AverageJoe
Member
Why did they do that, sounds ridiculous to leave them waiting for no reason.
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Trainee Driver Pass Out Rate
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RailUK Forums
This isn't the first time I've heard this. Doesn't sound very nice at all.
Kauntrilla
Member
Very stupid question? How wud u fight not to sleep or yawn in classroom during class room training for trainee driver please?
theironroad
Established Member
It can vary by depot everywhere. Some depots have more DIs available and normally preference is for a Di & trainee at same depot.
Otherwise, that sounds very odd and tbh I don't blame some for leaving asap if that's the way they were treated.
Well it mostly comes down to the desire to be there, it’s 12 weeks and it was a lot of information for someone who already worked on the railway in a safety critical role to take in.
For someone coming of the street with no railway knowledge or experience, it’s a serious amount of information and you have to put the work in to retain the knowledge (as I saw my classmates and now good friends have to do).
If you think you could not keep yourself awake then it is likely not the right thing for you.
Edit to add:
I have seen 3 people in recent time get a trainee drivers position, and their attitude has been off. One thought they knew it all, the other 2 just thought that it was an easy job that pays well and didn’t realise how much there is to it.
All 3 bottomed out and never made it to be a qualified driver.
If you’re thinking about it, think carefully, do a lot of research, the money and conditions are fantastic, but it is not for free !!
theironroad
Established Member
+ 1
If you think you're going to struggle staying awake in a classroom with an instructor and other trainees all around you, I'd question whether you'd be safe on your own in the cab running on greens, on earlies with a gap between stations.
Kauntrilla
Member
Certainly there is a desire and I think some ability to do the job. Its just curiousty to help get more focus and fresh during classroom training. Basically my question was how u can urself more focus and fresh in class room ? Thanks
5th day in a row of the Alarm going off at 2am is rough going !
theironroad
Established Member
Exactly!
Again, you’re working standard 9-5 hours whilst in the classroom. You should be looking after yourself to ensure that you can concentrate in class.
As theironroad alludes to, a big part of the train drivers role is to be able to keep your concentration when everything is against you, long monotonous sections with not much to do whilst your tired. The classroom but should be a breeze in terms of staying awake and focused.
I would ask, are you in a Talent pool for any TOC or FOC ? If not, I would focus on your application first, it is incredibly competitive and very very difficult to get in. People try for years and years and don’t get in. You have a limited number of attempts to pass the tests too.
This is where your efforts should be focused to start with.
If you’re in a talent pool already, congratulations!
Do you feel like you are often feeling tired and unable to concentrate?
Or do you feel that the classroom training would be boring ?
Kauntrilla
Member
Coffee is one thing comes to my mind. 2nd thing is light breakfast. Hydration can also help. Ask the trainer for a reasonable room temperature. Try to move around room when get a chance. Get involve all the time
Anyone have any more ideas please?
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Kauntrilla
Member
Thank you mate. Really positive point. I think it will be helpful to keep ur mind active and vigilant.
driver9000
Established Member
- Joined
- 13 Jan 2008
- Messages
- 4,247
This is where managing your lifestyle comes into play and is something that can get overlooked by prospective trainees. Think about how would you fight sleeping in the cab of a moving train.
You will get breaks through the day but it's up to you to ensure you're adequately rested. Simple things like eating properly, hydration and getting a good night's sleep are key to this. Don't rely on caffeine and energy drinks to keep you awake.
Kauntrilla
Member
Spot on mate. One more thing chewing gum can make u relax and focus on during training and later on driving.
Train_manager
Member
Red bull and pro plus
Chewing gum in a classroom would probably not be a good idea.
BrokenSam
Member
Not having that. I yawned through the whole bloody thing because I find classroom work tedious.
Fine once I got out with instructor. In training you're taught that there's different methods of learning. I'm not one for classroom. But I make a pretty competent driver.
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Kauntrilla
Member
Yea u are right. Instructor may chuck u off the classroom.Red bull and pro plus
Chewing gum in a classroom would probably not be a good idea.
Yes mate. We are all different and are human beings not machines. I am pleased to listen that u just got through in classroom and then became a brilliant driver practically. Weldone
Being a train driver is all about the lifestyle and the sacrifices you have to make.
Planning your sleep is a massive part of it, going to bed early when you’re up really early, having a few hours sleep in the evening if you’re booking on really late. So I’d say that’s a good place to start, make sure you’re getting adequate sleep, don’t do anything that will keep your mind active before bed, ie telly or being on your phone.
Hydration is a good one as well. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, as this can help with your sleep too and help you wake feeling refreshed.
I didn’t drink a drop of alcohol for the duration of my classroom training as this effects my sleep.
As others have said, you’re given adequate breaks during your classroom training. My particular course was normally 9-3 with 3 breaks, and then a little earlier finish on a Friday.
Kauntrilla
Member
Thank you for the positive advice mate.
I will take it on board. I beleive u can train ur mind to adopt any situation whether its being vigilant in classroom training or practically driving a train. Thanks for the input mate
BrokenSam
Member
Oh I didn't say brilliant like. Haha
Not having what exactly bud ?
Kauntrilla
Member
BrokenSam
Member
That driving isn't for them if they yawn and get bored in the classroom. It works for some, not for all. Lord knows I didn't enjoy it.
Actually agree. Some people are great with the rules and classroom stuff but when it comes to the driving its a different story. I thought one of the trainers must have been the best driver ever with the way he taught rules and little did I know he was the most nervous driver ever
dk1
Veteran Member
It’s one thing to yawn but if you fall asleep in a classroom not only is that a very strange thing to do but with the nature of the job you’ve applied for I would be very seriously considering your suitability to the role if you cannot concentrate or at least remain alert.
BrokenSam
Member
After dinner on a Thursday when they go through the last of TW1 in a warm room with horrible lighting. It was a battle for me. Had zero to do with how I've been as a driver. It's different.
dk1
Veteran Member
If it continued to happen then there would be cause for concern. I know it’s very boring and monotonous at times. I’m lucky as I only ever sleep during the day when I did nights. I never ever sleep anywhere other than when I go to bed.
Fresh air is a must in any classroom. I like a window at least slightly open even in winter.
Indeed. Everyone can appreciate someone yawning in a session. After all we all have a different chronotype and classroom learning and air-conditioned air are not great environments for all. Yawning is natural.
Just like driving though you need to prepare the evening before even if you have to fight your body clock a bit. You’ll have to do it when you drive and you leave the house at 3am for a 4am book on or get back at 2am after finishing at 1am anyway so it’s good practice!
I did an online CPC course via Zoom. It's periodic training required for HGV drivers to be able to earn money from driving lorries.
As the day went on, we lost more and more - it was like that scene from Independence Day where the fighter jets kept turning red on the screen.
One guy fell asleep into his hands, then slipped and woke himself up. Another turned to smoking roll-ups to keep himself awake. Another took his shirt off and carried his laptop up to bed with him and tucked himself up in the duvet, before falling fully asleep. This prompted a couple of us to laugh, to which the trainer said that it happened every time.