Many small children want to be train drivers, but you may not consider it a viable career option for school or college leavers.
That’s a mistake. Train drivers enjoy several benefits and, in most cases, prior training is not required. It can also be a good option for those looking to change careers.
In this guide, we’ll outline the advantages of becoming a trainee train driver, the different routes you can take, and how to apply.
What is a Train Driver?
First things first, what do we mean when we say train driver?
This may seem like a silly question, but train drivers are employed to perform a range of tasks, including:
- Inspecting the engine and condition of the whole train before each journey
- Confirming the details of the route with the control centre
- Monitoring the weather and the condition of the track
- Confirming that the correct freight has been loaded
- Monitoring the potential for obstacles in the current route
- Obeying all signals on the route
- Ensuring all safety guidelines are met throughout your journeys
- Using the controls within the driver’s cabin, including the brakes
- Opening the automatic doors once at scheduled stops for passengers to board and alight
- Notifying the next driver about inconsistencies with the engine or train
- Maintaining a record of any unforeseen circumstances
- Monitoring the delays that affect the train service
- Notifying the control centre about any challenges that occur on the route
- Making announcements to passengers
- Staying up to date with the relevant emergency and safety procedures
Train drivers wear many hats, from operators to customer liaisons and may be called upon to make life-or-death decisions in an emergency.
As a train driver, you will have a lot of responsibility, and not everyone is suited to what can be a solitary and high-pressure role. That said, you will also need to communicate with passengers, conductors, control centres and station staff as part of your day-to-day duties.
Some train drivers specialise in one area – such as steam, diesel, electric or hybrid – while others drive all kinds of trains.
Most train drivers are employed by one of 28 major UK train operators, but can also work for private businesses, freight companies and engineering firms. Some train drivers work abroad.
Why Become a Train Driver?
Before we get into how to become a trainee train driver, here are a few reasons you may want to pursue train driving as a career:
- It’s meaningful work – you help people get where they want or need to be
- You enjoy a flexible shift-work pattern
- Most rail companies offer a 4-day working week
- A fully qualified train driver in the UK can earn up to £72,000 a year
- There are options for overtime to earn more money
- When you leave at the end of your shift, there is never any work to take home
- You mostly work on your own, so it’s a good job for introverts
- You enjoy free or discounted travel on UK rail routes with the company you work for and reduced international rail travel, from Europe to Australia
- You get 33 days of annual leave, although this must be taken in less busy periods
Becoming a Trainee Train Driver Out of School or College
As you can see, there are many advantages to becoming a train driver, and it may be a good option if you are finishing school or college.
Do I Need A (Car) Driver’s Licence to Apply?
You may assume you need a clean driver’s licence to apply to be a trainee train driver, but nothing in the rules requires you to be able to drive a car before you apply. The company’s main concern will be that you can get to and from work on time at potentially unsociable hours. Public transport, a bike, motorbike, or even walking are all options depending on how close you live to the train station.
If you have a recent driving ban or your licence has been revoked on medical grounds that will likely affect your application. Otherwise, it shouldn’t be an issue.
What Qualifications Do You Need?
Good GCSEs in Maths and English (or equivalent) are beneficial but not essential for trainee train drivers. Train drivers for national rail must be at least 21 years old. However, 18-year-olds are eligible to drive trains for the tube, so you could begin your training.
You will need to verify your age with your employer via a valid UK passport or other accepted form of ID.
How Do I Apply?
The next step is to complete a medical evaluation with a registered doctor. It is a good idea to see a doctor registered under the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) physician register to ensure that you receive all of the necessary tests to qualify you for work as a train driver. The basic tests will verify your hearing, eyesight, and colour accuracy, plus general fitness.
Once you have passed your physical medical assessment, you may be asked to visit a psychologist for a psychometric test. Again, an ORR psychologist is helpful.
Can You Get Work Experience?
Yes, although it may depend on where you are based. For example, West Midlands Trains (operator of London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway) started a scheme with The Prince’s Trust in 2020 offering work experience to young people (18-30) interested in working in transport.
To find out about opportunities in your area, contact one of the 28 major UK train companies (linked above) to enquire if they are offering work experience.
Are there any Train Driver Apprenticeships Available?
Yes, organisations such as Northern Rail, London Northwestern Railway, and The Train Drivers Academy offer Level 3 train driver apprenticeships.
Once you have passed the medical evaluations and joined a company, you enrol as a train driver trainee. As with all apprenticeships, you will then have an 80% to 20% split between practical hands-on experience and classroom learning.
What are the Entry Requirements
The entry requirements for a train driving apprenticeship are typically GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, in English, ICT, and Maths.
If you do not have Level 2 English, Maths and ICT, you can complete them before the end-point assessment.
How Long Does it Take?
Most level 3 train driver apprenticeships take 12-18 months to complete.
What Jobs Can You Do?
Besides becoming a train driver, you can undergo more training and progress to other roles, such as:
- Train Driver Manager
- Train Driver Instructor
- Depot Driver Team Leade
- Depot Delivery Co-Ordinator
Equality & Diversity
Programmes such as Women in Rail and Young Rail Professionals are working to encourage more women, young people and people from ethnic minority backgrounds to consider becoming train drivers.
Switching Careers to Train as a Train Driver
There is no maximum age for a train driver. So long as you can pass your physical and psychological evaluations, you are eligible to work as a train driver.
The rest of the application process is the same as for school or college leavers, although any relevant experience (such as working as a train conductor) may give you a head start.
How to Stand Out in Your Application
Standing out in your application is a case of selling yourself as the best person for the job. Demonstrating real enthusiasm for the role goes a long way. You should also convey good knowledge of the requirements of the job and the company you are applying to.
Emphasise relevant work experience or previous roles in the transport industry. If you do not have prior experience, explain how you would transfer learned skills to your train driver duties. For example, a Summer job in retail will have taught you valuable customer-facing skills.
We hope this guide has given you some more information on how to become a trainee train driver and helped you decide whether it is something you’re interested in pursuing.
Good luck!
