The profession of a subway driver falls into the category especially responsible specialties with strict requirements for health, psychological stability and technical skills. In 2026, personnel training for the Moscow, St. Petersburg and regional metro will be carried out according to uniform standards Rostransnadzor and Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation, but taking into account the local characteristics of the infrastructure. For example, in Moscow a train control module with a system ARS-M (automatic speed control), and in St. Petersburg the emphasis is on working with rolling stock of the series "NeVa".
The duration of training varies from 10 months (accelerated courses for persons with technical education) up to 2.5 years (complete program for beginners). At the same time 70% graduates are employed immediately after the internship - the personnel shortage in the industry is about 12% according to Rosmetrostroy. However, before admission, the candidate must pass preliminary medical commission (including vestibular stability tests and color vision tests), as well as psychological testing for stress resistance.
Key point: from 2023, mandatory driver licensing through Rostransnadzor — without this document, work on the line is prohibited. Tuition fees for public colleges start from 80,000 rubles per year, in private centers - up to 250,000 rubles for the full course. Let's take a closer look at how to apply for training, what exams to take, and what awaits graduates in practice.
Requirements for candidates: medical and psychological standards
First stage of selection - medical commission according to an expanded list of specialists. Unlike motor transport drivers, metro drivers are checked by 7 doctors, including a neurologist, ophthalmologist and otolaryngologist. Basic critical contraindications:
- 🔴 Color vision disorders (even a mild form of color blindness)
- 🔴 Chronic diseases of the vestibular apparatus (including consequences of traumatic brain injury)
- 🔴 Type 1 diabetes mellitus or complicated type 2 diabetes
- 🔴 History of epilepsy or seizures
- 🔴 Mental disorders (including severe depression)
Second barrier - psychological testing, which is carried out in accredited centers (for example, in Research Institute of Occupational Medicine named after. Erisman). Candidates are checked for:
- 🧠 Ability to make decisions under time pressure (Landolt Ring test)
- 🧠 Level of attention and concentration ("Corrective test" method)
- 🧠 Stress resistance (simulation of emergency situations on simulators)
⚠️ Attention: Since 2026, mandatory testing for drug addiction has been introduced (including hair analysis for metabolites). If the result is positive, the candidate is suspended from training without the right to re-submit documents for 3 years.
Third stage - verification biographical information. The presence of a criminal record (even expunged) on articles related to transport, drugs or violent crimes automatically excludes the candidate. Administrative offenses in the field of traffic rules over the past 5 years are also taken into account.
Where to study: TOP-5 educational institutions in Russia in 2026
In Russia, metro drivers are trained 12 accredited educational institutions, of which 5 are considered leaders in the quality of the program and the level of employment of graduates. All of them operate under a state license and cooperate with local subways.
| Educational institution | City | Duration of training | Cost (2026) | Partners |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moscow College of Transport | Moscow | 2 years 5 months | 95,000 rub/year | Moscow metro, MCC |
| Petersburg Metro Technical School | St. Petersburg | 2 years 10 months | 88,000 rub/year | St. Petersburg metro |
| Yekaterinburg College of Transport Construction | Yekaterinburg | 2 years | 72,000 rub/year | Yekaterinburg metro |
| Nizhny Novgorod Technical School of Municipal Economy | Nizhny Novgorod | 1 year 10 months (accelerated) | 65,000 rub/year | Nizhny Novgorod metro |
| Novosibirsk College of Railway Transport | Novosibirsk | 2 years 3 months | 78,000 rub/year | Novosibirsk metro |
Required for admission certificate of secondary education (grades 9 or 11) and successful passing of entrance tests:
- 📝 Russian language (dictation or test)
- 📝 Mathematics (basic level)
- 📝 Physics (section "Mechanics")
- 📝 Interview with a psychologist
In Moscow and St. Petersburg there are targeted programs from the metro: students study for free, but are required to work for at least 3 years after graduation. The competition for such places reaches 5 people per place.
What is included in the curriculum?
The training program includes:
- Theoretical disciplines: design of rolling stock (320 hours), rules of technical operation of the subway (280 hours), basics of electrical engineering (200 hours).
- Practical classes: driving a train using simulators (400 hours), practicing emergency situations (120 hours), training on the line under the guidance of an instructor (300 hours).
- Additional modules: first aid (72 hours), cybersecurity basics (40 hours - mandatory for everyone from 2026).
The learning process: from theory to on-line internship
The educational process is divided into 3 stages, each of which includes intermediate certification. At the first stage (1-6 months) students study theoretical foundations:
- 📚 Design and principle of operation of electric trains (series 81-717/714, 81-760/761 "Oka", "NeVa")
- 📚 Alarm and blocking systems (
ALS-ARS,ARS-M) - 📚 Rules for the movement of trains in the metro (Order of the Ministry of Transport No. 286 of 2022)
- 📚 Basics of electrical safety (access group no lower than III)
The second stage (7-18 months) is dedicated to practical skills:
- 🚇 Train control on stationary and dynamic simulators (including simulating equipment failures)
- 🚇 Practicing actions in case of emergency situations (fire, door locking, brake system malfunction)
- 🚇 Study of routes and infrastructure features of a specific metro
Third stage - internship on line (last 3-6 months). Students work as assistant drivers and are then allowed to drive independently under the supervision of an instructor. Important: During the internship, the same requirements apply as for full-time employees - for example, ban on using smartphones while driving.
