Driver bag essential kit

[RiverDon]

Hi all, I'm looking for any tips from the old hands about what would be useful to carry in my bag when I'm out driving. I have all the kit issued and required by my TOC of course but I'd like to know what else you've found essential or just handy. In my previous role I bought my own torch, boots and a few other wee bits and pieces that either the job didn't issue or if they did it wasn't very good quality.

My wife has said she'd like to buy me something useful for work but I can't think of anything to ask her for. I already have a good quality insulated coffee mug, so that's taken care of!

What do you carry in your driver bag? What is really handy to have and is there anything that isn't worth bothering with? Any suggestions would be welcome.

 

[Flange Squeal]

Spare keys will be godsend at some point! I've also got a lightweight rigid plastic file I picked up in somewhere like Rymans that has a clipboard on the front but opens up to allow you to store paperwork in. The clipboard on the front is handy for when writing written reports (assuming your TOC isn't all digital), while the ability to open it up helps safely store things like RT3185 and NR3190 forms without getting damp from rain or just generally screwed up in the bottom of your bag. It's not this actual one, but something like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Clipboard-Storage-Separate-Compartment-Personnel/dp/B0C4T2LL4Q

 

[Nym]

Are spare keys permitted under company rules?
Back when I was in ops (not on Network Rail infrastructure) a driver was only ever permitted one key as it was used as a method of protection.

 

[RiverDon]

Spare keys will be godsend at some point! I've also got a lightweight rigid plastic file I picked up in somewhere like Rymans that has a clipboard on the front but opens up to allow you to store paperwork in. The clipboard on the front is handy for when writing written reports (assuming your TOC isn't all digital), while the ability to open it up helps safely store things like RT3185 and NR3190 forms without getting damp from rain or just generally screwed up in the bottom of your bag. It's not this actual one, but something like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Clipboard-Storage-Separate-Compartment-Personnel/dp/B0C4T2LL4Q

Thanks, the clipboard organiser is a great shout!

Are spare keys permitted under company rules?
Back when I was in ops (not on NR infrastructure) a driver was only ever permitted one key as it was used as a method of protection.

I'd be interested to know this too. Nothing has been mentioned to us on the training course but I've only been issued with one set of keys. Also, what is NR infrastructure please?

 

[Nym]

Thanks, the clipboard organiser is a great shout!


I'd be interested to know this too. Nothing has been mentioned to us on the training course but I've only been issued with one set of keys. Also, what is NR infrastructure please?

Apologies. Network Rail.
(Also updated)

 

[AndrewE]

Although (like me) you are a coffee drinker, I learnt to drink tea when I joined the railway. So I would suggest a small packet of tea-bags!

 

[Nym]

Although (like me) you are a coffee drinker, I learnt to drink tea when I joined the railway. So I would suggest a small packet of tea-bags!

Or invest in an aeropress and a hand grinder...

To actually add something to the thread.
My site kit bag is rather extensive nowerdays so I don't want to go deep into it, but I have around 25-30 different specialist keys that I tend to carry...

 

[Gemz91]

Anti bacterial wipes. You’ll see a driver leave a cubical in the toilets without washing their hands, then two weeks later take a train off them knowing they don’t wash their hands after going to the toilet. Also there’ll be a phantom person who leaves their finger nail clippings on the drivers desk, handy to clean them up too.

Lanyard for your drivers key can be handy so your less likely leave your key in the cab when you leave.

 

[Railworker101]

+1 for the spare drivers keys, if you can get your hands on any additional ones. Also, a little note book is handy and a decent torch, depending on the nature of your companies work

 

[357]

Are spare keys permitted under company rules?
Back when I was in ops (not on Network Rail infrastructure) a driver was only ever permitted one key as it was used as a method of protection.

This is LUL practice I believe?

NR use alternative methods of protection (normally keeping a signal at danger)

 

[stadler]

Are spare keys permitted under company rules?
Back when I was in ops (not on Network Rail infrastructure) a driver was only ever permitted one key as it was used as a method of protection.

I do not see why not. Back when i was a guard we used to have boxes of T Keys and BR1B Keys and Drivers Master Keys that guards and drivers could help ourselves to if necessary. In fact it was encouraged to keep a couple spare keys in your bag or pocket in case you lost them or dropped them on the track. Maybe things have changed since but i would think that they would still want people to have a spare.

