Depot driver to Mainline driver

[Twedds74]

Hi, I would just like to get some insight into going from a depot driver role into a mainline driver role.
Is it an easy progression? Do you have to apply for trainee or qualified vacancies as and when advertised, and also do you have to re-do the pshycometric assessments again.
Hopefully some of you who have made this move can give me some advice as I'm not sure whether to take a depot role, or wait until I get offered a mainline role, but am limited to the time my pshycometrics expire.
Thanks.

 

[ExMover]

It depends on the company and how close to full rules you are trained to as a depot driver. With EMT (now training to full rules), it is straight into high speed handling then route learning. Traction is already there.

No repeat of Psychometric testing as you are already a fully qualified driver, albeit without much route that you sign!

 

[Pilotman]

Hi Twedds

The normal process from going to depot to mainline driving is that you would stand good chance as you would have basic rules and traction.

When you start mainline driving course you may miss the first few weeks as this is what you already know. Depending on the company course structure you could miss up to the first 5 weeks as this is designed for people that have no railway knowledge.

Hope this helps

 

[Johncleesefan]

I would certainly take the depot role if offered it as you don't know how long you may be waiting for mainline. It will put you in good stead for the mainline role and is a good job itself. If you want to be a driver take the first driving grade opportunity you can I suggest

 

[BTU]

Hi, I would just like to get some insight into going from a depot driver role into a mainline driver role.
Is it an easy progression? Do you have to apply for trainee or qualified vacancies as and when advertised, and also do you have to re-do the pshycometric assessments again.
Hopefully some of you who have made this move can give me some advice as I'm not sure whether to take a depot role, or wait until I get offered a mainline role, but am limited to the time my pshycometrics expire.
Thanks.

Take the job, there's a driver that was on my course who came from being a depot driver he did have to apply for the trainee role but from what he told me they were a bit more biased in his favour plus you'll be great at banging and clanging and low speed driving and you will know the in and out of all the traction you drive and most faults and failures you'll have seen and possibly dealt with which puts you more at ease when you do become a driver.

 

[Pepperami]

The Depot jobs for GTR were (rumoured) to be only 4k a year less than a mainline driver

Think VERY CAREFULLY about what you want out of the job, there are a fair few who given the chance I suspect would choose Depot Driving .... none of the stuff mainline drivers have to do, for a few quid a year less?

Take the Depot job, learn the traction, do your rules and PTS and then if you think mainline drivings for you then go for it, its a foot in the door and that's the important thing to remember... you've actually got a chance to start

 

[BTU]

The Depot jobs for GTR were (rumoured) to be only 4k a year less than a mainline driver

Think VERY CAREFULLY about what you want out of the job, there are a fair few who given the chance I suspect would choose Depot Driving .... none of the stuff mainline drivers have to do, for a few quid a year less?

Take the Depot job, learn the traction, do your rules and PTS and then if you think mainline drivings for you then go for it, its a foot in the door and that's the important thing to remember... you've actually got a chance to start

I can tell you it's nowhere near a 4K difference in depot and mainline on GTR mainline is far better paid.

 

[Twedds74]

I can tell you it's nowhere near a 4K difference in depot and mainline on GTR mainline is far better paid.

From what I can see, it's around a 20k jump!

 

[maxvolts]

From what I can see, it's around a 20k jump!

Nowhere near it. On basic it's around a 10k difference.
With rostered sundays and overtime you can easily earn 60k plus.

 

[Twedds74]

Well, great news! Got a job offer yesterday pending medical )