Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the (a) frequency and (b) scope of psychological fitness examinations of train drivers.

The department recently published a statutory post implementation review of the Train Driver Licensing and Certificates Regulations 2010 (TDLCR) on 19^th May 2023, which contains the requirements for becoming a train driver in Great Britain. The purpose of the review was to assess whether the regime was meeting its original objectives and whether it remains fit for purpose.

Since publication, my officials have started the process of exploring options for potential reform to address the findings of the review, and will engage industry to develop and consult on these proposals in due course. This will include reviewing the frequency and scope of psychological fitness examinations of train drivers, among other areas, to ensure they are adequate.