Train drivers are responsible for making sure their trains get to and from destinations safely and on time. They drive passenger and freight trains on local, national and London Underground networks. Drivers also work on the engines that pull engineering equipment into place for track maintenance.

Train drivers' duties typically include:

• making equipment and engine checks before a journey begins
• checking with control centres for information about routes and problems
• following signalling instructions during the journey
• making passenger announcements and controlling automatic doors
• arriving and leaving stations at the correct times 
• positioning and handing over engines to other drivers on the next shift.

Train drivers also record any incidents that occur during their shifts, for example onboard or trackside equipment defects, hazards or delays.

Hours and Environment

Train drivers normally work 35 to 37 hours a week. This could involve shiftwork (known as 'turns') including weekends, evenings and nights. Freight and engineering drivers usually have more night shifts. Some long distance crews may stay overnight at the end of a run and return the following day.

As a train driver, you usually work alone in the cab for the duration of the journey, except when accompanied by a trainee driver or driver inspector.

You wear a company uniform when you are on duty.

Skills and Interests

To be a train driver, you need:

• the ability to concentrate when working alone for long periods
• a knowledge of rail routes
• good customer service skills
• an excellent understanding of normal and emergency working procedures
• good observational skills to spot changes in the track ahead
• the ability to react quickly, calmly and safely to unexpected circumstances 
• a responsible attitude
• good eyesight, with or without glasses, and normal colour vision
• a willingness to work flexibly.

Entry

You normally have to be at least 21 to become a train driver and work on the national rail network. Trainee drivers between 18 and 21 may be able to work in yards and depots away from passenger lines. The minimum age to work on the London Undergound is 18. The normal way into the job is to apply directly to train operating companies.

You do not need any specific entry qualifications, although most employers will expect you to have a good general standard of education. Some mechanical or electrical knowledge may also be useful. 

If you are successful in your application with a company, they will invite you to a test centre where you will 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 examination, which will test your fitness levels, eyesight, colour vision and hearing. There is a rigid policy on drug and alcohol abuse, and random screening can occur at any time.

See the Careers in Rail and GoSkills websites (in Further Information) for more details about rail transport careers and contacts for train operating companies.

Overseas train drivers
Overseas rail qualifications are not recognised in the UK. You will have to follow the same application process as UK candidates.

Training

Once you have been taken on as a trainee driver, you start your formal training period, which takes between nine and 18 months to complete. Some of your training may take place in a cab simulator, which can recreate real-life situations, such as trackside hazards, bad weather or mechanical failure.

Your training is normally split into four stages:

• Rules and Regulations - covering driver cab controls, signalling systems and track safety
• Traction Knowledge - learning about engine layout, safety systems and fault identification
• Train Handling - 200 to 300 hours' practical driving skills, including night driving 
• Route Knowledge - learning route information, such as braking distances, speed restrictions and signal positions (you can only drive on routes you have been assessed on, so you 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. 

As a trainee driver, you also complete a Personal Track Safety (PTS) certificate during the training period.

Once working, you can take the NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Rail Transport Operations (Driving). There is also an NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Rail Transport Operations (Shunting).

You will be regularly assessed by a driving standards manager throughout your driving career.

Opportunities

There are train driving opportunities with a number of employers, including:

• passenger Train Operating Companies (TOCs)
• freight companies
• underground/light rail/metro companies
• leasing companies.

Recent reports suggest that there has been a huge increase over the last decade in passenger travel on both commuter and long-distance routes. There has also been similar increases in business and freight travel. The demand for drivers is forecast to grow, with more opportunities on the complex, busy networks in and around London and the south-east.

You can gain promotion, with experience, to driver training and then driver safety manager jobs. Beyond this level, you would move into operations management. You may be able to move up from driving light rail and local routes to long distance trains by changing employers.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

New entrant drivers are paid around £15,000 a year while training.
Qualified drivers earn between £25,000 and £31,000 a year.
Experienced drivers can earn over £35,000 a year.

Free or reduced price travel is usually offered as an extra benefit.

Further information

Concorde House
Trinity Park
Solihull
Birmingham
B37 7UQ
Tel: 0121 635 5520 Human Resources Department
Central Station
East Bridge Street
Belfast
BT1 3PB
Tel: 028 9089 9400