A PROPOSAL TO STANDARDISE THE RULES FOR TRAINING TRAIN DRIVERS IN TERMS OF EXTENDING THE DRIVER'S CERTIFICATE TO INCLUDE A CATEGORY (SUBCATEGORY) OF THE CERTIFICATE OR A TYPE OF VEHICLE AND THE METHOD OF ACQUIRING KNOWLEDGE OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE

Abstract

The article discusses the functioning of the train driver training and examination system in Poland after the introduction of significant legislative changes in force from 1 January 2023r. (Journal of Laws 2022, item 2680), with particular emphasis on issues related to extending the driver's certificate to include further categories, subcategories and types of traction vehicles, as well as ways of acquiring knowledge of the railway infrastructure. The introduction of an external examination system implemented by the Office of Rail Transport and the establishment of the Centre for Examination and Monitoring of Train Drivers significantly contributed to the unification of examination standards and improved transparency of the process of assessing the competences of train driver candidates (Urząd Transportu Kolejowego [UTK], 2025). At the same time, an analysis of the applicable legal regulations and the results of pilot studies conducted among instructors, drivers, and management staff revealed significant gaps and ambiguities in the organization of training regarding driver qualification extensions. This article presents the results of empirical research indicating a low level of understanding and insufficient precision of the applicable legal standards in this area, leading to significant latitude in interpretation and diversification of training practices used by rail carriers. In response to the identified problems, a draft amendment to the Regulation on Driver Certificates was proposed (Journal of Laws 2023, item 2402), including, among others, the introduction of a framework training program for certificate extensions, clarification of the scope of data included in the driver's certificate and the inclusion of elements of psychological support in the training process (Nęcka, et al., 2013; Flin, 2008). The proposed solutions aim to standardize training principles, reduce undesirable practices, and further improve safety in rail transport.

This article was prepared as part of the project entitled "Sustainable and Safe Railway Transport in Poland and Lithuania," implemented under the Erasmus+ Programme, contract no. 2024-1-PL01-KA210-VET-000257299, "Sustainable and Safe Railway Transport in Poland and Lithuania."

The project is carried out under Key Action 2 – Cooperation among Organisations and Institutions: Small-scale Partnerships, co-financed by the European Social Fund, within a partnership between the Foundation for the Development of the Education System (FRSE) – the National Agency for the Erasmus+ Programme and the European Solidarity Corps, based in Warsaw, and the Institute of Environmental Economics and Transport Association, based in Legnica.