Examination Practice Questions And

Illinois Locomotive Engineer Licensing Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of a locomotive’s dynamic brake system?
• Increase traction
• Reduce fuel consumption
• Slow the train using the traction motors as generators
• Maintain air pressure in the brake system

Rationale: Dynamic brakes convert the traction motors into

generators to slow the train without using the friction brakes, preventing wear.

• The minimum distance a train should be able to stop under normal

conditions is determined by: 1 / 4

• Maximum speed only
• Track length
• Locomotive braking capability and train weight
• Signal spacing

Rationale: Stopping distance depends on train weight, speed, and

braking system efficiency.

• Which signal indicates that a train must stop immediately?
• Approach signal
• Restricting signal
• Stop signal (red)
• Proceed with caution

Rationale: A red stop signal requires the train to stop before passing

the signal.

4. The Automatic Train Control (ATC) system primarily:

• Adjusts locomotive fuel efficiency
• Prevents overspeed by enforcing signal compliance
• Monitors crew alertness
• Reduces track maintenance

Rationale: ATC helps enforce safe operation by automatically

applying brakes if the train exceeds speed limits or ignores signals.

• A train engineer notices air brake pressure dropping slowly while en

route. The correct action is:

• Continue at the same speed 2 / 4

• Stop the train and investigate the leak
• Increase throttle
• Signal the next train

Rationale: A slow air brake pressure drop can indicate a leak;

continuing could lead to brake failure.

• What is “in-train forces” most affected by?
• Crew experience
• Train length, weight, and grade
• Fuel type
• Weather only

Rationale: In-train forces are primarily influenced by train weight

distribution, length, and grade, affecting slack and coupler stress.

7. When passing a stop signal at restricted speed, the engineer must:

• Maintain normal speed
• Proceed at restricted speed, prepared to stop within half the range

of vision

• Sound horn continuously
• Switch tracks immediately

Rationale: Restricted speed ensures the train can stop safely if the

track ahead is occupied.

• Which factor most increases the risk of derailment?
• Crew alertness
• Excessive speed through curves 3 / 4

• Locomotive type
• Fuel quality

Rationale: High speed in curves can overcome track superelevation

and lateral forces, causing derailment.

9. The function of the sanders on a locomotive is to:

• Lubricate wheels
• Reduce fuel consumption
• Improve traction by applying sand to the rail
• Clean track debris

Rationale: Sand increases wheel-to-rail friction, especially in wet or

icy conditions.

10. When switching locomotives in a yard, the engineer must:

• Operate without any restrictions
• Follow yard speed limits and signal indications
• Maintain mainline speed
• Ignore brakes

Rationale: Yard operations require reduced speeds and attention to

signals for safety.

11. The term “adhesion” refers to:

• Brake pad condition
• Friction between wheels and rails
• Coupler strength
• Track maintenance
• / 4