Overview
ISO 23019:2022 - "Railway applications - Driving simulator for drivers' training" specifies requirements for railway driving simulators used in drivers' training. It defines minimum functions and performance for training simulators and is applicable to all guided transport systems: mainlines, metros, tramways and light rail for intercity, urban and suburban passenger or freight services. The standard supports consistent procurement, effective training design and safer rail operations by describing essential simulator capabilities and documentation (Annexes A–D provide supplementary guidance).
Key technical topics and requirements
ISO 23019:2022 organizes requirements across conceptual, functional and technical domains. Key topics include:
- Concept and classification
- Purpose and intended use of simulators
- Simulator classes and operating modes (e.g., training mode, supporting mode)
- Simulated system and environment
- Requirements for simulated trains, controlled/automatic trains, lines and operational environment
- Perception systems
- Visual system, sound and motion requirements to ensure realistic sensory input for trainees
- Control, monitoring and training scenarios
- Interface and human-machine interaction requirements, scenario generation and playback for recurrent or abnormal events
- Computer system and auxiliary equipment
- Minimum computer performance, internal/external interfaces and recommended best practices
- Installation, maintainability and data
- Requirements for simulator installation, maintenance administration and necessary simulation data and documents
- Administration and tools
- Training scenario editor, line editor, maintenance administration, and acceptance testing (Annex B)
- Supporting documentation
- Reviews, required documents and training for use/maintenance (Annexes A, C, D)
Practical applications and users
ISO 23019:2022 is intended for organizations involved in railway training, procurement and safety assurance:
- Railway operators and transit agencies - to specify simulator capabilities for driver certification, re-skilling and safety drills.
- Training centers and academies - to design realistic training scenarios and manage simulator content.
- Simulator manufacturers and integrators - to meet minimum performance and interface requirements during design and delivery.
- Procurement teams and regulators - to create clear, internationally aligned specifications for acquisition and acceptance testing.
Practical uses include replicating abnormal conditions for accident prevention, improving driver technique, supporting credentialing and reducing on-track training exposure.
Related standards & governance
ISO 23019:2022 was prepared by ISO/TC 269 (Railway applications), SC 3 (Operations and services). It should be used alongside organizational safety regulations and other ISO/IEC directives relevant to system procurement and conformity assessment.
