A career as a train driver

[Prospective01]

First post, just to say 'thank you' to all that have previously posted on here for the wealth of information herein. I've spent a fair few hours cutting and pasting to make up a reference file of notes and comments, invaluable gen from all.

The reason I'm here is that I've made it through to stage 1 for the Freightliner HH recent applications and practising the various tests to prepare for the actual event.

To any others going for the same posts I wish you well.

 

[loiner91]

I'm studying for my degree in computing, looking to move into database administration but find it really BORING.

I've always wanted, from the age of 5, to be a bus/train driver but with all the investment into university, think its now a waste of time to persue this career. I don't like waste.

Would getting a degree be of any advantage or any use if I pursued a career as a train driver?

 

[notadriver]

I'm studying for my degree in computing, looking to move into database administration but find it really BORING.

I've always wanted, from the age of 5, to be a bus/train driver but with all the investment into university, think its now a waste of time to persue this career. I don't like waste.

So do you want to be a bus driver or a train driver ? They are very different jobs.

 

[Beveridges]

I'm studying for my degree in computing, looking to move into database administration but find it really BORING.

I've always wanted, from the age of 5, to be a bus/train driver but with all the investment into university, think its now a waste of time to persue this career. I don't like waste.

Would getting a degree be of any advantage or any use if I pursued a career as a train driver?

I studied a Degree in computers. Found it boring so made a career change and became a Maintenance Depot Train Driver. It was the best career decision I ever made by far. The Degree was a total waste!!! But I'd rather waste the degree and be in an exceptional job, than use the degree and be stuck in a boring dreary office job. Sometimes putting something to waste is the best decision.

 

[Silv1983]

Would getting a degree be of any advantage or any use if I pursued a career as a train driver?

The messroom of a train depot is changing with the times. New drivers often have degrees as the current jobs market means that employers in all industries can demand the very best candidates. Don't get me wrong there are several new drivers coming through with the skills necessary for the job without holding a degree; but in my intake of 10 last year - I think 4 or 5 were graduates. It's the little things like good spelling and grammar, and showing you can stick out a course for a long time that help.
Same thing happened to the police service in the early 2000's with graduates displacing ex-servicemen and those who left school at 16.

A degree (unless it is in train operations!) will not directly benefit you if you want to be a train driver, as the HR team won't necessarily see this achievement and progress your application on its strength alone: but all the skills, experiences and even your age when finishing will certainly help.

If someone waved a magic wand and told me I could cut the uni years out of my life, my debt - and put me into the job 3 years younger: I'd tell them to do one!

 

[loiner91]

The messroom of a train depot is changing with the times. New drivers often have degrees as the current jobs market means that employers in all industries can demand the very best candidates. Don't get me wrong there are several new drivers coming through with the skills necessary for the job without holding a degree; but in my intake of 10 last year - I think 4 or 5 were graduates. It's the little things like good spelling and grammar, and showing you can stick out a course for a long time that help.
Same thing happened to the police service in the early 2000's with graduates displacing ex-servicemen and those who left school at 16.

A degree (unless it is in train operations!) will not directly benefit you if you want to be a train driver, as the HR team won't necessarily see this achievement and progress your application on its strength alone: but all the skills, experiences and even your age when finishing will certainly help.

If someone waved a magic wand and told me I could cut the uni years out of my life, my debt - and put me into the job 3 years younger: I'd tell them to do one!

It's like that everywhere now I guess as my dad says because everyone goes to university and has degrees but most people still aren't any smarter.

Will finish university then become a train driver. Wouldn't mind becoming a bus driver but I watch Crime Watch too much and I'm a little put off. Plus I'm quite shy so I would prefer train driving.

 

[JAMBO]

Iv known guys who are now drivers with very little in the way of qualifications, and are very good drivers at that, and others with degrees and quals the length of there arms who in all honesty were as thick as 2 short planks, so no a degree will not make you a better driver.

 

[TDK]

The messroom of a train depot is changing with the times. New drivers often have degrees as the current jobs market means that employers in all industries can demand the very best candidates.

Candidates with degrees do not necessarily make the very best candidates however candidates with degrees generally have had a lot of recent studying under their belt and will be easier to train with the rules, regulations and traction. In my opinion it isn't that the companies are demanding the very best candidate it is there are so many more candidates passing the psychometric testing due to practice material and in turn the companies (rail) have a much wider choice when it comes to choosing the correct person at interview for the job although they may have failed the tests 10 years ago.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Iv known guys who are now drivers with very little in the way of qualifications, and are very good drivers at that, and others with degrees and quals the length of there arms who in all honesty were as thick as 2 short planks, so no a degree will not make you a better driver.

