A career as a train driver

[nwbirch83@gmai]

Depends on your terms and conditions.

At one TOC we were expected to work up to 30 mins over our day as a result of disruption returning to our home depot without payment.

Thanks, that's the same as my old employer, the first 30 mins was free.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 26 Sep 2024 ==

Think there is or maybe taxi home. Tbf I don't really bother as there's loads of times the DRMs allow me to book on later etc that for me it's a waste of time claiming for 20 mins delay etc when I get it back in the future anyways.

Makes sense thanks

 

[PaulRay]

I live in North London and really hope to be a train driver, are there any vacancies going at the moment. Also any advice on how to best look and prepare for a vacancy?
Thank you in advance

Have a look at Chiltern Railways. They’re currently advertising for trainee drivers at Marylebone

 

[Adubbaya]

Hi - I’m due to start my driver training in February and have been told that it’ll be 16wks solid rules and regs with no option to take leave during that time. However, my wife and I recently found out that we’re having a baby and if everything goes well, the birth will be towards the end of that 16wks.

I’m just wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation or know what the situation would be with regards to granting paternity leave. Appreciate that pay wise it’ll be statuatory pay, but didn’t know if I could catch up on the two weeks I’ve missed at a later stage.

Hope that makes sense, and thanks in advance for any help/advice you can offer

 

[Grvrdvicdr]

Hi - I’m due to start my driver training in February and have been told that it’ll be 16wks solid rules and regs with no option to take leave during that time. However, my wife and I recently found out that we’re having a baby and if everything goes well, the birth will be towards the end of that 16wks.

I’m just wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation or know what the situation would be with regards to granting paternity leave. Appreciate that pay wise it’ll be statuatory pay, but didn’t know if I could catch up on the two weeks I’ve missed at a later stage.

Hope that makes sense, and thanks in advance for any help/advice you can offer

My little one was born the very first day of my rules course. I made the decision to stick it out and not go off. (They allowed me the first day as this was just introduction) The alternative was to be removed from the course and wait for a future one which is no guarantee I’d have even got on one. The way the training is is such that you cannot take time off as it’s all time tabled in. If you want the time off I’d say talk to the company and postpone your start date.

 

[AverageJoe]

Hi - I’m due to start my driver training in February and have been told that it’ll be 16wks solid rules and regs with no option to take leave during that time. However, my wife and I recently found out that we’re having a baby and if everything goes well, the birth will be towards the end of that 16wks.

I’m just wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation or know what the situation would be with regards to granting paternity leave. Appreciate that pay wise it’ll be statuatory pay, but didn’t know if I could catch up on the two weeks I’ve missed at a later stage.

Hope that makes sense, and thanks in advance for any help/advice you can offer

It probably won’t be 16 weeks continuous, in my training we had holidays built in.

On my course one person had a family issue and took a day off but even that took him some effort to catch up on.

The course is fairly full on with a test at the end of each week and you need to do revision in your own time so two weeks off will be too much.

If you are desperate to be home during that time I’d let them know now and they might put you on a later course but certainly wouldn’t turn up on day one expecting to take two weeks off at some point down the line without a prior agreement.

Congrats on the job and the baby.

 

[Usual-Commuter]

Hi All. Applied for a driver role earlier this year and made it through the DMI but failed on one of the computerised tests (ATAVT).

For those the did pass on the 2nd attempt at assessments, is anyone able to share any expedited of going through the interviews and assessments a second time round.

 

[New York Giant]

Hi All. Applied for a driver role earlier this year and made it through the DMI but failed on one of the computerised tests (ATAVT).

For those the did pass on the 2nd attempt at assessments, is anyone able to share any expedited of going through the interviews and assessments a second time round.

I failed 2 of the computer tests at the start of 2023 and knew I had to wait six months before I could resit. Luckily for me a TOC advertised about two months after my freeze expired. Due to the drawn out nature of the process I didn't get to resit Stage 2 until the Spring of this year. I had already told myself that I would do things differently the second time around, if I got the opportunity. I had a two hour drive to sit my Stage 2 psychometrics in 2023 and although I got there in plenty of time I definitely think I would have been better served by staying in a hotel beforehand. This year I stopped in a nearby hotel, and the overall experience was better for it. I prepared no differently in the week prior to the tests. However, it felt like the grey square change was more obvious, while the joysticks test was just a case of speeding up (I crawled around the track on my first attempt, neglecting speed for accuracy).

