The GCOR is the standard rulebook used by most major U.S. railroads west of the Mississippi River, including BNSF and Union Pacific. Mastering these regulations is non-negotiable for employment and safety. Transportation and safety professionals may also benefit from our G60 torch use certification practice test.

Free GCOR - General Code of Operating Rules Study Tools

Interactive GCOR - General Code of Operating Rules resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:

• GCOR - General Code of Operating Rules practice test — 100+ questions with instant scoring and answer explanations
• GCOR - General Code of Operating Rules flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
• GCOR - General Code of Operating Rules study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
• GCOR - General Code of Operating Rules cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review

Your primary investment is your time and commitment to studying. The railroad covers the financial costs, viewing your GCOR training as an investment in a safe and competent employee. Transportation and safety professionals may also benefit from our G60 torch use certification practice test.

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Start preparing today with our free, comprehensive GCOR practice questions and study materials. Build the confidence and knowledge you need to launch your railroad career.

Recertification is managed by your employer and is a mandatory part of maintaining your qualification. It ensures that every crew member is up-to-date on the latest operating rules and safety procedures.

Sample GCOR - General Code of Operating Rules Practice Questions

Try these questions from our free GCOR - General Code of Operating Rules practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.

1. A train is operating in CTC territory and stops at a control point with an absolute signal displaying 'Stop'. The crew needs to make a reverse movement just inside the block they came from to set out a car. According to GCOR, what is the first required action?

   • A. Obtain permission from the control operator before making any reverse movement.
   • B. Immediately begin the reverse movement at restricted speed, as it's within the same block.
   • C. Proceed through the stop signal, then initiate the reverse movement.
   • D. Wait for a more favorable signal indication before reversing.

   Answer: A. Obtain permission from the control operator before making any reverse movement.

   GCOR Rule 6.4.2 states that if a movement stops while the trailing end is between the outer opposing absolute signals of a control point, it must not change direction without permission from the control operator. Since the train is at a control point, permission is mandatory before reversing, even if the movement is within the same signaled block.

2. Before operating a locomotive, what must crew members do according to GCOR requirements?

   • A. Inspect the locomotive and report any defects to the proper authority
   • B. Obtain written permission from the dispatcher before boarding
   • C. Test the locomotive at full throttle for a minimum of five minutes
   • D. Sign a daily release form confirming the locomotive is fit for service

   Answer: A. Inspect the locomotive and report any defects to the proper authority

   GCOR requires crew members to inspect the locomotive before operation and report any defects to the proper authority to ensure safe operation.

3. According to GCOR, what must occur before a train exceeds 49 mph when operating with a distributed power unit (DPU)?

   • A. The DPU must be disconnected
   • B. Communication and control of the DPU must be verified as operational
   • C. Written authority must be obtained from the dispatcher
   • D. The train must reduce to 49 mph permanently

   Answer: B. Communication and control of the DPU must be verified as operational

   Before exceeding 49 mph with a DPU, GCOR requires verification that communication and control of the distributed power unit are fully operational.

4. When operating a locomotive with a defective sand system, what restriction applies under GCOR?

   • A. No restriction applies if the train tonnage is within rating
   • B. The locomotive must be the rear unit in the consist
   • C. Speed must be reduced to account for potentially reduced adhesion
   • D. The locomotive may not be used as the lead unit on grades exceeding 1%

   Answer: C. Speed must be reduced to account for potentially reduced adhesion

   A defective sand system reduces wheel-rail adhesion capability, requiring a speed reduction to account for the increased risk of wheel slip or slide.

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Official Resources

• Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) — the U.S. DOT agency that regulates railroad safety, including the operating-rules, conductor and engineer certification requirements that GCOR training supports.
• 49 CFR § 217.11 – Program of instruction on operating rules — the federal regulation requiring each railroad to periodically instruct employees on the meaning and application of its operating rules under a written program.
• BNSF Railway — one of the major western Class I railroads that operates under the GCOR and trains and recertifies its own train and engine crews on it.