NORAC 300 EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS GRADED A+ 2026
Absolute Block: - ANS A block that must not be occupied by more than one train.
Automatic Block Signal - ANS A block signal that is activated either by track circuit or in
conjunction with interlocking or controlled point circuits. This block signal automatically
indicates track condition and block occupancy.
Automatic Block Signal System (ABS): - ANS A block signal system in which the use of each
block is governed by an automatic block signal, cab signal, or both.
Block - ANS A length of track with defined limits on which train movements are governed by
block signals, cab signals, or Form D.
Block Signal: - ANS A fixed signal displayed to trains at the entrance of a block to govern use
of that block.
Blue Signal - ANS A clearly distinguishable blue flag, blue light or blue tag by day, or a blue
light or blue tag by
night. When displayed, it signifies that workers are on, under or between equipment
@COPYRIGHT 2026/2027 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED 1
,Bolt-Lock Switch - ANS A hand-operated switch equipped with a pipe connected locking
device that is designed to shunt the signal system before the switch points are operated.
Bulletin Order (BO): - ANS A publication used to notify employees of changes to rules,
procedures, or other instructions affecting the movement of trains. Bulletin Orders are issued
periodically by the designated officer.
Cab Signal: - ANS A signal that is located in the engine control compartment and which
indicates track occupancy or condition. The cab signal is used in conjunction with interlocking
signals and with or in lieu of block signals.
Control Station - ANS The Dispatcher's office or the location where the Operator is on duty,
from which remote control signal appliances or switches are operated.
Controlled Point (CP): - ANS A station designated in the Timetable where signals are remotely
controlled from the control station.
Controlled Siding (CS) - ANS A circuited siding in which both ends are controlled and
governed by signals under the control of a Dispatcher or Operator.
Controlled Signal: - ANS A fixed signal, capable of displaying Stop indication, that is controlled
by a Dispatcher or Operator.
Crossing at Grade - ANS Two or more routes that intersect at the same level. Crossing at
Grade may refer to a railroad or highway crossing at grade.
Current of Traffic: - ANS The assigned direction of movement on a Rule 251 main track, as
specified in the Timetable.
@COPYRIGHT 2026/2027 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED 2
,Derail: - ANS A track safety device, designed to guide a car off the rails at a selected spot as a
means of protection against collisions or other accidents.
Distant Signal - ANS A fixed signal used to govern the approach of a train to a home signal.
Division Notice (DN): - ANS A publication issued periodically by the designated officer, which
contains
instructions or information which do not affect the movement of trains.
Dual Control Switch - ANS A power-operated switch also equipped for hand operation.
Effective Locking Device - ANS A switch padlock that is vandal and tamper resistant, and can
be unlocked only by the class, group or craft of employees that applied it.
Electrically Locked Switch: - ANS A hand-operated switch equipped with an electrically
controlled device that restricts the movement of the switch.
Employee in Charge (EIC) - ANS A qualified employee responsible for establishing protection
for a roadway worker or roadway workgroup.
Engine (Eng): - ANS A unit or combination of units propelled by any form of energy and
operated from a single control, used in train or yard service. The word "engine" may also be
used to identify control cars.
Extra Train - ANS A Train not designated by a Timetable schedule.
Fixed Signal: - ANS A signal at a fixed location that affects the movements of a train.
@COPYRIGHT 2026/2027 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED 3
, Form D Control System (DCS) - ANS A block system, signaled or non-signaled, in which the
movements of trains outside of the yard limits is authorized by Form D.
Fouling a Track - ANS Being in such proximity to a track that an individual, tools or equipment
could be struck by a moving train or other on-track equipment, or in any case is within four feet
of the nearest rail.
Fouling Point - ANS 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.
Foul Time - ANS A method of establishing working limits on a controlled track when work will
not disturb the track or catenary structure in a manner that would prevent movements at
Normal Speed.
General Order (GO) - ANS A publication used to summarize changes to the Timetable and
other instruction manuals. General Orders contain revision pages and are issued periodically by
the designated officer.
Hand-Operated Switch: - ANS Any type of switch when operated by manual manipulation.
Push button or radio control operated switches are governed by the rules for hand operated
switches if the switches are not equipped with a signal or switch position indicator light.
Home Signal - ANS A fixed signal governing entrance to an interlocking or controlled point.
Interlocking (Int) - ANS : An interconnection of signals and signal appliances such that their
movements must succeed each other in a predetermined sequence, assuring that signals
cannot be displayed simultaneously on conflicting routes. Interlocking rules are in effect in an
interlocking.
