NORAC Study Guide 2025 updated
questions & answers
Automatic Block Signal System (ABS)
[NORAC p.1] - correct answer ✔✔ 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?
Return Movement
[NORAC p.6] - correct answer ✔✔ 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?
Distant Signal
[NORAC p.3] - correct answer ✔✔ What type of signal is used to govern the approach to a home
signal?
Home Signal
[NORAC p.4] - correct answer ✔✔ The signal that governs the entrance to an interlocking is
called what?
Main Track
[NORAC p.5] - correct answer ✔✔ What is the name of a track that is designated by timetable
upon which movements are authorized by ABS, DCS or interlocking rules?
Bulletin Order (BO)
[NORAC p.1] - correct answer ✔✔ What publication is used to inform employees of information
affecting the movement of trains?
,General Order (GO)
[NORAC p.4] - correct answer ✔✔ What publication is used to summarize changes to the
timetable and other instruction manuals?
Division Notice (DN)
[NORAC p.3] - correct answer ✔✔ What publication is published periodically which contains
instruction and information that does not affect the movement of trains?
An operation of the PTC system which allows equipment to be released from a positive stop.
[NORAC p.7] - correct answer ✔✔ What is the Stop Release function?
An electronic train control system which enforces Normal Speed, Temporary Speed Restrictions,
Stop Signals, or other conditions requiring a train stop. [NORAC p.6] - correct answer ✔✔ What
is a Positive Train Control System (PTC)?
A radio used on PTC equipped trains and fixed sites to send and receive PTC data updates and
information. [NORAC p.2] - correct answer ✔✔ What is a Data Radio?
A device mounted between the rails that transmits location specific information to trains
equipped with on board PTC apparatus.
[NORAC p.8] - correct answer ✔✔ What is a Transponder?
Slow Speed
[NORAC p.7] - correct answer ✔✔ What is the speed that does not exceed 15MPH?
Medium Speed
[NORAC p.7] - correct answer ✔✔ What is the speed that does not exceed 30MPH?
,Limited Speed
[NORAC p.7] - correct answer ✔✔ What is the speed that does not exceed 45MPH for
passenger trains and 40MPH for freight trains?
Normal Speed
[NORAC p.7] - correct answer ✔✔ What is the term used for Maximum Authorized Speed?
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] - correct answer ✔✔ What is
the fouling point?
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] - correct answer ✔✔ Whom should an employee consult if in doubt as to
the meaning or application of a rule or special instruction?
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] - correct answer ✔✔ What required books must employees maintain and
have with them on duty?
, 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] - correct answer ✔✔ When must a train crew notify the train dispatcher
before the expiration of their legal on duty period?
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] - correct answer ✔✔ Where must employees keep their switch keys?
The unauthorized use of an electronic device would interfere with the employee's or another
employee's performance of safety-related duties.
[NORAC Rule E p.11, Rule 716, p. 130] - correct answer ✔✔ Why is unauthorized use of
electronic devices prohibited?
Derailments, collisions, storms, washouts, high water, fires, obstructions to tracks, and any other
condition which could result in death or injury, damage to property or disruption of railroad
operations must be reported to the Dispatcher by the quickest available means of
communication.
[NORAC Rule F, p.11] - correct answer ✔✔ What unusual occurrences must be reported to the
train dispatcher?
Employees on duty in or about passenger stations or passenger trains are prohibited from using
tobacco while serving patrons or while in their presence. Smoking in engines, except in cabs, is
prohibited. [NORAC Rule H, p.12] - correct answer ✔✔ When is smoking prohibited?
When an employee passes a physical characteristics examination, the territory on which the
employee is qualified must be shown on the "Qualified for Service" page of the employee's
timetable, if provided.
[NORAC Rule C, p.11] - correct answer ✔✔ Where must employees show their qualifications?
questions & answers
Automatic Block Signal System (ABS)
[NORAC p.1] - correct answer ✔✔ 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?
Return Movement
[NORAC p.6] - correct answer ✔✔ 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?
Distant Signal
[NORAC p.3] - correct answer ✔✔ What type of signal is used to govern the approach to a home
signal?
Home Signal
[NORAC p.4] - correct answer ✔✔ The signal that governs the entrance to an interlocking is
called what?
Main Track
[NORAC p.5] - correct answer ✔✔ What is the name of a track that is designated by timetable
upon which movements are authorized by ABS, DCS or interlocking rules?
Bulletin Order (BO)
[NORAC p.1] - correct answer ✔✔ What publication is used to inform employees of information
affecting the movement of trains?
,General Order (GO)
[NORAC p.4] - correct answer ✔✔ What publication is used to summarize changes to the
timetable and other instruction manuals?
Division Notice (DN)
[NORAC p.3] - correct answer ✔✔ What publication is published periodically which contains
instruction and information that does not affect the movement of trains?
An operation of the PTC system which allows equipment to be released from a positive stop.
[NORAC p.7] - correct answer ✔✔ What is the Stop Release function?
An electronic train control system which enforces Normal Speed, Temporary Speed Restrictions,
Stop Signals, or other conditions requiring a train stop. [NORAC p.6] - correct answer ✔✔ What
is a Positive Train Control System (PTC)?
A radio used on PTC equipped trains and fixed sites to send and receive PTC data updates and
information. [NORAC p.2] - correct answer ✔✔ What is a Data Radio?
A device mounted between the rails that transmits location specific information to trains
equipped with on board PTC apparatus.
[NORAC p.8] - correct answer ✔✔ What is a Transponder?
Slow Speed
[NORAC p.7] - correct answer ✔✔ What is the speed that does not exceed 15MPH?
Medium Speed
[NORAC p.7] - correct answer ✔✔ What is the speed that does not exceed 30MPH?
,Limited Speed
[NORAC p.7] - correct answer ✔✔ What is the speed that does not exceed 45MPH for
passenger trains and 40MPH for freight trains?
Normal Speed
[NORAC p.7] - correct answer ✔✔ What is the term used for Maximum Authorized Speed?
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] - correct answer ✔✔ What is
the fouling point?
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] - correct answer ✔✔ Whom should an employee consult if in doubt as to
the meaning or application of a rule or special instruction?
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] - correct answer ✔✔ What required books must employees maintain and
have with them on duty?
, 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] - correct answer ✔✔ When must a train crew notify the train dispatcher
before the expiration of their legal on duty period?
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] - correct answer ✔✔ Where must employees keep their switch keys?
The unauthorized use of an electronic device would interfere with the employee's or another
employee's performance of safety-related duties.
[NORAC Rule E p.11, Rule 716, p. 130] - correct answer ✔✔ Why is unauthorized use of
electronic devices prohibited?
Derailments, collisions, storms, washouts, high water, fires, obstructions to tracks, and any other
condition which could result in death or injury, damage to property or disruption of railroad
operations must be reported to the Dispatcher by the quickest available means of
communication.
[NORAC Rule F, p.11] - correct answer ✔✔ What unusual occurrences must be reported to the
train dispatcher?
Employees on duty in or about passenger stations or passenger trains are prohibited from using
tobacco while serving patrons or while in their presence. Smoking in engines, except in cabs, is
prohibited. [NORAC Rule H, p.12] - correct answer ✔✔ When is smoking prohibited?
When an employee passes a physical characteristics examination, the territory on which the
employee is qualified must be shown on the "Qualified for Service" page of the employee's
timetable, if provided.
[NORAC Rule C, p.11] - correct answer ✔✔ Where must employees show their qualifications?