Indeed, however someone with a degree will be easier to train in general. I only have employed one driver who had a degree and that was in engineering, he was excellent in the rules and regs and at traction but did have a few concentration issues in his first 2 years with 2 incidents, none of the others in the group had any incidents or problems. However, he is a good train driver and overcome his early problems. Candidates with degrees have the same chance as candidates without degrees getting into the driving grade.

 

[Beveridges]

Iv known guys who are now drivers with very little in the way of qualifications, and are very good drivers at that, and others with degrees and quals the length of there arms who in all honesty were as thick as 2 short planks, so no a degree will not make you a better driver.

you dont need to be intelligent to get good qualifications all the way up to the degree levels, its possible to get good grades just by putting some serious hours in with coursework and revision

 

[david_VI]

you dont need to be intelligent to get good qualifications all the way up to the degree levels, its possible to get good grades just by putting some serious hours in with coursework and revision

Yup. It's about knowing what they expect of you. You just have to do things in the format the degree likes generally..

 

[Gemz91]

Little help if possible.

Went for a driving assessment some time ago, where I failed on the structured interview (if that's the correct term for it). The stumbling block for me was a question along the lines of "give an example of a time when you have followed standard".

I struggled to answer it, as every example I gave the interviewer said it wasn't acceptable. Any ideas of what sort of answer they were wanting? I currently work as a guard, any examples I could have gave from here?

Been bugging me ever since what answer they wanted, will put my mind at ease if anyone can tell me.

 

[david_VI]

Little help if possible.

Went for a driving assessment some time ago, where I failed on the structured interview (if that's the correct term for it). The stumbling block for me was a question along the lines of "give an example of a time when you have followed standard".

I struggled to answer it, as every example I gave the interviewer said it wasn't acceptable. Any ideas of what sort of answer they were wanting? I currently work as a guard, any examples I could have gave from here?

Been bugging me ever since what answer they wanted, will put my mind at ease if anyone can tell me.

Not heard "followed standard", is it the same as "followed rules and proceedures"? I thought all the structured interviews were the same.

 

[DunfordBridge]

Little help if possible.

Went for a driving assessment some time ago, where I failed on the structured interview (if that's the correct term for it). The stumbling block for me was a question along the lines of "give an example of a time when you have followed standard".

I struggled to answer it, as every example I gave the interviewer said it wasn't acceptable. Any ideas of what sort of answer they were wanting? I currently work as a guard, any examples I could have gave from here?

Been bugging me ever since what answer they wanted, will put my mind at ease if anyone can tell me.

Do you mean the question about working to a set standard by any chance? I am aware that there is an example on this forum about someone issuing tickets in response to such a question.

Correct me if I am wrong but as a guard, would you not have had to undertake a Conductor CBI as part of your stage 2 assessment? I was wondering if the same question about set standards might have figured in your previous CBI.

When I answered the question the set standards, I initially provided an example of producing software in accordance with XML schemas (system requirements in other words) issued by Companies House. I do not think that this was a suitable example as I was then asked to provide another example.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I studied a Degree in computers. Found it boring so made a career change and became a Maintenance Depot Train Driver. It was the best career decision I ever made by far. The Degree was a total waste!!! But I'd rather waste the degree and be in an exceptional job, than use the degree and be stuck in a boring dreary office job. Sometimes putting something to waste is the best decision.

I have a degree in Computer Science from Cardiff and work in my own little office, (which is more like a green house in summer), within an office. I am sure there are plenty worse jobs than being stuck in an office but a quiet office is better than a noisy office with phones ringing and people walking up and down every two minutes.

Ideally, I would have my office at the front end of a train.

 

[notadriver]

Have you had any luck with your application Dunsford Bridge?

 

[DunfordBridge]

Have you had any luck with your application Dunsford Bridge?

I fell down on the CBI. I have been reading the Freightliner thread and it sounds as the successful trainees could be enjoying myself. I have got enough IT work to be getting on with for now though.

 

[skwiot86]

Hi
Does anyone know what's the requirement for eye sight test??

