive aspect and
governs the entrance to a route or block.
✔✔Indication - ✔✔The information conveyed by the aspect of a signal.
✔✔Interlocking Signals - ✔✔The fixed signals of an interlocking.
✔✔Marker - ✔✔A highly visible marking device in the red-orange-amber color range,
affixed to the rear of the train to indicate that the train is complete.
✔✔Advanced Civil Speed Enforcement System (ACSES) - ✔✔A transponder and data-
radio based train-control system which will automatically apply the brakes of an
equipped train if, while approaching a Speed Restriction or Positive Train Stop Location,
the speed of the train exceeds the predetermined rate.
✔✔ACSES Controlled Train - ✔✔A passenger or Freight class train equipped with the
following ACSES controlled apparatus: A Data Radio, Aspect Display Unit, sealed
ACSES valve or switch, audible warning device and acknowledging switch in operative
condition
, ✔✔Foul Time - ✔✔A method of establishing working limits on a main track, secondary
track or siding in which a roadway worker is notified by the Train Dispatcher through the
Block Operator that no trains will operate within the working limits established on that
track until the roadway worker reports clear of the track.
✔✔Inaccessible Track - ✔✔A method of establishing working limits on tracks not
controlled by the Train Dispatcher or Block Operator by physically preventing the entry
and movement of trains.
✔✔Job Breifing - ✔✔When reporting for duty, employees whose duties require
coordination with other employees must hold a job briefing to review operational and
safety conditions. If these conditions change, employees must hold an additional job
briefing to discuss the new conditions.
✔✔Roadway Worker - ✔✔An employee of a railroad, or of a contractor to a railroad,
whose duties include inspection, construction, maintenance or repair of railroad track,
bridges, roadway, signal and communication systems, electric traction systems,
roadway facilities or roadway maintenance machinery on or near track or with the
potential of fouling a track and flagmen and watchmen/lookouts responsible for their
protection.
✔✔Watchman/Lookout - ✔✔A properly equipped employee that has been annually
trained on roadway worker protection whose sole duty is to provide at least 15 seconds
advanced visual and auditory warning of approaching trains or on-track equipment to
roadway workers.
✔✔Working Limits - ✔✔A segment of track with definite boundaries upon which trains
may move only as authorized by the roadway worker in charge of that segment of track.
✔✔Limited Speed - ✔✔A speed not exceeding 45 mph.
✔✔Maximum Authorized Speed (MAS) - ✔✔The highest speed that is permitted over a
specific portion of the railroad, it may be authorized by the special instructions of the
current timetable, rules of the operating department or any other publication authorized
by the general superintendent - transportation
✔✔Medium Speed - ✔✔A speed not exceeding 30 mph, except in ASC territory, train
will be governed by speed displayed on the cab signal indicator not to exceed 40 mph.
✔✔Reduced Speed - ✔✔A speed at which a train can be stopped short of another train
or obstruction.
✔✔Restricted Speed (RS) - ✔✔A mode of operation, at which a train can be stopped
within one half the range of vision, short of the next signal, another train, obstruction,
