Hi Chris,
I have just had the following message for an ex GWR driver who now works for Chiltern and thought that it might interest you.
"Training is usually done in Reading (classroom) and traction training in the sidings at Oxford. You will be classroom based for around 4 months....lunch provided, and some of this work will be in hotels in Swindon/Reading with some other work in Bristol....again meals provided and not usually overnight stays. You will then be assessed by a competence manager at your depot to see if you can take driving instructions and spend 3 days on an initial driving introduction course, then you get your D.I.........and the driving proper starts. You will also have route learning lessons and weekly exams....sometimes 3 or more a week. You will have 3 major rules exams which you must pass and regular driving assessments after a certain amount of hours. If I can help you in any way give me a shout. Good luck and welcome to the best job you'll ever have.
Al"
I have just had the following message for an ex GWR driver who now works for Chiltern and thought that it might interest you.
"Training is usually done in Reading (classroom) and traction training in the sidings at Oxford. You will be classroom based for around 4 months....lunch provided, and some of this work will be in hotels in Swindon/Reading with some other work in Bristol....again meals provided and not usually overnight stays. You will then be assessed by a competence manager at your depot to see if you can take driving instructions and spend 3 days on an initial driving introduction course, then you get your D.I.........and the driving proper starts. You will also have route learning lessons and weekly exams....sometimes 3 or more a week. You will have 3 major rules exams which you must pass and regular driving assessments after a certain amount of hours. If I can help you in any way give me a shout. Good luck and welcome to the best job you'll ever have.
Al"