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Train Driver Medical Standards

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Undiscovered

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28 Jan 2013
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I second what Swayed says. It's very clear the occupational health staff are on your side. They will do everything they can to try and get you through your medical. :)
What happens if they find a problem? Like, your vision isn't quite up to scratch? Is it a straight fail, thanks very much, no job for you or more get yourself a pair of specs n come back next week? Surely folks must have problems they're not aware of as they've just not noticed them.
 
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Dynamonic

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10 Jan 2013
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What happens if they find a problem? Like, your vision isn't quite up to scratch? Is it a straight fail, thanks very much, no job for you or more get yourself a pair of specs n come back next week? Surely folks must have problems they're not aware of as they've just not noticed them.

If a problem is discovered, which may be treatable, you would normally be referred to your GP or Optician (for eye issues).
In my case, I had issues with my blood pressure as I suffer with white-coat hypertension. I was sent to my GP, who confirmed that’s all it was. She wrote me a letter to send in. Two days after sending the letter to Occupational Health, I passed my Medical. (This all happened within a week)

I imagine if you can get your vision sorted out at your opticians within a reasonable timeframe, then you will pass your medical.
Also, your TOC would typically request you visit your optician before your medical anyway, so you can provide a vision prescription certificate. Any vision issues you may have should be flagged up there, and can hopefully be resolved prior to your medical.

You must meet the required medical standards before you can begin training, but definitely try not to worry too much about your medical. They will do all they can to get you through. :)
 

Jz2307

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Just checked my sight and it’s ahowing in 6/7.5 on the Snellen chart unaided. Would this be a pass for train driver ?
 

Lincdsg

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Just checked my sight and it’s ahowing in 6/7.5 on the Snellen chart unaided. Would this be a pass for train driver ?
Yes, I think the standard is 6/9 and 6/12, corrected, so you'd be fine
 

AutoKratz

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Just checked my sight and it’s ahowing in 6/7.5 on the Snellen chart unaided. Would this be a pass for train driver ?

There’s now no unaided vision requirement if you wear glasses. This was replaced by the maximum prescription allowed for lenses. The limit is +5 / -8
 
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SAlty

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2 Apr 2018
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I
There’s now no unaided vision requirement if you wear glasses. This was replaced my the maximum prescription allowed for lenses. The limit is +5 / -8
Hi there, is this a recent change? Is it documented somewhere do you know? Thanks
 

ScotTrain1000

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3 Feb 2020
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Aberdeen
Hello Eveybody hopefully you can help me.

I’ve got a 1st interview coming up with a big rail company in 3 weeks. But my BMI & weight I think is too high, to get through the medical. My BMI is 38 I weigh 119.9kg.

Is this too high to become a Train driver, I’ve read I need to have a BMI Of 28 or lower, to start with. I am actively trying to get lighter.

Thanks for your help guys regards ScotTrain1000
 

Groindz

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Someone might have a better and more specific answer but I'll let you know what I was told when I went for a medical with my TOC. I asked the woman there if you can fail a medical based on your BMI score (I asked because I am underweight) she said that they don't fail people based on BMI but she did mention that people that have a high BMI (overweight) only need to show that they are capable of moving freely and be nimble. it was something along those lines. Hopefully someone can answer your question for definite though.
 

LCC106

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Do you feel comfortable with your weight? Or would you like to shift a bit? If so, do you have any support to do so? If you start a diet / healthy eating regime you can mention this at your medical to show you are doing something about it.
 

XC90

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4 Jun 2015
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Corrected vision 6/18 in 1 eye, 6/5 in other. Combined 6/5 which is better than 20/20 vision. Is this acceptable?
 

Stigy

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6 Nov 2009
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4,882
Hello Eveybody hopefully you can help me.

I’ve got a 1st interview coming up with a big rail company in 3 weeks. But my BMI & weight I think is too high, to get through the medical. My BMI is 38 I weigh 119.9kg.

Is this too high to become a Train driver, I’ve read I need to have a BMI Of 28 or lower, to start with. I am actively trying to get lighter.

Thanks for your help guys regards ScotTrain1000
It depends on the TOC, but generally it’s not an issue. I was told by the quack at GWR I needed to lose weight and he’d see me again in three months (he passed me as fit though donut wasn’t an issue). I wanted to lose weight anyway so list the half a stone he wanted me too in the week before starting. As expected, he hasn’t asked me back since. My BMI was 32.7 and they said that anything over 33 would be a fail ordinarily.

Ive since lost 2 stone and put it back on again ;)
 

Victornc

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29 Jan 2020
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Darlington
So there is no minimum uncorrected vision requirements? Iv heard there was at least 3/60 of something along those lines? Anyone have any clarity on this?
 

baz962

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8 Jun 2017
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3,319
So there is no minimum uncorrected vision requirements? Iv heard there was at least 3/60 of something along those lines? Anyone have any clarity on this?
That is old , no minimum uncorrected is correct.
 

tomnpt83

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13 Aug 2020
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22
Location
Newport
Jumping on the post...anyone know of drivers with colitis or crohns that have experienced any issues on the medical?
 
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