Despite passing, I came away annoyed that I didn't perform to that standard during my first attempt. I was less harsh on myself upon receiving the news that I'd passed my MMI.

I'm certainly not suggesting that its easier second time in, and wouldn't want to lull anybody in to a false sense of security. Maybe having the experience of the first attempt helped me in some way. I certainly credit the decision to stop in a hotel for me being fresh on the day. This depends on finances and individual circumstances but it was worth it for me.

Good luck

 

[jnemz]

Good afternoon the lovely people of RailUK!

I am currently waiting for an assessment day with Southeastern, applying to be a trainee train driver. Apologies if this has been answered before, I have had a look through the forums but couldn't find much info on it. I have a basic understanding of how the industry works, but for interviews I would like a good understanding of the complex structure of the industry.
Can anyone suggest what I am expected to know, and what sort of questions I will be asked at interview?

I would be grateful for some recommended books to read, videos to watch, magazines to start reading etc etc. I'd like to swat up as much as possible!

Thanks

 

[AverageJoe]

For the research I would recommend learning more about the toc and any potential rail improvements that are being planned in the area.

Always good to know who the directors are.

As regards the role in itself, they will want you to know what you are getting yourself into as regards shift and long hours working alone.

With regard to that I would seriously consider it, so many just want the job but don’t realise the negatives that come with it.

 

[justym]

Has anyone had any dealing with the rail competence group in Manchester while doing the assessments privately?

How was your experience? How much do you realistically think it improves your chances of an offer if any?

Just exploring the option have been in contact the cost is £800

 

[AverageJoe]

Has anyone had any dealing with the rail competence group in Manchester while doing the assessments privately?

How was your experience? How much do you realistically think it improves your chances of an offer if any?

Just exploring the option have been in contact the cost is £800

Not worth it for multiple reasons.

1. There is no proof it improved chances to be noticed by a toc.

2. They expire after a while so could be a complete waste of money.

3. Many tocs now look for enhanced pass rates which are all different. So if you were to do it privately and pass you still may not be at the standard of all tocs and they would have to have you resit, which then if you fail will void the ones you have just paid for.

 

[justym]

I did discuss the enhanced results issue with them they did mention tocs may require different results to the standard they do. He didn’t know if Scotrail the toc I would likely be applying to have any enhanced standards.

I am also aware that it’s still no guarantee my application will even be looked at.. although do you imagine it to be favourable to a toc if they see you have already passed assessments and ultimately give you a chance of an interview?

 

[12LDA28C]

I did discuss the enhanced results issue with them they did mention tocs may require different results to the standard they do. He didn’t know if Scotrail the toc I would likely be applying to have any enhanced standards.

I am also aware that it’s still no guarantee my application will even be looked at.. although do you imagine it to be favourable to a toc if they see you have already passed assessments and ultimately give you a chance of an interview?

There is no single 'enhanced standard'. TOC A might require a higher pass mark and TOC B might use a couple of additional tests. The only way to be sure would be to take the whole suite of OPC tests to ensure all bases are covered.

Usually if a candidate has passed OPC tests within the last 5 years whilst applying for another TOC, those passes would be accepted and the tests would not have to be retaken. However I don't know if that would apply to tests taken at the 'Rail Competence Group', whoever they are.

 

[jnemz]

For the research I would recommend learning more about the toc and any potential rail improvements that are being planned in the area.

Always good to know who the directors are.

As regards the role in itself, they will want you to know what you are getting yourself into as regards shift and long hours working alone.

With regard to that I would seriously consider it, so many just want the job but don’t realise the negatives that come with it.

Appreciate the help

 

[conway1297]

Hi, I saw a post like the one I’m writing back in 2018. I’m currently at uni but I know that I want my career to be something totally unrelated to my degree. I’ve always been interested in trains and I was just wondering where the best place to look to start learning and taking that first step to becoming a train driver.

 

[Horizon22]

Hi, I saw a post like the one I’m writing back in 2018. I’m currently at uni but I know that I want my career to be something totally unrelated to my degree. I’ve always been interested in trains and I was just wondering where the best place to look to start learning and taking that first step to becoming a train driver.

Read the 96 pages of this thread! Having the relevant skillset is important as is crafting your CV and crucially keeping an eye on applications for your local area as when vacancies are announced they can be gone in a matter of days or even hours.

 

[TheCraigVenabl]

Hi all, first time poster, first time visitor.

