NR Operative - Driving License?

[Knudson]

Hi, everyone:

I've applied to five Network Rail operative openings in various departments across the Midlands over the past couple of months, but I'm not making it to the interview stage despite getting onto the "under consideration for assessment 2" shortlist. I'm now wondering if not having a driving license has something to do with it. I'm at a bit of a loss because the operative job specification lists driving ability as desirable, but the paper application and online questionnaire asks about it as if it's an essential. I do have a small motorbike, so getting to the depot out of public transport hours isn't an issue per se.

Can anyone clarify or is this just a case of bad luck?

Thanks

 

[TomBoyd]

Hi, everyone:

I've applied to five Network Rail operative openings in various departments across the Midlands over the past couple of months, but I'm not making it to the interview stage despite getting onto the "under consideration for assessment 2" shortlist. I'm now wondering if not having a driving license has something to do with it. I'm at a bit of a loss because the operative job specification lists driving ability as desirable, but the paper application and online questionnaire asks about it as if it's an essential. I do have a small motorbike, so getting to the depot out of public transport hours isn't an issue per se.

Can anyone clarify or is this just a case of bad luck?

Thanks

It definitely sounds like its a factor! Very desirable trait in ops men. Can you learn?

 

[Shaw S Hunter]

The driving license requirement is less about being able to get to work and more about driving company vehicles to and from work sites. So that does make it essential.

 

[Knudson]

Looks like I need to get some lessons sorted then. Thanks, guys. Is it safe to assume the NR fleet is mostly manual vehicles and it wouldn't be worth my while to pass in an automatic?

 

[JohnFM]

Looks like I need to get some lessons sorted then. Thanks, guys. Is it safe to assume the NR fleet is mostly manual vehicles and it wouldn't be worth my while to pass in an automatic?

An automatic is not necessarily easier to pass the test with but, having said that, will do you more harm than good in anything that you do in the future.

Manual all the way baby!

 

[eriks]

Looks like I need to get some lessons sorted then. Thanks, guys. Is it safe to assume the NR fleet is mostly manual vehicles and it wouldn't be worth my while to pass in an automatic?

There is never a good reason to do your test in an automatic, unless there is a medical reason, or old age, whatever. It doesnt save any time unless the learner has no coordination.

To answer your question, most fleets will be manual.

 

[GB]

There is never a good reason to do your test in an automatic, unless there is a medical reason, or old age, whatever. It doesnt save any time unless the learner has no coordination.

To answer your question, most fleets will be manual.

Some people just can't cope with gears or remembering to be in a certain gear at a certain speed at a certain point in the road.

Take all that out the equation and they can concentrate on other things.

 

[Ladder23]

No this shouldn't be the reason,

When I started with Network Rail as track operative there was another new starter who didn't have a license.

Although each hiring manager is different, I know myself if I was to recruit I wouldn't hire those without licenses (it can be a pain at times!)

 

[JohnFM]

Some people just can't cope with gears or remembering to be in a certain gear at a certain speed at a certain point in the road.

Take all that out the equation and they can concentrate on other things.

Take into account the question though, and the range of NR support vehicles, and doing an automatic test will automatically kill your chances. (See what I did there )

It may well be that the OP was not picked up due to other things but at least it is something readily identifiable to fix.

 

[Knudson]

It may well be that the OP was not picked up due to other things but at least it is something readily identifiable to fix.

Right, and I'm trying to pinpoint more closely what it could be. Having a driving license is the only checkbox that got a no on my application(s), so it's the only real question mark in my mind. My background is in construction and I have a few safety critical gigs to my name (traffic banksman, FLT driving/licenses), which I think stands a fairly good chance in the applicant pool. Well, I thought that prior to my string of "under consideration for assessment 2" followed by application unsuccessful before the interview itself.

I don't have any specific problem with driving a manual. I asked because the only driver in my family has an automatic car and I might've been able to cheap out on some of the expenses in learning. The winter is sometimes a bit of a dry spell for site work and has been thus far. If it's useless to my applications though, then I won't bother with an auto. Any license I do get will just be a work skill anyway.

 

[Stuart-h]

Theres more of an advantage with an manual than an auto. It'll open doors to jobs rather than being rescticted to an auto box

 

[alxndr]

All the job descriptions I've seen have all said that being "willing and able to drive" is a requirement, although there are various people dotted around who can't drive. It's impossible to say for certain if that's why they're rejecting you, but it won't be helping matters.

Definitely take it in a manual, I've never encountered an auto, and you have so much more flexibility in general, not just for work, but if you ever need a hire car etc.

 

[trainmania100]

Regardless of whichever route you take with a career, a Driving Licence opens up many more opportunities. Having a driving licence is a big help. You don't necessarily need your own vehicle, but a driving licence is relatively quick to get, I obtained mine within a few months. I feel getting a licence would definitely help with working at NR
Just make sure you have a stable income before buying a car. My friend has bought himself a car which he uses to commute to college - he only works 2 days a week and the car has failed its service and the MOT is fast approaching. Estimated repair cost is £1000 and he hasnt got a full time job.
But definitely look into a driving licence it opens up a world of opportunities