@COPYRIGHT 2026/2027 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED 4
ANSWERS GRADED A+ 2026
Absolute Block: - ANS A block that must not be occupied by more than one train.
Automatic Block Signal - ANS A block signal that is activated either by track circuit or in
conjunction with interlocking or controlled point circuits. This block signal automatically
indicates track condition and block occupancy.
Automatic Block Signal System (ABS): - ANS A block signal system in which the use of each
block is governed by an automatic block signal, cab signal, or both.
Block - ANS A length of track with defined limits on which train movements are governed by
block signals, cab signals, or Form D.
Block Signal: - ANS A fixed signal displayed to trains at the entrance of a block to govern use
of that block.
Blue Signal - ANS A clearly distinguishable blue flag, blue light or blue tag by day, or a blue
light or blue tag by
night. When displayed, it signifies that workers are on, under or between equipment
@COPYRIGHT 2026/2027 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED 1
,Bolt-Lock Switch - ANS A hand-operated switch equipped with a pipe connected locking
device that is designed to shunt the signal system before the switch points are operated.
Bulletin Order (BO): - ANS A publication used to notify employees of changes to rules,
procedures, or other instructions affecting the movement of trains. Bulletin Orders are issued
periodically by the designated officer.
Cab Signal: - ANS A signal that is located in the engine control compartment and which
indicates track occupancy or condition. The cab signal is used in conjunction with interlocking
signals and with or in lieu of block signals.
Control Station - ANS The Dispatcher's office or the location where the Operator is on duty,
from which remote control signal appliances or switches are operated.
Controlled Point (CP): - ANS A station designated in the Timetable where signals are remotely
controlled from the control station.
Controlled Siding (CS) - ANS A circuited siding in which both ends are controlled and
governed by signals under the control of a Dispatcher or Operator.
Controlled Signal: - ANS A fixed signal, capable of displaying Stop indication, that is controlled
by a Dispatcher or Operator.
Crossing at Grade - ANS Two or more routes that intersect at the same level. Crossing at
Grade may refer to a railroad or highway crossing at grade.
Current of Traffic: - ANS The assigned direction of movement on a Rule 251 main track, as
specified in the Timetable.
@COPYRIGHT 2026/2027 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED 2
,Derail: - ANS A track safety device, designed to guide a car off the rails at a selected spot as a
means of protection against collisions or other accidents.
Distant Signal - ANS A fixed signal used to govern the approach of a train to a home signal.
Division Notice (DN): - ANS A publication issued periodically by the designated officer, which
contains
instructions or information which do not affect the movement of trains.
Dual Control Switch - ANS A power-operated switch also equipped for hand operation.
Effective Locking Device - ANS A switch padlock that is vandal and tamper resistant, and can
be unlocked only by the class, group or craft of employees that applied it.
Electrically Locked Switch: - ANS A hand-operated switch equipped with an electrically
controlled device that restricts the movement of the switch.
Employee in Charge (EIC) - ANS A qualified employee responsible for establishing protection
for a roadway worker or roadway workgroup.
Engine (Eng): - ANS A unit or combination of units propelled by any form of energy and
operated from a single control, used in train or yard service. The word "engine" may also be
used to identify control cars.
Extra Train - ANS A Train not designated by a Timetable schedule.
Fixed Signal: - ANS A signal at a fixed location that affects the movements of a train.
@COPYRIGHT 2026/2027 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED 3
, Form D Control System (DCS) - ANS A block system, signaled or non-signaled, in which the
movements of trains outside of the yard limits is authorized by Form D.
Fouling a Track - ANS Being in such proximity to a track that an individual, tools or equipment
could be struck by a moving train or other on-track equipment, or in any case is within four feet
of the nearest rail.
Fouling Point - ANS 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.
Foul Time - ANS A method of establishing working limits on a controlled track when work will
not disturb the track or catenary structure in a manner that would prevent movements at
Normal Speed.
General Order (GO) - ANS A publication used to summarize changes to the Timetable and
other instruction manuals. General Orders contain revision pages and are issued periodically by
the designated officer.
Hand-Operated Switch: - ANS Any type of switch when operated by manual manipulation.
Push button or radio control operated switches are governed by the rules for hand operated
switches if the switches are not equipped with a signal or switch position indicator light.
Home Signal - ANS A fixed signal governing entrance to an interlocking or controlled point.
Interlocking (Int) - ANS : An interconnection of signals and signal appliances such that their
movements must succeed each other in a predetermined sequence, assuring that signals
cannot be displayed simultaneously on conflicting routes. Interlocking rules are in effect in an
interlocking.
@COPYRIGHT 2026/2027 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED 4