 

[DaveTM]

Are spare keys permitted under company rules?
Back when I was in ops (not on Network Rail infrastructure) a driver was only ever permitted one key as it was used as a method of protection.

There are two types of driver: those who occasionally have to go to the resource manager and ask for another spare key, and those like me that pick them up from time to time and now have more keys than years of service...

 

[Undiscovered]

Things to have:

Small, personal, first aid kit, with wet wipes and pocket tissues. Spray plaster and hand gel essential;
A years supply of tasty, small, treats- for a quick pick me up;
Squirty, concentrated, cordial bottles for flavour in your water bottle;
Pair of Rigger gloves/kid gloves- flame and heat resistant, for when you have to poke around under the sole bar;
Travel press mug- proper coffee on the go;
Power bank and phone charging cable;
Eye mask and earplugs, for the RSSB recommended power nap.

 

[Nym]

This is LUL practice I believe?

NR use alternative methods of protection (normally keeping a signal at danger)

Correct…
Holding a signal at danger wouldn’t really work on a railway where SPADs are permitted and routine without signaller intervention.

 

[WirralLine]

Im not a driver, but a driver I work with said when he started donkeys years ago his instructor said to always carry a little notebook to make note of any reasons for delay as you go along. That way when a manager chases you days or weeks later for an explanation for the delays, you can just refer to your little notebook when youve probably long forgotten the reason yourself.

 

[scotraildriver]

You really should have at least 3 drivers keys if you drive units with old style EBS. You need a key to operate it and it then becomes locked in. (Sometimes). If you need to change ends and raise the EBS at the other end you'll need another key. And a third to open the desk. Also a lighter is handy to defrost locks and padlocks in winter. And definitely a spare T key for when (not if) you drop it onto the track.

 

[20atthemagnet]

This is LUL practice I believe?

NR use alternative methods of protection (normally keeping a signal at danger)

I was gonna say I have 3 master keys and 2 carriage keys! Noway am I carrying one…drop/lose one you will find yourself in world of embarrassment. We had a driver recently lock themselves out of the cab midroute in service after investigating something. Had to wait for another service coming in the other direction for a spare

Many a driver dropping keys on track when changing ends too.

 

[newtownmgr]

Are spare keys permitted under company rules?
Back when I was in ops (not on Network Rail infrastructure) a driver was only ever permitted one key as it was used as a method of protection.

I’ve always carried spare keys and it was encouraged, usually one on a key ring one on my belt and one to swap with the relieving driver. Usually a couple floating around in my bag.

 

[TheVicLine]

A refillable water bottle and a spare set of keys are a definite.
I've got a small plastic camping cutlery case for one person with a knife fork and spoon in it, which comes in handy every now and then. Coffee bags or tea bags for those far flung messrooms that sometimes don't have them and a couple of UHT milks out of first class if your trains have them, maybe an energy type bar too for those nights when the job goes wrong and you are getting tired and need a sugar hit.
You want to try and keep everything as light as possible though because it starts to get heavy and you are going to be carrying your bag around with you all day every day. I've also got a small pencil case with a couple of spare pens and a highlighter in, I put my spare set of keys in there too (t-key, drivers key etc).

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Sep 2025 ==

There are two types of driver: those who occasionally have to go to the resource manager and ask for another spare key, and those like me that pick them up from time to time and now have more keys than years of service...

Three types, also those who have more keys than years of service but stupidly always leave them all at home and then go out and drop a t-key down the side of the train when opening the cab door, or forget to take a key off the relieving driver cos they are too busy talking to them and then have to go to the messroom of another TOC and beg for a key cos their TOC has no messroom at the station.

 

[driver9000]

You'll pick these tips up from your Instructor and colleagues but looking in my own bag....

Something to eat and something to drink, I also keep a fork and a spoon with me in case the PNB point cutlery has gone missing. I have a small "brewing up box" with tea bags, coffee, sugar and milk sachets for those times you can't buy one or you work for a company that doesn't have onboard catering.

Spare keys. You might have been issued one set but you'll acquire more and don't be shy of asking for a spare set.

A notebook and a couple of pens (don't want to be filling in a 3185, 3177 or ESW form and finding out your pen has run out or you haven't got one.

