Exam prep · UK
PTS Fit for work practice questions
Fatigue, working hours, medication, medicals, glasses, and zero tolerance of drugs and alcohol.
Updated 8 November 2026 for the latest Rule Book
Key rules
Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep to perform at their best.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §2.3
You must never work excessive hours or back-to-back shifts (double shifting).
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §2.3
You must not exceed maximum working hours; the limit is the shortest of the legal limit, the Managed Infrastructure requirement and the sponsor's limit.
Sentinel Scheme Rules v5.1 (May 2025) §3.4.8
The only exception to the 12-hour rule is where the Primary Sponsor has approved a risk assessment and suitable controls are in place.
Sentinel Scheme Rules v5.1 (May 2025) §3.4.8
You must report fatigue issues to your Primary Sponsor.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §2.3
You must tell your sponsor all your working hours.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §2.3
You must tell your Primary Sponsor about any medication you take or any medical condition that may affect your safety on the track.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §2.1
In a safety critical post you must declare any medication that may affect your safety using the medication declaration process.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §2.2
If you need glasses or contact lenses, this is shown on your Sentinel record and you must wear them.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §2.1
Contact lens wearers must always carry a spare pair of glasses.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §2.1
If you are asked to do something you are medically restricted from doing, you should explain why you cannot do it.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §2.1
Network Rail has zero tolerance of anyone attending work unfit through drugs, alcohol or other substances, and this is treated as gross misconduct.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §2.2
Sample questions
1. How much sleep do most adults need to perform at their best?
- 5 to 6 hours
- 6 to 7 hours
- 7 to 9 hours
- 9 to 11 hours
Answer: C. 7 to 9 hours
Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep to perform at their best, so set aside that much time for sleep. Being short of sleep reduces your alertness on the track, where a lapse can be fatal.
- 5 to 6 hours: Too little; this falls short of what most adults need.
- 6 to 7 hours: Still below the 7 hour minimum most adults need.
- 9 to 11 hours: More than the range given; the guide says 7 to 9 hours.
Source: RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §2.3
2. Your sponsor's maximum working hours are shorter than both the legal limit and the Managed Infrastructure requirement. Which limit must you work to?
- The legal limit
- Your sponsor's limit
- The Managed Infrastructure requirement
- Whichever limit is the longest
Answer: B. Your sponsor's limit
You must not exceed the maximum working hours set by law, the Managed Infrastructure requirement or your sponsor, whichever is the shortest. Here the sponsor's limit is shortest, so it applies.
- The legal limit: The legal limit is longer here, so it is not the one that applies.
- The Managed Infrastructure requirement: This is longer than the sponsor's limit, so it does not apply.
- Whichever limit is the longest: The rule is the shortest limit, never the longest.
Source: Sentinel Scheme Rules v5.1 (May 2025) §3.4.8
3. Who must approve a risk assessment before the 12-hour rule on working hours can be exceeded?
- The Primary Sponsor
- Your COSS
- The signaller
- Any sponsor you work for
Answer: A. The Primary Sponsor
The only exception to the 12-hour rule is a risk assessment approved by the Primary Sponsor, with suitable controls in place. This keeps one organisation responsible for your overall fatigue risk.
- Your COSS: A COSS manages site safety but does not approve this exception.
- The signaller: The signaller has no role in approving working hours.
- Any sponsor you work for: It must be the Primary Sponsor, not just any sponsor.
Source: Sentinel Scheme Rules v5.1 (May 2025) §3.4.8
4. True or false: once the Primary Sponsor has approved a risk assessment, you may exceed the 12-hour rule even before any controls are put in place.
- True
- False
Answer: B. False
The exception needs both an approved risk assessment from the Primary Sponsor and suitable controls actually implemented. Approval on paper alone is not enough to protect you from fatigue.
Source: Sentinel Scheme Rules v5.1 (May 2025) §3.4.8
5. Your doctor prescribes tablets that can make you drowsy. Who is it your responsibility to inform?
- Your COSS at the next briefing
- Your Primary Sponsor
- The signaller before going on the line
- Nobody, as it is prescribed medicine
Answer: B. Your Primary Sponsor
You must tell your Primary Sponsor about any medication or medical condition that may affect your safety on the track. Prescribed medicine can still impair you.
- Your COSS at the next briefing: Telling the COSS does not replace informing your Primary Sponsor.
- The signaller before going on the line: The signaller is not responsible for your medical fitness.
- Nobody, as it is prescribed medicine: Prescribed medicine can still affect your safety and must be declared.
Source: RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §2.1