Are you interested in becoming a train driver? Then read on. The Train Driver role is a safety-critical. Train Drivers drive passenger or freight trains. Passenger trains are operated by Train Operating Companies (TOCs) and freight trains are operated by Freight Operating Companies (FOCs). TOCs and FOCs employ Train or Freight Drivers. The railway infrastructure is owned, built and maintained by Network Rail. Network Rail don’t employ Train Drivers. They employ signallers.

No formal qualifications are required to be a train driver. All train drivers must pass standard industry psychometric tests. As a train driver what is required is the ability to concentrate over a long period, react quickly and calmly in the event of an emergency, the ability to communicate safety-critical messages to a network control centre, open and close doors, ability to learn route knowledge. You should always be calm and collected but ready to be in action – you need to be a ‘can-do person’.

Income and Hours for Drivers

You will be required to do rotating shift work for 35 hours a week. You must never be under the influence of alcohol or any drug that might impair your driving while booking on. You must read all Notices.

Trainee Drivers can earn between £18000 and £25000 in the first year. This usually increases in the second year by £5000 to £10000 depending on the TOC or FOC. Trainees qualify to become drivers in the third year. Newly qualified drivers earn the same as experienced drivers. They earn in the region of £37000 to £52000 as basic salary. And then top it up by doing overtime. You can get more over time if you various routes on your licence. However, there is a Hidden Rule which constraints the number of hours you can work on a day and a week. This rule is to ensure the safety of customers and staff.

Entry Requirements for Becoming A Train Driver

  • You need to be at least 20.
  • You need to pass all medical checks, alcohol and drug screening. Medical checks consist of eyesight, colour vision, hearing and fitness levels.
  • You need to pass the Driver Selection Tests: Perception Test, Vigilance Test, Dials Test,  Memory Tests, Reaction, Concentration Test, Fault Finding and a Multi-modal Interview. This list is not exhaustive. Some TOCs and FOCs have discarded some of them. Others may include tests which are not listed here.
  • You only have two strikes. “As per the railways’ standards, if you have failed twice at any stage of the recruitment process, with any rail company, you are not allowed to sit the assessments again”
  • You will also need to pass the Management Interview.
  • You will need to accept the contract of employment.

Job Application

Get a list of TOCs by visiting the Association of Train Operating Companies. Use this list to go to their website and apply for advertised train driver jobs.

Unions

Most Train Drivers are ASLEF members. However, some of them are RMT members.

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