What path do i need to follow to become a train driver?

Question

i am 15 and i am desperate to go into the world of train driving for my career. I know that i have to be 20 to do it and i have clear eyesight. I want to drive passenger trains for northern rail based around Leeds and i want to know how i can get to be one.

Answer 1

its not a path its tracks

Answer 2

Don't do drugs. They will test you...because you have to be alert and have a clear head to drive a train!!!

Answer 3

you dont need to follow a path a railway track is better for a train driver

Answer 4

What's your timekeeping like?  LOL!

Answer 5

NONE, you would be better to stay of the path and keep on the rails.

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Answer 6

It just so happens that FirstScotrail are recruiting now. Although thats not much help if you live in Leeds.

By the way how is the place? Used to live in Cookridge and Pudsey.

Answer 7

You do need to be at least 21 years of age to get a position as a driver, but even then some companies would prefer that you have at least some life experience behind you before letting you onto the footplate.

The best website I have found for advice on the recruitment and training of drivers here in the UK is given below as a source. This helped me enormously when I was applying to become a driver so I highly recommend it.

However, what I would say is that the recruitment process depends enormously on aptitude rather than how keen you are or how much you've learned about the job, so not everyone is cut out for it and many will fail the assessments. As you are still very young, I strongly suggest that you don't pin all your hopes on getting into the driving grade and concentrate on your academic options for the time being. From now until you are 21 you will get many opportunities that will not be repeated at any other time in your life, so you really should grasp those and make the most of them. If you allow these to pass you by and then fail the assessment, you will be left with fewer options in later life. You can always have a career in some other industry first to get some life experience and then come to train driving later when you're bored and would welcome the change.

This answer isn't meant to put you off thinking about becoming a driver. However, you need a dose of reality to balance out your enthusiasm. Follow the academic path as far as you can and think about what else you can do if things don't work out.

Answer 8

Why don't you apply to Northern Rail and 1st of all work at a local station, then you would be gaining the experience of working for the Railways and some knowledge. Then 2nd once in the front door of the train operating company & once you are old enough, approach the HR Department or apply on the internal intranet for a trainee drivers role & as you have gained experience you would get a highter chance of getting a role as a driver.

Answer 9

The best thing you can do at this time would be to contact Norther Rail and register your interest, so at the very least they would have a record of your details on file.

I'm not sure if it's the same for all companies but I think minimum age is 21 for a trainee driver (it is for the company I work for). If Northern Rail have a dedicated recruitment department, then ask if they have student work experience weeks on offer. Our lot do and they let students spend each day following the job of a different sector within the railway. To have a cab ride though, you will be babysat by an instructor who holds the relevant pass to allow you access.

These days TOCs employ from all backgrounds for drivers' jobs so you wouldn't necessarily have to follow any particular path for the time being, but it would be in your favour to show an interest in the industry and possibly be prepared to work your way up to the position until you reach the minimum age for driver training.

Good all round health is important. A minimum standard of eyesight is required, but you are allowed to wear specs/contacts to achieve it.  Drink/drugs - a huge no-no and most companies do random screening and have zero tolerance policies.  Worst of all, be prepared to sacrifice your social life as the shift work can kind of take over...

Good luck though!

Answer 10

You'll need to speak to Northern Rail, my friend.  You have to be in the employ of a Train Operating Company and be trained by them to obtain your certificate.

Answer 11

You need to apply on a training course for the specific company, who will train you to a trainee driver in around 2 years. Then you'll obviously improve the position etc. with experience

Answer 12

Buy a model train set if you like trains ...Doing it as a living becomes just that...your on call 24-7 and never home...it is your life....if thats what you want great...it looks cool from the outside but i would find someone locally that works for your local rail company( an engineer or conducror not management) and talk to them...they will tell you the reality of the job...