 

[welshjpc]

Hello mate, it has been mentioned before (use the SEARCH facility) but as you're new and I'm in a good mood, have a blast at this:

http://www.colour-blindness.com/colour-blindness-tests/ishihara-colour-test-plates/

 

[skwiot86]

Hello mate, it has been mentioned before (use the SEARCH facility) but as you're new and I'm in a good mood, have a blast at this:

http://www.colour-blindness.com/colour-blindness-tests/ishihara-colour-test-plates/

Hello mate
I'm not worry about colour blindness.
The only thing I'm worry is that I wear glasses ( -5.00 left eye, -5.50 right eye).
What's the bottom line for people wearing glasses for short vision?
I found out somewhere that's like 3/60 or something but how do you compeer that to prescriptions (-5.00 -5.50)?

 

[A-driver]

Hello mate
I'm not worry about colour blindness.
The only thing I'm worry is that I wear glasses ( -5.00 left eye, -5.50 right eye).
What's the bottom line for people wearing glasses for short vision?
I found out somewhere that's like 3/60 or something but how do you compeer that to prescriptions (-5.00 -5.50)?

Without glasses you need to be able to read the letter at the top from 3 feet I believe.

As far as I remember with your glasses you need to be 6/9 and 12/9 (whatever that means...)

 

[ultra4]

I am slighty concern about my hearing. However allowed hearing loss has been increased recently.
Is it 30 or 35dB?

 

[TDK]

I am slighty concern about my hearing. However allowed hearing loss has been increased recently.
Is it 30 or 35dB?

If you fail the hearing test at the medical you fail the medical.

 

[dwtd]

Hi folks,

I have browsed this place a little but not found any information regarding passing the test according to the RSSB Group standard, but not the TOC's set level.

I recently experienced this. I sat through the 1st part of the new test completing the Group Bourdon, TRP and the 3 parts of the TEA-Occ. I then wated and finally recieved a letter from the TOC stating that I had passed the test according to the RSSB Group standard, but not the TOC's set level.

My question to you all is do I have to wait the 6 months before I can re-apply or can I try my luck with another TOC before the 6 month waiting period only having to sit the next stage of the test?? Also... If having to wait, does the failure at TOC level count as my first chance gone??

I understand my results are kept on a database and it is also my understanding that they will show as a pass.

Thanks to any replies in advance.

 

[A-driver]

Hi folks,

I have browsed this place a little but not found any information regarding passing the test according to the RSSB Group standard, but not the TOC's set level.

I recently experienced this. I sat through the 1st part of the new test completing the Group Bourdon, TRP and the 3 parts of the TEA-Occ. I then wated and finally recieved a letter from the TOC stating that I had passed the test according to the RSSB Group standard, but not the TOC's set level.

My question to you all is do I have to wait the 6 months before I can re-apply or can I try my luck with another TOC before the 6 month waiting period only having to sit the next stage of the test?? Also... If having to wait, does the failure at TOC level count as my first chance gone??

I understand my results are kept on a database and it is also my understanding that they will show as a pass.

Thanks to any replies in advance.

You havnt failed the tests so it won't count as a fail. If you apply to another toc they may use your current score or make you re-sit them, down to the individual toc.

You only get a strike for failing the tests if you actually fail them, not if you just don't get the job. You passed them but evidently not as highly as others who sat them so they will only put so many forward to the next recruitment stage for obvious reasons.

 

[dwtd]

Thanks for the info A-Driver. Much appreciated

 

[BnD858]

Good evening all.

I am currently serving in the RAF with nearly 12 years behind me with a look to make a big career change. Is there anyway of getting some kind of work experience or some form of exposure to the train driver's world? The reason I ask is I want to make sure that making such a big change not to just my career but a change that will inevitably effect my family, is obviously the right one.

Forgive me if this question has been asked before, this is the first time using any type of forum tbh.

I am based at RAF Valley at the moment with Holyhead/Bangor being the closest stations to me.

Thanks in advance for any info!

 

[roystinho]

Good evening all.

I am currently serving in the RAF with nearly 12 years behind me with a look to make a big career change. Is there anyway of getting some kind of work experience or some form of exposure to the train driver's world? The reason I ask is I want to make sure that making such a big change not to just my career but a change that will inevitably effect my family, is obviously the right one.

Forgive me if this question has been asked before, this is the first time using any type of forum tbh.

I am based at RAF Valley at the moment with Holyhead/Bangor being the closest stations to me.

Thanks in advance for any info!

Hi all

I too am looking to change career and was wondering the same thing. Currently I am a teacher and a football coach and get plenty of time to go and see if this is the path I would like to take.

From what I've read, researched and people I've spoken to it seems like a fantastic career and a lifestyle that will fit in well with other interests.

