Depot driver progression

[depotdriver85]

Hi I was hoping someone could shed some light for me. I had an interview for Northern rail today regarding becoming a L3 depot driver, one of the questions I asked was what are the prospects within this roll, I was told natural progression was to Level 4 driver, I’m just trying to understand if it’s a roll change or just a salary increase? I’ve searched and cannot seem to find much information regarding level 3 to level 4. Many thanks

 

[Owen2323]

It is both a role change and a salary increase - you'd have to apply and go through the recruitment process like any external candidate (the only difference being that you would already be through the psychometric tests so you'd just have to pass the Driver Manager Interview).

Being an internal candidate would be a definite plus (they often advertise internally first) but once in the role of depot driver they can often be reluctant to release people (although many do make the change).

 

[depotdriver85]

It is both a role change and a salary increase - you'd have to apply and go through the recruitment process like any external candidate (the only difference being that you would already be through the psychometric tests so you'd just have to pass the Driver Manager Interview).

Being an internal candidate would be a definite plus (they often advertise internally first) but once in the role of depot driver they can often be reluctant to release people (although many do make the change).

Firstly thanks for your reply, so it is what I’m assuming it would be L3 depot and L4 mainline driver role? I have seen a few people suggest they are reluctant to release people to mainline but I guess it all depends on the TOC. Many thanks again

 

[Owen2323]

MDD is a good way to get a driving qualification and often used as a good way into the role of being a mainline driver. Some people like the role and just stick with it - it's horses for courses. The shifts will be different (a lot more nights I'd imagine) but you won't have too many early starts or late finishes which you would on the mainline. The basic salary is obviously less but there's probably plenty of overtime available if you want to try and make it up

 

[Snowman84]

Firstly thanks for your reply, so it is what I’m assuming it would be L3 depot and L4 mainline driver role? I have seen a few people suggest they are reluctant to release people to mainline but I guess it all depends on the TOC. Many thanks again

Hi, How did you get on with you're application etc? Keen to know a bit more as I have a possible opportunity

 

[depotdriver85]

Hi, How did you get on with you're application etc? Keen to know a bit more as I have a possible opportunity

I’ve got through the interviews ect so I’ve got my psychometric tests next Thursday which I’m nervous about. Fingers crossed

 

[Snowman84]

I’ve got through the interviews ect so I’ve got my psychometric tests next Thursday which I’m nervous about. Fingers crossed

Excellent, best of luck with the Psychometric test!! I have an interview with Northern next Thursday for a Depot Driver role if you have any tips?

 

[depotdriver85]

Just practise the star type questions, think of as many examples as you can that will work for multiple questions. Also do some research on northern rail as they ask what do you know about northern.

 

[Snowman84]

Just practise the star type questions, think of as many examples as you can that will work for multiple questions. Also do some research on northern rail as they ask what do you know about northern.

Great, thanks for the tips!

 

[dum]

Hi I was hoping someone could shed some light for me. I had an interview for Northern rail today regarding becoming a L3 depot driver, one of the questions I asked was what are the prospects within this roll, I was told natural progression was to Level 4 driver, I’m just trying to understand if it’s a roll change or just a salary increase? I’ve searched and cannot seem to find much information regarding level 3 to level 4. Many thanks

Which depot did you apply for?

 

[Snowman84]

I’ve got through the interviews ect so I’ve got my psychometric tests next Thursday which I’m nervous about. Fingers crossed

Hi, how did you get on with Psychometrics? Passed my Interview and have mine in a couple of weeks.