A career as a train driver

[david_VI]

I was in the same the position when I applied, I explained at the interview that I had a life long interest in the railways and had wanted to be a driver since I was a boy. There are plenty of enthusiasts driving trains on the network and contrary to the belief of some being an enthusiast isn't as frowned upon as imagined. Try not to come across as a trainspotter whose life revolves around trains though.




If you don't apply then you definitely won't get it. Driver vacancies attract a lot of attention and there will be hundreds of applicants but don't let this stop you applying. It is always worth applying if you want the job and if you don't get it this time then don't let it put you off - I spent years being rejected for various roles in various companies before I got where I want to be.

Well i've made the first move. Had to get a train to and from London just to hand deliver the application .

I am torn because if my application gets accepted and I fail the assessment centre/interview i've used one of my chances, correct? Yet if my application fails at least I still have the two chances.. (Its like a game show eh?).

I wouldn't call myself a trainspotter. I have a few hobbies, i'm currently doing a music degree, my two loves are the railways and music.

I suppose it must require extreme planning and practice when it comes to the tests and interview questions as although I have no proper experience in full time employment I feel I have examples I could use from personal experiences, doing a degree and voluntary work.

Many thanks for your reply, given me a bit more confidence!

David

 

[driver9000]

You can only fail the assessment twice. An interview with the TOC doesn't count towards the assessment fail count although there is an interview on the day. You can have as many applications rejected as necessary, I had 2 applications for driving rejected before I got on.

Good luck to you!

 

[NY Yankee]

I don't have the time to read the whole thread. Is there a minimum physical or educational requirement to become a driver? Do you simply hand in an application and wait for an interview or is there an exam?

 

[driver9000]

I don't have the time to read the whole thread. Is there a minimum physical or educational requirement to become a driver? Do you simply hand in an application and wait for an interview or is there an exam?

No special educational requirements, my education ended after high school. There is a tough assessment day to get through which a lot of candidates fail. You must be at least 20 years old although you can't be passed out (sit final exams and qualify to drive) until you are 21 years old (18 on LUL). Applicants must have good hearing and not be colour blind. If you have the time check out www.traindriver.org which has a wealth of information relating to the job as a driver on the UK railway

 

[notadriver]

The failure rate used to be as high as 90%. If you fail any part of the assessment twice, you will never be a train driver in the UK.

 

[NY Yankee]

Seriously, how hard is it to pull a lever and obey the railroad signals? I think they make the test harder than necessary because there are so many applicants and a finite amount of slots.

 

[ainsworth74]

Seriously, how hard is it to pull a lever and obey the railroad signals? I think they make the test harder than necessary because there are so many applicants and a finite amount of slots.

Go away and learn everything within this that applies to drivers (and it's a lot of it) to such a degree that you could be tested on any of it at pretty much any time and get nearly every question right (and continue to refresh yourself on it as there are refresher tests fairly regularly). Then go away and learn your routes and by that I mean the location of every signal, level crossing, station, signal box, junction, speed restriction and probably some other things that I've forgotten so that I could blind fold you (or send you out at night or in fog) and know exactly where you are, how fast you should be going and when you need to brake for your next station. Then once you've done that (for every single route you're going to be driving) you also need to know all the traction you're going to be driving inside and out both how it performs (in the wet, dry and during leaf fall), how to fix faults (and on older units there won't be much in the way of computers telling you what it thinks is wrong). Oh and while your at it make sure you know what to do if your train is involved in an accident (you do know what the rule book says right?) such as a derailment blocking all the running lines (quick now there could be a train at any moment on that other line so you better know what to do). And you know what there is probably more to job that I've not mentioned. It's a bit more complicated than just pulling a lever and obeying signals

 

[driver9000]

Seriously, how hard is it to pull a lever and obey the railroad signals? I think they make the test harder than necessary because there are so many applicants and a finite amount of slots.

