Queensland Rail makes "no apologies" for using stringent psychometric testing despite claims it is delaying the recruitment of much-needed train drivers.
The state's opposition has taken aim over the tough testing methods, which were stumping experienced drivers, at a time QR can't afford to block qualified candidates.
But newly appointed QR chief executive Nick Easy said employees were responsible for up to 1000 customers at a time and their safety was critical.
"Psychometric testing is a standard and a common process," he said on Friday.
"What it involves is an online cognitive assessment which looks at the abilities and behavioural styles of individuals that takes into account the changing environment, patterns and making decisions in a calm, accurate and quick manner."
Mr Easy said the independently-validated testing was introduced in 2011 and followed an external investigation into a train and truck crash.
"The role of a train driver is a very important one, it's a very responsible one," he said.
"We make no apologies for ensuring that they are the right individuals to perform these functions."
Shadow transport minister Andrew Powell said QR could not afford to "turn away experienced and qualified drivers" after a shortage led to a series of timetable debacles in late 2016.
"The longer Labor delays recruiting drivers, the longer the cuts and cancellations will continue and taxpayers will keep paying out $1 million in overtime each fortnight," he said in a statement on Friday.
Mr Powell also accused the government and QR of failing to implement a Strachan Inquiry recommendation to recruit external applicants rather than solely promoting and training from within.
Mr Easy said the call had been put out to former staff who were now making their way through the recruitment process.
"The recommendation does refer to external recruitment and we've always said that will be undertaken in stages and that still is the case," he said.
"Recruiting for those with pre-existing experience is a form of external recruitment."
However he said former drivers would still have to complete the psychometric testing, even though QR employees hired before 2011 didn't have to.
Mr Easy could not confirm how many drivers had applied for positions or when they would find out if they had passed the psychometric testing.
"We're proceeding with the recruitment as quickly as we can," he said.
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