BNSF Conductor Practice Exam

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• When using hand signals during the day to indicate "Going Between Cars," what position should the arm nearest to the rail equipment be held?
• What action must a crew take if a semaphore arm is visible during an improperly displayed signal situation?
• What percentage of cars in a train must have operative brakes?
• How should a crew communicate their location to avoid delays when under a track bulletin Form B?
• What must be done with a blue signal at the entrance to a track?
• Which method is NOT valid for reporting clear of limits for a train without a crew member on the rear?
• How is movement authorized for a train moving against the current of traffic?
• How should standing equipment be secured to prevent undesired movement?
• When securing locomotives, what is the first step to take?
• What is indicated by the display of a yellow-red flag less than two miles before a restricted area?
• What conditions are crew members advised to look for when an adjacent train is passing?
• What speed must a train moving past a Stop signal authorized to proceed maintain?
• What should be done when a yellow-red flag is displayed two miles from a restricted area?
• What is the main purpose of a main track?
• Before entering a remote control zone, whom must employees consult to determine if the zone is activated?
• When stepping from between rail equipment, what should you be alert for?
• What must be communicated regarding the distance during shoving movements?
• When must a Class 1 air brake test be conducted?
• What is the requirement for loading open-top loads on flat cars regarding clearance restrictions?
• What should be done before reporting clear of limits using a hand-operated switch?
• When should a train inspector perform safety inspections according to GCOR Rule 1.33?
• In regards to shoving movements, what must be confirmed before initiating the movement?
• When is the whistle allowed to be sounded as a warning?
• Which of the following must a train ensure before crossing over to another main track?
• What actions should be taken when a train enters a block with no governing signal?
• What does a track warrant authorize under TWC limits?
• Under what condition is warning at a crossing not required?
• What is the correct action if the light used to signal disappears?
• What must happen when a red flag or red light is displayed?
• What must be done with movements entering designated points in restricted limits?
• Under what conditions can a train enter a track where CTC is in effect?
• What should be done to the brakes on any standing portion before detaching locomotives?
• What should a crew do if they receive new instructions that change their original route?
• What should a crew member do before crossing through a standing train or cut of cars?
• What is the purpose of a marker displayed at the rear of the train?
• What is the recommended body position when riding on a flat car before it moves?
• What must occur when the train approaches a public crossing at grade?
• When must a movement not foul a crossing with automatic warning devices?
• What is a requirement before a back up move can be requested or made by the crew?
• What is necessary before a train can enter a switch that is less than 1,000 feet beyond the Stop signal?
• What must be specified in the track warrant limits?
• What action is required before operating a switch near other moving equipment?
• What should crew members do if they observe a signal indicating a restriction?
• What should a train do when granted track and time and it encounters a signal displaying a Stop indication?
• What documentation is required for movements against the current of traffic?
• When conducting a back up movement, what must the crew ensure regarding the train’s integrity?
• What action should be taken if a mandatory directive is made void?
• What indicates that movements over a switch in HAND operation must display?
• What factors determine the minimum number of hand brakes to apply?
• What is required after locking a switch or derail?
• How should the air brake system be charged before conducting a test for a transfer train?
• What is the maximum speed when proceeding beyond a yellow flag without written restriction?
• When can you safely ride on a flat car that carries trailers or containers?
• When is a track warrant considered in effect?
• What is required before proceeding after adding cars during a transfer train movement?
• Which of the following is prohibited when riding a freight car?
• What is necessary to prevent movement when leaving unattended locomotives on auxiliary tracks?
• What must be ensured before operating a hand-operated switch?
• What denotes signal to stop when waved violently on or near the track?
• What is the required main reservoir pressure for freight locomotives?
• How should a crew member position themselves when getting off standing equipment?
• How should mandatory directives be transmitted to prevent errors?
• What should a crew member announce after confirming movement has stopped before going between rail equipment?
• What information must a crew member provide when reporting clear of track warrant limits?
• What determines the distance a train may travel before additional inspections are required?
• What is required for a train to pass a red flag according to track bulletins?
• What factors should be considered when determining whether to ride moving equipment?
• Who must be notified of dangerous conditions detected while inspecting a passing train?
• What must a crew member do at a signal displaying a Stop indication if no conflicting movement is evident?
