I would echo what BrokenSam says and definitely getting a foot in the door would help (firstly from an experience perspective and secondly that TOC'S do tend to like to hire internally as well). I'd recommend the guard/conductor role as the most beneficial. Good luck!
-
Our new ticketing site is now live! Using either this or the original site (both powered by TrainSplit) helps support the running of the forum with every ticket purchase! Find out more and ask any questions/give us feedback in this thread!
A career as a train driver
- Thread starter Thornaby
- Start date
Sponsor Post - registered members do not see these adverts; click here to register, or click here to log in
R
RailUK Forums
Read the over 2,000 posts in this thread! Keep an eye on adverts in your area, craft your CV and apply when the opportunity arises.
Hi all - fresh member here.
I am currently studying college (final year, Computer Science and IT) and am considering the railway as a career post-college. Ultimately, I want to become a train driver, though I hear that for some it's easier when you already work for a TOC. As I live in Sheffield, we have the trams, which I think could be a stepping stone for getting into the railway as a career path, seeing as there's the tram-train extension aswell. Has anyone here made it through this way? Also if there's any other advice for someone like me I will be very grateful. I know the age for being a rail driver is currently 21 so it's not like there's a shortage of time for me to consider my options. Many thanks!
I am currently studying college (final year, Computer Science and IT) and am considering the railway as a career post-college. Ultimately, I want to become a train driver, though I hear that for some it's easier when you already work for a TOC. As I live in Sheffield, we have the trams, which I think could be a stepping stone for getting into the railway as a career path, seeing as there's the tram-train extension aswell. Has anyone here made it through this way? Also if there's any other advice for someone like me I will be very grateful. I know the age for being a rail driver is currently 21 so it's not like there's a shortage of time for me to consider my options. Many thanks!
Ned21
Member
So if you fail them, you don't get another chance is that it you have to find another job?
AverageJoe
On Moderation
Are you saying you were already employed by a toc, went through the full training, completed all your hours driving and then on your final pass out you failed on the sim?
== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==
No.
It’s extremely rare that someone would fail.
While you go through training you use the sim often and all that happens on the sim is things you are trained for.
It is possible to make a mistake on a sim out of nerves and the assessor would see this. I have known of one person fail it but they were given a little more training and able to resit and pass it.
If someone were to lose the job at this point I can only imagine that there is real evidence that the person is not cut out for the job.
Once you reach the final assessment stage the company has spent a lot of time on money on the person and it is in their best interest to have you pass out.
Ned21
Member
Thanks for the reply
Yes I am employed by a TOC and failed at my final exams
AverageJoe
On Moderation
Sorry to hear that.
May I ask if there is more to this than you are originally saying?
Not to be rude but it’s very strange for this to happen.
I'm sure you normally get two attempts? And usually depending on how badly you failed, the managers will kinda determine a action plan - how many hours of additional training, maybe go with another di, rules refresher etc did any of this happen? Also were they are cause of concern of your ability throughout training?
Last edited:
nolypops83
Member
How many times did you have to apply before you made it to the interview stage? I got an interview with Northern on my first try and made it to psychometric tests. I’ve applied twice since then and not made it past the initial sift. You don’t get any feedback so I’m now stuck wondering how to improve my application but also wondering if I’m just wasting my time.
12LDA28C
Established Member
- Joined
- 14 Oct 2022
- Messages
- 5,058
A little more detail required here. How many times did you fail your simulator assessment? Have you been told that you will now not be offered any further chance to become a qualified driver?
If that is the case that is relatively unusual but not unheard of. Your psychometric test passes remain valid for five years if you decide to apply elsewhere.
Took me 6 applications over a couple of years and I start with Northern in 2 weeks. I failed one psychometric test on my third application, didn’t get past the sift for the fourth and fifth application then got the job on the 6th try. I only got an interview on my 3rd and the successful attempt. The initial application is the major barrier it seems. I just tweaked my examples and answers on each application and tried using different scenarios. Don’t give up, if you’re committed and have the skills you’ll get through. I understand how awful receiving the rejection emails feels though
Just to add a little detail, the longest the test passes will be valid is 5 years from the date of assessment. Certain TOCs will only accept them for 3 years though (and I have a feeling there may be a TOC that only accepts them for 2 years).
It's also true that while there is a national pass score, TOCs have their own enhanced scores which vary and aren't published. So potentially even if you have an 'enhanced' pass with one TOC it won't be enough for another.
AverageJoe
On Moderation
I think it’s fair to mention that any new toc will likely ask for 3 or more years previous work history and references.
So they will likely quickly find out the OP has already been through a course and not reached the required standard, which I would imagine will only be seen as a negative.
There are loads of ex police and military now driving.
