This might sound like a silly question, but... Why does a train driver need to learn the route ? Surely the route is controlled by signal boxes etc. I can maybe understand they need to learn what the order of the stations are.
Drivers need to know which signal boxes and electrical control officers control which area, the location of signals and speed restrictions, level crossings, the stations, each crossover and route they could possibly take. Going off of that, they also need to know when to start braking for each of those things and challenge signallers if they are routed wrongly. Including in the dark and thick fog when every single point of reference is practically invisible. There’s an awful lot more to it than that, but overall it helps the driver ensure that all are safe and trains stop at stations! Hope that helps.
