PracticeVideosBlogFlashcards
All Practice Exams

Free Practice Questions for Personal Track Safety (PTS)

Exam-style questions and explanations by OpenExamPrep.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card
100+ Questions
100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Exam Review

Key Facts: Personal Track Safety (PTS) Exam

2 years

PTS Competence Validity

Training provider course profiles

2.75 metres

Distance from Live AC Overhead Line Equipment

RSSB Rule Book Handbook 16

1.5 metres

Distance from Live DC Conductor Rail Equipment

RSSB Rule Book Handbook 17 Issue 6

1.25 m / 2 m

Position of Safety (100 mph or less / over 100 mph)

RSSB Rule Book Handbook 1

10 seconds

Minimum Time in the Position of Safety Before a Train

RSSB Rule Book Handbook 1

13 micrograms

Breath Alcohol Limit per 100 ml

Network Rail standard NR/L2/OHS/00120 (supplier policies)

Personal Track Safety (PTS) is the entry-level competence for going on or near the line on Network Rail managed infrastructure. It needs a Sentinel sponsor, a valid medical and drugs and alcohol record, online pre-learning and a theory and practical/verbal assessment. PTS is valid for two years, and recertification now needs recorded practice.

Sample Personal Track Safety (PTS) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Personal Track Safety (PTS) exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What distance from the nearest running rail defines the boundary of the 'Danger Zone' on Network Rail infrastructure?
A.Within 1.25 metres (4 feet) of the nearest rail (or within 2.0 metres on high-speed lines above 100mph)
B.Within 5.0 metres of any railway fence
C.Within 10.0 metres of any signal box
D.Within 0.5 metres of the rail web
Explanation: Under Network Rail PTS rules, you are in the Danger Zone if you are within 1.25 metres (4 feet) of a running rail (or within 2.0 metres if line speed exceeds 100 mph), unless standing in a designated Position of Safety.
2What is the minimum safe clearance distance required from live 25kV AC Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) under standard PTS rules?
A.2.75 metres (9 feet)
B.1.0 metre (3 feet)
C.0.5 metres (1.5 feet)
D.5.0 metres (16 feet)
Explanation: Under Network Rail PTS rules (Module AC), you must maintain a minimum distance of at least 2.75 metres (9 feet) from any live Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) or anything attached to it.
3What color of high-visibility clothing is MANDATORY for all personnel working on or near the line on Network Rail infrastructure?
A.High-visibility Orange (BS EN ISO 20471 / RIS-3279-TOM)
B.High-visibility Yellow
C.High-visibility Green
D.High-visibility Pink
Explanation: Network Rail standard RIS-3279-TOM mandates high-visibility ORANGE clothing for trackside work. Yellow high-vis is prohibited on track because it can be confused with yellow track hand signals or vegetation.
4Who is responsible for issuing a Safe System of Work (SSOW) briefing to track workers before going on or near the line?
A.The Controller of Site Safety (COSS) or Safe Work Leader (SWL)
B.The train driver
C.The nearest station ticket inspector
D.The recruitment agency administrator
Explanation: The COSS or SWL must conduct a thorough SSOW briefing before anyone accesses the track, explaining protection arrangements, hazards, positions of safety, and site boundaries.
5What safety device is used in an emergency to automatically trigger a red track circuit signal and stop approaching trains on track-circuited lines?
A.Track Circuit Operating Clip (TCOC)
B.Plastic cable tie
C.Wooden wedge
D.High-visibility armband
Explanation: A Track Circuit Operating Clip (TCOC) is clamped across both running rails in an emergency, short-circuiting the track circuit to place the protecting signal to RED.
6What is the minimum Position of Safety distance from a line where trains travel at speeds up to 100 mph?
A.1.25 metres (4 feet)
B.2.0 metres (6.5 feet)
C.0.5 metres (1.5 feet)
D.5.0 metres (16 feet)
Explanation: For line speeds up to 100 mph, a Position of Safety must be at least 1.25 metres (4 feet) from the nearest rail.
7What is the minimum Position of Safety distance from a line where trains travel at speeds between 101 mph and 125 mph?
A.2.0 metres (6.5 feet)
B.1.25 metres (4 feet)
C.0.75 metres (2.5 feet)
D.3.5 metres (11.5 feet)
Explanation: For high-speed lines between 101 mph and 125 mph, the Position of Safety must be at least 2.0 metres (6.5 feet) from the nearest rail.
8Under DC Conductor Rail electrification (750V 3rd rail), what is the minimum safe distance you should maintain from a live conductor rail unless stepping over it carefully?
A.Stay at least 300mm (1 foot) away from live conductor rails
B.Stay at least 2.75 metres away from conductor rails
C.Conductor rails carry no voltage and may be sat upon freely
D.Conductor rails are only live when trains pass
Explanation: You should avoid touching or stepping on 750V DC conductor rails and stay at least 300mm away unless approved protective insulation covers or isolations are in place.
9What action must you take if your Sentinel card is requested by an authorized Network Rail auditor or COSS on site?
A.Present your electronic or physical Sentinel card immediately for scanning and verification
B.Refuse to show the card unless paid a cash fee
C.Hand over a driver's licence instead
D.Inform the auditor that Sentinel cards are not required for track work
Explanation: You must carry your valid Sentinel card at all times when trackside and present it immediately upon request to prove medical, D&A, and PTS competence.
10What is meant by an 'Open Line'?
A.A line where train movements are operating normally and have not been stopped for work
B.A line that is under a total engineering block with no trains
C.A track that has been dismantled and removed
D.A pedestrian walkway inside a railway depot
Explanation: An 'Open Line' is a running line where train traffic is operational. Working on or near an open line requires approved protection arrangements (e.g. Lookout or Site Warden).