The course is fairly intense and there is a lot to learn but from my experience it’s all very manageable. There was lots of Simultor sessions and some hands on learning over the course. Put the work in and work with the rest of the group and you’ll really enjoy it.
Everything is modular with each week building on the ones before. The exams / test are done on computer and are mostly Multiple Choice Questions.
If you were to be unsuccessful at an exam you will be given the chance to retake.
The trainers are there to help you achieve - not to be looking to whittle the numbers down. The selection process does that.
I did my time in the Police and have been driving for the last 3 years since retiring.
It’s a great career change and well within your grasp if you pass the processes.
There are some who fall by the wayside but it’s probably a very small number nationwide.
Good luck!
nolypops83
Member
Congratulations on the job! That's great to hear you made it. I will keep going I'm just kicking myself for missing out first time. Hopefully working so hard for it will make me appreciate it more when it finally happens. Good luck with the training.
Ii iiii iz
== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==
I did get 2 attempts,no concerns during my training. I know I can apply with other tocs. I just wanted to know if I have to wait 5 years like some people are advising me?
== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==
AverageJoe
On Moderation
May I ask what you failed on?
Could it be that it is best focusing your energy on a job that more suits your skills?
Again not trying to be rude but I’ve had many sim test and so have my colleagues and I have passed them all and so have they. It’s super rare to fail even one.
Taking in to account the sim scenarios are often pressure situations that if done correctly save lives but if done incorrectly can cost lives, do you really want to potentially put yourself in that situation in real life?
I find the sim easy, but in real life I have had to do sim based situations out on the mainline and it was definitely more of a pressure situation then.
NSEWonderer
Established Member
Whilst there isn't necessarily a minimum time you can apply again to be a trainee after leaving a couse for X reasons, most TOCs ask in their applications if you've previously been in a driver course and will ask for cv or upto date previous work history and references from your recent employers.
I'd advise being truthful but obviously TOCs knowing you previously couldn't complete a course may make them hesitant. Good luck.
12LDA28C
Established Member
- Joined
- 14 Oct 2022
- Messages
- 5,058
It's not 'super rare' to fail a final SIM assessment. Maybe all of your particular school of trainee colleagues have passed but that is not an accurate indicator of the situation nationally or over a period of time. Not everyone finds simulator assessments easy and indeed not everyone finds any kind of assessment easy, many people get nervous which can affect their performance on the day, even if they have the required knowledge and capability.
D3WY
Member
Hi all. Currently on 2nd try for a trainee driver role qith southern (will likely be based Barnham or Brighton) is there anyway I can access route maps so I can study speed limits etc whilst I wait. Feel like I could be doing something productive whilst I'm in the process again.
Grvrdvicdr
Member
If you mean you’re waiting to even be offered a job then no. Don’t even think of routes yet. Don’t even look into the rules. Read up on what routes southern serves and more about the company itself. If you get the job then the rest will come in time
I would focus on practicing/reviewing the assessments you failed instead of studying speed limits, never heard about this requirement at assessment stage, might things have changed I don't know.
If you believe that could help you anyway, those information you are after are available in the Sectional Appendix, Network Rail website.
No, you should focus on practice materials for assessments or preparing for interviews if anything. There’s no benefit whatsoever to learning route characteristics.
== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==
I think you’re confusing applying for other trainee jobs after 5 years, with psychometric assessments being valid for 5 years (maximum).
Did you appeal your sim result?
Last edited:
Thank you for your reply to previous post sums up my thoughts exactly.
TheCraigVenabl
Member
Thank you so much for that! It's massively put me at ease with the training aspect. My main worry was just failing miserably
I have just applied for Greater Anglia, wasn't expecting to hear anything back for a couple of weeks but had an email today asking me to complete an online assessment.
Luckily I found this site, so plenty of reading over the next couple of days.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
John.
Luckily I found this site, so plenty of reading over the next couple of days.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
John.
D3WY
Member
Of course you are so right, I realise that was a silly thing to ask I should focus on the MMI. I got the news today that I passed the first interview so I have got through to the MMI again.No, you should focus on practice materials for assessments or preparing for interviews if anything. There’s no benefit whatsoever to learning route characteristics.
== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==
I think you’re confusing applying for other trainee jobs after 5 years, with psychometric assessments being valid for 5 years (maximum).
Did you appeal your sim result?thankyou. I feel realy silly asking that question now! I'm just super keen. But yes your right I should focus on the now. I got the news today I passed my 1st interview so just waiting for a date for the MMI now. I will be focusing of preparation for that
Good news! Good luck with the rest of the process!Of course you are so right, I realise that was a silly thing to ask I should focus on the MMI. I got the news today that I passed the first interview so I have got through to the MMI again.