Exam prep · UK
PTS Communicating clearly practice questions
Emergency calls, phonetic alphabet, saying numbers, repeat back and lead responsibility.
Updated 8 November 2026 for the latest Rule Book
Key rules
See all 25 key rulesIn an emergency, the first thing you must say when your phone or radio call is answered (including when reporting an accident) is 'This is an emergency call', to get immediate attention.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §7.3
'This is an emergency call' means the message gives information needing immediate action to prevent death, serious injury or damage.
GERT8000-HB1 Iss 9 §9.3
In an emergency call, check you are speaking to the right person, usually the Signaller or Electrical Control Operator (ECO).
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §7.3
In an emergency call, say who you are, what you do and where you are, then describe the problem and the action needed.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §7.3
An accident report must give your name, the exact location, details including whether lines are or may be obstructed, and which emergency services are needed.
GERT8000-HB1 Iss 9 §6.1
Make sure the other person repeats your message back to you, including emergency information.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §7.3
In an emergency call, give the Signaller or ECO your phone or radio call number so they can contact you.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §7.3
When communicating, make sure you are talking to the right person and give your location (on phone or radio), your name and employer/role, and the task you are performing; when a safety message is given both people must identify themselves this way.
GERT8000-HB1 Iss 9 §9.1
When receiving a message you must repeat it back so the other person knows you understood correctly.
GERT8000-HB1 Iss 9 §9.1
When receiving a message, ask for the other person's phone or radio call number.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §7.2
Use the phonetic alphabet to identify letters, spell difficult or misunderstood words, names and place names, when there is interference, when quoting signal or points identities, and for train descriptions (e.g. Euxton is 'echo uniform x-ray tango oscar november').
GERT8000-HB1 Iss 9 §9.5
The phonetic alphabet words are: alpha, bravo, charlie, delta, echo, foxtrot, golf, hotel, india, juliet, kilo, lima, mike, november, oscar, papa, quebec, romeo, sierra, tango, uniform, victor, whisky, x-ray, yankee, zulu.
GERT8000-HB1 Iss 9 §9.5
Sample questions
1. You find a broken rail and phone the signaller. The signaller answers. What must you say first?
- Your name and where you are
- Line blocked
- This is an emergency call
- Emergency, stop all trains
Answer: C. This is an emergency call
The first words of any emergency call, including an accident report, must be 'This is an emergency call'. It tells the listener that immediate action is needed to prevent death, serious injury or damage, so you get their full attention at once.
- Your name and where you are: You give your name and location, but only after the opening phrase.
- Line blocked: 'Line blocked' describes an obstructed line; it is not the opening phrase.
- Emergency, stop all trains: This is not the set phrase, so the signaller may not treat the call as an emergency.
Source: RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §7.3; GERT8000-HB1 Iss 9 §9.3
2. After opening an emergency call, which of these must you do? Select all that apply.
- Check you are speaking to the right person, usually the Signaller or ECO
- Say who you are, what you do and where you are
- Describe the problem and the action needed
- Give your phone or radio call number
- Hang up quickly to keep the line free for others
Answer: A. Check you are speaking to the right person, usually the Signaller or ECO, B. Say who you are, what you do and where you are, C. Describe the problem and the action needed, D. Give your phone or radio call number
In an emergency call you confirm you have the right person, usually the Signaller or Electrical Control Operator (ECO). You say who you are, what you do and where you are, then describe the problem and the action needed. You also give your call number so they can contact you.
- Hang up quickly to keep the line free for others: Hanging up early stops the message being confirmed and leaves the signaller no clear way to reach you.
Source: RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §7.3
3. You are reporting an accident to the signaller. Which details must you give? Select all that apply.
- Your name
- The exact location
- Whether any lines are or may be obstructed
- Your Sentinel card number
- Which emergency services are needed
Answer: A. Your name, B. The exact location, C. Whether any lines are or may be obstructed, E. Which emergency services are needed
An accident report must include your name, the exact location, details of the accident including whether lines are or may be obstructed, and which emergency services are needed. Knowing whether a line may be obstructed lets the signaller stop trains running into danger.
- Your Sentinel card number: Your Sentinel card number is not one of the required accident report details.
Source: GERT8000-HB1 Iss 9 §6.1
4. A fallen tree is lying across the line. You tell the signaller. Which words must you use to describe the line?
- Not clear
- Line obstructed, take care
- Line unsafe
- Line blocked
Answer: D. Line blocked
An obstructed line must always be described as 'line blocked'. You must never say 'not clear', because it can easily be misheard or misunderstood, and a train could be sent into the obstruction.
- Not clear: 'Not clear' is the phrase you must never use for an obstructed line.
- Line obstructed, take care: This is not the set phrase; it must be 'line blocked'.
- Line unsafe: This is not the set phrase; it must be 'line blocked'.
Source: GERT8000-HB1 Iss 9 §9.1
5. How must you say signal number 8107 over the radio?
- Eight, one, zero, seven
- Eight, one, oh, seven
- Eighty-one, oh seven
- Eight thousand one hundred and seven
Answer: A. Eight, one, zero, seven
Numbers are said one digit at a time, and 0 is always said as 'zero'. Saying each digit separately stops numbers being misheard, which matters when identifying signals.
- Eight, one, oh, seven: 0 must be said as 'zero', not 'oh'.
- Eighty-one, oh seven: Digits must be said one at a time, not grouped in pairs.
- Eight thousand one hundred and seven: The whole number must not be said; each digit is said separately.
Source: GERT8000-HB1 Iss 9 §9.1; RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §7.1