How to become a train driver?

Becoming a train driver in the UK mainly requires that you undergo training at the end of which you take an exam to test your engine driving abilities. However, you must be 21 years old or above to be qualified to apply for the position in the first place.

This article will give you a detailed outline of what is expected of you as a train driver and how you can become one in the UK. That will help you to put your ducks in a row and apply for the job as soon as possible.

What does a train driver do?

A train driver is a worker of a railway company that is tasked with the responsibility of transporting freight and passengers from one location to the other in the UK. Just like driving a uber or passenger bus, a train driver is employed by companies that own train cars plying specific routes. 

So, depending on where you currently reside in the UK, you can find a company that is hiring train drivers. You do not have to be in London to drive trains. So far there is a train station where you are, you can find a job there. As a train driver, you may be required to work on weekends, holidays, and nights sometimes.

The following are day-to-day activities that a train driver will most likely perform.

• Perform checks of the train’s status to know if it is in a condition to travel.
• Take notes of any engine faults that may require the attention of engineers and report them to the appropriate quarters.
• Communicates with the control centre while en route to destinations.
• Make sure the doors open and close automatically at each stop.
• Make announcements to passengers as required.
• Ensures that the train is in good condition before handing it over to the next driver for the next shift.

Requirements for becoming a train driver

There are some requirements that you must have before you can be eligible to apply for the job of train driver or to continue to be one. 

• You must be at least 21 years of age.
• You must live within at most an hour's drive distance from the train station you want to apply to.
• You must pass the required medical check-ups to be sure you are in good health conditions to be driving.
• You must also pass a compulsory background check. For the position of a train driver, you need to pass an enhanced background check which takes into account all police records of past offenses and their relevance to the position you are applying for and any other information held by local police.

Apart from the list above, there are required skills a good train driver is expected to have as listed below.

• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations – train accidents are not common but they do happen. What ensures that you and your freight or passengers get to your destination safely is your ability to be on top of the situation and being able to provide a reasonable solution to any problem that may arise.
• Concentration and high attention to detail skills – steering the train on the right track without colliding with another requirement that you can concentrate and pay attention to detail. You cannot afford to get your timing wrong or not reach your destination at the expected time.
• Knowledge of public security and safety – this knowledge is required to be able to know what to do and not do while performing your duties as a train driver. This is so that you know when to involve public safety officers when there are emergency cases that require their attention.
• Computer and hand-held device operation knowledge – trains nowadays require automated control and you will also need to input and download information regarding your travel routes. For this, you need to have some basic knowledge of how to operate computerised devices.
• Ability to work with others and on your own – there will always be situations where you have to work with others and you must be tolerant enough to entertain their excesses.
• Ability to accept criticism – this is quite important if you are just starting out especially. Accepting criticism as a way to make you better is important to learn and improve your skills.

The average salary for train drivers in the UK

Presently in the UK, a train driver earns between £24,000 for an entry-level driver and £35,000 for an experienced driver per annum. On average too, you can work between 35 to 40 hours per week which equals approximately 8 hours per working day. This means that you may be expected to work in shifts.

Steps to becoming a train driver in the UK

There are two ways you can take to become a train driver in the UK and they are

1. Apprenticeship or trainee program – the basic requirement to apply for an apprenticeship at a train depot or station is a minimum of A* to C in English and Mathematics obtained at the GCSE level. With that, you can be admitted for an advanced train driver apprenticeship which eventually qualifies you to become a train driver. Alternatively, you can apply to the trainee program of a train depot which takes about 12 or 24 months of training.
2. Career advancement – if you start as a train conductor or rail passenger assistant, you can work your way up to becoming a train driver. Once the position becomes available and the employers see that you have the required qualification, you can apply for the position. This is perhaps one of the most plied routes to becoming a train driver in the UK.

The benefits and advantages

There are many reasons why people become train drivers. Some people love the challenge of driving a large vehicle, others enjoy the responsibility that comes with the job, and still others appreciate the opportunity to see different parts of the country. 

Whatever the reason, becoming a train driver can be a rewarding experience. The first step to becoming a train driver is to obtain a driving licence. You will need to pass a driver test in order to get your licence. The test will cover questions about your ability to drive safely and responsibly. 

Once you have your licence, you can begin training to become a train driver. Most train companies offer training programs for new drivers. These programs typically last between six and twelve weeks. During this time, you will learn how to operate a train and how to safely transport passengers. You will also be required to pass a series of tests before you can be certified as a train driver. Once you have completed your training and passed all of the necessary tests, you will be ready to start working as a train driver. Train drivers typically work for either regional or national train companies. Some drivers may also choose to work for private companies that provide rail services. 

As a train driver, you will be responsible for transporting passengers safely from one location to another. You will need to know how to operate the controls of your train, as well as how to communicate with passengers and other members of the train crew.

 In addition, you will need to be able to maintain a schedule and adhere to safety regulations. Becoming a train driver can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It is important to remember that safety is always the top priority when operating a train. With proper training and preparation, you can become a safe and responsible train driver who enjoys a challenging and exciting career.

The best tips and advice

So you want to become a train driver? It's not as difficult as you might think, but there are a few things you need to know before you can get started. Here are the best tips and advice on how to become a train driver. 

The first thing you need to do is make sure you have the right qualifications. You'll need a full driving licence and a good understanding of basic mechanical principles. If you don't have these, then you'll need to get some training before you can apply to be a train driver. 

The next step is to find out where the nearest rail office is to you. In London, for example, there is an office of rail near Amazon's headquarters. Once you've found the office, you can start the process of becoming a train driver. The first thing you'll need to do is fill out an application form. This will ask for your personal details and your qualifications. Once you've submitted the form, you'll be asked to take a driving test. This is to make sure that you're capable of driving a train. If you pass the driving test, then you'll be given a licence which will allow you to drive trains. You'll also be given some certificates which will allow you to work as a train operator. 

Once you have your licence and certificates, you'll need to find a job as a train driver. You can do this by searching online or by contacting your local rail office. Once you've found a job, you'll need to complete some driver tests. These are designed to make sure that you're capable of driving a train safely. If you pass these tests, then you'll be able to start work as a train driver. 

So there you have it! These are the best tips and advice on how to become a train driver. If you follow these steps, then you should be able to become a train driver in no time at all!

Conclusion

Becoming a train driver in the UK does not require you to hold a university or college degree and you do not have to be savvy in anything but English and Mathematics. But your relevant skills and physical requirements must be good enough for the position. Also, becoming a train driver is a good way to earn money since you can probably combine it with another occupation when you work in shifts.