A career as a train driver

[D3WY]

Not sure if it’s different for each TOC but for me, DMI is after MMI with Chiltern

Oh realy? Fair enough, apologies GTR does MMI last, I just, assumed it was the same.

 

[FR510]

They? Under new guidance TOC’s will be conducting an additional severity test (maybe a CAD). I’m just trying to establish if TOC’s have started to roll these out already (with the findings only posted a month ago) or whether it would be worthwhile delaying my application until they do..

I had a periodical medical there this week and it was the same old book of numbers they always use. If you did fail that, then maybe there are additional tests, but I'm sorry I don't know for sure.

 

[Miky_G]

Good evening all.

I've got a shunter driver interview with db cargo coming up and wanted to know what sort of questions they would ask? I don't mean exactly but will likely be more of a ' think of a time when ' type of interview, more informal or whatever it could be? I wasn't given any advice or notes to revise so some friendly advice would be great. TIA

 

[shaunk26]

Does anyone know the reason why new candidates starting this year are allowed three attempts but those applicants previous to 2025 will be held to two attempts?

 

[Pintman]

Does anyone know the reason why new candidates starting this year are allowed three attempts but those applicants previous to 2025 will be held to two attempts?

Because RSSB says so

 

[Kay_M]

Because RSSB says so

This statement had me laughing. It had me remembering what Stone Cold Steve Austin would say. "And that's the bottom line because Stone Cold said so"

 

[dixoc22]

I'll start by saying I applied for the role of trainee train driver on bit of a whim as redundancies in my company where I've been for 20 years were looming. However that has passed now and I surprisingly got offered an interview for the role.
I've started looking at it more seriously now and genuinely was getting excited about it and over the last month researching the role and the TOC has been an obsession and this is much to the amusement of my current colleagues!
I've got a really good job as an electrician/LGV driver at the moment but my industry is changing and not for the better which has led to me pursuing a career as a train driver and I'd be lieing if I said the train drivers salary isn't a big pull factor.

I've got loads of good transferable skills but my biggest worry I'm having is have I got the concentration skills to be a train driver because it's impossible to test without doing the job itself on your own. I know there's concentration test but I dare say it pales in comparison.
I'd hate to think the shifts finally got the better of me one day and I caused an accident or I'm just a crap train driver.
I currently always work in a team and someone's always got your back which I think I'd miss but after reading person after person that actually drives trains saying it's the golden ticket job and they love it is hard to ignore.
Any advice would be great especially from train drivers that thought they might struggle with the concentration. is it just natural ability or training that makes you a good driver?
Sorry for the long post I'm stressed out about this massive decision

 

[Horizon22]

I'll start by saying I applied for the role of trainee train driver on bit of a whim as redundancies in my company where I've been for 20 years were looming. However that has passed now and I surprisingly got offered an interview for the role.
I've started looking at it more seriously now and genuinely was getting excited about it and over the last month researching the role and the TOC has been an obsession and this is much to the amusement of my current colleagues!
I've got a really good job as an electrician/LGV driver at the moment but my industry is changing and not for the better which has led to me pursuing a career as a train driver and I'd be lieing if I said the train drivers salary isn't a big pull factor.

I've got loads of good transferable skills but my biggest worry I'm having is have I got the concentration skills to be a train driver because it's impossible to test without doing the job itself on your own. I know there's concentration test but I dare say it pales in comparison.
I'd hate to think the shifts finally got the better of me one day and I caused an accident or I'm just a crap train driver.
I currently always work in a team and someone's always got your back which I think I'd miss but after reading person after person that actually drives trains saying it's the golden ticket job and they love it is hard to ignore.
Any advice would be great especially from train drivers that thought they might struggle with the concentration. is it just natural ability or training that makes you a good driver?
Sorry for the long post I'm stressed out about this massive decision

Welcome to the forums and congratulations on your interview! I've moved your post to the wider "career as a train driver" post as there is loads of information in here that might be helpful. You may want to use the "Search" function for concetration.

Also what TOC and depot have you applied for? You may find a thread for this in the forum already.

 

[dixoc22]

Hi thankyou and ok that's great thanks, sorry about that. It's for northern. Well technically it's my second interview I was on my holiday when I got the email saying I had my first and was absolutely gutted I was away but luckily they put me on this next one so it has given me a bit of time to research. I'm really excited, fearful apprehensive and curious all in equal measure lol. I can only hope I have the natural ability because everyone that does it seems to love it!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 29 May 2025 ==

Forgot to say it's the Leeds depot

 

[robm111]

I’m after some advice.

