# The Train Driving Licences and Certificates (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016, Note: Explanatory note


(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations amend the Train Driving Licences and Certificates Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010, (S.R. 2010 No. 132), (“the 2010 Regulations”) in order to implement Commission Directive 2014/82/EU of 24th June 2014 amending Directive 2007/59/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards general professional knowledge and medical and licence requirements (O.J No. L184, 25.6.14, p.11).
The 2010 Regulations establish a regime for the licensing and certification of train drivers who drive trains on the mainline railway network. The licence is recognised by other European Member States and indicates satisfaction of medical checks and possession of general professional competence. The certificate indicates the infrastructure on which the holder is authorised to drive and the rolling stock which the holder is authorised to drive.
Regulation 2(3) amends regulation 4(1) of the 2010 Regulations and adds ORR, (Office of Rail and Road) to the statutory authorities who can issue a valid train driver licence for use on the Northern Ireland Railway infrastructure.
Regulation 2(4) amends Schedule 1 to the 2010 Regulations so as to remove the option which permitted drivers who had lost binocular vision after starting work as a train driver to continue to drive trains providing suitable adaptations could be made.
Regulation 2(5) replaces Schedule 3 to the 2010 Regulations on general professional knowledge with revised and more detailed provisions on the requirement for general professional knowledge.
Regulation 2(6) replaces paragraph 8 of Schedule 4 to the 2010 Regulations to introduce a new standard for language tests where drivers have to communicate on safety critical issues.
Regulation 3 provides transitional provisions for drivers who have obtained a train driving licence before 21st March 2016.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2016/73/note (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/train-driving-licences-and-certificates-amendment-regulations-northern-ireland-2016/note
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.