• Which type of flag indicates when a train may be required to stop?
• How should a train proceed at a signal displaying a Stop and Proceed indication?
• What should be done if an employee wants to modify the time limit of track and time?
• Which of the following must be displayed on the trailing end of the rear car of the train?
• When should an employee attending a switch be positioned during a train approach?
• When is it appropriate to dim the headlight to allow the passing of hand signals?
• What is meant by multiple main tracks?
• Within yard limits, what must trains or engines obtain to use the main track?
• What must trains or engines do when they observe an approaching train?
• What must you check for when applying pressure to the brake wheel?
• Under what condition should the headlight be turned off according to Headlight Off Rule?
• What action must occur when a track bulletin Form B is implemented?
• Which of the following indicates that a train defect has been detected?
• What type of speed must movements within yard limits be made at?
• What does Rule 10.1 state about entering a track where CTC is in effect?
• What is the significance of specifying limits designated by a switch?
• What defines a double track system?
• What must a train obtain before passing a controlled signal displaying a Stop indication to enter track permit limits?
• What does Job Safety Briefing S-1.1 require?
• What must a control operator include when authorizing a train to occupy a track under Track and Time conditions?
• What should you monitor to ensure safe execution of brake operations on older hand brakes?
• What condition allows a train to bypass the 5-minute wait time at a spring switch?
• Which device is necessary on the controlling locomotive to qualify a train's air brake system using AFM?
• In the context of rail operations, what is considered the primary function of Job Safety Briefings?
• What must crew members do before acting upon a mandatory directive?
• Which is a necessary action before riding the equipment in an industrial area?
• Which statement is true regarding the movement of a train when given a track warrant?
• What is the minimum time a crew must wait after lining a switch before moving?
• What must a conductor do when a directive is received?
• What must be ensured by a crew member when a stop signal is displayed?
• In the Good Faith Challenge Procedure, what happens after a challenge is raised?
• What allows crews to leave equipment on the main track without protection?
• What is the requirement for a train to proceed from a Stop indication in CTC territory?
• What should be done if sticking brakes occur on a train?
• How often can track bulletins be changed?
• What should a crew member do if a safety device becomes defective en route?
• What must a train do if it slows to below 10 MPH while in a block indicated for proceed?
• How must inspections be performed according to safety inspection rules?
• Under what condition is the remote control operator relieved from providing protection during movements?
• What must the person in charge of the air brake test ensure before applying or releasing train brakes?
• What should crew members do if they receive a track warrant that is over four hours old?
• When may a crew member pass a signal displaying Stop and Proceed indication without stopping?
• Which of the following would NOT prompt a test of a spring switch?
• What does the acronym CTC stand for in the context of railroad operations?
• Which specialized device indicates a brake pipe pressure decrease to show that brakes are applied?
• What can happen if a remote control zone remains active after the end of a tour of duty?
• What should be done with an electronic device immediately after completing communication?
• When is a train required to stop clear of the switch while on the main track?
• What must a train on an adjacent track do when it receives notification of a train stopped ahead?
• Which of the following is a requirement for riding on a flat car?
• What must be confirmed for train movement after an air brake test is completed?
• How should equipment be positioned concerning clearance points?
• What must occur before fouling a crossing equipped with automatic warning devices?
• Under which condition must employees report malfunctioning automatic warning devices?
• Who has the primary responsibility for the operation and administration of a train?
• What action should be taken if the hand brake on the disabled rear car is inoperative?
• What must be done before moving cars or locomotives?
• What criteria must be met to keep the main track switch open in TWC territory?
• What is required for a train to occupy the main track between specific points as per track permits?
• What is required when a crew member releases track and time within the limits?
• What must be checked before giving authority to a train to enter a track at a hand-operated switch?
• What does a blue signal signify in relation to workmen?
• What factors determine the number of hand brakes to be applied when setting out cars on a grade?
• How long must a crew member wait after a stop if a signal does not provide a proceed indication?
• What is required for an Initial Terminal and Road Air Brake Test?
• Which electronic communication must not interfere with safety-related duties?
• What must trains do when operating under overlapping limits?
• When making reverse movements, what is the required speed on main track or controlled siding?
• When is a track warrant considered void?
• What must be confirmed by crew members before leaving a hand-operated main track switch?