Do you really think that is all there is to the job? Have a look at the training and route learning sections of the site I linked you to in my earlier post. It gives a good idea of the level of knowledge of the rules needed. We have to know it off by heart and how to apply the rules without referring back to it each time we need it - sometimes quick and accurate action is required. There is also traction knowledge - UK drivers must be trained on all aspects of the type and sit an exam before they can drive it. I am passed on 6 types so I had to sit 6 exams, there is no AA out there and if the train develops a fault it is up to the driver to diagnose and rectify the fault if he can. Then there is route knowledge - a UK driver must know every detail of the lines they work over which can be hundreds of miles of railway and a train isn't driven on sight. The training I undertook before I could qualify to drive trains lasted 11 months which included classroom, practical and 230 hours of train handling. I resit these exams every 2 years in order to keep my licence. I'm not the best at writing down what the job entails to be honest So I hope I have done all right although there are other drivers on here better with the written word than I.

 

[MidnightFlyer]

... And know how the engine works, and route details down to village names, route indicators and speed limits among others for what can be bordering on or over 600 miles of track. Then there's lineside safety, signalling, cab controls...

What a naïve thing to say.

Edit - That was a reply to NY Yankee, not the other two repliees.

 

[142094]

I've been doing a ton of research on how to become a train driver but have a few questions. (I didn't want to make my own thread as you seem to get a lot of threads asking for stuff that could be found here..)

Its been my dream to become a train driver for many years, always had a passion for the industry. Does this count for anything when in an interview or do they just want someone who will do the job?

Is it worth me applying? I have no full time employment experience as i've been in full time education. I have however done voluntary jobs. Will the lack of experience stop my application getting me to an assessment centre?

I say the above, although I did get to the NXEA assessment centre for station staff, passed the tests but must have failed at the interview, but I guess that job was much different to being a driver!

Thanks for the help
David

One thing you have to remember, especially in recent years, is that TOCs will be having hundreds of applications from people in the same situation as yourself, and there will be those who have previously worked on the railways or those who have come from school/college/university with qualifications all fighting for the same job. The best things you can do are:

1) Try to make yourself stand out from the rest - this may mean getting any job not in the railway sector to get experience of general work which can be put onto your CV.

2) Apply for other positions that come up - this might be a starting position such as train presentation or catering crew. Means you have some sort of income while you wait for a driving vacancy and gets the foot in the door.

3) Keep checking TOCs vacancy pages, even if it is daily. Some TOCs advertise for roles which only are up for perhaps a few days before they are removed.

And above all keep trying.

 

[david_VI]

One thing you have to remember, especially in recent years, is that TOCs will be having hundreds of applications from people in the same situation as yourself, and there will be those who have previously worked on the railways or those who have come from school/college/university with qualifications all fighting for the same job. The best things you can do are:

1) Try to make yourself stand out from the rest - this may mean getting any job not in the railway sector to get experience of general work which can be put onto your CV.

2) Apply for other positions that come up - this might be a starting position such as train presentation or catering crew. Means you have some sort of income while you wait for a driving vacancy and gets the foot in the door.

3) Keep checking TOCs vacancy pages, even if it is daily. Some TOCs advertise for roles which only are up for perhaps a few days before they are removed.

And above all keep trying.

Thanks for the response. I've considered the above and realised if I can get to an assessment its the interview I need to prepare well for as I can practice the tests.

I just hope I can get decent examples for the questions, considering I may not have that much experience compared to others...

The waiting game begins!

 

[Beveridges]

Seriously, how hard is it to pull a lever and obey the railroad signals? I think they make the test harder than necessary because there are so many applicants and a finite amount of slots.

Tests are not hard if you practiced with all the stuff availalbe online and if you ask previous applicants whats on the Glop test and whats in the structured Interview. If you dont prepare than its hard, I think I would have failed twice. The tests are certainly irrelevant to the job thats one thing for sure they do not measure if you make a good driver or not, you can be good at one and bad at the other.

Regarding "Trainspotting" - If it was like any other industry then having an outside interest would be seen as a good thing, but for some retarded reason, Trainspotting has got such a bad reputation, so it is best to keep it quiet when applying. Keep it quiet but remember that it will probably make you better at the job, because if you don't have an interest your likely to find it boring.

