PracticeVideosBlogFlashcards
All Practice Exams

Free Practice Questions for Personal Track Safety (PTS)

Exam-style questions and explanations by OpenExamPrep.

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

Loading practice questions...

Exam Review

Key Facts: Personal Track Safety (PTS) Exam

3 metres

On or Near the Line (No Permanent Fence or Structure Between)

RSSB Rule Book Handbook 1

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

5 seconds

Look Up at Least This Often When Walking Alone

RSSB Rule Book Handbook 1

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. Your Sentinel card is only valid while your PTS is in date, and recertification needs recorded, endorsed 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 149+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1You are 2.5 metres from the nearest rail, with no permanent fence or structure between you and the line. What does the Rule Book definition mean for your access?
A.You are on or near the line.
B.You are outside the on-or-near area because you exceed 2 metres.
C.You are on or near the line only if a train is visible.
D.You are outside the on-or-near area if you stand in the cess.
Explanation: Source: RSSB GERT8000-HB1 Issue 9, effective 6 December 2025 §1. The on-or-near definition extends to within 3 metres of the nearest rail without a permanent separating fence or structure. It is different from the speed-dependent position-of-safety clearance.
2No special approved method or company instruction applies. How far must you and anything you hold remain from live AC overhead line equipment?
A.At least 2.75 metres in every direction.
B.At least 1.5 metres in every direction.
C.At least 1.25 metres in every direction.
D.At least 2.75 metres horizontally, with no vertical limit.
Explanation: Source: RSSB GERT8000-HB16 Issue 7, effective 6 June 2026 §4.1. The basic clearance is 2.75 metres in every direction, including from pantographs and associated roof equipment. A closer approach requires the specified authorised arrangements and precautions.
3Which clothing meets the Network Rail all-orange visibility requirement for someone working on or near the line?
A.Approved orange high-visibility clothing on upper and lower body.
B.An orange high-visibility vest over ordinary dark trousers.
C.Approved yellow high-visibility upper-body clothing and trousers.
D.Orange trousers with an ordinary dark waterproof jacket.
Explanation: Source: Network Rail RT3170, Issue 11, 2024 §4.2. RT3170 requires approved orange high-visibility clothing on both the upper and lower body. Other required PPE remains necessary.
4A group is about to go on or near the line to start work. Who must brief its safe system of work and confirm each person understands it?
A.The Controller of Site Safety (COSS) responsible for the group.
B.The lookout appointed to watch for approaching trains.
C.The site warden appointed to watch the safe-area boundary.
D.The machine controller responsible only for the plant movement.
Explanation: Source: RSSB GERT8000-HB7 Issue 10, effective 6 December 2025 §7. The COSS briefs the group before it goes on or near the line and confirms understanding. Other appointed roles do not automatically carry the COSS responsibility.
5What is the purpose of a track-circuit operating clip used by a trained worker in an emergency on a suitable line?
A.To operate the track circuit by connecting the running rails.
B.To disconnect the traction electricity supply from the running rails.
C.To apply the brakes directly on every train approaching the site.
D.To authorise the worker to remove other protection from the line.
Explanation: Source: RSSB GERT8000-HB2 Issue 2, effective 5 December 2015 §§3–4. A clip operates a track circuit by connecting the rails. It is one emergency protection measure, not a traction isolation or a guarantee that every train has stopped.
6A line has a maximum permitted speed of exactly 100 mph. What is the minimum distance from its nearest rail for a position of safety?
A.1.25 metres.
B.1 metre.
C.1.5 metres.
D.2 metres.
Explanation: Source: RSSB GERT8000-HB1 Issue 9, effective 6 December 2025 §1. The 1.25-metre minimum applies where maximum permitted speed is 100 mph or less. More space may be appropriate for the location, but the question asks for the defined minimum.
7A worker is 1.8 metres from the nearest rail of a line with a maximum permitted speed of 110 mph. Does that meet the minimum position-of-safety clearance?
A.No; the minimum is 2 metres, so the worker is 0.2 metres short.
B.Yes; 1.25 metres is enough at every permitted speed.
C.Yes; the clearance is adequate if the next train is moving slowly.
D.No; the minimum is 3 metres, so the worker is 1.2 metres short.
Explanation: Source: RSSB GERT8000-HB1 Issue 9, effective 6 December 2025 §1. Above 100 mph the minimum is 2 metres from the nearest rail. The shortfall is 2.0 − 1.8 = 0.2 metres; use the maximum permitted speed, not an estimate of an approaching train.
8No approved method, electrical risk assessment or closer-working precautions apply. What is the basic minimum clearance from live conductor rail equipment?
A.1.5 metres for you and anything you hold.
B.300 millimetres for you and anything you hold.
C.600 millimetres for your body, with tools allowed closer.
D.1.25 metres from the adjacent running rail.
Explanation: Source: RSSB GERT8000-HB17 Issue 6, effective 6 June 2026 §4.1. HB17 gives a basic 1.5-metre clearance from live conductor rail equipment. Closer working requires an approved method, electrical risk assessment and all specified precautions.
9You have arrived for work on managed infrastructure with a virtual Sentinel card. What must happen before you undertake work?
A.Present your card for the required pre-work checks.
B.Start work if the card image displays your photograph.
C.Ask a colleague to swipe their card for both of you.
D.Wait until the end of the shift to have the card checked.
Explanation: Source: Sentinel Scheme Rules version 5.1, July 2025 §§3.4.3–3.4.4. Both physical and virtual cards are accepted, but the individual must present their own card for checking before work.
10The COSS identifies the adjacent line as open during the briefing. How should a worker interpret that information?
A.Train movements remain possible on that line.
B.The line may be entered once the nearest signal shows red.
C.The line is available to the work group between timetable entries.
D.The line is safe to cross whenever no train can be heard.
Explanation: Source: RSSB GERT8000-HB1 Issue 9, effective 6 December 2025 §§4–5. An open line must be treated as available for train movements. The briefed safe system, including any authorised crossing arrangements, must be followed.

