8231 Train and tram drivers: SOC 2020 occupation code

In short

ONS unit group 8231, in minor group 823 (Other drivers and transport operatives) and major group 8 (Process, plant and machine operatives).
Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): Not on the list: Table 6.
Going rate as the tables print it:

What the ONS says

Description

Train and tram drivers drive diesel, diesel-electric, electric and steam locomotives that transport passengers and goods on surface and underground railways, and transport passengers in trams.

Typical entry routes

There are no formal academic requirements. Entrants must pass a series of tests and a medical examination. Age restrictions apply in some areas of work. Good hearing, good eyesight and normal colour vision are required. Off and on-the-job training is provided. NVQs/SVQs are available at level 2.

Tasks

checks controls, gauges, brakes and lights before start of journey and studies route, timetable and track information
checks safety equipment, regulates the heating of passenger compartments and records engine defects or unusual incidents on the journey
starts train or tram when directed and operates controls to regulate speed
watches for track hazards, observes signals and temperature, pressure and other gauges
stops as directed to allow passengers to embark/ disembark
makes scheduled stops for the loading and unloading of freight and coupling/uncoupling of carriages and tubs
maintains radio contact with control centre
may make passenger announcements and controls automatic doors
may check travel passes, collect fares and deal with passenger queries

Related job titles

Diesel driver (railways)
Train driver
Train operator
Tram driver
Shunter driver

What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says

The Appendix lists this code in the table below, with the table’s own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.

Table 6: SOC 2020 occupation codes which are not eligible for the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility or Scale-up routes

SOC 2020 occupation code

8231 Train and tram drivers

Examples of related job titles (non-exhaustive)

Diesel driver (railways)
Train driver
Train operator
Tram driver
Shunter driver

Other unit groups in minor group 823

Sources

Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.

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