About the Personal Track Safety (PTS) Exam

Independent Personal Track Safety (PTS) study guide by OpenExamPrep. Covers track layout and signals, Sentinel, fitness for work, PPE, positions of safety, 25 kV AC and 750 V DC electrification rules, safe systems of work, safety-critical communications, emergency protection and reporting, based on RT3170 and Rule Book Handbooks 1, 2, 16 and 17.

Exam sponsor: Network Rail (PTS); Sentinel competence records. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Question count not published by the exam provider

Time Limit

Initial PTS (core, AC and DCCR) is typically a 2-day course after online pre-learning; recertification is typically a 1-day course

Passing Score

Not published as a single national pass mark; candidates must pass the online PTS pre-learning assessment and then a theory and practical/verbal assessment on the course

Exam / Certification Fees

Course fees are set by approved PTS training providers. Under Sentinel Scheme Rules v5.1 (rule 3.2.3), your Primary Sponsor pays for the training, assessment and recertification of Sentinel competences it uses.

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

PTS core

Getting to Know the Infrastructure

Track layout and terminology, signals, electrified lines, railway telephones and limited clearances (RT3170 chapter 1).

PTS core

Are You Fit for Work?

Medical fitness (NR/L2/OHS/00124), drugs and alcohol (NR/L2/OHS/00120) and fatigue (NR/L2/OHS/003).

PTS core

The Sentinel Scheme

Card validity, Primary and Sub-Sponsors, swipe-in and the green square, red triangle and blue circle symbols (Sentinel Scheme Rules v5.1).

PTS core

Going onto the Railway

Controlling access, all-orange PPE, road vehicles, on or near the line, walking alone, positions of safety, approaching trains and crossing the line.

PTS core

Walking in a Group and Working

The COSS and person in charge, safeguarded, fenced, site warden and warning systems, and the safety briefing.

PTS core

During the Work

Keeping to the safe system of work, tools and materials, and deviating from an authorised safe system of work.

PTS core

Communicating Clearly

Structured communication, phonetic alphabet, numbers, standard phrases, lead responsibility and emergency calls (HB1 section 9).

PTS core

Emergency Situations

Danger to trains, hand danger signals, track circuit operating clips, detonator protection and incidents on electrified lines.

PTS core

Reporting Your Concerns

Stopping unsafe acts, close call reporting and the confidential CIRAS service.