• What action should be taken when the seal on an emergency release is broken and communication with the control operator has failed?
• What is required before lining a switch when there is equipment on the track?
• What must be done at road crossings when cars are shoved or a gravity switch move is made?
• When are you no longer required to warn other movements of an obstruction?
• What action should be taken if a train is stopped in a block system limit?
• What must a control operator do before authorizing a train to proceed past a stop signal?
• When is it allowed for railroad operating employees to utilize personal electronic devices?
• Under what condition may trains run with the current of traffic on designated tracks?
• In which situation is flag protection not required for a train on the same track?
• What action should be taken if an engine runs through a damaged switch?
• What should not be maintained in the brake pipe when locomotives are detached?
• What is required for movements entering or operating within yard limits?
• If a train’s speed is reduced below 10 MPH, what is it expected to do?
• What is the maximum number of air brake devices that can be cut out together in a train?
• What should be done with the headlight when stopped on the main track waiting for an approaching train?
• For freight locomotives, what is the brake pipe pressure during yard service?
• Who is responsible for the position of the switch or derail in use?
• Under what condition is it permissible to get on or off moving equipment?
• Who can perform inspections and air brake tests on freight cars?
• Which of the following is NOT a safety device that should be operational at all times?
• What is required of crew members when someone is going between or working on the end of rail equipment?
• When a yellow-red flag is displayed without written restriction, what must crew members be prepared to do?
• Which statement best describes a train’s authority under a track warrant?
• What must be done before proceeding over a dual control switch that is operated by hand?
• When handling switches and derails, what is crucial for the intended route?
• What must not happen while a switch is being operated?
• What do cab signals govern in terms of train movement?
• What must the normal position of a main track switch be?
• In ABS territory, after being authorized to enter signaled track, what must a crew member or switch tender do at the switch?
• What happens if an employee cannot contact the train dispatcher before the time limit expires?
• During which conditions must the headlight be dimmed when passing a public crossing?
• What must happen if a signal does not display a proceed indication after the switch is opened?
• What is the requirement when a block signal indicates reduced speed due to yard limits?
• What must a train do before passing a controlled signal displaying Stop indication if its movement is governed at an interlocking?
• What is the required speed for a train after it has stopped at a block signal displaying a stop indication?
• Under what condition can cars with defective air brakes be tagged?
• When movements are made under the provisions of Rule 6.6, which safety measure must be taken first?
• What must railroad operating employees not do while operating the controls of a moving locomotive?
• What are Yard Limits?
• Which action must a train take if men or equipment are fouling adjacent tracks?
• According to safety protocols, what is the most important element in performing job duties?
• In what situation can hand brakes on moving cars be operated?
• What action should be taken if communication between crews cannot be established?
• How should a two-person team arm the HTD device?
• What is the exception regarding excessive dimension equipment in track bulletins?
• What must all movements within yard limits be made at unless under favorable block signal indication?
• What must employees do if a signal fails to display its most restrictive indication?
• In moving equipment, what should employees avoid?
• What is required when transferring an active remote control zone to another operator?
• What must be in effect for movements against the current of traffic?
• Which signal must be given during the day to indicate that crew members are going between cars?
• What must crew members do before going between or working on the end of rail equipment?
• If additional instructions are not received during shoving movements, what must the crew do?
• In an air brake test, what is the required brake pipe pressure reduction to apply the brakes after notification?
• What is the main purpose of the track bulletin?
• What should you do if the switch points are fouled?
• What is required for both the conductor and engineer regarding the track warrant issued to their train?
• What action should be taken if a car's brakes do not remain applied during testing?
• In Centralized Traffic Control, what authorizes train movements?
• What is not considered when going between cars or locomotives according to safety protocols?
• When should yellow-red flags be displayed in relation to a Form B track bulletin?
• What actions can be taken if a Good Faith Challenge is unresolved?
• What should an employee do before returning a switch to the normal position?
• What must employees do with identification during uninterrupted communications?
• Which air brake test should be performed when rearranging locomotives in a consist?
• What is required for a locomotive to be left unattended on a main track?
• What instruction is given if the control operator cannot line a dual control switch?
• Which term refers to the length of track between consecutive block signals?
• What does a block system signify within ABS or CTC limits?
• Under what circumstance can a train operate against the current of traffic beyond signals?