1. Pass a preliminary medical examination (can be done at the clinic at your place of residence)
2. Collect a package of documents (passport, certificate, certificate of no criminal record)
3. Prepare for entrance tests (repeat physics and mathematics for 9th grade)
4. Pass an interview with a psychologist (logic and attention tests)
5. Conclude an agreement with an educational institution (for targeted training - with the metro)
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Examinations and obtaining a driver's license
Upon completion of training, graduates take 3 types of exams:
- Theoretical exam — testing on 200 questions (no more than 5 errors are allowed). Topics: PTE of the metro, train design, actions in emergency situations.
- Practical exam on the simulator — train control in normal and emergency modes. The following are assessed: smoothness of braking, adherence to speed limits, reaction to signals.
- Qualification exam at Rostransnadzor — testing knowledge of regulatory documents and issuing a license.
Since 2026, an additional test has been introduced - psychophysiological polygraph testing ("lie detector"). Questions concern:
- 🔍 Hiding medical contraindications
- 🔍 Evidence of drug or alcohol use
- 🔍 Presence of corruption ties
After successfully passing the exams, the graduate receives:
- 📜 Diploma of secondary vocational education (specialty: “Passenger car conductor/electric train driver”)
- 📜 Subway driver license (valid for 5 years, then recertification is required)
- 📜 Electrical safety approval group (not lower than III)
⚠️ Attention: If the result is unsatisfactory in any of the exams, retaking is possible no earlier than after 1 month. After the third unsuccessful attempt, the candidate is suspended from the profession for 2 years.
Salary and career growth: what awaits graduates
The average salary of a metro driver in 2026 is:
- 💰 Moscow: 120,000 - 180,000 rubles (including allowances for night shifts and overtime)
- 💰 St. Petersburg: 90,000 - 140,000 rubles
- 💰 Regions: 60,000 - 100,000 rubles (Ekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Kazan)
The salary consists of:
- 💵 Salary (40-60% of the amount)
- 💵 Extra pay for night shifts (+30-40%)
- 💵 Bonuses for trouble-free operation (up to 20%)
- 💵 Compensation for harmful working conditions (+10%)
The career ladder in the metro looks like this:
- Driver 3rd class (first 2 years) - works with an instructor, operates a train on inactive lines.
- Driver 2nd class (after 2 years) - independent management on main lines, the right to work night shifts.
- Driver 1st class (after 5 years) - management of high-speed and express trains, training of trainees.
- Machinist-instructor (after 8 years) - training of new employees, participation in certification commissions.
- Leadership positions (after 10 years) - dispatcher, depot manager, deputy head of the metro.
- Electromechanic for rolling stock repair (+20% to salary)
- Traffic control manager (+15%)
- Safety instructor (+25%)
Training in these areas usually takes 3-6 months and is paid for by the metro.
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Pros and cons of the profession: an honest analysis
Benefits of working as a metro driver:
- ✅ Stability — the metro is a state-owned enterprise; you cannot fire someone “just like that.”
- ✅ Social package — free travel, voluntary health insurance, corporate sanatoriums.
- ✅ Early retirement - according to harmfulness (men at 55 years old, women at 50).
- ✅ Demand — shortage of personnel guarantees employment.
Difficulties and disadvantages:
- ❌ Irregular schedule — 12-hour shifts, including night shifts (from 22:00 to 6:00).
- ❌ High responsibility — a mistake can lead to an emergency with human casualties.
- ❌ Physical activity — constant vibration, noise, the need to react quickly.
- ❌ Health restrictions - annual medical examinations, if problems are identified - removal.
According to the survey SuperJob (2023), 68% of drivers happy with their work, but 42% report chronic fatigue due to their schedule. The main reasons for leaving a position are: stress (35%) and health problems (28%).
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Alternative ways to get a profession
In addition to classical college education, there is 3 alternative ways become a metro driver:
- Retraining for railway workers
Persons with experience working for Russian Railways (driver assistants, conductors) can take accelerated courses lasting 6 months. Requirements: at least 3 years of experience and a valid medical certificate.
- Military service under contract
Military personnel serving in the railway troops receive the opportunity to study under a reduced program. After demobilization, they are guaranteed employment in the metro.
- Metro corporate programs
Some subways (for example, Moscow) organize their own training centers. The training is free, but you must sign a contract to work for at least 5 years.
There is also the possibility distance learning on the theoretical part (via the portal "Work in Russia"), but practical classes and internships must be completed in person.
Frequently asked questions about the profession of metro driver
🔹 Is it possible to become a metro driver with a criminal record?
No, having a criminal record (even expunged) on charges related to transport, drugs or violent crimes is an absolute contraindication. The exception is convictions for economic or administrative offenses, but the decision is made individually.
🔹 What subjects must be taken upon admission?
As a rule, these are the Russian language, mathematics and physics (section "Mechanics"). Some colleges also interview a psychologist. The difficulty level corresponds to the 9th grade program.
🔹 How much does a metro driver earn in Moscow?
In 2026, the average salary is 120,000 - 180,000 rubles per month. The exact amount depends on the driver’s class, the availability of night shifts and bonuses for trouble-free work. The starting salary for an intern is about 70,000 rubles.
🔹 Is it possible for a woman to work as a metro driver?
Yes, the profession is officially permitted for women, but in practice their share does not exceed 3-5%. This is due to high physical and psychological stress. Women often hold positions as dispatchers or instructors.
🔹 What happens if the driver falls asleep at work?
This is classified as a gross violation of safety and entails immediate removal from work. Depending on the consequences (train delay, emergency), disciplinary action is possible, including dismissal and loss of license.