The Train Driving Licences and Certificates Regulations 2010

(This Schedule substantially reproduces the provisions of Annex VI to the Directive) U.K.

1. TESTING THE BRAKES U.K.

Drivers must be able to check and calculate, before departure, that the train's braking power corresponds to the braking power required for the line, as specified in the vehicle documents.

2. TYPE OF OPERATION AND MAXIMUM TRAIN SPEED ACCORDING TO THE LINE CHARACTERISTICS U.K.

Drivers must be able to—

(a) take note of information given to them, such as the speed limits or any signalling changes,

(b) determine the type of running and the limit speed of the train on the basis of the characteristics of the line.

3. KNOWLEDGE OF THE LINE U.K.

Drivers must be able to anticipate problems and react appropriately in terms of safety and other performances, such as punctuality and economic aspects. They must therefore have a thorough knowledge of the railway lines and installations on their route and of any alternative routes agreed on.

The following aspects are important—

(a) operational conditions (changes of track, one-way running, etc.),

(b) perform a route check and consult the relevant documents,

(c) identification of tracks that can be used for a given type of running,

(d) the applicable traffic rules and the meaning of the signalling system,

(e) the operations regime,

(f) the block system and associated regulations,

(g) station names and the position, and distance-sighting, of stations and signal boxes and to adapt driving accordingly,

(h) transition signalling between different operating or power supply systems,

(i) speed limits for the different train categories driven,

(j) topographical profiles,

(k) particular braking conditions, for example on lines with a steep downward gradient,

(l) particular operating features: special signals, signs, departure conditions, etc.

4. SAFETY REGULATIONS U.K.

Drivers must be able to—

(a) start the trains only when all prescribed conditions are fulfilled (timetable, start order or signal, operation of signals if required, etc.),

(b) observe track-side and in-cab signals, interpret them immediately and without error, and act as specified,

(c) run the train safely according to the specific modes of operation: apply special modes if instructed, temporary speed restrictions, running in opposite direction, permission to pass signals at danger, switching operations, turns, running through construction sites, etc,

(d) respect scheduled or supplementary stops, and if necessary perform supplementary operations for passengers during these stops, notably opening and closing the doors.

5. DRIVING THE TRAIN U.K.

Drivers must be able to—

(a) know the train's position on the line at all times,

(b) apply the brakes for decelerations and stops, taking account of the rolling stock and installations,

(c) adjust the running of the train in accordance with the timetable and any orders given on saving energy, taking account of the characteristics of the traction unit, the train, the line and the environment.

6. ANOMALIES U.K.

Drivers must be able to—

(a) be attentive, insofar as train operation permits, to unusual occurrences concerning the infrastructure and the environment: signals, tracks, energy supply, level crossings, track surrounding, other traffic,

(b) know particular distances to clear obstacles,

(c) inform the infrastructure manager as soon as possible of the place and nature of anomalies observed, making sure that the information has been understood,

(d) taking into account the infrastructure, ensure or take measures to ensure the safety of traffic and persons, whenever necessary.

7. OPERATING INCIDENTS AND ACCIDENTS, FIRES AND ACCIDENTS INVOLVING PERSONS U.K.

Drivers must be able to—

(a) take steps to protect the train and summon assistance in the event of an accident involving persons,

(b) determine where to stop the train in the event of a fire and facilitate the evacuation of passengers, if necessary,

(c) provide useful information on the fire as soon as possible if the fire can not be brought under control by the driver acting alone,

(d) inform the infrastructure manager of these conditions as soon as possible,

(e) assess whether the infrastructure allows the vehicle to continue to run and under which conditions.

[F1 8. LANGUAGE TESTS U.K.

The language requirements are as follows—

(1) Drivers who have to communicate with the infrastructure manager on critical safety issues must have language skills in the language indicated by the infrastructure manager concerned. Their language skills must be such that they can communicate actively and effectively in routine, adverse and emergency situations.

(2) They must be able to use the messages and communication method specified in the [F2 NTSN relating to the ‘operation and traffic management’ subsystem of the rail system].

(3) Drivers must be able to understand (both listening and reading) and to communicate (both speaking and writing) according to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) established by the Council of Europe.]

[F3 (4) In this paragraph, “NTSN”, “subsystem” and “rail system” have the meanings set out in regulation 2(1) of the Railways (Interoperability) Regulations 2011.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Sch. 4 para. 8 substituted (1.1.2016) by The Train Driving Licences and Certificates (Amendment) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1798), regs. 1(3), 2(5) (with reg. 3)

F2 Words in Sch. 4 para. 8(2) substituted (31.12.2020) by S.I. 2019/677, reg. 2(22)(a) (as inserted by The Railways (Interoperability) (Miscellaneous Amendments and Revocations) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/318), regs. 1(2)(b), 4(1))

F3 Sch. 4 para. 8(4) inserted by S.I. 2019/677, reg. 2(22)(b) (as inserted by The Railways (Interoperability) (Miscellaneous Amendments and Revocations) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/318), regs. 1(2)(b), 4(1))