• In CTC territory, what happens if there is a conflicting movement when a train receives a stop signal?
• What is an essential component of creating safety during remote control operations?
• How should crew members respond to specific instructions given via radio communication for train movements?
• What applies to movements against the current of traffic?
• What is the first step that an employee must take to operate a dual control switch by hand?
• What is the first step if a control valve needs to be cut out due to defects?
• What should a crew member do if the time limit shown on the track warrant expires?
• What is the main concept of the S-1.4.6 Three-Point Contact rule?
• When riding any type of tank car, which part of the car should not be ridden?
• What action must be taken if a conflict arises while entering a hand-operated switch?
• What must employees avoid when operating an electrically locked switch?
• What action should be taken if the air brakes on a car fail en route?
• What is the purpose of Track Warrant Control (TWC)?
• What is the purpose of interlocking in rail operations?
• Which of the following is a prohibited activity for railroad operating employees regarding electronic devices?
• When should locomotive safety devices be cut in and operating?
• What information does a general track bulletin provide?
• What is the primary function of a track warrant in railroad operations?
• Which of the following should be done if a hand brake is difficult to release?
• What must an employee do if they believe a directive violates railroad operating rules?
• Under which condition is a spring switch not required to be tested?
• Which item indicates a temporary speed restriction on a track?
• Before a control operator can authorize a train to proceed past a Stop signal, what must they confirm?
• When is it permissible to leave equipment on a main track?
• What must a control operator ensure before shifting blocking or marking devices?
• What should be done when track bulletins do not convey movement authority for passenger trains?
• What action must be taken if a train overruns a block signal that requires a stop?
• What must occur before permission is granted for a back-up movement?
• Which of the following is true regarding communication during shoving movements?
• Under which circumstance must the headlight be dimmed when stopped close behind a train?
• What is the control point in rail operations?
• In CTC territory, who must authorize any movement on the main track?
• What is a requirement for conducting an Application and Release Test?
• What is the key function of a block system?
• What happens if a switch is not cut off within 5 minutes after a train is lined and ready to proceed?
• What is the condition for releasing track and time to move in a specified direction?
• What must occur if a conflicting movement is stopped by the control operator?
• What should be done regarding clearances when riding equipment?
• Before coupling air hoses, what reduction should be made to the brake pipe?
• Which locomotive test is required after adding locomotives to a consist?
• What happens if the time limit for track and time expires and the employee cannot reach the control operator?
• What must be obtained before making a reverse movement on the track?
• When a train is entering a hand-operated switch, what is required for authorization?
• Which of the following conditions is NOT required to be checked during a freight car safety inspection?
• When trains consist of more than one unit, how many units should be illuminated as the identifying number?
• When must crew members refrain from going between uncoupled locomotives or cars?
• Who is permitted to operate the engine while in training?
• What must an employee do when moving between freight cars?
• When can a train be authorized to proceed through overlapping track warrant limits?
• What must a train do after stopping at a red flag or red light?
• What must crew members ensure regarding their subordinates?
• What should a crew member do if the whistle fails and is the lead unit cannot be changed?
• What is the normal position of switches connecting any track to a siding?
• After an inspection, how long must brakes remain applied during re-testing if they release prematurely?
• When inspecting passing trains, what condition must be reported?
• What precautions must crew members take if conditions are not covered by the rules?
• What is the maximum allowed speed for freight trains while engaged in shoving movements?
• If a block signal requires restricted speed due to yard limits, what must the movement be at that signal?
• What speed must a train proceed at when moving past a Stop signal that has been authorized to move?
• During the Locomotive Air Brake Test, what should be done after observing brakes apply on each locomotive?
• What must a crew member do before initiating movement on a main track?
• What should employees acknowledge during radio communications?
• How should angle cocks be maintained during train operations?
• What action must be taken if the rolling equipment to be protected includes locomotives?
• What indicates that at least 95 percent of the train's cars have operative brakes?
• What must a crew member do to test a spring switch before a train or engine makes a facing point movement over it?
• Which of the following is NOT a requirement when issuing track warrants?
• What must be done before track and time is granted for jointly occupied limits?
• Regarding the leaving of equipment in signal systems, what is strictly prohibited?
• What is the consequence if a track warrant restricts movement according to the dispatcher?