An opportunity to go and experience what it is like would be a real advantage, especially as it will, initially at least, be a step down in pay so don't want to have any regrets.

Thanks

Danny

 

[Beveridges]

I am slighty concern about my hearing. However allowed hearing loss has been increased recently.
Is it 30 or 35dB?

What on Earth would be 35 dB that you would need to hear in this role ?

AWS warnings for example are over 90 dB!

The hearing test does not make sense to me.

 

[455driver]

The hearing test does not make sense to me.

Sorry?
Could you repeat that please!

 

[387star]

Good evening all.

I am currently serving in the RAF with nearly 12 years behind me with a look to make a big career change. Is there anyway of getting some kind of work experience or some form of exposure to the train driver's world? The reason I ask is I want to make sure that making such a big change not to just my career but a change that will inevitably effect my family, is obviously the right one.

Forgive me if this question has been asked before, this is the first time using any type of forum tbh.

I am based at RAF Valley at the moment with Holyhead/Bangor being the closest stations to me.

Thanks in advance for any info!

I am no Driver but it seems kind of obvious... there is enough material here

You have the background TOCs often look for...

Can you stand working on your own? Concentrating on an essentially boring task (guessing it becomes mundane) day in day out?
No idea what the nearest depots are your way don't forget to look at freight companies

How would you deal with a suicide affecting your train?

Can you memorise signals, junctions, line names, platform layouts, rules, regulations... it goes on. One slip of the mind could be disastrous!

Can you handle the fact hundreds of passengers will be under your care... their life is ultimately in your hands (yes I know there are safety system sbut still..
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Hi all

I too am looking to change career and was wondering the same thing. Currently I am a teacher and a football coach and get plenty of time to go and see if this is the path I would like to take.

From what I've read, researched and people I've spoken to it seems like a fantastic career and a lifestyle that will fit in well with other interests.

An opportunity to go and experience what it is like would be a real advantage, especially as it will, initially at least, be a step down in pay so don't want to have any regrets.

Thanks

Danny

There are heritage railways but this might give you a false idea

The role is often far from glamarous... far from fun!

Can you cope being stranded in the middle of nowhere? a tree coming into your cab at speed? part of your train detaching itself? under driver only conditions a fight on board? what about a fire? evacuating a train carrying hundreds of passengers?

I am being dramatic perhaps but there are many scenarios to consider...


PS driving a train is, I am guessing, the easy bit at least in its simplest form

Coping when things go wrong, memorising all that information and knowing ultimately your job is on the line (literally) is the challenge

Train Drivers in my understanding need to live with these potential pressures and remain calm and focussed at all times.

 

[TDK]

I am no Driver but it seems kind of obvious... there is enough material here

You have the background TOCs often look for...

Can you stand working on your own? Concentrating on an essentially boring task (guessing it becomes mundane) day in day out?
No idea what the nearest depots are your way don't forget to look at freight companies

How would you deal with a suicide affecting your train?

Can you memorise signals, junctions, line names, platform layouts, rules, regulations... it goes on. One slip of the mind could be disastrous!

Can you handle the fact hundreds of passengers will be under your care... their life is ultimately in your hands (yes I know there are safety system sbut still..
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


There are heritage railways but this might give you a false idea

The role is often far from glamarous... far from fun!

Can you cope being stranded in the middle of nowhere? a tree coming into your cab at speed? part of your train detaching itself? under driver only conditions a fight on board? what about a fire? evacuating a train carrying hundreds of passengers?

I am being dramatic perhaps but there are many scenarios to consider...


PS driving a train is, I am guessing, the easy bit at least in its simplest form

Coping when things go wrong, memorising all that information and knowing ultimately your job is on the line (literally) is the challenge

Train Drivers in my understanding need to live with these potential pressures and remain calm and focussed at all times.

You mention suicides and trees falling on your cab that is a very rare occurrence in a drivers carreer. No one knows not even an experienced driver of their reactions to such events. Heritage railways is not what I call a train driver career but a driver wanting to play trains. You have to be a certain type of person to be able to be successful at train driving and keeping your record clean. You need to be very easy with your own company, be able to switch off even the minor of distractions, be able to act consistently and be able to problem solve in an instant, you need to be a near perfectionist, you need to have pride in yourself and your role, you need to be able to remain calm in an emergency situation, you need to be able to interact with the most annoying and indecisive people (some passengers) without belittling them, you need to be able to take constructive criticism and finally you need to have lightning reactions and able to learn things quickly and accurately.