Experience as a train driver in different countries

[ian_99]

Hi all!

What lately got me intrigued is knowing more about the differences and similarities between countries when it comes to being a train driver, from my previous post I got to know a bit about the usage of a (British) SPT which was interesting as our usage of them is quite different and similar at the same time.

I am currently in my final days of being a trainee and studying a bit for the final test. So what I am currently wondering: How complex/vast are the regulations you are ought to know? Our "syllabus", if that's the right word, is roughly 2500 pages and that is just the fundamentals.

 

[dubscottie]

In Ireland, you start from scratch. Yes you may have driven an HST for 20 years ,but you have to do the tests like everyone else.

 

[ian_99]

In Ireland, you start from scratch. Yes you may have driven an HST for 20 years ,but you have to do the tests like everyone else.

Should be the same everywhere, if you don't have the required qualifications or lost them from a job change you gotta start from 0.
But most often it's the other way around, you go from a "regular" driver to HST after 5-10 years of experience but keep your current qualifications. For example, one of my mentors is going to Eurostar after 15 years of regular service and can even keep all his public service benefits (with the additional Eurostar benefits).
All train drivers in Belgium are public servants in case this wasn't known.