A career as a train driver

[Owen2323]

Northern are certainly towards the lower end of salaries

I was speaking to an LNER driver recently and he'd started at Northern and even been to TPE between before ending up at what I've always considered the premiership of TOCs (pay, fancy trains etc). He said the best company he'd worked for of the three was Northern!

Even though the pay is at the lower end of the scale (and let's face it its still a great salary anywhere in the North) the terms and conditions are what stops people jumping ship.

 

[12LDA28C]

Has anyone had a dmi interview recently? Just looking for an idea of potential questions.

Might be an idea to do a little research into whichever TOC/FOC you've applied to, in terms of routes, traction, history etc. That demonstrates a little interest and commitment at least.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Feb 2023 ==

Well I aware that the london is one of top zones or the zone who gets more requests for the job! I will try to get an application but with no expectation mean while I will try to get more experience from others jobs since the application if failed you need to wait 6 months right ?

Applicants who tend to fare better have transferable skills from other roles / industries, such as experience of working alone, concentrating for long periods, following instructions and procedures, experience of shift and weekend work etc. Of course there is nothing to stop you applying if you haven't done this kind of job in the past, however.

 

[cebz9]

I was speaking to an LNER driver recently and he'd started at Northern and even been to TPE between before ending up at what I've always considered the premiership of TOCs (pay, fancy trains etc). He said the best company he'd worked for of the three was Northern!

Even though the pay is at the lower end of the scale (and let's face it its still a great salary anywhere in the North) the terms and conditions are what stops people jumping ship.

Interesting that you say that. From various people, I’ve heard that northern have sold off quite a bit of their t&c’s-including Sunday working. I have seen someone else say on this forum that Sundays are still outside the working week, but when I had my dmi, one of the dtm’s said that Sundays are part of the working week.

I don’t know a lot about the t&c’s at northern, which is something that I should really know since I’m starting with them next month, but I’ve heard different things from different people and it’s never the same information.

 

[dk1]

Interesting that you say that. From various people, I’ve heard that northern have sold off quite a bit of their t&c’s-including Sunday working. I have seen someone else say on this forum that Sundays are still outside the working week, but when I had my dmi, one of the dtm’s said that Sundays are part of the working week.

I don’t know a lot about the t&c’s at northern, which is something that I should really know since I’m starting with them next month, but I’ve heard different things from different people and it’s never the same information.

I think with Northern is that things vary East & West of the Pennines due to previous shoe rate franchise agreements which can cause added confusion.

 

[Owen2323]

I think with Northern is that things vary East & West of the Pennines due to previous shoe rate franchise agreements which can cause added confusion.

This is correct - Sunday's are inside for drivers on the East but not the West. Northern are seen as having some of the best terms and conditions I think. The likes of LNER sold there's off to get the high salary I'm led to believe.......

 

[TDK]

I was speaking to an LNER driver recently and he'd started at Northern and even been to TPE between before ending up at what I've always considered the premiership of TOCs (pay, fancy trains etc). He said the best company he'd worked for of the three was Northern!

Even though the pay is at the lower end of the scale (and let's face it its still a great salary anywhere in the North) the terms and conditions are what stops people jumping ship.

Terms and conditions are the most important factor when applying for a train driver's role, just make sure you do your research before applying.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 19 Feb 2023 ==

Thanks for the reply.

Did my medical yesterday, the staff at the medical centre said nothing to me before I left. I guess I'll just have to sit and wait for the final report after the lab results come back.

Normally at a medical you have a form to complete, on this form you normally have a question that asks whether you are on any medication.

 

[387star]

I was speaking to an LNER driver recently and he'd started at Northern and even been to TPE between before ending up at what I've always considered the premiership of TOCs (pay, fancy trains etc). He said the best company he'd worked for of the three was Northern!



Even though the pay is at the lower end of the scale (and let's face it its still a great salary anywhere in the North) the terms and conditions are what stops people jumping ship.

Thameslink had (has) great conditions despite intense work. If anyone has a clean record at Thameslink after several years they are a great driver.

 

[LST]

Hello, can anyone offer any sort of advice around the specifics of a recent Assessment centre?

 

[Ontherails_]

Whilst I sift through the 2.5k of posts and see if there is a similar question I thought it was worth an ask!
I don’t know if this is the right thread to post but does anyone know how many years qualified to become a driver instructor? I’ve read varying posts, between 3 & 5 years and that’s apparently in line with the ORR too. But anything specific or ideally with TFW so I know what I’m working towards…

 

[Class2ldn]

Normally minimum of 2-3 years,nowhere near enough in my opinion , should be at least 5 i think but thats just me.

