Northern Rail Trainee Driver application advice please

dominicb · 24 Feb 2025

Hi,

I know there are loads of posts on this in these forums but instead of going through all of therm I thought it would be best to start a new one.

Im applying for a trainee driver position with Northern Rail and just looking for any advice that might help me get the job, currently I work for London Underground and been a train operator for over 24 years so have enough experience operating trains.

Unfortunately as underground doesn't fall under national rail qualifications I will have to go through the process as Trainee though I have no problem with this.

Currently im just filling out the application form.

RailUK Forums

AverageJoe · 24 Feb 2025

dominicb said:
Hi,

I know there are loads of posts on this in these forums but instead of going through all of therm I thought it would be best to start a new one.

Im applying for a trainee driver position with Northern Rail and just looking for any advice that might help me get the job, currently I work for London Underground and been a train operator for over 24 years so have enough experience operating trains.

Unfortunately as underground doesn't fall under national rail qualifications I will have to go through the process as Trainee though I have no problem with this.

Currently im just filling out the application form.

So basically you acknowledge the info is there for you but you don’t want to put the effort in to find it?

skyhigh · 24 Feb 2025

dominicb said:
Im applying for a trainee driver position with Northern Rail and just looking for any advice that might help me get the job, currently I work for London Underground and been a train operator for over 24 years so have enough experience operating trains.

You will struggle, because you don't live within the commute distance from any Northern depot and they don't allow relocation.

MoraleSponge · 24 Feb 2025

dominicb said:
Hi,

I know there are loads of posts on this in these forums but instead of going through all of therm I thought it would be best to start a new one.

Im applying for a trainee driver position with Northern Rail and just looking for any advice that might help me get the job, currently I work for London Underground and been a train operator for over 24 years so have enough experience operating trains.

Unfortunately as underground doesn't fall under national rail qualifications I will have to go through the process as Trainee though I have no problem with this.

Currently im just filling out the application form.

Which depot are you applying for? If you currently work for LU are you having to relocate? Northern will reject an application from you as a trainee if you are outside the maximum travel time.

AD15 · 24 Feb 2025

AverageJoe said:
So basically you acknowledge the info is there for you but you don’t want to put the effort in to find it?

A very helpfull response. I'm sure he will go look for it straight away. We all remember how invaluable help was when we all became train drivers.

AverageJoe · 24 Feb 2025

AD15 said:
A very helpfull response. I'm sure he will go look for it straight away. We all remember how invaluable help was when we all became train drivers.

I’ve offered help plenty of times on this forum.
And the help is readily available in the search function as the op has already alluded to.

What I don’t agree with is when someone acknowledges it is there, doesn’t want to put the time and effort it to look through it but wants the rest of us to put time and effort in on their behalf just so they can bag themselves a 50k a year job.

Surely a 50k + job is worth putting a little effort in using the search function?

I admit it’s not always easy to find the exact answer you are looking for so it’s worth making a new post but this one just screams of lazy to me.

Reading the above comments I’m struggling to find your productive input at this moment?

dominicb · 24 Feb 2025

AverageJoe said:
So basically you acknowledge the info is there for you but you don’t want to put the effort in to find it?

Not at all, I spent 4hrs the other day going through the forum looking at various posts and spoken to a TM, unfortunately the post I found really helpful with up to date help I can’t find again and I've heard there have been some changes to the process
Also too much advice is never a bad thing hence making a fresh post so can keep all the fresh advice in one place.

AverageJoe · 24 Feb 2025

dominicb said:
Not at all, I spent 4hrs the other day going through the forum looking at various posts and spoken to a TM, unfortunately the post I found really helpful with up to date help I can’t find again and I've heard there have been some changes to the process
Also too much advice is never a bad thing hence making a fresh post so can keep all the fresh advice in one place.

Fair enough. Your initial post made me think otherwise.

