Skip to content
ESCO occupation

train driver

Back to ESCO occupations

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.

8311.1 ISCO 8311 ESCO source
Competences
38
Groups
4
Essential
24
Optional
14

Competences and skills

38 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 5 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

4 competences
locomotive brake applications

The dynamics of locomotive brake applications.

ESCO source
passenger transport regulations

The applicable conventions and regulations governing the provision of passenger transport services.

ESCO source
physical characteristics of railways

Familiar with all physical aspects of the railway, including train stations, the incline and decline of the right-of-way and speed limits.

ESCO source
train operating procedures

The different practices, routines, and procedures regarding the safe operation of trains in order to prevent collisions, derailments, or unplanned exceeding of speed limits.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

1 competence
track geometry

The 3D-geometry used for track layouts, and in the design and construction of railway infrastructure.

ESCO source
Essential skills and competences 19 competences

Occupation specific

1 competence
ensure trains run to schedule

Ensure the timely arrival of trains at their destinations in compliance with railway schedules.

ESCO source

Sector-specific

13 competences
act with a high level of safety awareness

Ensure high levels of safety awareness; use personal protection equipment; communicate with staff members and provide advice on health and safety issues.

ESCO source
adjust weight of cargo to capacity of freight transport vehicles

Adapt 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.

ESCO source
check train engines

Ensure that train engines comply with regulations before commencing a journey.

ESCO source
control train movement

Control acceleration, braking, and overall operation of train in motion.

ESCO source
ensure maintenance of trains

Oversee train equipment maintenance and rail security.

ESCO source
focus on passengers

Transport 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.

ESCO source
follow signalling instructions

Follow signalling instructions throughout the journey. Comprehend the technical language used by signallers and adhere to instructions given by them.

ESCO source
monitor train schedules

Ensure train schedules are followed by monitoring and regulating train dispatch and arrival, in order to avoid schedule mismatches.

ESCO source
prepare freight shipment reports

Compose and submit freight shipment reports. Include detailed information on freight conditions and freight handling; report problems if necessary.

ESCO source
shunt inbound loads

Shunt inbound freight loads to and from railcars for inbound and outbound trains. If requested, ensure train stability after freight has been loaded onto the railcars.

ESCO source
shunt outbound loads

Shunt outbound freight loads to and from inbound and outbound trains.

ESCO source
shunt rolling stock in marshalling yards

Shunt rolling stock to form trains in marshalling yards.

ESCO source
teach train driving principles

Provide 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 in train stations.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

5 competences
communicate with customers

Respond 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.

ESCO source
handle stressful situations in the work place

Deal 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.

ESCO source
mark differences in colours

Identify differences between colours, such as shades of colour.

ESCO source
stay alert

Stay 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.

ESCO source
tolerate sitting for long periods

Have the patience to remain seated for long periods of time; maintain an appropriate and ergonomic posture while sitting.

ESCO source
Optional knowledge 3 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
customs regulations for passengers

The 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.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

2 competences
freight transport methods

The different modalities of freight transport such as air, sea, or intermodal freight transport, including the details and procedures specific to them.

ESCO source
mechanics of trains

The mechanical aspects and principles of the mechanics involved in trains.

ESCO source
Optional skills and competences 11 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

4 competences
analyse reports provided by passengers

Analyse reports submitted by passengers (i.e. on unforeseen occurrences or incidents such as vandalism or theft) in order to inform strategic decision making.

ESCO source
observe freight shipment loaders

Observe process of freight loading; ensure that crew complies with all applicable regulations and procedures; stow heavy and potentially dangerous cargo.

ESCO source
relay messages through radio and telephone systems

Possess the communication abilities to relay messages through a radio and telephone system.

ESCO source
work in a rail transport team

Work 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, railway safety, and rolling stock maintenance.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

7 competences
act reliably

Proceed in a way that one can be relied on or depended on.

ESCO source
have computer literacy

Utilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.

digital
ESCO source
listen actively

Give 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 customers, clients, passengers, service users or others, and provide solutions accordingly.

ESCO source
maintain updated professional knowledge

Regularly attend educational workshops, read professional publications, actively participate in professional societies.

ESCO source
perform ICT troubleshooting

Identify problems with servers, desktops, printers, networks, and remote access, and perform actions which solve the problems.

digital
ESCO source
perform services in a flexible manner

Adapt service approach when circumstances change.

ESCO source
react calmly in stressful situations

React quickly, calmly, and safely to unexpected situations; provide a solution that solves the problem or diminishes its impact.

ESCO source