I passed all of the OPC assessments and interviews to enhanced level with WMT but failed the DMI. I had some personal and work issues and really underperformed.

There seems to be no other driver opportunities around local to Shropshire and whenever I look elsewhere you have to live local. I’m happy to relocate or whatever is needed but there just seems to be no opportunities apart from to wait for another go at WMT. I’d really appreciate any advice.

 

[Javelin_55]

I’m after some advice.

I passed all of the OPC assessments and interviews to enhanced level with WMT but failed the DMI. I had some personal and work issues and really underperformed.

There seems to be no other driver opportunities around local to Shropshire and whenever I look elsewhere you have to live local. I’m happy to relocate or whatever is needed but there just seems to be no opportunities apart from to wait for another go at WMT. I’d really appreciate any advice.

You must be disappointed, but try to look on the positive side.

You've passed the assessments, at enhanced too. That's further than a lot of people ever get and it gives you more options later down the line. I think it can vary slightly but the results will be valid for years. You've got time.

Without knowing where you are in Shropshire, there would be opportunities in Birmingham (Cross Country/WMT) Crewe (WMT) and Shrewsbury (TfW/WMT). You never know when these will come up until they come up!

Saying you underperformed at the DMI sounds like you know where it went wrong, which gives you more to go on than thinking you smashed it and then being blindsided with rejection. My advice is to try again before attempting relocation. Much has been made of the statistics showing large numbers of drivers retiring soon, so I'm sure all companies will be gearing up for new recruits in the near future.

You've got this!

 

[robm111]

You must be disappointed, but try to look on the positive side.

You've passed the assessments, at enhanced too. That's further than a lot of people ever get and it gives you more options later down the line. I think it can vary slightly but the results will be valid for years. You've got time.

Without knowing where you are in Shropshire, there would be opportunities in Birmingham (Cross Country/WMT) Crewe (WMT) and Shrewsbury (TfW/WMT). You never know when these will come up until they come up!

Saying you underperformed at the DMI sounds like you know where it went wrong, which gives you more to go on than thinking you smashed it and then being blindsided with rejection. My advice is to try again before attempting relocation. Much has been made of the statistics showing large numbers of drivers retiring soon, so I'm sure all companies will be gearing up for new recruits in the near future.

You've got this!

Thank you - very much appreciate the advice

 

[S-Car-Go]

Hi thankyou and ok that's great thanks, sorry about that. It's for northern. Well technically it's my second interview I was on my holiday when I got the email saying I had my first and was absolutely gutted I was away but luckily they put me on this next one so it has given me a bit of time to research. I'm really excited, fearful apprehensive and curious all in equal measure lol. I can only hope I have the natural ability because everyone that does it seems to love it!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 29 May 2025 ==

Forgot to say it's the Leeds depot

If you pass the final interview and medical, the TOC is not making the decision lightly to choose you. Driver recruitment is expensive and they do help you through the training with the expectation you study and put in the effort as well.
Since you have LGV & electrician roles, you would have qualifications to fall back on if it didn't work out. However very few train drivers chuck it in and go back to their previous career.

 

[dixoc22]

If you pass the final interview and medical, the TOC is not making the decision lightly to choose you. Driver recruitment is expensive and they do help you through the training with the expectation you study and put in the effort as well.
Since you have LGV & electrician roles, you would have qualifications to fall back on if it didn't work out. However very few train drivers chuck it in and go back to their previous career.

Hi and thanks for the reply. I'm getting that vibe from the role which fascinates me why so many people love it considering it's branded as boring by a lot of drivers but it is also reassuring to hear. Really excited even if I fail, got nothing to lose at this point

 

[Dippa]

I’m after some advice.

I passed all of the OPC assessments and interviews to enhanced level with WMT but failed the DMI. I had some personal and work issues and really underperformed.

There seems to be no other driver opportunities around local to Shropshire and whenever I look elsewhere you have to live local. I’m happy to relocate or whatever is needed but there just seems to be no opportunities apart from to wait for another go at WMT. I’d really appreciate any advice.

I’m really sorry to hear you didn’t pass your DMI, that must be tough, especially after all the effort you’ve put in to get this far. Just remember, setbacks are part of the learning process. Try to take it as an opportunity to grow by focusing on what didn’t go so well and turning it into something positive. Stay persistent and I’m sure you’ll eventually get another opportunity.

