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Transport & StorageISCO 8311

Train driver

A train driver is a person who drives the trains that carry passengers or freight, and who answers fully for the safety of those passengers and that cargo.

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Rate 5 of the 23 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

check train engines

focus on passengers

monitor train schedules

shunt outbound loads

mark differences in colours

About train driver

The driver operates the vehicle safely, respecting all the relevant safety, operating and communication regulations, and controls the movement of the train within them, following signals, the set route and the timetable. The driver keeps train movements in line with the schedule and, on passenger services, stays focused on the safety and needs of passengers.

The driver cooperates and communicates with the relevant staff of the infrastructure manager and with the on-board crew, passing on and confirming instructions about the movement of the train, for example from the signaller.

The driver inspects the condition of the engines before and during a journey and ensures the train is maintained, reporting any faults found. The job also has specific physical requirements: distinguishing differences in colour, which signalling depends on, remaining seated for long periods, and staying alert over long hours of driving. A train driver's licence and certificate are required under national railway transport law, together with medical and psychological fitness checks.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (23)

locomotive brake applicationslocomotive brake applicationsThe dynamics of locomotive brake applications.train operating procedurestrain operating proceduresThe different practices, routines, and procedures regarding the safe operation of trains in order to prevent collisions, derailments, or unplanned exceeding of speed limits.physical characteristics of railwaysphysical characteristics of railwaysFamiliar with all physical aspects of the railway, including train stations, the incline and decline of the right-of-way and speed limits.passenger transport regulationspassenger transport regulationsThe applicable conventions and regulations governing the provision of passenger transport services.track geometrytrack geometryThe 3D-geometry used for track layouts, and in the design and construction of railway infrastructure.check train enginescheck train enginesEnsure that train engines comply with regulations before commencing a journey.focus on passengersfocus on passengersTransport passengers to their destination in a safe and timely fashion. Provide appropriate customer service; inform passengers in the event of unexpected situations or other incidents.communicate with customerscommunicate with customersRespond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require.monitor train schedulesmonitor train schedulesEnsure train schedules are followed by monitoring and regulating train dispatch and arrival, in order to avoid schedule mismatches.shunt outbound loadsshunt outbound loadsShunt outbound freight loads to and from inbound and outbound trains.mark differences in coloursmark differences in coloursIdentify differences between colours, such as shades of colour.teach train driving principlesteach train driving principlesProvide on-site trainings to trainees on how to operate and drive trains. Instruct them in theories and techniques on matters such as control panels, security signs, security measures, and procedures ...ensure trains run to scheduleensure trains run to scheduleEnsure the timely arrival of trains at their destinations in compliance with railway schedules.shunt rolling stock in marshalling yardsshunt rolling stock in marshalling yardsShunt rolling stock to form trains in marshalling yards.adjust weight of cargo to capacity of freight transport vehiclesadjust weight of cargo to capacity of freight transport vehiclesAdapt weight of cargo to capacity of freight transport vehicles. Oversee the maximum load capacity of the vehicle in question and the weight of each individual crate in the shipment.ensure maintenance of trainsensure maintenance of trainsOversee train equipment maintenance and rail security.tolerate sitting for long periodstolerate sitting for long periodsHave the patience to remain seated for long periods of time; maintain an appropriate and ergonomic posture while sitting.stay alertstay alertStay focused and alert at all times; react quickly in the case of unexpected events. Concentrate and do not get distracted performing a task over a long period of time.follow signalling instructionsfollow signalling instructionsFollow signalling instructions throughout the journey. Comprehend the technical language used by signallers and adhere to instructions given by them.handle stressful situations in the work placehandle stressful situations in the work placeDeal with and manage highly stressful situations in the workplace by following adequate procedures, communicating in a quiet and effective manner, and remaining level-headed when taking decisions.act with a high level of safety awarenessact with a high level of safety awarenessEnsure high levels of safety awareness; use personal protection equipment; communicate with staff members and provide advice on health and safety issues.prepare freight shipment reportsprepare freight shipment reportsCompose and submit freight shipment reports. Include detailed information on freight conditions and freight handling; report problems if necessary.control train movementcontrol train movementControl acceleration, braking, and overall operation of train in motion.
Optional (14) — show
customs regulations for passengerscustoms regulations for passengersThe customs regulations applicable to passengers. The official documents and declaration forms required from different kinds of passengers and for different types of items and goods.freight transport methodsfreight transport methodsThe different modalities of freight transport such as air, sea, or intermodal freight transport, including the details and procedures specific to them.mechanics of trainsmechanics of trainsThe mechanical aspects and principles of the mechanics involved in trains.observe freight shipment loadersobserve freight shipment loadersObserve process of freight loading; ensure that crew complies with all applicable regulations and procedures; stow heavy and potentially dangerous cargo.act reliablyact reliablyProceed in a way that one can be relied on or depended on.work in a rail transport teamwork in a rail transport teamWork confidently within a group in rail transport services, in which each individual has their own responsibility in working towards a common goal such as a good interaction with the customers, railwa...react calmly in stressful situationsreact calmly in stressful situationsReact quickly, calmly, and safely to unexpected situations; provide a solution that solves the problem or diminishes its impact.perform ICT troubleshootingperform ICT troubleshootingIdentify problems with servers, desktops, printers, networks, and remote access, and perform actions which solve the problems.relay messages through radio and telephone systemsrelay messages through radio and telephone systemsPossess the communication abilities to relay messages through a radio and telephone system.analyse reports provided by passengersanalyse reports provided by passengersAnalyse reports submitted by passengers (i.e. on unforeseen occurrences or incidents such as vandalism or theft) in order to inform strategic decision making.listen activelylisten activelyGive attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of cus...maintain updated professional knowledgemaintain updated professional knowledgeRegularly attend educational workshops, read professional publications, actively participate in professional societies.have computer literacyhave computer literacyUtilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.perform services in a flexible mannerperform services in a flexible mannerAdapt service approach when circumstances change.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a train driver do?

Train drivers operate trains providing passenger or cargo transport services. They are responsible for driving the locomotive in safe manner, respecting all relevant safety, operational and communication regulations, and have full responsibility for the safety of passengers and cargo. The task involves cooperation and communication with the relevant staff under the infrastructure manager, as well as with staff on board the train.

What skills does a train driver need?

A train driver needs 23 essential skills, including locomotive brake applications, train operating procedures, physical characteristics of railways, passenger transport regulations, track geometry.

Will AI replace train driver jobs?

The AI disruption score for train driver is 41/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: customs regulations for passengers, mark differences in colours, mechanics of trains. Most resilient: tolerate sitting for long periods, act reliably, react calmly in stressful situations.

Quick Facts

SectorTransport & Storage
ISCO GroupDrivers and mobile plant operators
Essential Skills23

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