Free RSGB Foundation Licence Examination Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the RSGB Foundation Licence Examination practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1Which purpose is consistent with the nature of a UK amateur radio licence?

   1. A.Providing paid radio advertising
   2. B.Self-training in radio communicationsCorrect answer: B
   3. C.Dispatching staff for a business
   4. D.Selling airtime to local companies

   Explanation: The specification states: "Recall that the amateur licence is for self- training in radio communications and is of a non-commercial nature. Business use and commercial advertising is not permitted." Amateur operation has a non-commercial self-training purpose; advertising, business dispatch and paid airtime confuse amateur privileges with commercial services.

   Reference: Radio Amateur Examinations Specification — PDF page 9, Part Two, Foundation learning point 1A1

2. 2Which material is listed as a good electrical conductor?

   1. A.Glass
   2. B.CopperCorrect answer: B
   3. C.Ceramic
   4. D.Rubber

   Explanation: The specification states: "Recall that metals such as copper and brass are good conductors, as is carbon. Plastics, rubber, glass and ceramics are regarded as insulators." Copper is a conductor. Rubber, glass and ceramic are listed as insulators, so the options test material behaviour rather than unrelated properties.

   Reference: Radio Amateur Examinations Specification — PDF page 17, Part Two, Foundation learning point 2A1

3. 3What is the purpose of a radio transmitter?

   1. A.Send information using electromagnetic radiationCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Match the feeder impedance to a receiver
   3. C.Convert received audio into loudspeaker motion
   4. D.Recover information from incoming waves

   Explanation: The specification states: "Recall that the function of a radio transmitter is to send information from one place to another using electromagnetic radiation/wireless technology." A transmitter sends information wirelessly. The other answers confuse it with a receiver, matching network or loudspeaker.

   Reference: Radio Amateur Examinations Specification — PDF page 33, Part Two, Foundation learning point 3A1

4. 4Why is coaxial cable widely used to carry RF signals between radio equipment and an antenna?

   1. A.It carries equal opposing signals on two exposed wires
   2. B.Its screen removes the need for a matched antenna
   3. C.It has no loss at any amateur operating frequency
   4. D.Its screen helps reduce unwanted RF couplingCorrect answer: D

   Explanation: The specification states: "Recall the correct cable types to use for RF signals and that coaxial cable is most widely used because of its screening properties." The screen is the stated advantage. The other options confuse coax with balanced twin feeder or assume that screening eliminates mismatch or loss.

   Reference: Radio Amateur Examinations Specification — PDF page 46, Part Two, Foundation learning point 4A1

5. 5In the basic propagation model, how do radio waves normally travel between interactions with objects or atmospheric layers?

   1. A.In straight linesCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Following Earth's curvature at every frequency
   3. C.Following ionospheric layers at every frequency
   4. D.Following the antenna wire's shape through space

   Explanation: The specification states: "Recall that radio waves normally travel in straight lines." Straight-line travel is the normal starting model. Refraction, diffraction and reflection can change a path, but do not make the alternative descriptions the normal propagation rule.

   Reference: Radio Amateur Examinations Specification — PDF page 53, Part Two, Foundation learning point 5A1

6. 6What is the aim of electromagnetic compatibility between electronic devices?

   1. A.Make every device use the same frequency
   2. B.Give every transmitter the same power
   3. C.Require every receiver to use one antenna
   4. D.Avoid interference between the devicesCorrect answer: D

   Explanation: The specification states: "Recall that electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)" "is the avoidance of interference between" "various pieces of electronic equipment." EMC concerns equipment coexisting without interference, rather than identical operating settings or shared hardware.

   Reference: Radio Amateur Examinations Specification — PDF page 58, Part Two, Foundation learning point 6A1

7. 7Before making an initial call on an apparently clear frequency, what should an amateur do?

   1. A.Listen and ask whether the frequency is in useCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Transmit continuously until another station replies
   3. C.Assume silence means the frequency is unoccupied
   4. D.Call over any weak signals to reserve the frequency

   Explanation: The specification states: "Understand why one should listen on a frequency before calling and then ask if the frequency is in use." Listening and checking reduces interference to an existing contact, including a station that may not be audible during a brief pause.

   Reference: Radio Amateur Examinations Specification — PDF page 66, Part Two, Foundation learning point 7A1

8. 8A low-voltage battery supplies a very large current through an accidental short circuit. Which hazard does that large current create?

   1. A.Overheating and fire in the conducting pathCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Cooling because the short circuit bypasses the load
   3. C.No heating because the battery voltage is low
   4. D.Protection from heating because the path has low resistance

   Explanation: The specification states: "Recall that high voltages carry a risk of electrocution and high currents carry a risk of overheating and fire." A large current can overheat the conducting path and create a fire risk. Bypassing the intended load does not provide cooling; low supply voltage or a low-resistance short does not make a very large current harmless.

   Reference: Radio Amateur Examinations Specification — PDF page 73, Part Two, Foundation learning point 8A1

9. 9A Foundation licensee visits France. What does the UK Foundation licence alone authorise there?

   1. A.Operation using a French locator
   2. B.No operation under that licenceCorrect answer: B
   3. C.Operation below the UK power limit
   4. D.Operation on any UK amateur band

   Explanation: The specification states: "Recall that the licence does not permit use in other countries or their territorial waters or airspace." The territorial permission does not extend to other countries. A different locator, UK frequency or reduced power does not extend it.

   Reference: Radio Amateur Examinations Specification — PDF page 9, Part Two, Foundation learning point 1A1

10. 10Two lamps are connected in parallel directly across a battery. What is true of the potential difference across each lamp?

    1. A.The higher-current lamp has more voltage
    2. B.The lower-current lamp has no voltage
    3. C.Each receives half the battery voltage
    4. D.Each has the same potential differenceCorrect answer: D

    Explanation: The specification states: "Recall that the potential differences across items in parallel are the same." Parallel branches have the same potential difference. Sharing the voltage equally as halves confuses parallel and series connections.

    Reference: Radio Amateur Examinations Specification — PDF page 17, Part Two, Foundation learning point 2A2