How do I become a train driver in the UK?

Question

I have just got B's in my GCSE's, how do I go about becoming a train driver?

Answer 1

Your a girl so in all honesty. Look at Mainline TOC. You hardly ever see a girl train operator.

I would recommend with getting with London Underground, They would even recruit you if you was a demented L*****n with 2 left feet and a humpback.

However the trains are different but the principal in signalling is still the same.

Roughlt 99.9% of UK's TOC recruit for T/Op's Internally so firstly dont look at becomming a train operator. Look at other ways like Customer Service Assistant. This will enable you to get your foot in the door. Keep your nose clean for 8 to 12 months and then take the vacancy if it arises.

Answer 2

You need to contact the major train operating companies in the region in which you live about job vacancies. You are probably too young to be a driver if you have just passed your GCSEs, but they will have some vacancies suitable for school leavers. Priority for training as drivers is given to existing employees. You will need excellent eye sight and general health, be physically fit and not over weight. If you really wish to be a train driver in the future, I would suggest you pay close attention to your diet and physical fitness and refrain from cigarette smoking and excessive drinking.

Answer 3

In answer to the clever Americans, in the UK they are train drivers NOT engineers. Read what the question said.

Answer 4

WOAH I KNOW SOMEONE NAMED GEMMA HOW WEIRD!

but why do you want to be a train driver?

just wondering.

Maybe you could go to a train station and ask them.

Answer 5

Yes you can !

There is a shortage of drivers and the pay is therefore good.

You will earn from 35 to 70k per year as you get more experience and

drive bigger trains. ASLEF (your union) got a pay award the same as airline pilots as a train driver has the same level of responsibility.

You can start now at any UK rail company (know as TOC train operating company). You will also get 6 weeks holiday and free travel on every train int he world for you and your family.

It is a demanding job, you must get up at 4am and sometimes drive all night (on the night trains) but if you like the job, it's yours !

GO FOR IT !

You can easily get a job if you don't drink or smoke and have the right attitude and you can start in any role at the TOC !

Answer 6

They are called train engineers because they are engineers. In order to be considered you must have completed an engineering degree. Sounds silly but you are in charge of making sure all the cars are withing specifications to determine the speed and times that the cargo will be arriving, you will have to relay information and interpret information that needs to be calculated on a demand bases. No room for mistake, sounded pretty easy but you mind as well be a structural engineer, I tell you though train engineers do make their money.

Answer 7

You first have too know its called an Engineer! Whats a train driver?