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

Providers commonly offer two-day initial and one-day recertification courses following required pre-learning; confirm included AC/DCCR modules and assessment timing for your booking.

Passing Score

Candidates must pass the applicable pre-learning, knowledge and practical assessments; no universal national percentage was established in the public sources reviewed.

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: Candidates must pass the applicable pre-learning, knowledge and practical assessments; no universal national percentage was established in the public sources reviewed.
  • Assessment: Question count not published by the exam provider
  • Time limit: Providers commonly offer two-day initial and one-day recertification courses following required pre-learning; confirm included AC/DCCR modules and assessment timing for your booking.
  • 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 149 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 being in the position of safety at least 10 seconds before a train arrives.
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.
4Emergency protection equipment is for trained, authorised staff under HB2. Review when a track circuit operating clip is suitable and the conditional detonator arrangements (normally three, 20 m apart, at 2 km); contact the signaller and follow the applicable instructions.
5Check the handbook issues in force: HB1 Issue 9 until Issue 10 comes into force on 5 December 2026; HB16 Issue 7 and HB17 Issue 6 since 6 June 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

PTS supports authorised access on or near Network Rail lines alongside sponsorship, fitness and safe-system arrangements. HB1 includes the line itself and locations within 3 metres without a separating permanent fence or structure; engineering or technical platform work within 1.25 metres of the edge is also covered. Check exceptions and task-specific AC/DCCR requirements.

What do I need before an initial PTS course?

A Primary Sponsor and Sentinel profile, a valid NR/L2/OHS/00124 medical, photo identification, effective English communication and passed PTS pre-learning. Confirm the workforce-specific D&A requirement: Issue 8 retains a negative test within three months before PTS training for the supply chain but removes that separate pre-course requirement for Network Rail workers. Other fitness and testing duties still apply.

When does PTS need renewing and what is needed to recertify?

Your Sentinel card is only valid while your PTS is in date, so check its status on your online Sentinel account. Record genuine competence use with the required endorsement, date, location and protection; a swipe-in alone is insufficient. NSAR Briefing 26 requires suitable endorsed experience for recertification. Provider summaries have transition dates, so confirm the course-date evidence requirement with your sponsor and provider rather than assuming one universal 8-in-24/4-in-12 count. A provider’s eight-week post-expiry admission window never authorises work with expired PTS.

What are the safe distances from AC and DC electrification?

HB16 sets a basic 2.75-metre live-AC working clearance in every direction, including anything held. Closer work needs the applicable method statement or company instruction and every specified precaution in place and followed. HB17 sets 1.5 metres from live CRE and shoe gear; closer work requires an authorised method statement and electrical risk assessment with all precautions implemented and followed. A clearance rule is not access authority.

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 rail of a 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.