1. In order to meet the material conditions, examination centres must provide:

• a suitable room in which to conduct the theoretical part of the examination, with minimum working conditions (1,5 m² working area per candidate and examiner, appropriate technical equipment),
• access to appropriate working equipment (traction units) for the practical part of the examination.

2. In order to meet the conditions, set out in points (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) of Article 9 of Decision 2011/765/EU and the second and third point of Chapter I. of Annex 4 of the Regulation, examination centres shall establish processes to demonstrate how the following is ensured:

• monitoring and recording examination activities including information on participants, examiners and the number and purpose of the examinations,
• quality management (e.g. ISO 9001) or equivalent procedures with quality management systems.

If the applicant does not have processes in place to demonstrate the achievement of the objectives set out in the above bullet points, or has processes that are deficient, the safety authority will consider the applicant to be ineligible to implement examination programmes.

The safety authority will assess the processes developed to determine whether the process is achieving the objectives set.

The content of the examinations should be designed so that the following content areas are covered in the checking of competence:

From the content: General professional knowledge

The aim of the assessment in this area is to determine whether the candidate has knowledge and mastery of:

(1) A driver’s work, the work environment, the driver’s role and responsibility in the process of rail operation, the professional and personal demands of the driver’s duties:

1. to know the general thrust of legislation and rules applicable to rail operation and safety (requirements and procedures regarding the certification of train drivers, dangerous goods, environmental protection, fire protection, etc.),
2. to understand the specific requirements and professional and personal demands (working mainly on one’s own, shift work over 24 hour cycle, individual protection and security, reading and updating documents, etc.),
3. to understand behaviours which are compatible with safety-critical responsibilities (medication, alcohol, drugs and other psychoactive substances, illness, stress, fatigue, etc.),
4. to identify the reference and operating documents (e.g. rule book, route book, driver’s manual, etc.),
5. to identify the responsibilities and functions of persons involved,
6. to understand the importance of being precise in carrying out duties and in working methods,
7. to understand occupational health and safety (e.g. code of behaviour on and near tracks, code of behaviour for getting on and off the traction unit safely, ergonomics, staff safety rules, personal protective equipment, etc.),
8. to know behavioural skills and principles (stress management, extreme situations, etc.),
9. to know the principles of environmental protection (sustainable driving, etc.).

(2) Railway technologies, including safety principles behind operational regulations:

1. to know the principles, regulations and provisions regarding safety in rail operation,
2. to identify the responsibilities and functions of persons involved.

(3) Basic principles of railway infrastructure:

1. to know systematic and structural principles and parameters,
2. to know the general characteristics of tracks, stations, marshalling yards,
3. to know railway structures (bridges, tunnels, points, etc.),
4. to know operating modes (single track, double track operation, etc.),
5. to know signalling and train control systems,
6. to know safety installations (hot-axle box detectors, smoke detectors in tunnels, etc.),
7. to know traction power supply (catenary, third rail, etc.).

(4) Basic principles of operational communication:

1. to know the significance of communication and the means and procedures for communicating,
2. to identify persons the driver needs to contact and their role and responsibility (staff of the infrastructure manager, working duties of other train staff, etc.),
3. to identify situations/causes that require communication to be initiated,
4. to understand communication methods.

(5) Trains, their composition and the technical requirements for traction units, wagons, coaches and other rolling stock:

1. to know the generic types of traction (electric, diesel, steam, etc.),
2. to describe the layout of a vehicle (bogies, bodies, driving cab, protection systems, etc.),
3. to know the content and systems of labelling,
4. to know the documentation on train composition,
5. to understand braking systems and performance calculation,
6. to identify train speed,
7. to identify maximum load and forces at the coupler,
8. to know the operation and purpose of the train management system.

(6) Hazards involved in railway operations in general:

1. to understand the principles governing traffic safety,
2. to know the risks related to railway operation and the various means to be used to mitigate them,
3. to know safety-relevant incidents and understand the required behaviour/reaction,
4. to know the procedures applicable to accidents involving persons (e.g. evacuation).

(7) Basic principles of physics:

1. to understand forces at the wheel,
2. to identify factors influencing accelerating and braking performance (weather conditions, braking equipment, reduced adhesion, sanding, etc.),
3. to understand principles of electricity (circuits, measuring voltage, etc.).

Training programme: Professional knowledge of rolling stock

The training programme on vehicles and rolling stock shall be designed to provide trainees with knowledge of:

(1) TESTS AND CHECKS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE

These skills include:

• collecting the documentation and the necessary equipment,
• checking the capacities of the traction unit,
• checking the information entered in the documents on board the traction unit,
• ensuring, by performing the checks and tests specified, that the traction unit is capable of providing the required traction power, and that the safety equipment is operating,
• checking the availability and functionality of the prescribed protection and safety equipments at the handover of a locomotive or at the start of a trip,
• performing any routine preventive maintenance operations.

(2) KNOWLEDGE OF ROLLING STOCK

This includes knowledge of all available controls and indicators, in particular those concerning:

• traction,
• braking,
• traffic safety-related elements.

