Rules for being a train driver

[Damian40]

Hi Everyone,

im just wondering if the railways have there own version of the Highway Code but obviously for the railway.

 

[dk1]

Hi Everyone,

im just wondering if the railways have there own version of the Highway Code but obviously for the railway.

No, just the rule book. Everything is covered in that.

 

[Damian40]

No, just the rule book. Everything is covered in that.

Hi dk1,

thanks for the quick reply. Is the rule book Company Pacific or is it run by a governing body and is it available to the public?

 

[DerekC]

No, just the rule book. Everything is covered in that.

As ever with the railway, it's not quite as simple as that. Operational staff also need to comply with:

Local rules applying to their route in the Sectional Appendix
Rules applied by their TOC/FOC (if that's who they work for)

The Rule Book is managed by RSSB on behalf of the industry and is open to anyone to read on their website:

https://www.rssb.co.uk/en/standards...ng-standards/national-operations-publications

Sectional Appendices are downloadable from Network Rail at:

https://www.networkrail.co.uk/indus...ators/national-electronic-sectional-appendix/

TOC and FOC rules are generally available only to staff.

 

[dk1]

Hi dk1,

thanks for the quick reply. Is the rule book Company Pacific or is it run by a governing body and is it available to the public?

It's issued by the RSSB & updated a couple of times each year. It is specific to all Network Rail operated routes.

As ever with the railway, it's not quite as simple as that. Operational staff also need to comply with:

Local rules applying to their route in the Sectional Appendix
Rules applied by their TOC/FOC (if that's who they work for)

The Rule Book is open to anyone to read on RSSB's website.

https://www.rssb.co.uk/en/standards...ng-standards/national-operations-publications

Oh of course. There are always local instructions that go hand in hand with it. But generally when it comes to signals, speed signs & the like they are all covered in the rule book.

 

[hexagon789]

Hi dk1,

thanks for the quick reply. Is the rule book Company Pacific or is it run by a governing body and is it available to the public?

It can be publically read on the rssb website: https://www.rssb.co.uk/en/standards...ng-standards/national-operations-publications

Though there are various region specific items which are found in the relevant sectional appendices.

 

[Damian40]

Thanks everyone for your help.

just one more question, traction is that for a specific train/locomotive and is there any websites or books that would be beneficial for learning about it.

 

[FGW_DID]

Thanks everyone for your help.

just one more question, traction is that for a specific train/locomotive and is there any websites or books that would be beneficial for learning about it.

Is this for general interest or have you applied to be a train driver?

if it’s the latter, then the usual advice from the driving fraternity on the forum is don’t try to ’read ahead’, you’ll be taught what you need on your course.
Traction training would be specific to one Class.

 

[L401CJF]

If its just for general interest and not for a future career, there are some old BR Fault finding videos for specific classes of loco/unit which can be found on Youtube. Obviously nowhere near the full training for a unit but an interesting watch none the less!

 

[Damian40]

Is this for general interest or have you applied to be a train driver?

if it’s the latter, then the usual advice from the driving fraternity on the forum is don’t try to ’read ahead’, you’ll be taught what you need on your course.
Traction training would be specific to one Class.

Looking at applying in the future.

If its just for general interest and not for a future career, there are some old BR Fault finding videos for specific classes of loco/unit which can be found on Youtube. Obviously nowhere near the full training for a unit but an interesting watch none the less!

Thanks

 

[DerekC]

I suggest that a good way to find out quite a lot would be to buy a simulator package. I am sure others on this forum can suggest which is the most realistic in terms of traction controls.

 

[Damian40]

I suggest that a good way to find out quite a lot would be to buy a simulator package. I am sure others on this forum can suggest which is the most realistic in terms of traction controls.

I’ve been thinking about buying one but don’t know if they are good or realistic.

 

[zwk500]

I’ve been thinking about buying one but don’t know if they are good or realistic.

I'd imagine watching actual cab rides on youtube (Don Coffey is an excellent channel) would give a better sense of what goes on in the cab in terms of the actual job than a simulator, although I've never played one and am not a driver so can't say how accurate they are.

If you're interested in operational rules and the like, look at the RSSB website for the Driver's rulebook, and download the Sectional Appendix from Network Rail to read the Local Instructions.

 

[Stigy]

Hi dk1,

thanks for the quick reply. Is the rule book Company Pacific or is it run by a governing body and is it available to the public?

Companies also (sometimes) have their own restrictions which are topically more restrictive than those you’ll find in the RSSB rulebook too, in their own Appendix to the Rulebook (ARB). Things like instructions during falling snow and when to carry out running brake tests etc would be listed in this.

 

[Undiscovered]

Companies also (sometimes) have their own restrictions which are topically more restrictive than those you’ll find in the RSSB rulebook too, in their own Appendix to the Rulebook (ARB). Things like instructions during falling snow and when to carry out running brake tests etc would be listed in this.

Yup.
Our appendix elaborates on a number of points where the Rule Book is " you must contact control" to give a couple of "don't move the train, but do this and try this before contacting control".
Else you'd bottleneck control with guards/drivers asking permission to switch it off and on again, which 99% cures most mechanical gremlins that occur in 40+year old trains.

(naturally, driver will rule out ATP/TPWS activations and other obvious causes, before turning it all off, as will guard.)

 

[dctraindriver]

And there’s also a professional driving policy to adhere too which is company specific. Lots to digest and keep on top of throughout your career.

 

[Coach Carter]

Looking at applying in the future.


Thanks

If your looking to apply in the future then I’d stay clear of the rule book and traction manuals, it won’t help get the job and in the most part without the base knowledge to help it make sense it will leave you confused or misinformed. Concentrate on your Non technical skills that can be transferred to the role if your going to give it a go in the future.
All the best

 

[Damian40]

If your looking to apply in the future then I’d stay clear of the rule book and traction manuals, it won’t help get the job and in the most part without the base knowledge to help it make sense it will leave you confused or misinformed. Concentrate on your Non technical skills that can be transferred to the role if your going to give it a go in the future.
All the best

Thanks for the reply Coach.