Scotrail Trainee Drivers (Ongoing)

[LoogaBarooga]

It's never going to happen. You'd think they would have crunched the numbers before taking on so many drivers though.

 

[postie156]

Thanks for the replies. It’s a very good point that if it were to change then it would affect trainee drivers as the shifts would change for everyone.

A bit harsh @KelvinM. I don’t think it’s short sighted stating that we may not be affected as the decision will likely be made in the time it takes to get a start date and then get qualified.

 

[RiverDon]

I don’t think it’s short sighted stating that we may not be affected as the decision will likely be made in the time it takes to get a start date and then get qualified.

If you join ASLEF when you start at the training academy then presumably you will get a vote on it if it goes to a ballot just the same as any other driver - trainee or not. So it's worth considering carefully. You'll be picking up Sundays around 12 months after your start date (give or take depending on how quickly you rack up the hours and get passed out) so it's not some far off distant thing years down the line like your pension.

 

[postie156]

If you join ASLEF when you start at the training academy then presumably you will get a vote on it if it goes to a ballot just the same as any other driver - trainee or not. So it's worth considering carefully. You'll be picking up Sundays around 12 months after your start date (give or take depending on how quickly you rack up the hours and get passed out) so it's not some far off distant thing years down the line like your pension.

Ah ok, I didn’t realise it was so soon! I thought it took 18months - 2years to qualify.

 

[Victor Meldrew]

The form is old and only refers to button up shirts. If you want polos then just add it into the body of the email.


Some depots let their trainees work a few Sundays before they're verified, it can help if there are unusual stopping patterns or moves or stations you only do on a Sunday. In that case you don't get the Sunday payment but you just take a different day off in lieu during the week. As soon as you pass out you'll be eligible for booked and ad hoc Sundays from the day you pick up your license. But as per the reply above once they are part of the working week, they're no longer overtime and trainees will work them like any other day!

Trainees at my depot are allowed to work a maximum of 2 Sundays near the end of their training due to the unusual stopping patterns on the argyle line.

They‘re paid for the hours worked but don’t get the booking on payment. This is in addition to their 4 booked days rather than in place of one, so 5 days on those weeks.

 

[KCIRTAP]

I know it's probably a question that unlikely has an answer, but thought I should ask anyways.

With the people in the talent bank is the chance of hitting the 2 year mark and having to reapply, high enough to worry about? Obviously there is uncertainty with Sunday becoming part of the working week, just worried Scotrail have bitten off more than they can chew in respect of hiring drivers anticipating this change that may not happen.

 

[ChernoSamba]

I know it's probably a question that unlikely has an answer, but thought I should ask anyways.

With the people in the talent bank is the chance of hitting the 2 year mark and having to reapply, high enough to worry about? Obviously there is uncertainty with Sunday becoming part of the working week, just worried Scotrail have bitten off more than they can chew in respect of hiring drivers anticipating this change that may not happen.

It’s a worry that all of us have. Unfortunately they are keeping their cards close to their chest and have been fairly vague in the wording of their communication so far.

 

[afloattoast]

I know it's probably a question that unlikely has an answer, but thought I should ask anyways.

With the people in the talent bank is the chance of hitting the 2 year mark and having to reapply, high enough to worry about? Obviously there is uncertainty with Sunday becoming part of the working week, just worried Scotrail have bitten off more than they can chew in respect of hiring drivers anticipating this change that may not happen.

It’s obviously possible or they wouldn’t have put it in the email. But there has been movement and at least 4 people from the talent bank have now been given a start date, can only look at that as a positive and that hopefully the talent bank was just a stop gap measure whilst they got things organised

 

[ezywheels]

It would cost more, as they would require to give every member of ScotRail an uplift of at least 10-15% of their annual salary.

Whereas overtime, there are less people working, hence why it is financially cheaper to pay OT.

Then to include Sunday, they require to hire more staff, which incurs further costs, wages, pension contributions, NI contributions.

It's not a simple solution.

ScotRail also covers a full country, most TOCs down south cover smaller areas, there is that to factor in.

Are you in the railway currently? Or are you looking to join?

Your comment about railway staff being overworked making you laugh out loud is pretty condescending, I was in the police for 12 years and I can tell you, a day driving trains is mentally tougher than a thing I done in the police. I worked the North of Glasgow into the bargain!!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Apr 2026 ==


It will affect you as a qualified driver. Don't be so short sighted

I know little of the detail.

However what strikes me is that if, as you say, it'll cost more, require more staff, why on earth do the management want to implement it?! There are clearly savings to be made...

 

[ASL]

Starting course on the 18th May. Based out Central Station/Corkerhill, 2 days induction on the 14th m/15th.

Any others on this?

Hopefully everyone else starts to hear soon, long process but they seem to be getting on the ball.

Hi, I am on this course, looking forward to meeting you!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Apr 2026 ==

What was this for if you don’t mind me asking?I thought the checks were fairly straightforward?

The checks are quite straightforward, but for some reason, Experian were less than effective in this process for myself.
The HMRC checks allow them to confirm employment dates etc.

 

[KelvinM]

I know little of the detail.

However what strikes me is that if, as you say, it'll cost more, require more staff, why on earth do the management want to implement it?! There are clearly savings to be made...

It's the government that want it implemented.

 

[380101]

Trainees at my depot are allowed to work a maximum of 2 Sundays near the end of their training due to the unusual stopping patterns on the argyle line.