• When can a track bulletin be issued to change a general order or special instruction?
• What does a Trackside Warning Detector indicate?
• What situations require railroad operating employees to have electronic devices turned off and out of sight?
• What is the first step in conducting an Application and Release Test?
• What establishes the authority for operating under mandatory directives?
• What is the required sequence for applying blue signal protection on tracks other than the main track?
• What must be done if the clearance between uncoupled locomotives or cars is less than 50 feet?
• What should be inspected on the angle cocks during an air brake test?
• What is required if a train approaches an unattended fusee burning on its track?
• What should an employee do when notified of malfunctioning automatic warning devices?
• What is a necessary action when removing blue signal protection from a locomotive?
• How are trains typically identified according to the Engine Identifying Number Rule?
• What should be done with freight cars that exhibit defects making them unsafe for movement?
• What happens after an emergency switch is activated at the end of the train?
• What should a train crew do immediately after overrunning a stop signal?
• What conditions must be verified before a back up movement on a main track can occur?
• What distance should an employee maintain from the switch stand when lining the switch?
• Which guideline applies to Footing (S-1.5.3)?
• Where does authority extend when a station name designates the first named point in track warrant limits?
• What is the first action a control operator must take before granting track and time?
• What is indicated by the phrase "WORK BETWEEN" in the context of track warrants?
• What is required from crew members in terms of communication regarding safe operation of the train?
• Which term refers to interconnected signal appliances?
• In which scenario is the use of electronic devices by railroad operating employees permitted?
• What should be done if a portion of a train is left on the main track temporarily?
• What is the first step to apply a vertical wheel brake?
• What must a conductor do when a train approaches a restricted area?
• What is the procedure when detaching locomotives from a train?
• When can a personal calculator or timepiece be utilized during railroad operations?
• What is the purpose of recording specific points on the track warrant form?
• When going between cars or locomotives, what is required before starting work?
• What does the Automatic Block Signal System (ABS) consist of?
• What happens if the air brake system on a train is overcharged?
• What action should a conductor take if a freight car has two bad order tags?
• What should be regarded as the most restrictive indication if a signal is improperly displayed or absent?
• When should locomotives precede movement on tracks affected by snow and ice?
• What is the term for the movement of trains in one direction on a main track?
• During snowplow operations, how many authorities may be used by maintenance and train crew members?
• What is defined as a block or interlocking signal without a number plate?
• What action must be taken if the person giving the signal to back a train disappears?
• Who holds responsibility for crew member safety according to Duties of Crew Members Rule?
• When operating on multiple main tracks, how are the tracks designated?
• What should be done if a crew member receives a stop signal during an inspection?
• How can a challenge to a directive ultimately be resolved?
• When should crossover switches be left lined in the normal position?
• What must crew members do once they receive instructions from the employee in charge regarding a track bulletin Form B?
• When must crew members act if the engineer fails to comply with a signal indication?
• How is a train defined in rail terminology?
• In the case of a Class 1 air brake test, what must be observed?
• What is required for the operation of electrically locked switches or derails?
• What must be done before taking a photograph of a safety hazard with a personal camera?
• What is the purpose of a derail placed near rolling equipment?
• Which condition allows the ringing of the engine bell?
• What does a "STOP" in the Stop column of the Track Bulletin Form B indicate?
• What should you do if you need to ride on the exterior of an engine?
• When passing a signal requiring movement at restricted speed, what must the train do until its leading wheels pass the next governing signal?
• What is a key responsibility of employees during switching operations?
• If a fusee is burning beyond the first rail of an adjacent track, what is the appropriate action?
• What should be done if track conditions are unclear due to debris?
• Which of the following terms describes the directionality of traffic on two main tracks?
• What does the term "marking" refer to in the context of train operation?
• How should protection be provided when workmen are on a main track?
• When releasing hand brakes not equipped with a release lever, how should one grip the wheel?
• Under what condition does restricted speed not apply for trains backing up?
• What should one expect concerning the Movement of Equipment (S-1.6.1)?
• Which of the following is NOT a condition under which railroad operating employees can use electronic devices?
• What must crew members refrain from doing when going between rail equipment?
• What is the minimum distance employees should stop from a switch stand before attempting to operate it?
• What is required if a train is to meet an opposing train on the main track?