 

[Dieseldriver]

Seriously, how hard is it to pull a lever and obey the railroad signals? I think they make the test harder than necessary because there are so many applicants and a finite amount of slots.

So seein as you quite obviously have a massive wealth of experience and knowledge on what train driving involves why don't you explain it to us? I would find it very interesting.

 

[reapz]

deleted

 

[Gareth43]

Seriously, how hard is it to pull a lever and obey the railroad signals? I think they make the test harder than necessary because there are so many applicants and a finite amount of slots.

How about ****ing hard!!! there is a huge amount of knowledge to be learnt in a relatively short period of time not to mention that the knowledge gained needs to be set in your brain permanently.
That's why the tests are the way they are to determined if you have the mentality to adsorb and react.
After all I would not want some moron driving a train carrying 600 passengers who did not know what they were doing and did not have the necessary knowledge to know what to do in an emergency.

Im not a driver yet but I sure as hell know that it is far from easy and certainly more involved than just pulling a lever.

 

[notadriver]

The sort of people who say its just 'pulling a lever' are usually drooling with jealousy.

 

[jthorne82]

hi all new here, i have wanted to be a train driver for a few years now, but never have applied the reason is i have a slight stutter would this be a problem, its not all the time just on certain words. I also have a class 2 and been driving a fuel tanker for past 5 years could that be what they could be looking for as i am up on health and saftey and work on my own.
thanks
james

 

[notadriver]

hi all new here, i have wanted to be a train driver for a few years now, but never have applied the reason is i have a slight stutter would this be a problem, its not all the time just on certain words. I also have a class 2 and been driving a fuel tanker for past 5 years could that be what they could be looking for as i am up on health and saftey and work on my own.
thanks
james

Can you communicate clearly and concisely?

 

[jthorne82]

yes to both.

 

[Cherry_Picker]

I know a driver who has a stutter and it hasn't held him back one iota. In fact he is a driver instructor and often gets detached from his regular driving duties to organise and run training programs for other drivers. Unless it is an absolutely crippling stammer then it shouldn't be an issue.

Oh, and the "It's just pulling a lever" comment? It's easy to make anything sound trivial if you are super reductive about it. Those footballers eh? How hard can that be, it's just running around on a field and kicking a ball. And how about those actors? Why do they get paid $30m a film when it's just reading lines off a bit of paper?
Train driving is a skilled job. No, it's not brain surgery, but it does require a certain type of personality and it's not suited to everybody. You do have a lot of responsibility and you do have to be able to handle it well.

 

[Gareth43]

hear, hear!

 

[Harry47818]

Hello everyone,

I am currently at college but i want to do an apprenticeship or get a job in the rail services, how hard is it to get into it and what qualifications i need to get in? im 17 but im 18 in august, i'd love a career down the rail industry path but if someone could tell me abit about it i'd be greatful, best regards,

Harry

 

[AndyBoo]

take a look at atoc.org. and click on the tab that says train companies. Ive been in the industry since 2006. Ive done different jobs with the aim of being a driver. Ive built up experience with local and national operators and im only now beginning to have success with driver applications.

So maybe think of a plan and have a direction. decide where u want to be in so many years time, and see what jobs are available with each of ur local operators.

and the very best of luck to ya.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
oh and pushing and pulling a leaver? that made me laugh. train driver don't have spoon fed stopping distances like the green cross code. travelling 125 mph down a fast line with signals zipping past you. it takes miles to stop a train not meters. sounds like muppets like him are best well away from this industry.

 

[MR_P]

Moved

 

[reddevil79]

hi all, i'm fairly new here and am thinking of applying for the trainee vacancy currently advertised at blackpool, im currently working in a safety critical role on the railway as a possession assistant similar role to the old handsignaller so i have something from the safety side behind me. i have a lot of questions but almost all are covered in this absolutely brilliant thread.
but one question i have seen answered numerous different ways is eyesight... i have a very minor correction in my left eye just for reading will this affect my application?

can anybody who has expirience with northern rail clarify the situation on eyesight?

