How is the theoretical examination for obtaining a train driver's license conducted?

How many examination rounds are required to obtain a train driver's license?

A train is a form of railway transportation consisting of a series of interconnected vehicles that usually run along the railway track to transport passengers or goods. A train can have one or more locomotives and cars, including passenger and freight cars. It is specifically designed for travel on railways. So, how many examination rounds are required to obtain a train driver's license? Let's follow the content below:

Based on Article 1 of Circular 33/2018/TT-BGTVT:

The examination process consists of the following 4 steps:

- Step 1: Theoretical examination;

- Step 2: Practical examination of machine inspection for train drivers on national railways, specialized railways; practical examination of technical inspection before operation, handling emergencies and urgent situations for train drivers on urban railways;

- Step 3: Practical train driving examination;

- Step 4: Repeat practical examination for candidates who do not meet the requirements in either step 2 or step 3;

Therefore, to be issued a Train Driver's License, candidates must pass these examination rounds.

What is a train driver's license?

A train driver's license includes the following 5 types: diesel locomotive driver's license (for driving both diesel locomotives and cars); electric locomotive driver's license (for driving electric-powered locomotives and cars); steam locomotive driver's license; specialized railway vehicle driver's license; urban railway driver's license. These licenses have a validity period of 10 years from the date of issue.

A person who is issued a license is only allowed to operate the specified railway vehicles stated in the license and must carry the license when driving a train.

If a train driver does not hold the position stated in the license for 12 months or more, the license becomes invalid. If they want to hold the position again, they must undergo an examination and obtain a new train driver's license according to the regulations.

The circular specifies the examination and licensing requirements for train driver positions on national railways, specialized railways, which include being a citizen of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, aged between 23 and 55 for males and between 23 and 50 for females, and having sufficient health to operate railway vehicles as prescribed by the Ministry of Health.

Additionally, they must have a train driving specialization diploma or certificate issued by a training institution, and have worked as a safety assistant trainee continuously for 24 months or more.

For urban railway driver positions, they must meet the age requirement of not exceeding 55 for males and 50 for females, have a health certificate according to the regulations of the Ministry of Health, and have a certificate or training diploma for urban railway driving. In addition, all required documents must be submitted according to the regulations.

The examination content consists of 2 parts: theoretical examination and practical examination. The process of issuing a train driver's license follows the regulations of the Ministry of Transport.

How is the theoretical examination for obtaining a train driver's license conducted?

A train driver's license is issued to individuals who directly operate railway vehicles. Depending on whether they drive trains on national railways, specialized railways, or specific railways of companies, the content of the theoretical examination is applied accordingly. In the case of driving trains on urban railways, within the scope of urban railway inspection workshops, the content of the theoretical examination is applied according to the regulations.

The current forms of the theoretical examination for a train driver's license are:

(1) Essay examination - based on Article 43 of Circular 33/2018/TT-BGTVT.

- Time for completing the exam: 150 minutes (excluding copying time).

- Number of questions:

+ General knowledge section: 4 questions;

+ Professional knowledge section: 2 questions.

- Scoring: The maximum score is 10 points and is determined as follows:

+ Each question in the general knowledge section can receive a maximum of 1.5 points;

+ Each question in the professional knowledge section can receive a maximum of 2 points.

(2) Multiple-choice examination - based on Article 44 of Circular 33/2018/TT-BGTVT.

- Time for completing the exam: 60 minutes.

- Number of questions:

+ General knowledge section: 30 questions;

+ Professional knowledge section: 15 questions.

- Scoring: The maximum score is 45 points, with each correct answer receiving 1 point.

The requirements for passing the theoretical examination are as follows:

- For the essay examination:

+ The total score of the exam must reach a minimum of 6 points after deducting violation points during the examination (if any);

+ No answer can score less than half a point according to the regulations in Article 43, Section 3 of this Circular.

- For the multiple-choice examination:

+ The total score of the exam must reach a minimum of 40 points after deducting violation points during the examination (if any);

+ The general knowledge section must reach a minimum of 27 points;

+ The professional knowledge section must reach a minimum of 13 points.