Different criteria for shunter/driver than for mainline

[Palaceboy]

Is there different/less tests for a shunter driver as opposed to mainline driver.

 

[Stigy]

Is there different/less tests for a shunter driver as opposed to mainline driver.

For any driving grade you’ll be subject to the same criteria for recruitment as mainline driver (psychometric assessments etc). The “two strikes” rules applies too. Bear in mind that not all Shunter roles are Shunter Drivers either, only if specified that’s what they are.

The course/training you do once in post varies depending on whether you cross mainlines and thus need to do a full rules course, too.

 

[GB]

Most shunter driver positions require a valid psychometric as you will be driving on Network Rail infrastructure. Some positions (certainly with at least one FOC) you don't generally need a psychometric.

 

[Stigy]

Most shunter driver positions require a valid psychometric as you will be driving on Network Rail infrastructure. Some positions (certainly with at least one FOC) you don't generally need a psychometric.

The requirement for psychometric tests isn’t because of driving on NWR infrastructure if you’re defining that as the mainline railway. It’s a requirement because Shunter drivers/depot drivers etc will hold a European Train Driving Licence therefore even if you’re solely driving within the confined depot limits, they will be assessed using the same psychometrics as mainline drivers.

The difference with driving across NWR infrastructure is the requirement for rules training to allow for this. If the job is for “Shunter” and it doesn’t mention driving, chances are there’s no driving included and thus there won’t be any psychometric assessments. Worth checking with the specific TOC though as it again, maybe a case of certain TOCs calling things certain names.

 

[GB]

We have shunter drivers, they are not issued with a European Train Driving Licence nor do they hold psychometrics.

 

[ComUtoR]

My understanding is :

Shunter :
Pulls points
Works within depot limits
Doesn't drive a train

Shunt Driver :
Works within depot limits
Drives a train
Doesn't pull points
Purely there for driving

Shunter Driver :
Drives shunts
Sets points
mix of both shunter and shunt driver

Yard Movement Co-ordinator :
I've come across this role and its down to having a yard that is wholly operated by signals and has some kind of yard signaller. They don't do much other than relay instructions to the Driver's and collect unit numbers to relay to the local box. Generally they are in charge on the ground but report to the local box.

Mainline Shunter :
Drives a train
Pulls points
Co-ordinates a yard
Works within depot limits
Can shunt onto the mainline into a local station
Can shunt accross the mainline where you have yards on both sides



My understanding is the same as @GB As long as you don't touch NR infrastructure then its all down to the TOC. You don't need to have a licence of have carried out any psychometrics. You are effecively on private property. Same (as I understand it) for Heritage Rail. You don't need any psychometrics because you never touch NR Metals.

I'll speak to a couple of Shunters tomorrrow to confirm but I also don't think they have EU licences. At my TOC they have all undertaken psychometrics and undertaken a partial rules course. But All ours drive arcoss the mainline and also drive to station limits.

 

[Stigy]

We have shunter drivers, they are not issued with a European Train Driving Licence nor do they hold psychometrics.

I understand that, although admittedly I wasn’t aware different TOCs defined their depot drivers as not part of a driving grade to some extent. However, the reason for psychometric assessments isn’t because of driving on NWR infrastructure. It may be that some TOCs/FOCs put their depot drivers through psychometric assessments is to make a transition to mainline more seamless? The aptitudes are the same for both grades.

 

[WirralWanderer]

I’m a Shunt Driver for an FOC. I hold a European Licence, drive trains within the yard and also onto the network rail infrastructure, I pull points, do coupling and once out of PQA will be able to conduct. I had to take the full psychometric tests and have a full driver medical.
My point is it could well be different between TOCs & FOCs.

 

[Inthe4foot]

I’m nearly qualified at a toc and I’m same as above. We also don’t have to resit or take another course to go mainline. This may have something to do with the apprenticeship thing they do now All I know is there’s no course for us, it’s up to us to keep our rules and knowledge up to date

 

[DA1]

I was a shunter driver at a TOC and we were issued with European Licences. When doing the training course we didn’t do a full rules course but a slimmed down version. I pulled points and drove trains within the yard and also on network rail infrastructure with some shunts being via the local station.
Just recently gone mainline and I’m having to retake a full trainee drivers course.

 

[Fred Dinenage]

Northern have maintenance depot drivers. Same psychometrics and medical to pass as train drivers in the company, only a 5 week course training in a classroom, then on-depot training with a minder. No euro licence. Duties include pulling points / fuelling / tanking / CET duties. Also driving Northern and 3rd party traction within the depot confines, preparing the same traction for passenger service.

Moving internally to train driver means not having to complete the psychometrics again, but there’s no preferential treatment compared to a conductor, for instance. And your slate is wiped clean, in regards to traction and other knowledge - you have to do the whole driver’s training course.

 

[DRS66421]

Most shunter driver positions require a valid psychometric as you will be driving on Network Rail infrastructure. Some positions (certainly with at least one FOC) you don't generally need a psychometric.

Trying to become a Shunter myself. Do you know what FOC‘s where you don’t generally need a psychometric?

 

[rail-god]

We have shunter drivers, they are not issued with a European Train Driving Licence nor do they hold psychometrics.

But drive in a worksite on a T3?

 

[357]

And your slate is wiped clean, in regards to traction and other knowledge - you have to do the whole driver’s training course.

It depends on TOC/FOC. I still have traction on my licence that I signed as a shunter and I can drive it on the mainline. Never needed to do any traction courses again, nor do another rules course.

 

[GB]

Trying to become a Shunter myself. Do you know what FOC‘s where you don’t generally need a psychometric?

Shunter (not driver-shunter) I don't think any FOCs require psychometric. Shunter with yard driving duties you don't need a psychometric at GBRf...not sure about other FOCs.

But drive in a worksite on a T3?

There was a scheme in place a few years ago where GBRf shunter-drivers could do limited driving in T3's. The scheme was abandoned due to perceived high risk. While some individuals still retain the grade, I don't think any of them currently do the actual job....again no psychometric was required.

 

[DRS66421]

Shunter (not driver-shunter) I don't think any FOCs require psychometric. Shunter with yard driving duties you don't need a psychometric at GBRf...not sure about other FOCs.



There was a scheme in place a few years ago where GBRf shunter-drivers could do limited driving in T3's. The scheme was abandoned due to perceived high risk. While some individuals still retain the grade, I don't think any of them currently do the actual job....again no psychometric was required.

Thanks for your reply. Wish I had the option of sending you a PM so I can ask you some questions about getting my foot in the door.

 

[Fred Dinenage]

It depends on TOC/FOC. I still have traction on my licence that I signed as a shunter and I can drive it on the mainline. Never needed to do any traction courses again, nor do another rules course.

Yes, I should have said my post is all information specific to Northern.