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Rules practice questions

28 questions from the amateur radio (technician) practice test.

Rules practice test

10 questions, graded as you go, with the reason for every answer. No sign-up.

What this covers

Sample questions

An operator's license expired 14 months ago and she has not renewed it. What is her situation?

  1. She can keep transmitting normally until the two-year grace period runs out
  2. She must pass the Technician examination again before a new license is issued
  3. She can transmit only on VHF and UHF until the renewal has been processed
  4. She can renew without retesting but may not transmit until the renewal is granted
Show the answer

D. She can renew without retesting but may not transmit until the renewal is granted

There is a two-year grace period in which an expired license can be renewed without an exam, but operating privileges stop on the expiration date. The grace period preserves the right to renew, not the right to transmit.

Reference: 47 CFR Part 97, 97.21

A candidate passes the Technician exam on Saturday. When may he first transmit on amateur frequencies?

  1. As soon as the examiners hand him the certificate of completion
  2. Ten days after the examination session, whether or not it is listed
  3. Only after a printed license document arrives from the FCC
  4. As soon as his license grant appears in the FCC license database
Show the answer

D. As soon as his license grant appears in the FCC license database

A first-time licensee has no call sign until the FCC grants the license, and the grant is official when it shows in the Universal Licensing System. The exam certificate alone gives a brand-new operator nothing to identify with.

Reference: 47 CFR Part 97, 97.5 and 97.17

Volunteers at a marathon are using names such as "Water Stop 3" on the air. What does the identification rule still require of each of them?

  1. Their FCC call sign every 10 minutes and at the end of the communication
  2. Nothing more, because a tactical name replaces the call sign at public events
  3. Their FCC call sign at the start of every transmission they make
  4. Only the net control station's call sign, given once each hour
Show the answer

A. Their FCC call sign every 10 minutes and at the end of the communication

Tactical names are allowed and useful, but they never replace the assigned call sign. Each station still identifies at least every ten minutes and when it finishes.

Reference: 47 CFR Part 97, 97.119(a)

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