DIY Train Driver

[amn140174]

Hiya Everyone,

This post will end in a question Im 100% sure one of you guy's will answer.

On my usual commute I talk to this guy that is a bit down with his usual line of employment. I pick it up as bordem and not financial that's getting him down.

He was asking if I thought it was a good idea to apply for a job as a Train Driver and we got talking about what we thought the job would be like. I've picked up bits of what its like from you guy's and a few things I said he was rather suprised at.

I told him I was under the impression to get a drivers job off the street was like winning the lottery. Now the million doller question.

Is it posssible to pass out as a driver by paying for the training yourself?

The only way I could think of him doing this is if he did the full training with the company he was wanting to work for and I would guess thats if he's already won the lottery to pay for it.

Thanks

Ant

 

[Aictos]

I believe that while you could pay for the assessments yourself, you actually need to be employed by a TOC/FOC in order to complete your training.

I'm sure O L Leigh would be ideal to tell you more, his trainee driver blogs were good reading for any potential trainee to look at the sort of stuff they would be doing.

 

[73110]

You can do the tests off your own back if you like. It will cost a bit but once you have them you then go to the TOC's with them. I know one bloke who has done this and was taken on by Central Trains.

So, in a nutshell you can pay for the aptitude tests but obviously you will need a TOC to take you on to do the actual rules, driving and traction side of things.

 

[GB]

Be advised that even if you pass the assesements yourself, there is still a chance that TOCs will make you do them again.

There is absloutly no way you can pay to do the training yourself...unless you own your own TOC or FOC

 

[navydavy1968]

"You can do the tests off your own back if you like. It will cost a bit but once you have them you then go to the TOC's with them. I know one bloke who has done this and was taken on by Central Trains. "

I would definitely take a test if there was one available...anyone know where I can do one? thanks

 

[ungreat]

Be advised that even if you pass the assesements yourself, there is still a chance that TOCs will make you do them again.

There is absloutly no way you can pay to do the training yourself...unless you own your own TOC or FOC

Correct mate...most companies will make you do them again,and if you fail the companies one,you will be rejected,even if you passed the one you paid for.Plus,if you fail more than a set number of times,you are not allowed to take them again,ever.

I didn't have to do them when I started in 1987 as they didnt come in until the october of 1988,but have tried them and they are tricky.

There is no way to train as a driver outside of the rail industry-not even being a tube driver counts as experience.You get the job first then you train,within your company.

 

[73110]

anyone know where I can do one? thanks

The lad who I know who done this off his own back and taken on by Central Trains, done his at Crewe. I have no idea who the company was/were/are!

I think, and don't quote me on this, but you only get two chances at passing. This is either doing it privately or through a TOC.

 

[ladydsm]

I know a guy who paid to take the tests but cant get a Divers job anywhere he paid about 300 pounds i think they only last 2 years.

 

[wannabedriver]

Hello

I think the company your trying to find is this one.

http://www.cclrailtraining.com/psychometric.html