Recognition of a psychologist of a train driver'

Obtaining the status of a recognized psychologist for conducting assessments of train drivers' psychophysiological suitability for the job

To obtain the right to drive a train, a person must, among other things, demonstrate psychophysiological suitability for the job of a train driver. The assessment of psychophysiological suitability is conducted by a psychologist recognized by the State Railway Technical Inspectorate (hereinafter – the Inspectorate) in accordance with the requirements of Clauses 8.1 and 8.2 of Cabinet of Ministers Regulations No. 873 of 14 September 2010, "Regulations Regarding the Acquisition of Train Driver Qualifications and the Right to Drive Traction Units" (hereinafter – Regulations No. 873).

A psychologist who has obtained the status of a recognized psychologist verifies that the person does not have any overt psychophysiological impairments (particularly regarding decision-making capacity) or other significant deficiencies or personality-affecting factors that could hinder the full and safe performance of a train driver's duties.

To obtain the status of a recognized psychologist, a person submits an application to the Inspectorate, accompanied by documents certifying compliance with the following criteria:

• the person holds a psychologist’s certificate in the field of clinical and health psychology or work and organizational psychology, and is registered in the Register of Psychologists in the field of clinical and health psychology or work and organizational psychology;

• the person has at least two years of work experience in the field of clinical and health psychology or work and organizational psychology;

• the person has developed the procedures for organizing and conducting the assessment of a train driver’s psychophysiological suitability;

• the person has developed methods for assessing a train driver’s psychophysiological suitability;

• the person has developed criteria for assessing psychophysiological suitability;

• the person has developed the procedures for issuing and communicating the assessment findings, as well as descriptions of these procedures;

• confirms in the application that the information provided in the application and the accompanying documents is true and not misleading, and signs a declaration stating that the person will be professionally and financially independent of the train driver qualification applicant or their employer, the person is familiar with the specifics and working conditions of the train driver's job, and has access to all necessary resources (e.g., premises, equipment) to assess the train driver's psychophysiological suitability in accordance with the requirements of Regulation No. 873.

 During the process of evaluating a recognized psychologist, the Inspectorate:

• verifies the completeness of the documentation upon receipt of the application to determine whether the information provided is sufficient to conduct a detailed review;

• if, during the completeness check, it is determined that not all documents or required attestations have been submitted, requests the individual to provide the missing information or clarify the information already submitted;

• conducts a detailed review within one month of receiving the application by evaluating the submitted documents and professional suitability;

• prepares an evaluation for recognition;

• makes a decision regarding the person's compliance with the requirements of Paragraphs 8.¹ and 8.² of Regulation No. 873 and the granting of recognized psychologist status.

  Download: The guidelines "Granting the status of a recognized psychologist to a person authorized to assess the psychophysiological suitability of train drivers" (latvian)

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Application and document submission methods

You can submit an application with attached documents for obtaining a train driver's license:

• by sending it by mail, indicating the address on the letter: State Railway Technical Inspectorate, Riepnieku Street 2, Riga, Latvia, LV-1050;
• electronically, by sending an application and attached documents (in one file/document) signed with a secure electronic signature to the e-mail address: pasts@vdzti.gov.lv;
• in person, at the VDZTI inspection office, Riepnieku Street 2, Riga.