Part A+ Exam

Question 1

What are the rules about excepting someone in the cab

Answer 1

Must have valid cab pass
Ask reason for access
Must have phone off
Ask not to distract

Some pass holders may not be permitted if you are PQA or on an operational plan

Question 2

List the different cab passes and who can hold them

Answer 2

Green = driver authorised to advise and instruct
Blue = competent person
Yellow = passed in PTS
Red = visitor must be accompanied by blue or green
Black = other TOC/FOC route learner
Purple = not passed in PTS

Question 3

Explain EMRs rules on use of DRA at stop boards

Answer 3

If your train is stopping waiting instruction at a stop board you must set DRA
If you are only stopping to acknowledge the stop board but already have movement authority you don’t need to set DRA

Question 4

Explain the 20/20 rule

Answer 4

Aim to be travelling at no more than 15-20mph at least 200y from a red signal, stopping at least 20m from the signal
AWS market and warning can be used as a guide but be aware some AWS magnets are positioned closer than 200y

Question 5

How would you approach a stop car marker at the end of the platform which is closer than 20m away from the signal

Answer 5

Follow normal 20/20 rule but continue slowing down so that when you’re 20m from the signal you are at walking pace to continue up to the stop car marker

Question 6

What are the drivers policy rules regarding permissive working

Answer 6

An associated subsidiary or position light signal will signal you past a main aspect at danger into a platform permissively
You should never assume where you’re going to stop
Max speed 10mph
Stop at least 2m from the train in-front

Question 7

What can you do/use to make sure you don’t miss a stop (fail to call)

Answer 7

Make sure you have the correct diagram.
Highlight station stops
Check stops with the guard
Use risk trigger commentary
Place diagram where it is easily visible
When approaching a breaking point, check diagram to see if you’re stopping
Use 20/20 rules if coming up to a red
Know of low adhesion
Use short journey concept to prioritise your actions

Question 8

What’s EMRs policy for stopping at ground position lights

Answer 8

Approach as you would a main aspect signal stopping 20m from signal
If you need to get closer, to operate track circuits approach from 20m with extreme caution stopping with the signal still in view
Work signal to signal
Confirm the signal is correct for your line
If you’re not sure ask
For a signal to be off both white lights must show at 45 degrees. Report defective bulb asap

Question 9

What are the rules for stopping beyond a ground position light

Answer 9

When stopping behind a signal to change ends, try and stop 20m away from the signal

Question 10

What’s the target speed at the ramp of a occupied or terminal station platform

Answer 10

10mph

Question 11

What are the 4 steps of risk based commentary

Answer 11

Recognise the risk
Verbalise the risk
Perform a physical action
Reconfirm the action and risk

Question 12

What steps could you take when passing a yellow signal to keep the info in your memory

Answer 12

Take positive action
Reduce power
Aim for 20/20 rule
Use risk trigger commentary
Use DRA inline with rule book

Question 13

What are the rules on PQA drivers route conducting

Answer 13

PQA 1 or 2 drivers are not authorised to route conduct

Question 14

Explain TPWS intervention and activation

Answer 14

Intervention is where the driver has made no changes to speed and TPWS has applied the brakes

Activation is where the driver has taken steps to reduce speed but not done enough in time and TPWS has applied the brakes

Question 15

Explain good, expected and reportable rail head conditions

Answer 15

Good = rail adhesion condition is good
Expected = rail adhesion is no worse than expected
Reportable = rail adhesion is worse than expected

You must report immediately if you experience reportable rail adhesion

Question 16

List the different modules for the EMR rule book appendix

Answer 16

Train Drivers Policy
AC module
G1 general safety responsibilities
Module 3 braking instructions, autumn winter techniques
TW1 preparation and movement of train
TW5 preparation and movement of trains DOTE

Question 17

What are the rules for passenger trains travelling over hand operated points in the facing direction

Answer 17

No passenger train should travel over hand operated facing points without confirming the have been clamped and secured

Question 18

Who is authorised to drive trains

Answer 18

A qualified driver, trainer or assessor who has been passed as competent to drive that type of train

An authorised person under the direct supervision of an assessor, instructor or a driver who is qualified to instruct

Question 19

Explain why, when and how we carry out running brake tests

Answer 19

Why = to test the brakes, get a feel for there operation and confirm they are working sufficiently

When = should be carried out before we get to our first stopping point
Before the first restrictive signal
Before a speed reduction

How = select a suitable brake position to see a noticeable drop in speed (10mph min) observe brake cylinders.
On the depot, do rbt as soon as safe to do so to feel brake retardation
During falling or unbroken snow, max speed is 100mph, reduce permissible speed by 10mph with minimum speed of 50mph
Perform RBT every 3-5 mins.

Question 20

What are the rules for braking under poor rail head adhesion

Answer 20

Brake earlier
Select a braking point suitable for conditions
If wheel slide, leave brakes in and let WSP operate
Resist temptation to release and reapply brakes

Question 21

What type of devices are covered by the EMR PED policy

Answer 21

Mobile phones, smart watches, tablets and media players

Company issue, mobile phone or tablet issued by EMR and authorised to use for operational proposes in line with ped policy

Non company issue, mobile phones, tablets, smart watches of media players not issued by EMR

Question 22

Why does EMR have a PED policy

Answer 22

To manage the risk of distraction and resulting incidents from the ever increasing use of PEDs

Question 23

What is the PED policy while booking on for duty

Answer 23

PEDs must not be used during booking on process due to distractions

A mobile phone can only be used to contact the resource centre if the fixed phone lines are faulty

Company issued PEDs can only be used in accordance with agreed procedures for electronic booking on

Question 24

What is the PED policy regarding walking to the train

Answer 24

When driver has left the booking on point to walk to train PEDs must be switched off

Smartwatches must be switched off before safety critical duties are started

Smartwatches must not be used for train timekeeping

Question 25

What is the PED policy when driving a train

Answer 25

All PEDs must be switched off and placed out of sight and reach of driver

Mobile phone may be used in emergency’s once train is at a stand and secured

Question 26

What is the PED policy for preparation / disposal and fault finding

Answer 26

Preparation and disposal

PEDs must be switched off

Mobile phone can be used during prep if you need to speak to EMCC for fault reporting or diagnosis

Fault finding

Alll PEDs must be switched off, a mobile phone may be used for fault finding when the train is stationary and secure
Mobile phone may be used to contact EMCC for fault finding when lineside only when in a position of safety

Question 27

While driving in thick fog you lose sight of the semaphore distant signal. What are your actions

Answer 27

Apply breaks and reduce speed. Adjust driving as if the next home signal is going to be on.