Rail and transport courses
Rail and transport courses lead to work on the track, behind the wheel of a bus or truck, or in a train cab. You can start with a Certificate II in under a year, or spend longer on the qualifications that train you to drive trains and heavy vehicles.
- Quickest way to start
- 6 months
- Certificate II, typical full time length
- TAFE cost from
- $3,975
- subsidised Certificate III, TAFE Queensland
- What the jobs pay
- $70,700 to $156,100
- median pay across 4 jobs, some estimated
- Demand
- 2 of 4 jobs
- are on the national shortage list
Which course do you need?
It depends on the job you want.
Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure
Work as a track worker
Build and look after track and structures, use hand tools and follow safety and fatigue rules on and around the rail corridor.
Median pay$70,700 (estimate)
- How long it takes
- Typically 6 to 12 months
- How you'll study
- On campus
Certificate IV in Train Driving
Become a train driver
Drive passenger or freight trains, read signals, keep in contact with network control and follow safeworking rules for your route.
JobTrain Driver
Median pay$156,100
- How long it takes
- Typically 6 to 24 months
Certificate III in Driving Operations
Drive a bus or truck for a living
Drive a bus, tip truck or delivery vehicle, inspect it before each shift and manage long hours and early starts.
JobTruck Driver
Median pay$101,900
- How long it takes
- Typically 1 to 2 years
- What it costs
- $3,975 at TAFE Queensland if you're eligible for a subsidised place, or $5,925 full fee
- How you'll study
- Online, on campus or on the job
How much it costs at TAFE
If you're eligible for a government-subsidised place, you pay much less than the full fee, and in some states these courses can be free. Here's what each TAFE lists.
| TAFE | State | Certificate III | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subsidised | Full fee | ||
| TAFE Queensland | QLD | $3,975 | $5,925 |
TAFE QueenslandQLD
- Certificate III
- $3,975 subsidised
- $5,925 full fee
Fees as each TAFE shows them on its website, checked 20 September 2026. “Not listed” means the TAFE doesn't show that fee online. Private colleges set their own fees.
Other certificates and diplomas
Jobs you can do with this study
Pay is the median for everyone in the job, not a starting salary.
- Railway Track WorkerWhat you needCertificate IIMedian pay$70,700 (estimate)
Bus DriverWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$93,300In demand- Truck DriverWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$101,900In demand
- Train DriverWhat you needCertificate IVMedian pay$156,100
“In demand” means the job is on the national skills shortage list. Pay marked as an estimate is our own analysis, not a published figure. Check the course and provider are approved for the work you want, as rules differ by state.
Still not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few quick questions about your time, state and budget, and we'll show the courses that suit you.