PTS AC module

AC Electrified Lines (HB16)

25 kV overhead line equipment, the 2.75 m rule, bonds, overhead line permits, emergency switch-off and rescue.

PTS DCCR module

DC Electrified Lines (HB17)

Conductor rail equipment and shoe gear, the 1.5 m rule, flooding, emergency switch-off, short-circuiting bars and rescue.

Preparing for the Personal Track Safety (PTS) Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Not published as a single national pass mark; candidates must pass the online PTS pre-learning assessment and then a theory and practical/verbal assessment on the course
  • Assessment: Question count not published by the exam provider
  • Time limit: Initial PTS (core, AC and DCCR) is typically a 2-day course after online pre-learning; recertification is typically a 1-day course
  • Exam / certification fees: Course fees are set by approved PTS training providers. Under Sentinel Scheme Rules v5.1 (rule 3.2.3), your Primary Sponsor pays for the training, assessment and recertification of Sentinel competences it uses. Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Personal Track Safety (PTS): Suggested Study Strategy

1Memorise the key distances: 1.25 m or 2 m for a position of safety, 2.75 m from live overhead line equipment, 1.5 m from live conductor rail equipment, and 10 seconds in the position of safety before a train passes.
2Learn the three limited clearance signs in Handbook 1 and what each means, including that a no refuges sign means refuges are on the other side.
3Practise an emergency call out loud: "This is an emergency call", who you are, where you are, the problem, the action needed, then a repeat-back.
4Know the protection steps: track circuit operating clip first where possible, then three detonators 20 m apart at 2 km (1 1/4 miles) if the signaller cannot be contacted.
5Check the handbook issues in force: HB1 Issue 9 until 5 December 2026, then Issue 10; HB16 Issue 7 and HB17 Issue 6 since 6 June 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Personal Track Safety (PTS) and who needs it?

Personal Track Safety (PTS) is the entry-level track safety competence for Network Rail managed infrastructure. Network Rail's guide RT3170 says it is required by people who go on or near the line (within 3 metres of a line) or carry out engineering or technical work on a platform within 1.25 metres of its edge. PTS AC and PTS DCCR are needed for lines with overhead line equipment and conductor rails.

What do I need before an initial PTS course?

Training providers require a Primary Sponsor who has created your Sentinel profile, a valid medical to NR/L2/OHS/00124, a negative Network Rail drugs and alcohol test within 3 months of the course, photo identification, the ability to read and communicate in English, and a passed PTS online pre-learning assessment.

How long is PTS valid and what is needed to recertify?

PTS is valid for two years. Providers allow an 8-week grace period after expiry to attend recertification. Under NR/L2/CTM/021 Issue 5, from 6 December 2025 PTS holders need 8 recorded practice requirements in the previous 24 months, with 4 in the last 12 months, recorded in the Sentinel Log Book.

What are the safe distances from AC and DC electrification?

Rule Book Handbook 16 says you and anything you hold must stay at least 2.75 metres (9 feet) from live overhead line equipment, pantographs and roof equipment unless an approved method statement applies. Handbook 17 Issue 6 sets 1.5 metres (5 feet) from live conductor rail equipment and shoe gear unless a method statement and electrical risk assessment apply.

What is a position of safety for lines up to 100 mph and over 100 mph?

Under Rule Book Handbook 1, a position of safety is at least 1.25 metres (4 feet) from the nearest line on which a train can approach where the maximum speed is 100 mph or less, and at least 2 metres (6 feet 6 inches) where the maximum speed is over 100 mph. You must be there at least 10 seconds before the train arrives.

What helmet colours are used on Network Rail infrastructure?

Only white and blue safety helmets are used. White is the standard helmet; blue is worn by newly qualified PTS holders during their learning support period, until they and their sponsor agree they are experienced, and by Track Visitor Permit holders who do not hold PTS.

Can a PTS holder work alone on or near the line?

No. Handbook 1 says you must never work alone unless you are a COSS or an individual working alone (IWA). A PTS holder may only walk alone when a COSS has said they can walk to or from a site where the group is working, or company instructions allow it; otherwise a COSS must be with the group and brief the safe system of work.