Not much has been changed to be honest so the majority of what you have read will apply to you.
The new thing is the 3rd attempt at psychometrics coming in soon. But you don’t need to worry about that at this time.

dominicb · 24 Feb 2025

AverageJoe said:
Fair enough. Your initial post made me think otherwise.

Not much has been changed to be honest so the majority of what you have read will apply to you.
The new thing is the 3rd attempt at psychometrics coming in soon. But you don’t need to worry about that at this time.

I’ve heard theirs also a test that involves building a Lego cube or something along those lines which I wanted to find out more about.
Yes seen after 5 years you get a 3rd attempt. Hopefully I can pass it first time, I’ve taken similar with TfL.

Basically just any advice for any of it would be helpful.

With regards to the other question on location I relocated at work part time now.

LokiB · 24 Feb 2025

As others have said if you're currently working for LU it's very unlikely you will be in the catchment area for Northern.
They require you to be within 45mins of the depot you're applying for and don't allow relocation.

skyhigh · 24 Feb 2025

dominicb said:
and I've heard there have been some changes to the process

Again, as mentioned upthread, unless you are planning to leave your current job and relocate before you apply they simply won't consider your application. Address is literally the first thing they look at and you won't get anywhere near the changes to the process.

I am aware some people have used friend/family addresses, but if you were to be found out you'd have your job offer pulled or even lose your new job if you've already started it. It has happened before. There is no way they'd believe you live in Barrow and commute to London to drive Underground trains.

Unfortunately if you live well out of the area you're doing nothing more than wasting your time completing an application form.

They have had too many issues with potential relocatees so it's now a blanket ban, no exceptions.

dominicb · 24 Feb 2025

skyhigh said:
Again, as mentioned upthread, unless you are planning to leave your current job and relocate before you apply they simply won't consider your application. Address is literally the first thing they look at and you won't get anywhere near the changes to the process.

I am aware some people have used friend/family addresses, but if you were to be found out you'd have your job offer pulled or even lose your new job if you've already started it. It has happened before. There is no way they'd believe you live in Barrow and commute to London to drive Underground trains.

Unfortunately if you live well out of the area you're doing nothing more than wasting your time completing an application form.

They have had too many issues with potential relocatees so it's now a blanket ban, no exceptions.

I did reply but for some reason it's been flagged up for moderators.

I relocated to Barrow about 4 months ago and work part time weekends now with TFL so travel to London on Fridays and come home on Sundays. I believe I currently hold the record for the longest commute lol

dominicb · 24 Feb 2025

LokiB said:
As others have said if you're currently working for LU it's very unlikely you will be in the catchment area for Northern.
They require you to be within 45mins of the depot you're applying for and don't allow relocation.

Currently im a 20min walk away, as explained I relocated 4 months ago to Cumbria. By continuing to work part time with TFL it means we still have some income until I find a new job here.

MoraleSponge · 24 Feb 2025

The current advert for Barrow does make it clear exactly what qualities they are looking for, without knowing what the current application form is like then I would say base it on the information in the ad.

It can be a bit of a weird process, some people don't get through the initial shift first time but then get through on the second or third with an application that is virtually the same. Not sure anyone can tell you anything that will mean you definitely get through but just look carefully at the advert, do plenty of research and hope for the best.

Good luck!

dominicb · 24 Feb 2025

MoraleSponge said:
The current advert for Barrow does make it clear exactly what qualities they are looking for, without knowing what the current application form is like then I would say base it on the information in the ad.

It can be a bit of a weird process, some people don't get through the initial shift first time but then get through on the second or third with an application that is virtually the same. Not sure anyone can tell you anything that will mean you definitely get through but just look carefully at the advert, do plenty of research and hope for the best.

Good luck!

