GER Category 3 study plan

List and explain the core safety principles that underpin every movement authority, including why a movement must never be taken without one

Define the roles and responsibilities of driver, signaller and operations control, and state who authorises what

Distinguish absolute and permissive working and give two examples of each from your own route

Explain the hierarchy of rules, instructions and notices and state which document prevails when they conflict

Practise recalling the definitions of key operating terms from memory without notes

Map every signal type you will encounter to its indication, its meaning and the action it requires

Explain the difference between stop signals, distant or warning signals and subsidiary or shunting signals

Describe what each of the main aspects authorises and what it does not authorise

Explain the purpose and use of route indicators, junction indicators and signal identification plates

Link each signal aspect back to the rule that governs the driver's response

Explain how track circuits and axle counters detect trains and what happens when detection is lost

Describe the principles of interlocking and why conflicting routes cannot be set simultaneously

Explain the role of train protection systems in enforcing movement authority and speed limits

Identify the failure modes of signalling equipment and the default safe response for each

Trace a complete journey through your route and state the signalling system in use at each stage

Reproduce your route from memory as a diagram showing stations, junctions, loops and signal positions

List every speed restriction, gradient and structural gauge constraint on the route with its location

Identify every location where sighting is restricted and state the driving response

Name the emergency access points, refuge areas and evacuation routes along the route

Explain how line characteristics change train handling decisions at three specific locations

Explain the relationship between adhesion, wheel-rail contact and braking distance under dry, wet and leaf-fall conditions

Describe the correct sequence for applying and releasing brakes and the risks of each technique

Explain how traction and braking forces interact on gradients and in curves

Practise describing defensive driving decisions for low-adhesion scenarios in writing

Identify the handling errors that most often cause station overruns and signal passed at danger events

Describe the immediate actions following a signal passed at danger, including protection and reporting

Explain the procedure for a train stranded between stations and the priority order of actions

Describe the response to a suspected derailment, fire on board and person struck by a train

Explain how to protect the line in both directions and how far protection must be placed

State the reporting obligations and evidence-preservation requirements after an incident

Demonstrate the standard phraseology for routine, degraded and emergency radio calls

Explain the correct use of the emergency call and how to respond if you receive one

Describe the documentation a driver completes during and after an abnormal working

Identify which records must be completed, by whom, and within what timeframe

Explain how to confirm that a safety-critical message has been correctly understood

Explain the fitness-for-duty requirements covering fatigue, medication, alcohol and medical conditions

Describe the reporting obligations when fitness is compromised and the protections available to the reporter

Explain the rules on professional conduct, including the duty to report safety concerns and near misses

Consolidate weak areas by re-testing every earlier deliverable and logging remaining gaps

Complete two full timed mock examinations under exam conditions