• Which of the following conditions requires a crew member to provide protection against possible movement of a standing train?
• Under what condition are certain trains exempt from visual inspection after an emergency brake application?
• The headlight turning off rule applies when the train is what?
• What is the role of the train dispatcher before a train crosses over to another main track?
• If a locomotive is not coupled to rail equipment, what must a crew member do?
• What device can be used to check if the brake pipe pressure is restored during an air brake test?
• What should you do to ensure safety when crossing over the ends of intermodal cars?
• What hazard should be guarded against when adjusting to walkway conditions?
• Which of the following statements is true concerning the use of railroad supplied electronic devices?
• What is required before a train can enter Track Bulletin Form B limits from any location other than the start?
• What does the term "proceed indication" refer to?
• What must crewmembers do at the initial station before departing?
• What is the primary responsibility of the crew regarding the inspection and testing of brake equipment?
• What is the minimum safe distance employees must maintain from a main track switch during train movements?
• Which of the following describes a Yard?
• What is the maximum speed allowed for moving a train short distances to complete a visual inspection?
• When shoving movements occur, what is the maximum speed allowed over a crossing?
• What should you do if an obstruction is detected on the main track or controlled siding?
• What does the "B" end of a freight car indicate?
• How must the dispatcher validate the track warrant after it is repeated?
• What does a block signal govern?
• What should be done with the headlight when a train is left unattended on a main track in non-signaled territory?
• What dictates the allowances for riding on equipment with clearances?
• What should a crew member do when getting off moving equipment?
• What must be done with a defective switch until it has been inspected and repaired?
• What speed limit must be followed when moving at restricted speed?
• What should be done if there is no written specification for a yellow flag restriction?
• What should you do before proceeding to ride on moving equipment?
• Which of the following is a scenario that necessitates moving at restricted speed?
• What is a recommended action if hand brakes are required but cannot be tested?
• In inclement weather, what is allowed during the inspection of passing trains?
• What is the appropriate action when loading luggage onto a locomotive?
• Under what condition can a crew move a train into a main track outside yard limits against the current of traffic?
• What action must be taken if the movement is to be made into or within yard limits?
• What must be stated when crew members report clear of track warrant limits?
• According to the Dimming Headlight Rule, when should headlights be dimmed when approaching the head end of a train at night?
• What must be done if a hand brake is applied to determine operational brakes in a locomotive?
• When a train approaches a Stop and Proceed indication, what can it do without stopping?
• What does the employee do after receiving the track warrant summary from the train dispatcher?
• If a locomotive is not coupled to the rail equipment, what must a crew member do before going between?
• How should crew members acknowledge a radio notification regarding going between cars?
• When identifying wheel numbers on cars, from which end should you start?
• What is the maximum allowable brake pipe leakage in the Locomotive Air Brake Test?
• When may a train comply with the next signal's indication?
• Which characteristic is important for hand holds and stirrups when riding on moving equipment?
• What should a crew member announce or signal when going between cars or locomotives?
• In what position should the selector lever be placed to operate a dual control switch by hand?
• Which of the following defines an 'electronic device' in the context of railroad safety rules?
• What should crew members do when inspecting a passing train when the train is stopped?
• When workmen are on, under, or between an engine or rolling equipment, where must a blue signal be attached?
• What does the Good Faith Challenge Rule allow an employee to do?
• What is required for movements to enter the main track in Track Permit Territory?
• Which condition allows a main track switch to remain open?
• What must be done after a hand-operated dual control switch returns to power operation?
• What is the "Designated Review Manager" responsible for?
• What does a block signal that indicates proceed signify for a crew member?
• Which devices are referred to for indicating when power is off?
• Who is responsible for ensuring compliance with track bulletins?
• What is the primary role of a remote control operator during movements?
• Which document must reflect information regarding cars with air brakes cut out?
• Which of the following is a requirement concerning shoving checks?
• Under which condition may a track warrant not be issued to protect men or equipment?
• What position must the retaining valves be in during an initial terminal and road air brake test?
• What is the first step before going between rail equipment on any track according to safety guidelines?
• When can a train leave the main track while the seal on an emergency release is broken?
• What is the purpose of confirming the switch's position?
• When must a crew member verify that a drawbridge is in the proper position?