What is the work like?
Train drivers drive passenger and freight trains on local, national and London Underground rail networks. They also work on engines that pull engineering equipment into place for track maintenance.
As a train driver you would make scheduled stops along your route to pick up and drop off passengers or freight. Your other duties would typically include:
* making equipment and engine checks before a journey begins
* checking with control centres for information about routes and any problems
* following signalling instructions during the journey
* making passenger announcements
* controlling automatic doors
* positioning and handing over engines to drivers on the next shift.
You would also record any incidents during your shift, for example onboard or trackside equipment problems, hazards or delays.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not always need specific qualifications to get into this type of work, although most employers will expect you to have a good general standard of education, including maths and English GCSEs. Some mechanical or electrical knowledge may also be useful.
You can apply directly to train operating companies for information about vacancies. Alternatively, you could start work in the rail service in another job, for example, as part of the station staff or maintenance crews, and then apply for trainee driver posts when they come up. Train companies often promote from within.
You normally have to be at least 21 to work as a train driver on the national rail network. If you are aged between 18 and 21, you may be able to train and work in yards and depots away from passenger lines. To work on the London Undergound you must be at least 18.
If you are successful in your initial application with a company, you will be invited to a training centre where you would sit tests on:
* basic mechanical knowledge
* ability to recall information
* reaction times
* concentration skills.
If you pass these tests, you go on to the interview stage.
You will also have to pass a medical, which will test your fitness levels, eyesight, colour vision and hearing. Employers have strict rules on drug and alcohol abuse, and can carry out random screening at any time.
Overseas rail qualifications are not recognised in the UK. You will have to follow the same application process as UK candidates.
See the GoSkills websites for more details about rail transport careers and contacts for train operating companies.
What further training and development can I do?
Your training period would normally last between nine and 18 months. Some of your training may take place in a cab simulator, which recreates real-life situations such as trackside hazards, bad weather or mechanical failure.
Your training would be split into four stages:
* Rules and Regulations – driver cab controls, signalling systems and track safety
* Traction Knowledge – engine layout, safety systems and fault identification
* Train Handling – 200 to 300 hours' practical driving skills, including night driving
* Route Knowledge – route information, such as braking distances, speed restrictions and signal positions (you can only drive on routes you have been assessed on, so you would continue to learn more routes once you qualify).
You must complete assessments at the end of each stage to fully qualify as a train driver.
You would also complete a Personal Track Safety (PTS) certificate during the training period.
You could take on-the-job qualifications like the NVQ Level 2 in Rail Transport Operations (Driving) or NVQ Level 2 in Rail Transport Operations (Shunting).
A driving standards manager would regularly assess your driving skills throughout your career.
Train drivers drive passenger and freight trains on local, national and London Underground rail networks. They also work on engines that pull engineering equipment into place for track maintenance.
As a train driver you would make scheduled stops along your route to pick up and drop off passengers or freight. Your other duties would typically include:
* making equipment and engine checks before a journey begins
* checking with control centres for information about routes and any problems
* following signalling instructions during the journey
* making passenger announcements
* controlling automatic doors
* positioning and handing over engines to drivers on the next shift.
You would also record any incidents during your shift, for example onboard or trackside equipment problems, hazards or delays.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not always need specific qualifications to get into this type of work, although most employers will expect you to have a good general standard of education, including maths and English GCSEs. Some mechanical or electrical knowledge may also be useful.
You can apply directly to train operating companies for information about vacancies. Alternatively, you could start work in the rail service in another job, for example, as part of the station staff or maintenance crews, and then apply for trainee driver posts when they come up. Train companies often promote from within.
You normally have to be at least 21 to work as a train driver on the national rail network. If you are aged between 18 and 21, you may be able to train and work in yards and depots away from passenger lines. To work on the London Undergound you must be at least 18.
If you are successful in your initial application with a company, you will be invited to a training centre where you would sit tests on:
* basic mechanical knowledge
* ability to recall information
* reaction times
* concentration skills.
If you pass these tests, you go on to the interview stage.
You will also have to pass a medical, which will test your fitness levels, eyesight, colour vision and hearing. Employers have strict rules on drug and alcohol abuse, and can carry out random screening at any time.
Overseas rail qualifications are not recognised in the UK. You will have to follow the same application process as UK candidates.
See the GoSkills websites for more details about rail transport careers and contacts for train operating companies.
What further training and development can I do?
Your training period would normally last between nine and 18 months. Some of your training may take place in a cab simulator, which recreates real-life situations such as trackside hazards, bad weather or mechanical failure.
Your training would be split into four stages:
* Rules and Regulations – driver cab controls, signalling systems and track safety
* Traction Knowledge – engine layout, safety systems and fault identification
* Train Handling – 200 to 300 hours' practical driving skills, including night driving
* Route Knowledge – route information, such as braking distances, speed restrictions and signal positions (you can only drive on routes you have been assessed on, so you would continue to learn more routes once you qualify).
You must complete assessments at the end of each stage to fully qualify as a train driver.
You would also complete a Personal Track Safety (PTS) certificate during the training period.
You could take on-the-job qualifications like the NVQ Level 2 in Rail Transport Operations (Driving) or NVQ Level 2 in Rail Transport Operations (Shunting).
A driving standards manager would regularly assess your driving skills throughout your career.
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