I'm lucky enough to have reached the MMI stage with Southeastern, just awaiting a date for it now.

Driving to work this morning, I was struck with a sudden wave of panic and worry, that I wouldn't be able to do the job if I get it, as in, am I able to learn everything that I need to learn.

My main issue I think, is that I simply don't know what the training looks like. I'm a serving police officer, and I'm concerned that it might a tad too far.

Is anyone able to tell me what the training entails? Are we talking an effective uni course? Class based learning with MCQ's?

Thank you!

 

[AverageJoe]

The recruitment process is designed to sift out those that might struggle with the training.

Of course it is possible to slip through the net, but there are many ex emergency service in the driver grade so if you take the training seriously and don’t mess about I’m sure you will be absolutely fine.

It’s a lot to take in but done by professionals and you are given help if needed. Don’t worry and I hope the interview goes well.

 

[FR510]

Hi all, first time poster, first time visitor.

I'm lucky enough to have reached the MMI stage with Southeastern, just awaiting a date for it now.

Driving to work this morning, I was struck with a sudden wave of panic and worry, that I wouldn't be able to do the job if I get it, as in, am I able to learn everything that I need to learn.

My main issue I think, is that I simply don't know what the training looks like. I'm a serving police officer, and I'm concerned that it might a tad too far.

Is anyone able to tell me what the training entails? Are we talking an effective uni course? Class based learning with MCQ's?

Thank you!

Providing you are successful and find yourself being offered a job, the first couple of training days are normally company induction days. Then you'll need to pass the Personal Track Safety (PTS) course. After that there is intensive classroom based learning that lasts around 10 weeks with frequent exams in which you have to get at least 80% each time. Then you'll spend about 3 weeks learning about the trains themselves with a few exams thrown in. Successful completion of that and you return to your allocated depot, get a driver instructor and spend anything from 250 to 400 actual driving hours before sitting the final test which lasts about a week. Takes approximately a year in total, give or take.

 

[ventus_04]

Any advice with the applications for train drivers. I've just applied for the Leeds Trainee roles and got knocked back.
Went through the application, covered everything that they asked for...? Feeling abit deflated about it.

One issue that I have had is some of the sections don't get the green tick, even though I have answered all the questions in the section. So I filled out the boxes such as do I have a criminal conviction, I filled the box and said No I don't have any convictions, wonder if that counted against me.

Anyway, any suggestions for next time would be brilliant from anyone. I'm gutted.

 

[GPR]

Any advice with the applications for train drivers. I've just applied for the Leeds Trainee roles and got knocked back.
Went through the application, covered everything that they asked for...? Feeling abit deflated about it.

One issue that I have had is some of the sections don't get the green tick, even though I have answered all the questions in the section. So I filled out the boxes such as do I have a criminal conviction, I filled the box and said No I don't have any convictions, wonder if that counted against me.

Anyway, any suggestions for next time would be brilliant from anyone. I'm gutted.

It’s good that you are asking questions rather than giving up.
There is no exact reason why someone’s application might get knocked back.
My application has gone through whereas a female I work with has shown me her application which is similar to mine and hasn’t got through the filter.

- Do you live within 45 minutes of the the depot you’ve applied for when travelling to it at 0800 on a Monday morning?
- do you answer the questions in detail using the STAR method?
- I’m not sure if the Northern application states that you have to have 9 years of education listed otherwise you get knocked back.

Just some minor tips. Obviously quality of answers will determine wether you get through too. If you want to private message me feel free.

 

[greeny14888]

Any advice with the applications for train drivers. I've just applied for the Leeds Trainee roles and got knocked back.
Went through the application, covered everything that they asked for...? Feeling abit deflated about it.

One issue that I have had is some of the sections don't get the green tick, even though I have answered all the questions in the section. So I filled out the boxes such as do I have a criminal conviction, I filled the box and said No I don't have any convictions, wonder if that counted against me.

Anyway, any suggestions for next time would be brilliant from anyone. I'm gutted.

Wouldn't worry too much about not having a green tick, as long as you have answered the questions. Mine didn't have a green for every section. What is important is how you answer the questions on your motivations for applying and competency. Make sure you have read the job spec and have your answers reflect the skills and behaviours you have which are required for the role. Also don't skimp on content, without waffling, fill the boxes. If it gives you 3000 characters, use them. It's an extremely competitive role and your application needs to stand out, no good being one of 500 applicants which look just 'fine'. Good luck for next time, make sure you're signed up to alerts and get in fairly swift when one opens as they close adverts early quite often.