Thanks,
I’ve probably read the application information about 20 times and will take time answering a 3 questions. Has been helpful advice withregards to making sure I explain I do live within 45min though. I’ll add that to my CV as don’t want an automatic blanket ban so least I’ve got something out of this post.
For now I’m focusing on my application then phone interview should I get through to that stage.

nolypops83 · 24 Feb 2025

dominicb said:
I’ve heard theirs also a test that involves building a Lego cube or something along those lines which I wanted to find out more about.
Yes seen after 5 years you get a 3rd attempt. Hopefully I can pass it first time, I’ve taken similar with TfL.

Basically just any advice for any of it would be helpful.

With regards to the other question on location I relocated at work part time now.

Northern have added an extra assessment as part of the recruitment process. This is taken before the Driver Manager Interview. If you pass those you'll then go on to the psychometric tests in Leeds. As it's a fairly new step there have only been a few people who have done the assessment day, and yes I believe that lego is involved. This post goes through it.

Suddenly feeling “off”/getting cold feet about taking job as a trainee driver for northern rail

You may love the job but you may not. What I would do if I was you is seriously consider the pro’s and cons and decide yourself if it is the right job for you. I wouldn’t listen to those that says it’s the best job in the world because they can only speak for themselves. It’s a well paid job...

www.railforums.co.uk

I'm due to do it myself but still waiting for a date. I think theres quite a few of us from Manchester who are in the same position.

There's loads on info on here about the psychometric tests but I'd take it one step at a time. Good luck!

dominicb · 26 Feb 2025

nolypops83 said:
Northern have added an extra assessment as part of the recruitment process. This is taken before the Driver Manager Interview. If you pass those you'll then go on to the psychometric tests in Leeds. As it's a fairly new step there have only been a few people who have done the assessment day, and yes I believe that lego is involved. This post goes through it.

Suddenly feeling “off”/getting cold feet about taking job as a trainee driver for northern rail

You may love the job but you may not. What I would do if I was you is seriously consider the pro’s and cons and decide yourself if it is the right job for you. I wouldn’t listen to those that says it’s the best job in the world because they can only speak for themselves. It’s a well paid job...

www.railforums.co.uk

I'm due to do it myself but still waiting for a date. I think theres quite a few of us from Manchester who are in the same position.

There's loads on info on here about the psychometric tests but I'd take it one step at a time. Good luck!

Thanks for the update, thankfully I’m a Lego master lol..
all the best with your assessment, as you said I’m taking it one step at a time. Having already taken and passed a similar psychometric i feel pretty confident but never over confident.

nolypops83 · 26 Feb 2025

dominicb said:
Thanks for the update, thankfully I’m a Lego master lol..
all the best with your assessment, as you said I’m taking it one step at a time. Having already taken and passed a similar psychometric i feel pretty confident but never over confident.

Yeah I'm sure you'll be fine! I've been waiting for what feels like ages, I'm just desperate to have a go at the psychometric tests again! If I fail, then that's it game over and I can move on. If not then I've got 3 years left to find a trainee role. I'm even considering taking the private tests in Manchester just so I can get it over with.

ChuChuMalone · 26 Feb 2025

Although I have huge sympathy for you and your situation they do have to look at the public transport aspect due to you opting to stop driving your car whenever you wanted. They can never force you to drive in to work and you could always ask to use public transport for whatever reason. It's therefore "cleaner" to just not entertain problematic scenarios which may arise.

Ducatist4 · 26 Feb 2025

Don't delay submitting your application - its quite common for them to close it after only being advertised for a few days due to the number of people applying.

16.19 · 27 Feb 2025

In regards to the new ‘Lego’ test; the test is basically watch a video and write down relevant information about it whilst building a Lego structure

dominicb · 27 Feb 2025

ChuChuMalone said:
Although I have huge sympathy for you and your situation they do have to look at the public transport aspect due to you opting to stop driving your car whenever you wanted. They can never force you to drive in to work and you could always ask to use public transport for whatever reason. It's therefore "cleaner" to just not entertain problematic scenarios which may arise.

Bit confused on this reply? Currently I live about 25min from the depot and always either cycled or walked to work when I lived in London. I do have a drivers licence but don't own a car.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 27 Feb 2025 ==

Ducatist4 said:
Don't delay submitting your application - its quite common for them to close it after only being advertised for a few days due to the number of people applying.

