A railway transport driver must fulfil the requirements for health and psychological suitability to be able to work as a driver.
Medical examinations
The driver must be in an adequate state of health for the driver duty, and this must be proven by a medical certificate issued by a railway doctor.
A person who is about to start working as a rolling stock driver or begin driver’s training or practical training must undergo a medical examination before taking up their duty. After this, drivers are required to undergo a medical examination at least every three years up to the age of 55 and thereafter every year, unless the railway doctor requires more frequent examinations. A medical examination must also be conducted whenever there is reason to suspect that the driver’s state of health does not satisfy the requirements.
Assessment of psychological fitness
According to the Act on Transport Services, the psychological fitness of a driver must be assessed before they take up their duty. A railway operator may also require an assessment of psychological fitness if it employs a driver who has previously worked for another operator.
A railway psychologist conducts a psychological personality assessment on a person starting to work as a driver before the driver takes up the duty. The driver’s duty is also considered to include periods of relevant training and practical training. A psychological personality assessment is also required if there is reason to suspect that the driver does not have the psychological abilities for exercising their duties.
Based on the psychological personality assessment, the railway psychologist gives a written statement on the driver’s psychological fitness for the duty.