In order to detect and locate anomalies in the rolling stock, report them and determine what is required to repair them, the training programme must include knowledge of:

• mechanical structures,
• suspension and attachment equipment,
• running gear,
• safety equipment,
• fuel tanks, fuel supply system, exhaust equipment,
• the meaning of markings on the inside and outside of the rolling stock, in particular the symbols used for the transportation of dangerous goods,
• trip registration systems,
• electrical and pneumatic systems,
• collection of current and high-voltage systems,
• communication equipment (ground-to-train radio, etc.),
• arrangements of trips,
• the constituent parts of the rolling stock, their purpose, and the devices specific to the hauled stocks, in particular the system of stopping the train by venting the brake pipe,
• braking system,
• the parts specific to traction units,
• traction chain, motors and transmission.

(3) TESTING THE BRAKES

This includes:

• checking and calculating, before departure, that the train’s braking power corresponds to the braking power required for the line, as specified in the vehicle documents,
• checking the functioning of the various components of the braking system of the traction unit and of the train, as appropriate, before departure, at start-up and during running.

(4) OPERATING MODE AND MAXIMUM SPEED OF THE TRAIN IN RELATION TO THE LINE CHARACTERISTICS

This includes:

• taking note of information given to the train drivers before departure,
• determining the type of running and the limit speed of the train on the basis of variables such as speed limits, weather conditions or any signalling changes.

(5) DRIVING THE TRAIN IN A WAY WHICH DOES NOT DAMAGE INSTALLATIONS OR VEHICLES

This includes:

• using all available control systems in accordance with the applicable rules,
• starting the train taking account of adhesion and power constraints,
• applying the brakes for decelerations and stops, taking account of the rolling stock and installations.

(6) ANOMALIES

This includes:

• being attentive to unusual occurrences concerning the behaviour of the train,
• inspecting the train and identify signs of anomalies, distinguish between them, react according to their relative importance and try to remedy them, always giving priority to the safety of rail traffic and persons,
• knowing the available means of protection and communication.

(7) OPERATING INCIDENTS AND ACCIDENTS, FIRES AND ACCIDENTS INVOLVING PERSONS

This includes:

• taking steps to protect the train and summon assistance in the event of an accident involving persons on board the train,
• determining whether the train is transporting dangerous goods and identify them on the basis of train documents and wagon lists,
• knowing the procedures relating to the evacuation of a train in case of emergency.

(8) CONDITIONS FOR CONTINUING RUNNING AFTER AN INCIDENT INVOLVING ROLLING STOCK

This includes the ability to assess whether the vehicle can continue to run after an incident and under what conditions, so as to inform the infrastructure manager of those conditions as soon as possible. Drivers must be able to determine if an expert evaluation is necessary before the train can continue.

(9) IMMOBILISATION OF THE TRAIN

Trainees must be trained so that they are able to take measures to ensure that the train, or parts thereof, does not start up or move unexpectedly, even in the most difficult conditions. Furthermore, drivers must have knowledge about measures which can stop a train or parts thereof in case it has started to move unexpectedly.

Training programme: Professional knowledge of infrastructure

(1) TESTING THE BRAKES

Trainees must be trained to the extent that they are 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

This includes the ability to:

• take note of the given information, such as the speed limits or any signalling changes,
• 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

This includes the ability to anticipate problems and react appropriately in terms of safety and other performances, such as punctuality and economic aspects. This requires a thorough knowledge of the railway lines and installations on the route and of any alternative routes agreed on.

The following aspects are important:

• operational conditions (changes of track, one-way running, etc.),
• perform a route check and consult the relevant documents,
• identification of tracks that can be used for a given type of running,
• the applicable traffic rules and the meaning of the signalling system,
• the operations regime,
• the block system and associated regulations,
• station names and the position, and distance-sighting of stations and signal boxes to adapt driving accordingly,
• transition signalling between different operating or power supply systems,
• speed limits for the different train categories driven,
• topographical profiles,
• particular braking conditions, for example on lines with a steep downward gradient,
• particular operating features: special signals, signs, departure conditions, etc.

(4) SAFETY REGULATIONS

Trainees must be able to:

• start the trains only when all prescribed conditions are fulfilled (timetable, start order or signal, operation of signals if required, etc.),
• observe track-side and in-cab signals, interpret them immediately and without error, and act as specified,
• 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.,
• 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

Trainees must be able to:

• know the train’s position on the line at all times,
• apply the brakes for decelerations and stops, taking account of the rolling stock and installations,
• 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

Trainees must be able to:

• 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,
• know particular distances to clear obstacles,
• inform the infrastructure manager as soon as possible of the place and nature of anomalies observed, making sure that the information has been understood,
• 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

Train drivers must be able to:

• take steps to protect the train and summon assistance in the event of an accident involving persons,
• determine where to stop the train in the event of a fire and facilitate the evacuation of passengers, if necessary,
• provide useful information on the fire as soon as possible if the fire cannot be brought under control by the driver acting alone,
• inform the infrastructure manager of these conditions as soon as possible,
• assess whether the infrastructure allows the vehicle to continue to run and under which conditions.

Training programme provider: The professional knowledge of infrastructure shall provide for and specify in its system the provision of further training for train drivers.

Training programme: Language skills

The training programme requires participants to be trained to the extent that they have language skills in the Slovene language and are able to communicate with the infrastructure manager on critical safety issues. Their language skills must be such that they can communicate actively and effectively in normal, adverse and emergency situations.

Train drivers must be able to use the messages and communication methods specified in the Operation and Traffic Management TSI. They also need to be able to understand (listening and reading) and communicate (orally and in writing) at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, developed by the Council of Europe (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching and Assessment, 2001).