 

[12LDA28C]

Whilst I sift through the 2.5k of posts and see if there is a similar question I thought it was worth an ask!
I don’t know if this is the right thread to post but does anyone know how many years qualified to become a driver instructor? I’ve read varying posts, between 3 & 5 years and that’s apparently in line with the ORR too. But anything specific or ideally with TFW so I know what I’m working towards…

Are you a qualified driver? If not, it's rather early to be considering passing on your experience to others, or do you have a specific career progression in mind?

 

[NorthernTech]

Whilst I sift through the 2.5k of posts and see if there is a similar question I thought it was worth an ask!
I don’t know if this is the right thread to post but does anyone know how many years qualified to become a driver instructor? I’ve read varying posts, between 3 & 5 years and that’s apparently in line with the ORR too. But anything specific or ideally with TFW so I know what I’m working towards…

Instead of sifting through 2.5k of posts, perhaps use the ‘search’ function at the top of the page to help.

 

[Ontherails_]

Instead of sifting through 2.5k of posts, perhaps use the ‘search’ function at the top of the page to help.

I did thanks, don’t you think I tried that first but being as 'trainer' 'instructor' and 'driver' bring up thousands of posts and irrelevant comments to what I’m specifically looking for it’s better to ask! Hope you never need your own answers on here

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 28 Feb 2023 ==

Are you a qualified driver? If not, it's rather early to be considering passing on your experience to others, or do you have a specific career progression in mind?

2.5 years post qualified! I’m planning my career progression as for the reason asking the above question….

 

[12LDA28C]

2.5 years post qualified! I’m planning my career progression as for the reason asking the above question….

Excellent. Shouldn't be too long before you are eligible to apply for an instructor's job then, if that's the career progression you're looking for. You could then later move into an assessor's position and ultimately Driver Manager if you fancy that.

 

[NorthernTech]

I did thanks, don’t you think I tried that first but being as 'trainer' 'instructor' and 'driver' bring up thousands of posts and irrelevant comments to what I’m specifically looking for it’s better to ask! Hope you never need your own answers on here

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 28 Feb 2023 ==


2.5 years post qualified! I’m planning my career progression as for the reason asking the above question….

Wow, right back at you! I personally used the search function loads and managed to find the answers to so many questions or topics I was looking into to help myself at each stage of recruitment. I had a notepad full of info and a whole load of helpful screenshots to refer back to until I was successful. Most questions, not only have been asked before, but have a whole thread to read with a full conversation to read in one go, rather than having to start a new thread. Unfortunately many people lack the patience to do research these days and just expect answers immediately.

 

[Ontherails_]

Wow, right back at you! I personally used the search function loads and managed to find the answers to so many questions or topics I was looking into to help myself at each stage of recruitment. I had a notepad full of info and a whole load of helpful screenshots to refer back to until I was successful. Most questions, not only have been asked before, but have a whole thread to read with a full conversation to read in one go, rather than having to start a new thread. Unfortunately many people lack the patience to do research these days and just expect answers immediately.

Well I’m glad you found your answers unlike like the rest of us ’impatient` people! The recruitment stages you have searched about are because people have asked many a questions and have ready available answers, unlike what I asked for which only had an outdated thread and a few comments here and there! The reason for the question was to find an up to date answer that I’d searched for before asking! Thankfully through asking I found my answer….

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 28 Feb 2023 ==

Excellent. Shouldn't be too long before you are eligible to apply for an instructor's job then, if that's the career progression you're looking for. You could then later move into an assessor's position and ultimately Driver Manager if you fancy that.

Yes I think a DM is maybe a future goal. Will see how the next few years go!

 

[Paul Oprea]

Hi all,

I am due to sit a trainee train driver interview on the 5th of March and was wondering whether anyone has some helpful advice
I mean anything would help, what types of questions, answer's etc
Thank you so much

 

[DMckduck]

Well I’m glad you found your answers until like the rest of us ’impatient` people! The recruitment stages you have searched about are because people have asked many a questions and have ready available answers, unlike what I asked for which only had an outdated thread and a few comments here and there! The reason for the question was to find an up to date answer that I’d searched for before asking! Thankfully through asking I found my answer….

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 28 Feb 2023 ==


Yes I think a DM is maybe a future goal. Will see how the next few years go!

Just have a load of incidents and you will get the promotion to driver manager much quicker!

 

[NSEWonderer]

Im sure people will say use the search function of the forum but before that I believe it would entail having real world instance in where you have face a potential issue, followed procedure and the resolution to that. The STAR method is ideally the best way to answer questions in any interview especially on the railway.
You will be asked things like "Have you been in control or operated a vehicle of where you had to follow procedure"

Using STAR your answer could be anything, Typically the easiest would be driving a car, you're taught rule of the road aka the Highway Code and tested on that and expected to be able to call on that knowledge as you drive like a train driver would be expected to learn and know their rules and regulations(RSSB) and pass exams on this to show their understanding.

