How to become a train driver

Who is a train driver

Train drivers operate trains on the rail network, carrying passengers and freight around the country.

Average Salary – £30,000 – £65,000

How to become a train driver

Usually, you must begin a Level 3 apprenticeship programme to qualify as a train driver. Roughly 1.5 years long, this apprenticeship usually consists of on-the-job training and study combined. Candidates should be at least 21 years old and have GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics. You will also have to pass psychological and physiological tests.

Here is a more thorough analysis:

1. Fulfil the Fundamental Criteria:
Be at least twenty-one years old.
Qualifications: Have GCSEs, or equivalent, in English and Mathematics.
Medical Fitness: Undergo a thorough medical examination to confirm you satisfy the safety-critical criteria.
Psychological Assessments: Evaluate your ability and fit by means of psychometric exams and situational judgement assessments.
Some businesses could want you to reside within a specified distance from a depot.

2. The Path of Apprenticeship:
Seek a company:
Search for train operating firms, such as East Midlands Railway, Northern Rail, Southeastern, Arriva Rail London, or Avanti West Coast, that provide trainee driver roles.
Finish the application procedure, which could involve medical examinations, tests, and interviews.
Training: Finish the Level 3 Train Driver apprenticeship program, which combines study with on-the-job training.
Understand railway laws and procedures, safety measures, and signalling systems.
Work under the guidance of seasoned train drivers to get the required driving hours.

3. Other Paths:
Some applicants start with a different railway sector profession, such as station crew or shunting, and subsequently seek a train driver post after acquiring experience.
To get ready for the choice process, you might think about a pre-employment training program such as the one provided by the Train Driver Foundation.

4. Significant Factors:
Train driving is a safety-critical profession; hence, you must be consistent, cool under pressure, and able to make wise choices.
It can be a physically and mentally taxing job that requires commitment and a great deal of safety consciousness.
Competition: Careful planning is absolutely vital since the battle for train driver jobs can be intense.

What it takes to become a train driver

Knowledge and abilities You will require:

concentration skills, the capacity to operate and regulate equipment the ability to be meticulous and attentive to detail awareness of public safety and security, patience and the capacity to maintain composure in high-pressure situations
observation and recording abilities the capacity to work effectively under pressure and take criticism, the ability to collaborate effectively with others, the ability to operate a computer and the primary software packages proficiently
Conditions and Limitations
It will be necessary for you to:

pass enhanced background checks be over the age of 20
pass a medical examination reside within a 45-minute to 1-hour drive of the depot to which you are applying

What you’ll do as a train driver

Routine duties
In the capacity of a train driver, you will:

Before and after each excursion, verify the controls and equipment.
operate trains in accordance with a predetermined schedule between terminals or freight depots
Following track signalling, pace, and safety instructions along routes Conversing with control centres and signal operators during journeys
make notifications to passengers
record incidents such as equipment malfunctions, delays, or onboard complications
participate in consistent training sessions regarding rail operations, safety, and regulations
Work environment
Your work environment may be noisy, and you may be required to spend evenings away from home.

It may be necessary for you to don a uniform.

Career path and progression for a train driver

Your qualifications may lead to employment on passenger, freight, or engineering railroads. Additionally, you may elect to focus on specific routes, such as Eurostar lines.

As you accumulate experience, you may qualify as a trainee instructor:

instructing novice students in the classroom
accompanying apprentices on journeys as they learn the routes, demonstrating cab controls and signals in a rail simulator
You may consider transitioning to a management position, where you would be responsible for overseeing the performance of drivers and ensuring that trains and crews are located in the appropriate locations on the rail network. You may also consider transitioning to operations management, where you would be responsible for the planning of future rail developments.

Career opportunities for a train driver

Apprenticeships in England
At present, there are no apprenticeship opportunities available for train drivers in England.

The Find an Apprenticeship service can assist you in your search, provide notifications when new apprenticeships become available, and provide guidance on how to apply.

Courses in England
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