They‘re paid for the hours worked but don’t get the booking on payment. This is in addition to their 4 booked days rather than in place of one, so 5 days on those weeks.

This is the way it should be happening at all depots. Management are just being fly not paying the trainees for coming out on the Sunday. The agreement in place is they must be paid and not given a day off in lieu during the week.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 Apr 2026 ==

It's the government that want it implemented.

Indeed, but they want it done on the cheap unfortunately which won't wash with the driving grade.

 

[ezywheels]

This is the way it should be happening at all depots. Management are just being fly not paying the trainees for coming out on the Sunday. The agreement in place is they must be paid and not given a day off in lieu during the week.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 Apr 2026 ==



Indeed, but they want it done on the cheap unfortunately which won't wash with the driving grade.

Ok.

So government not management, but there are still long term benefits to the operator, we just haven't reached a negotiated settlement yet...

Very interesting...

 

[scotraildriver]

Ok.

So government not management, but there are still long term benefits to the operator, we just haven't reached a negotiated settlement yet...

Very interesting...

It's the government that want it but they haven't made any offer or had any communication since January. Absolutely nothing either way.

 

[Chaz15]

Got an email for waverly talent bank to complete online tests. This is the most recent applications.

 

[chris89]

Like wise.

 

[Mihigo26]

Same here and completed the assessments. They felt like a gentle sea breeze compared to Crosscountry and LNER.

 

[Chaz15]

Same here and completed the assessments. They felt like a gentle sea breeze compared to Crosscountry and LNER.

Good to know,

I didn't find LNER bad but cross country wasn't fun.

 

[Baz79]

Same here and completed the assessments. They felt like a gentle sea breeze compared to Crosscountry and LNER.

That’s great
What are the tests ?
Thanks

 

[jundibundi]

I know this will differ for most people. But can anyone remember how long it took between medical day and receiving contract etc?

 

[henke7]

I know this will differ for most people. But can anyone remember how long it took between medical day and receiving contract etc?

Passed my medical early May and received my contract end of July with a start date of September.

 

[CarineNoctua]

I know this will differ for most people. But can anyone remember how long it took between medical day and receiving contract etc?

For internals - passed medical 7th April. Still waiting on anything in writing. Was advised on the phone I have a start date of 22nd June.

Obviously there isn’t a notice period to worry about and there are rules about release dates where once we are given a written start date then we need to be released by that date or otherwise the company must start paying the new role wage.

 

[Paulina]

Hi guys. Just about to do my online assessments for a driver Scottrail... any tips? Is the work related behaviour like a SJT? Can anyone tell me briefly on the first online tests?

 

[jundibundi]

For internals - passed medical 7th April. Still waiting on anything in writing. Was advised on the phone I have a start date of 22nd June.

Obviously there isn’t a notice period to worry about and there are rules about release dates where once we are given a written start date then we need to be released by that date or otherwise the company must start paying the new role wage.

Cheers guys.

They’re hoping to get me on a July course so hopefully not as long as some of you are saying haha.

Had the medical yesterday. Doc said all was good so just need to wait on them sending the stuff over to Scotrail.

 

[JosieJody]

Hi everyone. Believe it or not, as I’m not sure I do, my start date has been brought forward to Aug 21st….anyone else on this course? Edinburgh depot. Cheers and good luck to everyone going through the process. I have interview tip books and a blank practice Group Burdon book if anyone wants it? Just message me with your address…

Hello, is this still available ?

 

[ASL]

Is anyone able to advise on the training programme?
I've been given my hotel reservations for 4 weeks, however, there seems to be a pattern where it's 2 weeks of reservations, then a week's break.
Does this mean I would be depot based for that week?

 

[scotraildriver]

Is anyone able to advise on the training programme?
I've been given my hotel reservations for 4 weeks, however, there seems to be a pattern where it's 2 weeks of reservations, then a week's break.
Does this mean I would be depot based for that week?

Yes. Out with drivers on front end turns.

 

[RiverDon]

Is anyone able to advise on the training programme?
I've been given my hotel reservations for 4 weeks, however, there seems to be a pattern where it's 2 weeks of reservations, then a week's break.
Does this mean I would be depot based for that week?

On day 1 they'll give you a timetable so you know exactly what/when/where but roughly:

Weeks 1-3 are at the training academy at Atrium Court to learn the basic introduction to the railway and the job

Week 4 is at your home depot for a week of in cab experience shadowing experienced drivers

Weeks 5-6 are back at the academy for more in depth rules

Week 7 is out around Glasgow driving a real train for the first time with your trainer telling you exactly what to do

Weeks 8-10 are at the training academy learning about emergency procedures and what to do when things go wrong.

Once you've completed week 10 you are finished with the initial training academy bit although you come back another twice before you are signed off as a full driver.

The next stage is traction training, which is learning in detail about the specific trains you'll be driving. This is based at one of the train maintenance depots depending on which train types you'll be driving. Initial traction is 3 weeks classroom/depot based stuff and a few weeks of driving under supervision, then if you need to learn additional train types it might be anything from a few days to a couple of weeks for each.

Once you've passed all the traction training you are signed off to start building up hours of supervised driving based at your own depot with a driving instructor.

 

[seeitsoon]

does anyone know what style of colour vision test scotrail use is it ishihara or a lantern style test?

 

[CarineNoctua]

It’s the Ishihara

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 1 May 2026 ==

does anyone know what style of colour vision test scotrail use is it ishihara or a lantern style test?

It’s the Ishihara