 

[dc96]

I’ve accepted a trainee train driver role that’s starting at the end of September. Is there anything I could read/watch in the meantime to help me prepare?

All the books I can find online just seem to be about the application process and not the role itself. There’s obviously a lot of video content on YouTube but it’s more just route videos that I find oddly enjoyable to watch!

Hello, well done on getting the trainee train driver role. This is what I have been looking around for but unfortunately none are near enough for me.
Would you mind answering a few questions?

What company did you apply for?
Did you apply externally, and what advice would you suggest to someone like me who's wanting to be a trainee train driver?

Any tips to what to include when answering the "why should we choose you" question when applying?

Kind regards.

 

[TheCraigVenabl]

Providing you are successful and find yourself being offered a job, the first couple of training days are normally company induction days. Then you'll need to pass the Personal Track Safety (PTS) course. After that there is intensive classroom based learning that lasts around 10 weeks with frequent exams in which you have to get at least 80% each time. Then you'll spend about 3 weeks learning about the trains themselves with a few exams thrown in. Successful completion of that and you return to your allocated depot, get a driver instructor and spend anything from 250 to 400 actual driving hours before sitting the final test which lasts about a week. Takes approximately a year in total, give or take.

Thanks for this, that's really helpful to know.
Coming from a policing background, I'm curious, say I fail one of the exams, is there a chance to re sit it, or is it a case of that's it you're gone?

 

[ventus_04]

It’s good that you are asking questions rather than giving up.
There is no exact reason why someone’s application might get knocked back.
My application has gone through whereas a female I work with has shown me her application which is similar to mine and hasn’t got through the filter.

- Do you live within 45 minutes of the the depot you’ve applied for when travelling to it at 0800 on a Monday morning?
- do you answer the questions in detail using the STAR method?
- I’m not sure if the Northern application states that you have to have 9 years of education listed otherwise you get knocked back.

Just some minor tips. Obviously quality of answers will determine wether you get through too. If you want to private message me feel free.

I'll be honest, I don't think I nailed the STAR method. So definitely something to get better at. Any suggestions/advice for nailing this next time?

I live close enough so thats not an issue. And got lots of education.

 

[nolypops83]

I'll be honest, I don't think I nailed the STAR method. So definitely something to get better at. Any suggestions/advice for nailing this next time?

I live close enough so thats not an issue. And got lots of education.

So for my most recent application to Northern I structured the answer with the title of each section as the heading followed by a paragraph of text.

Situation

In my role as blah blah blah...

Task

I had to prepare a report for...

Action

Firstly I planned...

Result

The report was submitted accurately and on time...


I started on word doc and then copied an pasted the answer onto the form. DONT USE AI! They have started checking for these things now. To be honest you can tell anyway without running it through a checker. I work in a admin/finance role so I tried to use examples where I though there would be a good amount of transferrable skills. My first application last year was successful but the questions and format has changed since then. They've also added an extra telephone interview stage. Fingers crossed I get through!

This is the advice from the job application.

 

[FR510]

Thanks for this, that's really helpful to know.
Coming from a policing background, I'm curious, say I fail one of the exams, is there a chance to re sit it, or is it a case of that's it you're gone?

It would probably depend on how much you failed by. It's possible you could be placed on a later course to try again. Everyone on the course has to keep up the pace. Lots of homework is key, and if you find yourself struggling at any point ask for help ASAP.

 

[AndySV1K]

Thanks for this, that's really helpful to know.
Coming from a policing background, I'm curious, say I fail one of the exams, is there a chance to re sit it, or is it a case of that's it you're gone?

On my course, the pass mark for exams was 80%. If you failed it you would have one more shot at it but the second time the pass mark would be 85%. Thankfully we all made it through ok.

 

[Nick Senese]

Morning all, i am after some advice really. What is the best route to follow to become a train driver, whether that be freight or passenger. Many thanks in advance

 

[BrokenSam]

Morning all, i am after some advice really. What is the best route to follow to become a train driver, whether that be freight or passenger. Many thanks in advance

When they recruit. If you're in range of the depot, Just apply. That simple really. Though getting on the railway in some role would certainly be advantageous to the application. Though not a guarantee of anything.

Safety experience is important, though that can be as simple as wearing a hi-viz jacket occasionally in your current job. It's all about how you present it in your application. Also following rules and procedures, customer service, calm under pressure etc.