A career as a train driver

[Kauntrilla]

It's not a bad thing if u have second chance. U dont have to do all tests again. Only fails to do again

 

[NorthernTech]

It's not a bad thing if u have second chance. U dont have to do all tests again. Only fails to do again

Not true unfortunately. I had passed all paper and computer tests exactly 12 months previous, but as I’d failed the MMI the test centre I visited made me do the lot again, in one day. Some will accept the tests passed, but it is up to the TOC or FOC.

 

[Shunted]

These people never got a chance at stage 2 as the written section was marked and they were told that their process had ended this time

 

[Kauntrilla]

Not true unfortunately. I had passed all paper and computer tests exactly 12 months previous, but as I’d failed the MMI the test centre I visited made me do the lot again, in one day. Some will accept the tests passed, but it is up to the TOC or FOC.

Northern Tech it is very confusing. There is no clear cut.

 

[NorthernTech]

Northern Tech it is very confusing. There is no clear cut.

Yes I agree, but as you spend time on here and reading different threads you start to see that there are several ways assessments are taken place and it doesn’t really make for a level playing field. But there is no choice for the candidate, you go and do what they (train company) ask you to do if you want to work for whichever company You have applied to. As an example I went through the assessment process for one company last year where I had a Driver Manager Interview (DMI) first before being invited to psychometric testing. The tests were then split so I did Paper Test first, passed that so invited to computer tests and MMI a month later at a different location (passed all except MMI). Scroll on a year and I make the sift with another company, but they do testing before DMI, even though I had the paper and computer passes I had to sit ALL of them again, and with a life lost first time, this was my last chance.. Passed thankfully but I’d rather have just had the MMI to do, but it was what it was… So many different versions, some easier options than others, and some seem to get an easy MMI and some get a grilling, you just have to make sure you are ready. So use the search bar on this forum, and learn as much as you have time to learn beforehand and give yourself best chance to pass.

 

[Training]

Hi all.

New to these forums but found some fantastic information contained within them. I’ve done my best to research through the various threads and helpful replies that others have given with a view to enhancing my knowledge about what it means to become a mainline driver.

There are however a few gaps in my knowledge that I can’t quite fill and I wondered if somebody might be able to answer some more direct questions that I still have unanswered?

I am exploring a career break/change to be a mainline driver. I am Midlands based so Derby/Leics/Notts.

I have struggled to find a clear answer as to if Train Operating Companies ever recruit directly into the mainline driver roles, or if these vacancies are only ever filed by their recruiting from their existing depot drivers?

I also can’t find any clear guidance as to how pay scales work within the mainline driver roles. I can find a lot saying that pay is over 50k but nothing really about what mainline drivers typically start on or how their annual increments work?

And then do all Train Operating Companies operate out of all of the Midland stations? Is there a list somewhere that I could look at which would inform me which Companies operate out of the Midlands stations and therefore inform who I might need to approach/look for adverts from?

There are a lot of acronyms on the forums… I think TOC is a Train Operating Company… but I have seen DOO and many others! Again is there a list somewhere that might inform me about what they all mean?

I am keen to get into the role but due to my position in life I perhaps can’t get into mainline driving via the route of a depot driver and would appreciate any clarity that others could bring around the questions I have shared above?

Thanks for reading!

 

[NorthernTech]

Most of the info you require is readily available on the forum. There is a sticky thread at the top that shows the TOC names and the depots they work out of. The threads at the bottom show the most recent threads at the top and even in the first few there are trainee driver jobs, such as Freightliner. You need to just read and read some more.. open up the threads at the start page and most will show the original advertisement which usually show pay ranges for starting and through to the end wage. They vary massively. To get into this job, I’d say that the more you know the better! I started looking a few years back, and my first application must have been horrendous! I’m sure there are a few lucky people that nailed it first time, but I bet they are few and far between. This forum is like a goldmine of info, but you need to spend some/a lot of time reading through it. Use the search bar for anything you want to know specifically, ie DOO, FOC etc. Good luck.