If you're not fully digital, keep a folder with your maps and traction guides handy especially when you're fresh into the job. I still carry maps of complex areas where shunting is rare just in case the Signaller wants to do something unusual.

You want to keep things to the essentials as a bag can quickly become heavy if you overdo it.

 

[Haru]

Spoon and food with long shelf life in case I get stuck somewhere, probably not the glamourous gift your wife was thinking of though.

Maybe some multi purpose cutlery set?

 

[Kadot]

Definitely a notepad and spare pens so you can write down anything of significance, PSAD, reason for delays, details of trespassers etc.

 

[Wrexhamfc]

Are spare keys permitted under company rules?
Back when I was in ops (not on Network Rail infrastructure) a driver was only ever permitted one key as it was used as a method of protection.

Any sensible Driver has a full set of keys as there's nothing worse than being trapped on the wrong side of an access point.

 

[Wrexhamfc]

Hi all, I'm looking for any tips from the old hands about what would be useful to carry in my bag when I'm out driving. I have all the kit issued and required by my TOC of course but I'd like to know what else you've found essential or just handy. In my previous role I bought my own torch, boots and a few other wee bits and pieces that either the job didn't issue or if they did it wasn't very good quality.

My wife has said she'd like to buy me something useful for work but I can't think of anything to ask her for. I already have a good quality insulated coffee mug, so that's taken care of!

What do you carry in your driver bag? What is really handy to have and is there anything that isn't worth bothering with? Any suggestions would be welcome.

Enough food and drink for 12 hours to 15 hours.
Toilet roll or toilet wipes, and poo bag.
Antiseptic wipes and or Alcohol hand gel.
Tools for minor repairs.
Maps on paper.
Something sugary such as chocolate for when you feel fatigued. After lunch, it is natural that your awareness will lapse because your blood sugar will be low: chocolate will counteract falling blood sugar. A former head of Driver Competence had a microsleep and Spadded at Euston after lunch.
Some cable ties
A set of spare keys (control, BR1, T)
A full set of Railway Access Keys for your routes
Work Gloves for when you climb into your unit
A couple of pens

 

[D1511]

Back on topic, @RiverDon , if your better half wants to get you a gift for your new job, I could recommend the OLight Pro Clip torch. Strong magnet and a strong clip to attach to belt, cap, whatever for hands free use, 500 lumen spot and flood and also a red light. Rechargeable by USB C. About 30 quid. And I also think it's really sweet that she'd like to buy you something......she sounds like a keeper!

 

[Wrexhamfc]

Do I need to re-iterate the, "Not on Network Rail Infrastructure," and "Drivers key used as a means of protection."?

Yes, on NR you can carry spare keys if you're clumsy enough to drop them, or your unit isn't well maintained enough to have them able to be removed from the lockout keyswitches... But the lack of understanding and what feels like action short of beratement for what was an actual question is really starting to wear thin now!

Have you ever seen a driver leave their key in the cab, go back to sort a problem and find themselves locked out of said cab?

 

[800301]

Spare pens
Spare keys (lots)
Spare Hi-Vis
Baby wipes
Filofax so you have something to write on and keep paperwork safe
I always have spare deodorant as if there is a fault and you end up running about trying to fix it when it’s 30’c outside it’s nice to still be fresh for the next driver
Water or something to drink at all times
Power bank in addition to phone chargers
Black tape

 

[D1511]

I always have spare deodorant as if there is a fault and you end up running about trying to fix it when it’s 30’c outside it’s nice to still be fresh for the next driver

You're obviously not the one who leaves their nail clippings on the console mentioned upthread then!

 

[RiverDon]

Thanks for all the suggestions, lots of stuff there I hadn't even considered! I can see how my bag could get pretty heavy quite quickly but there's definitely scope to expand on what I've been issued by the company.

 

[whoosh]

Back on topic, @RiverDon , if your better half wants to get you a gift for your new job, I could recommend the OLight Pro Clip torch. Strong magnet and a strong clip to attach to belt, cap, whatever for hands free use, 500 lumen spot and flood and also a red light. Rechargeable by USB C. About 30 quid. And I also think it's really sweet that she'd like to buy you something......she sounds like a keeper!

Yes, these are great!