Train Driver

Train drivers operate their trains along tracks on set routes, maintaining appropriate speeds, and stopping when necessary, both at stations and signals. Train drivers can be responsible for over a thousand passengers at a time on busy routes and the pressure is on to provide a safe and smooth journey that operates on time.

A train driver’s work is not just about driving. Many drivers have to make announcements to passengers, and if problems arise on the train, may have to leave their cab to deal with these. Train drivers must also maintain regular contact with control teams who monitor train movements and with station and depot staff to ensure that they are safe to travel.

Train drivers also need to have a basic understanding of train mechanics, so that if an operational problem occurs, they can assess it, and potentially even repair it. As well as knowledge of the train, drivers must also have a complete knowledge of rules and regulations including signalling and routes so that they can operate safely. Whilst they are employed by a train operating company, all drivers are subject to an on-going competency assessment programme which assesses their skills and abilitiesa and ensures that they are meeting the required high standards.

Starting salaries for trainee drivers are around £17500, rising to over £20000 once initial training is completed. On completion of all route and driving training, salaries can rise to around £35000. Pay can vary based on company location and route responsibilities. Go Back

Working environment

Train drivers spend the majority of their time in the cab of their train, and are usually on their own. They normally work an average of between 35 to 40 hours a week, usually spread over 4 or 5 shifts which can vary in length from 6 to 12 hours depending on the routes benig driven - these shifts can include early starts and late nights as well as weekends and bank holidays.

Drivers have to wear a uniform so that they are easily recognised and must carry identification to prove that they are allowed to drive a train. When they are around a train depot, or by rail tracks, they must wear high visibility clothing for their safety.
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Skills and interests

Train drivers need:
- to be able to maintain concentration for long periods of time while working alone
- to be able to make quick decisions calmly and when under pressure
- good coordination and reactions
- strong observational and communication skills
- high levels of safety awareness
- the ability to learn and remember regulations and routesGo Back

Entry into the role

There is a lot of competition for train driver positions. Trainee positions are not commonly advertised to the public, and when they are, the number of applications can seriously outweigh the number of jobs available. Applicants who make it through the first stage have to go through several more rounds of checks and testing before they can progress to be a trainee. These include tests on practical skills such as concentration, aptitude and reactions as well as medical checks. The application rounds are necessarily strict in order for train operating companies to ensure that they have the right candidates to invest in.

There is no training that can be done in advance of becoming a train driver. The majority of the skills required are very specific. Applicants for train driver positions also do not need any specific academic requirements except for a sound basic education, which should include GCSEs (or national equivalent) in English and maths. There is no upper age limit to be a trainee, although some companies require applicants to be 21 or older before they can apply. Most companies have strict medical restrictions which can include height and weight, and also eyesight and general health. Applicants have to undergo a detailed medical assessment before they can commence training.

Trainee drivers are recruited by train operating companies. Many companies choose to recruit from within their workforce instead of advertising externally. This can mean that is worth considering other roles within the rail industry as an entry route to train driving.

Vacancies are normally advertised on train operating company websites.
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Opportunities

Once recruited, train drivers have to learn about topics including rules and regulations of driving, train handling skills, route knowledge, traction types, fault finding, signalling, basic engineering, health and safety and dealing with emergencies.

Drivers can progress their career to take on longer or more varied routes and can also take on jobs such as driver trainer or driver manager.

Train drivers can work towards industry related qualifications including:
- NVQ Level 2 Rail Transport Operations (City & Guilds).Go Back

Useful links

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Case Studies

RAIL - train driver
Eva Brodie, train driver for ScotRail, talks about her job. - courtesy of www.icould.com. (click on the image to play)
RAIL - train driver
Hear a train driver speak about her job (links to Virtual Work Experience from Learning and Teaching Scotland).
View case study (external website)
RAIL - train driver
Southern train driver Simon Willard speaks about his work as a driver and also as an instructor.
RAIL - training
Find out about training at Translink to be a driver or a signaller

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