That little bit above with a bit more expansion especially on the safety aspect of why understanding the rules and following procedure will ensure safety of yourself and other road users and link that to a train driver then I'd assume that would cover at least STA or The STAR method, the R would be the outcome of it all aka if you've passed the rules etc etc and followed procedure via training with your driver instructor (link it to then train driver instructor) then you'd mention how its allowed you to legally hold a license and drive safely and aware on a day to day basis with passengers and by yourself especially try and link adverse conditions etc and then again link that to a train driver.

Writing most of this on the train but hopefully u can see a pattern of which they will expect in the interview, show that you can link the questions you're asked to the task of being a Train Driver in some form or way, lying about anything will catch you out.

Make sure to have examples ideally most train drivers come from safety critical backgrounds for a reason for the Job and in most of these you will have examples for most of the interview questions. Remember to stay calm and articulate yourself well, read the interviewers and try and match their energy if you can which can be an additional as some of those interviewers may soon be your seniors on a day to day basis. Best of luck

 

[Class2ldn]

Just have a load of incidents and you will get the promotion to driver manager much quicker!

 

[gshock]

Im sure people will say use the search function of the forum but before that I believe it would entail having real world instance in where you have face a potential issue, followed procedure and the resolution to that. The STAR method is ideally the best way to answer questions in any interview especially on the railway.
You will be asked things like "Have you been in control or operated a vehicle of where you had to follow procedure"

Using STAR your answer could be anything, Typically the easiest would be driving a car, you're taught rule of the road aka the Highway Code and tested on that and expected to be able to call on that knowledge as you drive like a train driver would be expected to learn and know their rules and regulations(RSSB) and pass exams on this to show their understanding.

That little bit above with a bit more expansion especially on the safety aspect of why understanding the rules and following procedure will ensure safety of yourself and other road users and link that to a train driver then I'd assume that would cover at least STA or The STAR method, the R would be the outcome of it all aka if you've passed the rules etc etc and followed procedure via training with your driver instructor (link it to then train driver instructor) then you'd mention how its allowed you to legally hold a license and drive safely and aware on a day to day basis with passengers and by yourself especially try and link adverse conditions etc and then again link that to a train driver.

Writing most of this on the train but as you ideally will see a pattern they will expect in the interview that you can link the questions you asked to being a Train Driver in some form or way, lying about anything will catch you out so make sure to have examples ideally most train drivers come from safety critical backgrounds for a reason for the Job and in most of these you will have examples for most of the interview questions. Remember to stay calm and articulate yourself well, read the interviewers and try and match their energy if you can which can be an additional as some of those interviewers may soon be your seniors on a day to day basis. Best of luck

This.

I even constructed my answers by verbalised the words....

Situation
Task
Action
Result

before I said my answers.

It shows that you have listened to the brief (if it mentions STAR) and doesn't hurt in verbalising your answers.


Good luck.

 

[NSEWonderer]

Indeed

 

[FlyinScotsman.]

Can anyone point me in the right direction to where I can print off some practice sheets for the group bourdon test? I've tried opening the tool that's on one of the forums but having no joy as I think it's something to do with me using a MacBook.

 

[rdw1987]

Can anyone point me in the right direction to where I can print off some practice sheets for the group bourdon test? I've tried opening the tool that's on one of the forums but having no joy as I think it's something to do with me using a MacBook.

I used the following online one.

https://metodorf.com/tests/bourdon/group_bourdon.php

 

[FlyinScotsman.]

I used the following online one.

https://metodorf.com/tests/bourdon/group_bourdon.php

I've been using this one too, I'm hoping to get some practice in with pencil and paper though

 

[Twotwo]

I've been using this one too, I'm hoping to get some practice in with pencil and paper though

You can print it out.

 

[ComUtoR]

Yes I think a DM is maybe a future goal. Will see how the next few years go!

Why not apply for DM straight away and skip DI. My TOC has a DDM (Developing DM) role that is popular.

 

[FlyinScotsman.]

You can print it out.

Do you know how you can go about printing it? I could screenshot it but if there’s an easier way I’d go with that

 

[12LDA28C]

Why not apply for DM straight away and skip DI. My TOC has a DDM (Developing DM) role that is popular.

Not all TOCs have that option, some have a strictly defined progression process. Some TOCs might offer a secondment into the DM role or similar to give the candidate a trial to see how they get on / like it etc.

 

[tomnpt83]

Ive just sent you a couple of dms. Not sure if you'll be able to reply as Im sure you have post 5 times on the forum first. Let me know if you get them.

Hiya Robbie

Ive just sent you a couple of dms. Not sure if you'll be able to reply as Im sure you have post 5 times on the forum first. Let me know if you get them.

Hiya Robbie seen this post when looking up interview questions for transport for Wales. Would you be able to help? Cheers Tom