Skip to main content

This is a new service - your feedback will help us to improve it.

Train Driver

Regulators
  • Office of Rail and Road
Nations
  • England
  • Wales
  • Scotland
Sectors
  • Transport

Regulatory or professional bodies

Primary regulator

Regulatory authority
Office of Rail and Road
Address

25 Cabot Square
London
E14 4QZ

Email address
contact.cct@orr.gov.uk
Phone number
+44 (0)2072 822 000

Regulation

Regulation summary

The legislation associated with the profession of train driving is The Train Driving and Certificates Regulations 2010.

A holder of an ORR train driving licence is authorised to drive rolling stock on GB mainline rail infrastructure.
The ORR is the regulator for train driving and holds and maintains the train driving licence register.
ORR also holds and maintains the registers of recognised doctors authorised to carry out train driving medicals and recognised psychologists.

Regulation type

Licence

Reserved activities

No information submitted


Qualifications and experience

New professionals

Routes to qualification

New drivers should apply to train operating companies for trainee driver positions.
If successful at the interview they would be required to undertake and pass a psychological fitness examination and a medical examination by ORR recognised professionals.
Once these have been passed the trainee would begin their practical training with their employing train operator

Professionals from other UK nations

Routes to recognition within the UK

Please see the ORR website where there is information regarding recognition.
https://www.orr.gov.uk/guidance-compliance/rail-guidance-and-compliance/train-driving-licences-and-certificates

Professionals from outside the UK

Recognition for professionals outside the UK
Some - qualifications from some countries may be recognised, but professionals from other countries will have to re-qualify
Summary of routes

If you hold a train driving licence issued in Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein or Switzerland please contact us regarding the EEA/EFTA/UK Free trade agreement.

We do not recognise train driving licences from any other country.


Registration

Registration requirements

GB Train Drivers must hold a Train driving licence issued by the ORR.

GB Operators apply for the train driving licences for their drivers.

There is currently no cost for a GB licence

More about registration
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/

Legislation

Title of relevant act or charter

The Train Driving Licences and Certificates Regulations 2010

Website link to legislation
https://https://orr.gov.uk/rail/licensing/train-driving-licences-and-certificates

Licence Finder

You may need licences and permits to carry out certain activities in the UK. These are called authorisations. Use the licence finder to find what you need.