Criteria for eligibility

Studies: Minimum high school education (high school graduate - 12th grade with or without a baccalaureate diploma).
Minimum age: 18 years old.

Medical and psychological requirements: A medical and psychological evaluation is mandatory to demonstrate that a person is fit to drive railway vehicles.

Responsibility and requirments: Skills in concentration, analytical thinking, and the ability to make rapid decisions in critical situations.
The ability to assimilate and continuously develop theoretical and practical knowledge, the desire to advance in a career.

Course duration

The total duration of the qualification program is 1262 hours, approximately 32 weeks.

The program is structured into modules of:

• theoretical training,
• practical training,
• production internship.

What will a locomotive driver learn?

Theory:

• General knowledge about railway infrastructure.
• Types of railway rolling stock (locomotives, wagons, etc.) and their operating principles.
• Railway safety regulations and standards.
• Communication and signaling procedures.

Practice:

• Driving and operating railway rolling stock.
• Performing technical inspections on rolling stock.
• Checking braking systems and other equipment.
• Simulations for managing emergency situations.
• Driving locomotives under the supervision of an authorized mechanic.

Career stages of a locomotive driver:

• Completion of theoretical and practical courses.
• Obtaining the qualification certificate.
• Authorization as an assistant locomotive engineer.
• Obtaining the locomotive engineer's license.
• Training to obtain driving categories (railway shunting and direct freight train towing), types of rolling stock and railway infrastructure.

Professional development: The locomotive driver career can offer the possibility of advancement to technical or supervisory positions within the company.