 

[reapz]

hi all, i'm fairly new here and am thinking of applying for the trainee vacancy currently advertised at blackpool, im currently working in a safety critical role on the railway as a possession assistant similar role to the old handsignaller so i have something from the safety side behind me. i have a lot of questions but almost all are covered in this absolutely brilliant thread.
but one question i have seen answered numerous different ways is eyesight... i have a very minor correction in my left eye just for reading will this affect my application?

can anybody who has expirience with northern rail clarify the situation on eyesight?

This is set in stone.

a) distance vision shall be at least 6/9 in the better eye and 6/12 in the other eye; the use of spectacles or contact lenses is permitted to meet this requirement

b) where contact lenses are used, the test shall be repeated using the person’s corrective spectacles, that would normally be carried by the person when on duty

c) where spectacles or contact lenses are used, uncorrected visual acuity shall be at least 3/60 in each eye

d) no pathological condition likely to cause visual impairment shall be present

e) no progressive eye diseases

f) binocular near vision of at least N8, with spectacles or contact lenses if worn (applicable only to persons undertaking driving duties)


http://www.rgsonline.co.uk/Railway_...nt/Railway Group Standards/GORT3451 Iss 2.pdf

Scroll down to 2.3.4.2 for Driver eyesight standards and good luck

You wont regret it if you get on the foot plate

 

[reddevil79]

thanks for the speedy reply,



and also thanks for the link very insightful

 

[david_VI]

I don't understand the eyesight thing.. I wear glasses and my worst eye is-1.75, what does that mean inrelation to the 3/60 thing?

 

[Will.C]

Firstly, thanks to everyone who's contributed to this thread, has been really really helpful.
Still have a couple of questions,

1. Did read a little on this but is it really frowned upon if you have points on your driving license, not for drink driving but for speeding?? Im a delivery driver and have been told points are an occupational hazard!

2.Again, read a little but just want it cleared up, being and enthusiast/trainspotter(if theres a difference) will this work in your favour or not? Tbh Id like to think Ive got enough of a head on my shoulders not to be hanging out the cab trying to get a pic of a passing train!!

3.I had an accident a while ago, 4 years to be exact, broke my back. I feel Im more than capable and am doing heavy lifting daily but on the odd occasion get a bit of back pain. Will they look at this as a hinderance??

4.With route knowledge, do freight drivers know more routes than a passenger driver would? And how many different loco's would a normal freight driver be able/trained to drive?

Thanks in advance

 

[Beveridges]

1. Did read a little on this but is it really frowned upon if you have points on your driving license, not for drink driving but for speeding?? Im a delivery driver and have been told points are an occupational hazard!

Completely irrelevant for passenger! For freight they want to know just because you drive company cars to and from areas otherwise inaccessible as part of the job. They only want to know because if you've got a lot of points they fear you might close your license and then would not be able to do the job as it involves car driving as previously stated.

2.Again, read a little but just want it cleared up, being and enthusiast/trainspotter(if theres a difference) will this work in your favour or not? Tbh Id like to think Ive got enough of a head on my shoulders not to be hanging out the cab trying to get a pic of a passing train!!

Depends on the Interviewer. I've over 20 years trainspotting. It is best not to mention it because some staff who work on the railway have a low opinion of trainspotters. If they ask about hobbies then keep your answer in this one to a minimum, there are many hobbies you can be scored down on!

3.I had an accident a while ago, 4 years to be exact, broke my back. I feel Im more than capable and am doing heavy lifting daily but on the odd occasion get a bit of back pain. Will they look at this as a hinderance??

Maybe not but I've heard that certain types of unit (like 142s) can give people back pain

4.With route knowledge, do freight drivers know more routes than a passenger driver would? And how many different loco's would a normal freight driver be able/trained to drive?

Freight drivers have far more route knowledge but freight companies are not for beginners. The only chance of getting into freight now would be to start on passenger first then apply for a freight operator.

With most companies like DRS, DB, Heavy Haul, GBRF, etc. freight loco would nearly always be 66's and very little else, though I think they train on other types as well. Freightliner Intermodal I think would have by far the most freight worked by other traction than 66s of all the freight companies as they also have the electrics.