Becoming a train driver - Page 2

TDK · 19th May 2008, 18:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harry Douthwaite

I have wanted to drive a train ever since I was very young. (Say, three years old), and I still want to. That is my job for the future. But are there any special qualifications you need to become a train driver? I have a backup plan too, if things don't work out when I move back to England, I just simply move back to Canada, as I now have dual-citizenship. (English and Canadian).

All you need is basic maths and English (not qualifications). You need to be able to file a report, read a schedule card, you need to be physically able with good hearing and eyesight, no coloured blindness and preferably not had lazer eye treatment. Oh yeah, a basic knowledge of mechanics and a body mass index less than 33, over 5'2 and 6'6" or under.

Aussie_Rail · 5th June 2008, 05:51

Other than train driver jobs, what other jobs do they advertise, and where do they advertise them?

Ryan.

hairyhandedfool · 5th June 2008, 07:46

Most TOCs in the UK advertise jobs on their website, although you may have to search for them. There is usually a mix of Platform, Conducter, Booking Office and Driver, basically any job that has not been filled by internal applicants. Some also advertise in local papers and job centres.

Aussie_Rail · 5th June 2008, 11:53

Ah ok, cool. Because I have found that Connex and Yarra Trams contracted their recruitment to agencies and so you have to apply for positions through them. Which in my opinion is a bad way of doing it, but it's not likely to change any time soon.

Ryan.

Nym · 5th June 2008, 15:56

As have Stagecoach Metrolink Manchester, they have an external agancy, the're taking on drivers, but you're Fupped to know where to find them

ungreat · 12th June 2008, 23:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by TDK

All you need is basic maths and English (not qualifications). You need to be able to file a report, read a schedule card, you need to be physically able with good hearing and eyesight, no coloured blindness and preferably not had lazer eye treatment. Oh yeah, a basic knowledge of mechanics and a body mass index less than 33, over 5'2 and 6'6" or under.

Body mass not strict though,or height in some cases

You will be viewed more favourably if you DO have qualifications in maths,english....

Mechanical knowledge...your definition sounds like a basic mechanics course knowledge!! If you understand how things work,then you are on the way

TDK · 21st June 2008, 17:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by ungreat

Body mass not strict though,or height in some cases

You will be viewed more favourably if you DO have qualifications in maths,english....

Mechanical knowledge...your definition sounds like a basic mechanics course knowledge!! If you understand how things work,then you are on the way

When you are sifting through 700 application forms for 4 posts body mass and height will make the difference from one person to another if the applicants are equally matched. So, I think it is an importannt factor.

ungreat · 22nd June 2008, 09:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by TDK

When you are sifting through 700 application forms for 4 posts body mass and height will make the difference from one person to another if the applicants are equally matched. So, I think it is an importannt factor.

Yes it will,but I meant at medical stage,which I thought you did mate.Providing you aren't a gigantic salad dodger you will probably be ok!!

bish · 25th July 2008, 14:22

Hi

Dont know if this has been coverd in a previous post so sorry if it has

I just passed my assesment for trainee train driver and now have a "structured interview" in a weeks time.

Can anyone give me any tips or advice about what questions they may ask or what sort of traits they are looking for in train drivers?

Many thanks

driver9000 · 25th July 2008, 16:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by bish

Hi

Dont know if this has been coverd in a previous post so sorry if it has

I just passed my assesment for trainee train driver and now have a "structured interview" in a weeks time.

Can anyone give me any tips or advice about what questions they may ask or what sort of traits they are looking for in train drivers?

Many thanks

congratualtions

They are looking for someone they cant trust to safely carry over 500 people a day from A - B, good at following procedure and rules logically and calmly. If you have experience of working in an emergency condition (road accident is a good example), been in charge of safety at some point (even if its your own) someone who knows the risks involved, knows a little about the role of the driver (see the job description for a brief overview) and about the TOC you've applied to.

Read up on things, do your research and you'll be fine

mysterio · 29th July 2008, 18:31

Hi there,

Im thinking of applying in due course to be a Train Driver, it's something Id really like to do.

Unfortunately, Im blind in my right eye, but have good vision in my left eye. Does this mean Im definitely not suitable?

Its so frustrating if so, as I was born like this and have absolutely no issues with driving etc, and my field of vision is "normal" to me and I don't "not see" anything.

thanks

driver9000 · 29th July 2008, 20:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by mysterio

Hi there,

Im thinking of applying in due course to be a Train Driver, it's something Id really like to do.

Unfortunately, Im blind in my right eye, but have good vision in my left eye. Does this mean Im definitely not suitable?

Its so frustrating if so, as I was born like this and have absolutely no issues with driving etc, and my field of vision is "normal" to me and I don't "not see" anything.

thanks

Im afraid Railway Group Standards require good uncorrected vision in both eyes, same with hearing. See the link for more information

http://www.railwayregister.care4free...AL%20STANDARDS

Harry Douthwaite · 9th September 2008, 03:08

I could probably apply for a station job, as I'm sixteen in less than two weeks. However, I live on the wrong side of the world to do it right away.
Also, do you need binocular vision to become a train driver?

