How to become a train driver in Great Britain

ORR is required to conform with the requirements of Section 8 of the Professional Qualifications Act 2022 (the PQ Act). This includes publishing information on the qualifications and experience an individual must obtain to become entitled to practice train driving in Great Britain, among other areas.

In Great Britain, the requirements for obtaining a train driving licence are set out in the Train Driving Licences and Certificates Regulations 2010 (TDLCR 2010), and licences are issued by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).

In Northern Ireland, the requirements are set out in the Train Driving Licences and Certificates Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 (TDLCRNI 2010) and regulated by the Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure (NIDFI).

These regulations are substantially derived from Directive 2007/59/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on the certification of train drivers operating locomotives and trains on the railway system in the Community (as amended). ORR publishes information on the requirements for obtaining a train driving licence.

The PQ Act also requires ORR to publish information on the number of people from overseas and Northern Ireland seeking to enter the profession in Britain. This information will be published periodically on ORR's website.

In accordance with section 8 of the requirements for obtaining a train driving licence. (“the PQ Act”), the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is required to publish information on the qualifications and experience an individual must obtain to become entitled to practice train driving in Great Britain. This can be found on this webpage. This will be accurately maintained and updated when required.

Every 12 months, by January, we will publish information regarding the number of people from overseas and Northern Ireland who have sought to enter the profession in Great Britain during the previous calendar year.

2022 data: We did not receive any overseas Northern Ireland applications for GB train driving licences in the period 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2022. (This data is correct as of 1 December 2023).

Details of any Free Trade Agreements which include train driving licensing matters will be published below.

Free Trade Agreement with Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein

In July 2021, the UK signed a Free Trade Agreement (“the Agreement”) with Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. These countries are members of both the European Economic Area (EEA) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) so are collectively referred to as the ‘EEA EFTA states’. The Agreement establishes a system for the recognition of professional qualifications (RPQ) with the aim of enhancing existing trade and investment relationships with the EEA EFTA states.

In accordance with The Equality Act 2010, ORR will not discriminate against holders of a Train Driving Licence (TDL) from the agreement counties either directly or indirectly. Therefore, a train driver with an existing TDL from Norway, Lichtenstein or Iceland will be deemed to meet the conditions for holding a TDL in GB provided they have completed basic training equivalent to at least Level 3 (as defined on legislation.gov.uk) and passed a general professional competence examination which is set and approved by ORR.

ORR’s position is that basic training qualifications for a TDL from these EEA EFTA countries is likely to achieve the required standard in GB and that this can be evidenced by a Statement of Comparability provided by the applicant.  As regards the general competence examination, it may be necessary for applicants from the agreement countries above to pass an examination or aptitude test that covers the objectives and requirements set out in Schedule 3 of the Train Driving Licences and Certificate Regulations 2010 which have not been demonstrated by any other recognised overseas professional qualification. This is because qualifications already obtained may not deal with UK-specific health and safety requirements. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the operator who has employed the driver.

GB Train Operators – Please contact TDL.Applications@orr.gov.uk for further information as soon as you receive an application from an existing licenced train driver based in Norway, Lichtenstein, or Iceland.

Train drivers from Norway, Lichtenstein, or Iceland – To become a mainline train driver in GB you must apply directly to a train operator where your application will be assessed through their recruitment processes.

If your application is successful, the operator must advise ORR of your existing licence details including your TDL number and confirm whether the full conditions for holding a GB licence have been met.

As a mainline train driver, you will have to undertake the same route and traction training as GB licence holders and maintain your general competence in accordance with the operators Safety Management System.

In Great Britain, we issue train driving licences according to the requirements set out in the Train Driving Licences and Certificates Regulations 2010 (TDLCR 2010).

The Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure (NIDFI) issues licences in Northern Ireland, according to the requirements set out in the Train Driving Licences and Certificates Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 (TDLCRNI 2010).

The Professional Qualifications Act also requires us to publish information on the number of people from overseas and Northern Ireland seeking to enter the profession in Britain.