Potential 60+ train driver applicant.

[Vespa]

Since I drove a diesel train on a footplate experience, it opened my eyes to what's involved, it hadn't put me off instead it has whetted my appetite.

This leads to my next question, I'm in my current role as lorry driver in a national distribution company, once retired with some money behind me, I intend give it a go, what's the possibility if you're over 60 ? Is there a maximum age ?

 

[DMckduck]

There isn't a maximum age as such and age is a protected characteristic. But saying that being 60+ is pushing it a bit, there's only a handful of drivers in each toc probably in their 70s.

The training process is quite lengthy and can be well over 2 years in some cases aswell

 

[1867Blue]

You’ve got to buy a ticket to win the raffle.

Keep applying.

Good luck, mate. I hope you achieve your goal.

 

[Gemz91]

Edited to say:

Miss understood your message never mind.

 

[AverageJoe]

I thought the maximum was 65 before forced retirement?

if that is the case then a toc would never see a return on their money.

Unless FOC are different?

 

[Kse]

Back when I was in training school we had a chap that was 60...aslong as you can pass the psychometrics and medical you should be fine.

 

[skyhigh]

I thought the maximum was 65 before forced retirement?

Might be at certain TOCs, but it's by no means a universal rule.

I intend give it a go, what's the possibility if you're over 60 ? Is there a maximum age ?

No harm in trying. But realistically, you are looking at probably 24 months from submitting your application to being a qualified driver. Training is a huge investment so a TOC will want somebody who will stick about and return that investment. It involves an intensive training course and if you've been out of a learning environment for many years you may struggle with the pace required. There is also an annual medical that you will need to pass. You also need to remember that driving involves shift work (earliest start is 0345 here, latest finish 0200, also night shifts and also up to 10hr shifts requiring full concentration for a lot of that period). There is also regular assessment when qualified.

It's definitely possible to do, but the daily reality is very different to a footplate experience on a heritage railway.

 

[43066]

There isn't a maximum age as such and age is a protected characteristic. But saying that being 60+ is pushing it a bit, there's only a handful of drivers in each toc probably in their 70s.

The training process is quite lengthy and can be well over 2 years in some cases aswell

Agree with this. The drivers in their 70s will almost always be long-standing drivers who’ve chosen, whether by dint of want or necessity, to continue working well beyond normal retirement age.

I’ve known of several trainees into their early/mid 50s, but they’re few and far between, and I’ve not been aware of any over that age. I’d never want to put anyone off but, if the OP is retiring with a reasonable pension, and has an interest in the sector, they might be better off getting involved in the heritage scene.

I thought the maximum was 65 before forced retirement?

if that is the case then a toc would never see a return on their money.

Unless FOC are different?

Not across the board, although some operators have an ASLEF sponsored compulsory retirement age (which has to be objectively justifiable based on a business need/legitimate aim). Similarly the Equalities Act doesn’t prohibit employers from refusing to take someone on based on their age where this can objectively justified.

That said I’m not aware of any TOCs specifying a maximum age in job adverts.

 

[skyhigh]

I’ve known of several trainees into their early/mid 50s, but they’re few and far between, and I’ve not been aware of any over that age. I’d never want to put anyone off but, if the OP is retiring with a reasonable pension, and has an interest in the sector, they might be better off getting involved in the heritage scene.

I would probably politely suggest this is a good idea.

There is a world of difference between a footplate experience or volunteering on a heritage line and the hard reality of driving a knackered 156 full of drunk footie fans on the last Lime Street stopper at gone midnight on a cold wet December night.