If you don’t mind me asking, did they share where they felt you underperformed or give you any specific feedback?

 

[callumreecepl]

I've just seen that Lumo have advertised for Qualified Drivers and Instructors in Preston for the London-Stirling run, is it they look a recruiting trainees for that service at all?

 

[Class2ldn]

I've just seen that Lumo have advertised for Qualified Drivers and Instructors in Preston for the London-Stirling run, is it they look a recruiting trainees for that service at all?

Lumo - Apprentice Customer Train Driver - Euston/Preston/Stirling (17/03/25)

Just out, good luck all! Recruiting for Stirling, Preston and London. https://careers.firstgroup.co.uk/jobs/apprentice-customer-train-driver-preston-station-fishergate-preston-united-kingdom-london-stirling-stirlingshire?utm_content=apply&utm_source=LinkedIn First Rail Stirling is a...

www.railforums.co.uk

Looks like it closed now

 

[zonefrost998]

Hi, sorry to bother guys but for those who have been keeping an eye on train driving jobs for a while, which TOCs tend to recruit more frequently?

 

[AverageJoe]

I'll start by saying I applied for the role of trainee train driver on bit of a whim as redundancies in my company where I've been for 20 years were looming. However that has passed now and I surprisingly got offered an interview for the role.
I've started looking at it more seriously now and genuinely was getting excited about it and over the last month researching the role and the TOC has been an obsession and this is much to the amusement of my current colleagues!
I've got a really good job as an electrician/LGV driver at the moment but my industry is changing and not for the better which has led to me pursuing a career as a train driver and I'd be lieing if I said the train drivers salary isn't a big pull factor.

I've got loads of good transferable skills but my biggest worry I'm having is have I got the concentration skills to be a train driver because it's impossible to test without doing the job itself on your own. I know there's concentration test but I dare say it pales in comparison.
I'd hate to think the shifts finally got the better of me one day and I caused an accident or I'm just a crap train driver.
I currently always work in a team and someone's always got your back which I think I'd miss but after reading person after person that actually drives trains saying it's the golden ticket job and they love it is hard to ignore.
Any advice would be great especially from train drivers that thought they might struggle with the concentration. is it just natural ability or training that makes you a good driver?
Sorry for the long post I'm stressed out about this massive decision

If you get offered the job you will have obviously passed the tests necessary.

You will really find out if you have issues with concentration once you are out there with your instructor.
It won’t be chit chat constantly and the more you become comfortable with the route you drive the more there will be silences, which for me is when my concentration skills are really tested.

The good thing is at this point if you have issues with concentration there is someone experienced watching over you, but of course if it’s a big issue it could mean you fail to qualify.

This is of course rare and not something I would worry about but you do tend to see those that failure in concentration is what leads to most incidents and it can still happen to anyone if not careful.

There are techniques and non technical skills that are discussed in training and experienced drivers will offer help into what techniques help them.

Also there is many a driver out there who has made a mistake, and listening to what happened to them and why they made the mistake is a real eye opener and it helps you be extra cautious not to make the same mistake, as often it is something that could easily happen to you and I if not careful.

As you are a truck driver maybe you already know yourself if you have this issue or not? I think the railway is a little bit less forgiving than the road when it comes to minor mistakes in concentration though.

For example if in a truck you are doing 45 in a 30 and you suddenly realise, unless there is a camera or a cop car about you will most likely get away with it.
Same if you run a red, if no camera or cop car it’s a bit of an oopsie but it’s instantly in the past.
Or if you take a wrong turn in a truck, very inconvenient, possibly leading to awkward reversing and running a tad late but probably the bosses never need to find out.

Do those things in a train and it’s a different story.

But ultimately, I would worry about it at this stage unless as i say you already struggle with it in the trucking.

 

[Georgiahope1]

I have recently passed all the tests for a trainee train driver role. Start date is proposed 1st December and my medical will be close to the time so at this stage I have just received a verbal offer. I am slightly worried about the timeframe between now and December as they can withdraw at any time they proposed in the email, has anyone else waited a long time?

 

[PlayedRex]

Got my assessment day/MMI with GWR in Plymouth next Wednesday. Gone over the practice material several times but it anyone has done this with GWR recently, any tips would be appreciated. Cheers everyone!