Juniper Driver · 13th September 2008, 01:41

Christ it has changed so much since I got on as a Traction Trainee in Late '85.

I was a cleaner for two and a half years at Ilford the a guard for a year and somehow got into the footplate grade.Don't know how I did it but I did it.

It is so much different now but I did really enjoy the days when it was British Rail.

If you get a chance then don't blow it.I heard of a guy at work who had an interview to get on as a guard but was late or didn't turn up and he didn't get another chance.

Good luck.I still enjoy doing the job after all this time and have learned a lot about myslef and of course railways.

I always thought I've been lucky and privileged to be able to drive trains as a living.

It has it's good days and the occasional bad day.

Flyboy · 1st November 2008, 19:40

Greetings to all.

New forum member, currently a very disillusioned airline pilot, I'd be extremely grateful if there are any Train Crew Managers, Drivers, (current and former) preferably with knowledge of Companies with bases in the North (Leeds, Hull, York etc) who could PM me. I'll explain more then.

Thank you in advance.

5th June 2008, 05:51	#17
Aussie_Rail Member Join Date: 1 Jun 2008 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 518	Other than train driver jobs, what other jobs do they advertise, and where do they advertise them? Ryan. __________________ "Stopping all stations to Flinders Street Via the City Loop. Remember to validate your Metcard before you travel"

5th June 2008, 07:46	#18
hairyhandedfool TOC employee Established Member Join Date: 14 Apr 2008 Posts: 5,180	Most TOCs in the UK advertise jobs on their website, although you may have to search for them. There is usually a mix of Platform, Conducter, Booking Office and Driver, basically any job that has not been filled by internal applicants. Some also advertise in local papers and job centres. __________________ These views are my own and not, in any way, those of my employer, though they may choose to agree with them if they wish.

5th June 2008, 11:53	#19
Aussie_Rail Member Join Date: 1 Jun 2008 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 518	Ah ok, cool. Because I have found that Connex and Yarra Trams contracted their recruitment to agencies and so you have to apply for positions through them. Which in my opinion is a bad way of doing it, but it's not likely to change any time soon. Ryan. __________________ "Stopping all stations to Flinders Street Via the City Loop. Remember to validate your Metcard before you travel"

5th June 2008, 15:56	#20
Nym MIET AMIMechE MIEEE(Soon) Established Member Join Date: 2 Mar 2007 Location: In a tunnel, not in London... Posts: 6,365	As have Stagecoach Metrolink Manchester, they have an external agancy, the're taking on drivers, but you're Fupped to know where to find them __________________ The views expressed above do not necessarily reflect those of my current, future or former employers, the IET, IMechE or InstMC.

9th September 2008, 03:08	#28
Harry Douthwaite One of the Railway Boys Member Join Date: 15 Jul 2007 Location: Canada -> England Posts: 66	I could probably apply for a station job, as I'm sixteen in less than two weeks. However, I live on the wrong side of the world to do it right away. Also, do you need binocular vision to become a train driver? __________________ The Railway Boys - video for my work-in-progress novel. My drawings...

25th July 2008, 14:22	#24
bish New Member Join Date: 25 Jul 2008 Posts: 1	Hi Dont know if this has been coverd in a previous post so sorry if it has I just passed my assesment for trainee train driver and now have a "structured interview" in a weeks time. Can anyone give me any tips or advice about what questions they may ask or what sort of traits they are looking for in train drivers? Many thanks

29th July 2008, 18:31	#26
mysterio New Member Join Date: 29 Jul 2008 Posts: 1	Hi there, Im thinking of applying in due course to be a Train Driver, it's something Id really like to do. Unfortunately, Im blind in my right eye, but have good vision in my left eye. Does this mean Im definitely not suitable? Its so frustrating if so, as I was born like this and have absolutely no issues with driving etc, and my field of vision is "normal" to me and I don't "not see" anything. thanks

13th September 2008, 01:41	#29
Juniper Driver 458 Trained Feb 2007 Member Join Date: 17 Jul 2007 Location: SWT Metals Posts: 658	Christ it has changed so much since I got on as a Traction Trainee in Late '85. I was a cleaner for two and a half years at Ilford the a guard for a year and somehow got into the footplate grade.Don't know how I did it but I did it. It is so much different now but I did really enjoy the days when it was British Rail. If you get a chance then don't blow it.I heard of a guy at work who had an interview to get on as a guard but was late or didn't turn up and he didn't get another chance. Good luck.I still enjoy doing the job after all this time and have learned a lot about myslef and of course railways. I always thought I've been lucky and privileged to be able to drive trains as a living. It has it's good days and the occasional bad day. __________________ D.E.S BR (GE) 26/07/1982 Unit/s stalking me at the moment 450567

1st November 2008, 19:40	#30
Flyboy Member Join Date: 31 Oct 2008 Location: North Lincolnshire Posts: 269	Greetings to all. New forum member, currently a very disillusioned airline pilot, I'd be extremely grateful if there are any Train Crew Managers, Drivers, (current and former) preferably with knowledge of Companies with bases in the North (Leeds, Hull, York etc) who could PM me. I'll explain more then. Thank you in advance. Last edited by Flyboy; 13th November 2008 at 00:31.