Thanks for the heads up, was taking my time with the questions to make sure my answers were good and within the speified 500-1000 words. Was actually harder than I originally thought though haven't applied for a job since 1999 so bit rusty with applications and CVs. Application has just been submitted so now its just a case of wait and see.

ChuChuMalone · 28 Feb 2025

dominicb said:
Bit confused on this reply? Currently I live about 25min from the depot and always either cycled or walked to work when I lived in London. I do have a drivers licence but don't own a car.

They have to work under the assumption you will decide to stop walking/cycling and use public transport therefore meaning your journey time would be longer. I know common sense should prevail but there are people out there who take the mick once they have secured a role unfortunately.

MoraleSponge · 28 Feb 2025

ChuChuMalone said:
They have to work under the assumption you will decide to stop walking/cycling and use public transport therefore meaning your journey time would be longer. I know common sense should prevail but there are people out there who take the mick once they have secured a role unfortunately.

Except that most places in Cumbria (where the OP is based) don't have 24 hour public transport so that doesn't make sense at all.

skyhigh · 28 Feb 2025

ChuChuMalone said:
They have to work under the assumption you will decide to stop walking/cycling and use public transport therefore meaning your journey time would be longer. I know common sense should prevail but there are people out there who take the mick once they have secured a role unfortunately.

No they don't, that's totally nonsensical. I live a 25 min drive from my closest depot - yet if you were basing it on public transport time I'd be unable to work half the jobs at the depot based on the hours it runs.

The distance is driving time, not any other method of calculating. It's the only fair way to do it.

TheVicLine · 8 Mar 2025

I went from LUL to a TOC in the north. I put in multiple applications at the time and was also offered a position with NR, you will need to retrain as a trainee driver.

They allow relocation too despite what others have said, relocation is considered different from commuting.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 Mar 2025 ==

skyhigh said:
You will struggle, because you don't live within the commute distance from any Northern depot and they don't allow relocation.

Not true, relocation is different from commuting.

skyhigh · 8 Mar 2025

TheVicLine said:
Not true, relocation is different from commuting.

Of course relocation is different to commuting?

Northern used to allow relocation - they now do not. Because too many people abused it. I 100% guarantee that is correct.

From the job advert:

Requirements:
The role of a Train Driver is safety critical and is subject to Rail Safety Standards Board (RSSB) regulations. You MUST meet the following criteria for this position, or your application will be automatically rejected:
• Currently live within a 45-minute car journey from the station you work from.

The emphasis isn't mine - that is how it is written on the job advert.

dominicb · 26 Mar 2025

skyhigh said:
Of course relocation is different to commuting?

Northern used to allow relocation - they now do not. Because too many people abused it. I 100% guarantee that is correct.

From the job advert:

The emphasis isn't mine - that is how it is written on the job advert.

As mentioned previously I have no requirement to relocate and currently live 20 min walk to the depot which I’m guessing is about 5min drive so well within the 45min driving time.
I choose to walk/cycle as it’s better for fitness. I do have a driving licence so should need to get a car I will but honestly I move faster on my bike and don’t see the point in driving somewhere that I can walk in 20min.

Adam E · 2 Apr 2025

How to you manage to get on with your application? I am 14 weeks into my training and I remember the application being hard filling in the online application

InkyScrolls · 2 Apr 2025

dominicb said:
As mentioned previously I have no requirement to relocate and currently live 20 min walk to the depot which I’m guessing is about 5min drive so well within the 45min driving time.
I choose to walk/cycle as it’s better for fitness. I do have a driving licence so should need to get a car I will but honestly I move faster on my bike and don’t see the point in driving somewhere that I can walk in 20min.

It's worth noting that even if you didn't have a licence you live close enough for that to not be an issue!

Northern Rail Trainee Driver application advice please

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