Conditions for granting licenses to operate trains from September 1, 2023 in Vietnam

Circular 15/2023/TT-BGTVT stipulates the conditions, contents and procedures for testing and granting, re-granting and withdrawing train operating licenses from September 1, 2023 in Vietnam

On June 30, 2023, the Ministry of Transport issued Circular 15/2023/TT-BGTVT stipulates standards, tasks and powers for the title of railway staff directly serving train operation; training contents and programs for training establishments for the titles of railway employees directly serving train operation; conditions, contents and procedures for testing and granting, re-granting and revoking train operating license.

Circular 15/2023/TT-BGTVT applies to organizations and individuals involved in train operation and training of railway staff positions directly serving train operation; testing, granting, re-granting and revoking train operating license.

However, Circular 15/2023/TT-BGTVT will not apply to railway vehicle operators serving equipment installation, testing and during construction in new railway construction projects.

Conditions for granting licenses to operate trains from September 1, 2023 in Vietnam

Pursuant to Article 28 of Circular 15/2023/TT-BGTVT stipulating conditions for granting licenses to operate trains from September 1, 2023 in Vietnam as follows:

(1) For train operators on railway lines in operation

- Have the age specified at Point a, Clause 3, Article 36 of the Law on Railways 2017 ; be healthy enough to drive railway vehicles as prescribed by the Minister of Health;

- HavE a degree or certificate of elementary level or higher in driving a railway vehicle suitable for the type of vehicle for the test issued by the training institution;

- Must have worked as a safety assistant driver continuously for 24 months or more, for the type of driving license specified at Points a, b, and c, Clause 1, Article 27 of Circular 15/2023/TT- BGTVT; 12 months or more for the type of driving license specified at Point d, Clause 1, Article 27 of Circular 15/2023/TT-BGTVT ;

- Pass the test and was assessed by the test board for the driving license (hereinafter referred to as the test board) to meet the requirements as prescribed in this Circular.

(2) For the first train operators on a new urban railway line put into operation and operation with technology used for the first time in Vietnam

- Have the age specified at Point a, Clause 3, Article 36 of the Law on Railways 2017 ; be healthy enough to drive railway vehicles as prescribed by the Minister of Health;

- Have a degree or certificate of elementary level or higher in driving a railway vehicle suitable to the type of vehicle for the test issued by a Vietnamese training institution; or a license or certificate of driving a railway vehicle suitable to the type of vehicle for the test, granted by a foreign organization through the training and technology transfer process of the project;

- Satisfy the test conditions and be assessed as satisfactory by the testing council as prescribed in Circular 15/2023/TT-BGTVT.

What documents are required to apply for the test for licenses to operate trains on railway lines in operation in Vietnam?

Pursuant to Clause 1 Article 30 of Circular 15/2023/TT-BGTVT, enterprises shall submit an application for a test for licenses to operate trains on railway lines in operation including the following documents:

- The original paper or electronic version of the written request for the organization of the test and the grant of a licenses to operate trains of the railway business enterprise;

- Personal profile includes:

+ The original or electronic copy of the application for the driving license test;

+ The original or an electronic copy or a certified copy or an authenticated electronic copy of the certificate of eligibility for driving health;

+ A certified true copy or an authenticated electronic copy of a diploma or certificate in the specialty of driving a railway vehicle suitable for the type of vehicle to be tested;

+ 03 color photos of size 3x4cm, photo or electronic photo taken within 06 months from the date of application submission.

Which agency has the authority to issue a driving license?

Pursuant to Article 29 of Circular 15/2023/TT-BGTVT, it is stipulated that the authority issuing the driving license is as follows:

Agency issuing train operating licenses

1. The Vietnam Railways Administration shall organize the examination, grant, re-issue and revocation of train opertaing licenses on national railways, urban railways and special-use railways, except for the provisions in Clause 2 of this Article.

2. The People's Committees of the provinces and central-affiliated cities that have special-use railways and urban railways specified in Appendix III to this Circular (hereinafter referred to as the provincial-level People's Committees) shall organize the examination, grant, re-issue and revocation of train operating licenses on urban railways and special-use railways in accordance with the provisions of this Circular.

Thus, the competent authority to issue a driving license includes:

- Vietnam Railway Administration

- Provincial People's Committee.

Note: Circular 15/2023/TT-BGTVT takes effect from September 1, 2023.

Best regards!