 

[apjs87]

Got my assessment day/MMI with GWR in Plymouth next Wednesday. Gone over the practice material several times but it anyone has done this with GWR recently, any tips would be appreciated. Cheers everyone!

good luck with your tests, I've not long gone through the same thing. The best advice I can give in the lead up is just to practice. On the day it's accuracy over speed. Also, read everything thoroughly on the paper based tests.

 

[GooseWaffe]

good luck with your tests, I've not long gone through the same thing. The best advice I can give in the lead up is just to practice. On the day it's accuracy over speed. Also, read everything thoroughly on the paper based tests.

Accuracy and speed are normally equally important.

 

[PlayedRex]

good luck with your tests, I've not long gone through the same thing. The best advice I can give in the lead up is just to practice. On the day it's accuracy over speed. Also, read everything thoroughly on the paper based tests.

Thank you for the advice and good wishes. Thankfully I passed on Wednesday. Just waiting for my DMI date now!

 

[dixoc22]

If you get offered the job you will have obviously passed the tests necessary.

You will really find out if you have issues with concentration once you are out there with your instructor.
It won’t be chit chat constantly and the more you become comfortable with the route you drive the more there will be silences, which for me is when my concentration skills are really tested.

The good thing is at this point if you have issues with concentration there is someone experienced watching over you, but of course if it’s a big issue it could mean you fail to qualify.

This is of course rare and not something I would worry about but you do tend to see those that failure in concentration is what leads to most incidents and it can still happen to anyone if not careful.

There are techniques and non technical skills that are discussed in training and experienced drivers will offer help into what techniques help them.

Also there is many a driver out there who has made a mistake, and listening to what happened to them and why they made the mistake is a real eye opener and it helps you be extra cautious not to make the same mistake, as often it is something that could easily happen to you and I if not careful.

As you are a truck driver maybe you already know yourself if you have this issue or not? I think the railway is a little bit less forgiving than the road when it comes to minor mistakes in concentration though.

For example if in a truck you are doing 45 in a 30 and you suddenly realise, unless there is a camera or a cop car about you will most likely get away with it.
Same if you run a red, if no camera or cop car it’s a bit of an oopsie but it’s instantly in the past.
Or if you take a wrong turn in a truck, very inconvenient, possibly leading to awkward reversing and running a tad late but probably the bosses never need to find out.

Do those things in a train and it’s a different story.

But ultimately, I would worry about it at this stage unless as i say you already struggle with it in the trucking.

Hi sorry for the late reply the notifications don't seem to be working!. But yes I feel I'm like most people as you say above, you sometimes haven't spotted a speed change or nay have taken a wrong turn. I was just cautious if a train driver is naturally at a hyper focused level or it's something that training and experience gives you? I haven't had a speeding ticket or had to do a driver speed awareness course and I've been driving since 2003 so I don't think I'm the worst

 

[GiordyRail]

Passed all the assessments first time and DMI with SWR, I've been invited to the MMI next month!

 

[Tyg]

Hi all,
Ive got a job with a TOC and ive passed everything to become a trainee driver, but I have a feeling my previous company might declare my dismissal on the pre employment checks, I was dismissed for underperforming, this was due to a few factors such as not being happy it wasnt gross misconduct or anything serious and I had a few things going on at home, my current employer have given me a glowing reference, the toc have said they'll withdraw the contract if I get a negative reference, will they just get rid of me outright or will they speak to me first to get my side? Genuinely worried ill lose my contract this close to my start date.
Please help and advise genuinely worried

 

[Kay_M]

Hi all,
Ive got a job with a TOC and ive passed everything to become a trainee driver, but I have a feeling my previous company might declare my dismissal on the pre employment checks, I was dismissed for underperforming, this was due to a few factors such as not being happy it wasnt gross misconduct or anything serious and I had a few things going on at home, my current employer have given me a glowing reference, the toc have said they'll withdraw the contract if I get a negative reference, will they just get rid of me outright or will they speak to me first to get my side? Genuinely worried ill lose my contract this close to my start date.
Please help and advise genuinely worried

In most cases if they want to avoid any legal issues they would just say your start date and end date.

 

[Tyg]

In most cases if they want to avoid any legal issues they would just say your start date and end date.

Im hoping they will, but if they don't where do I stand? Will the toc give me an opportunity to explain etc or just pull the contract?

 

[Unobrow]

From what I can remember, you can’t be given a “bad” reference. They can decline, just confirm your appointment dates and possibly reply, if asked, that they wouldn't employ you again.

Cross that bridge if you come to it.