Texas Rail Safety Inspector Exam 2026: 100 Practice Questions & Answers — FRA & TxDOT Study Guide to Pass Your Licensing Test with Confidence

Texas Rail Safety Inspector Licensing Exam –
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Practice Questions And Correct Answers o o o o




(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
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1. Which federal agency primarily oversees railroad safety regulations in the
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United States?
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A. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
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B. Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
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C. Department of Transportation (DOT) o o o


D. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
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The FRA regulates railroad safety, enforcing standards under the U.S. Department
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of Transportation.
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2. What is the main purpose of a rail safety inspection?
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A. To repair defective rail cars
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B. To ensure compliance with federal and state safety standards
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C. To operate locomotives during service
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D. To manage rail freight operations
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Inspections verify compliance with established safety standards and regulations.
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3. In Texas, which state agency collaborates with the FRA to enforce rail safety
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regulations?
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A. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
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B. Texas Highway Patrol o o


C. Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
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D. Texas Public Utility Commission
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,TxDOT works with the FRA to oversee railroad safety and infrastructure within the
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state.
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4. What document must a rail safety inspector reference when assessing track
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safety standards?
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A. OSHA Code of Practice
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B. AAR Freight Rules
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C. FRA Track Safety Standards (49 CFR Part 213)
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D. EPA Rail Environmental Guide
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49 CFR Part 213 defines the federal standards for track inspection and
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maintenance.
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5. What is the maximum allowable deviation in track gauge for standard gauge
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track?
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A. 4 feet, 6 inches
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B. 4 feet, 9 inches
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C. 4 feet, 8½ inches ± ¼ inch
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D. 5 feet o



Standard track gauge is 56.5 inches; small deviations are allowed by FRA
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standards.
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6. What type of defect requires immediate action under FRA track safety
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standards?
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A. Minor ballast cracks o o


B. Broken rail o


C. Vegetation overgrowth o


D. Surface unevenness o


A broken rail poses a high risk of derailment and requires immediate repair.
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, 7. Which of the following is not part of a track’s superstructure?
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A. Rails
B. Fasteners
C. Ties
D. Subgrade
The subgrade is part of the foundation, not the superstructure of a track.
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8. How often must main track used by passenger trains be visually inspected?
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A. Every 14 days o o


B. Twice weekly o


C. Weekly
D. Monthly
FRA regulations require twice-weekly inspections for main tracks with
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passenger service.
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9. What is the purpose of ballast in railway track structure?
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A. Beautification
B. Electrical insulation o


C. Load distribution and drainage
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D. Track expansion o



Ballast supports the track, distributes load, and provides proper drainage.
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10. Which federal regulation governs locomotive safety standards?
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A. 49 CFR Part 200
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B. 49 CFR Part 229
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C. 49 CFR Part 243
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D. 49 CFR Part 217
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49 CFR Part 229 specifies locomotive inspection, repair, and safety requirements.
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