Tips for a new trainee driver

[DriverDavid]

Hi All,

I'm starting my new position as a trainee driver in a couple of weeks and wondered if anyone had any tips for new drivers?

 

[Lmc1976]

The course is set up so that candidates who have reached the point of being offered a course can go from having no knowledge of trains to be able to drive trains safely, so no real tips to give as far as the course is concerned.

But you must be prepared to make good notes, engage with the trainers and your classmates and don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything you are unsure of, your going to be tested on it at some point so be sure you have an understanding.

Be prepared to put some work in during your own time, to make sure the subject matter during the classroom phase of training is sinking in and being retained.

 

[driver9000]

The course is designed to take you from the street to the seat.

Relax. Listen. Make notes. Do a bit of homework but don't overdo it. Don't read ahead. Engage with the course material and if you're not sure of something ask your instructors. Remember, they are there to help you.

You've got a lot of work coming your way and it can look daunting but it will be worth it when you get the handshake at the very end and are given a set of keys.

 

[DriverDavid]

The course is set up so that candidates who have reached the point of being offered a course can go from having no knowledge of trains to be able to drive trains safely, so no real tips to give as far as the course is concerned.

But you must be prepared to make good notes, engage with the trainers and your classmates and don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything you are unsure of, your going to be tested on it at some point so be sure you have an understanding.

Be prepared to put some work in during your own time, to make sure the subject matter during the classroom phase of training is sinking in and being retained.

Thanks, can't wait to start! and will definitely be taking notes and asking questions.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 28 Oct 2025 ==

The course is designed to take you from the street to the seat.

Relax. Listen. Make notes. Do a bit of homework but don't overdo it. Don't read ahead. Engage with the course material and if you're not sure of something ask your instructors. Remember, they are there to help you.

You've got a lot of work coming your way and it can look daunting but it will be worth it when you get the handshake at the very end and are given a set of keys.

Thanks that's good advice, I am probably guilty of looking too far ahead

 

[transportphoto]

Please do see existing threads You may find the “A career as a train driver” thread a helpful place to start.