 

[Training]

Most of the info you require is readily available on the forum. There is a sticky thread at the top that shows the TOC names and the depots they work out of. The threads at the bottom show the most recent threads at the top and even in the first few there are trainee driver jobs, such as Freightliner. You need to just read and read some more.. open up the threads at the start page and most will show the original advertisement which usually show pay ranges for starting and through to the end wage. They vary massively. To get into this job, I’d say that the more you know the better! I started looking a few years back, and my first application must have been horrendous! I’m sure there are a few lucky people that nailed it first time, but I bet they are few and far between. This forum is like a goldmine of info, but you need to spend some/a lot of time reading through it. Use the search bar for anything you want to know specifically, ie DOO, FOC etc. Good luck.

Thank you for the quick for the reply.

I am doing my best to find the answers amongst the many threads however there is just so much information it is a little overwhelming!

Is there a way to share a hyperlink with me at all that would take me to where I should be looking? Alternatively if anybody might be able to share some direct answers to the questions above I would appreciate this very much?

 

[NorthernTech]

Hyperlink to where you should be looking? For what? You have asked lots of broad questions about the role of trainee driver.. The answers are all over this extremely extensive forum of knowledge. If you really want to pursue this line of work, and it is not just a passing phase, or something to try for a change, then investing your time to thoroughly research the role and making notes accordingly will, not only get you your answers, but fill you with the knowledge to make a decent application. Without a good application it’s unlikely you will progress to the next stage within an application process. If you are not prepared to spend the time researching and preparing to succeed in your application, then what will it be like when you come to learn the intense train driver training? It worries me that you mention career break in your initial post, like you are hoping to try it and see if it is for you?! So in conclusion, no hyperlinks, all information is in various threads on the forum. The only links you will need are when job posts are posted on the forum and you can follow a link when posted to the job and begin application.

 

[Shunted]

Thank you for the quick for the reply.

I am doing my best to find the answers amongst the many threads however there is just so much information it is a little overwhelming!

Is there a way to share a hyperlink with me at all that would take me to where I should be looking? Alternatively if anybody might be able to share some direct answers to the questions above I would appreciate this very much?

NorthernTech was very gracious in replying so quickly and giving you a thorough run down of how this forum works and of course there is always Google which often refers back to this forum anyway!
If you need spoon feeding every ounce of information, I feel the role of a train driver is probably not for you.

 

[MarcusL1]

Great thread first of all, it has been very helpful in finding out what to expect in the recruitment stages.

I haven’t been able to find out much about the AART (perception) test. I have a copy of the how2become AART test and have found it surprisingly difficult! For those who have utilised the how2become program and undertaken the drivers assessment, would you say it is a good representation of what the test is like on the day?

 

[Kauntrilla]

Great thread first of all, it has been very helpful in finding out what to expect in the recruitment stages.

I haven’t been able to find out much about the AART (perception) test. I have a copy of the how2become AART test and have found it surprisingly difficult! For those who have utilised the how2become program and undertaken the drivers assessment, would you say it is a good representation of what the test is like on the day?

I passed AART this month. I used How2become test but it wasnt close to the real test.The closet thing to the real test is a download from Traindriverinfo.com.I thought I have done very badly but still manage to pass. I dont know how..In real test u have to only look for 5 things nothing else.

 

[Shunted]

I passed AART this month. I used How2become test but it wasnt close to the real test.The closet thing to the real test is a download from Traindriverinfo.com.I thought I have done very badly but still manage to pass. I dont know how..In real test u have to only look for 5 things nothing else.

I’ve got both of these tests and frankly the How2 packages are terrible compared to Traindriverinfo. The latter is as near to the real tests as can be and there will be no surprises on the day!

 

[Kauntrilla]

I’ve got both of these tests and frankly the How2 packages are terrible compared to Traindriverinfo. The latter is as near to the real tests as can be and there will be no surprises on the day!

When is ur assessment mate?

 

[dereksingh291]

Hi guys I am interested in becoming a train driver, I am aware that train drivers work 35 hours a week if I am correct. Just wanted to ask how many hours a day train drivers work but also how many days a week do they work and do they work on a roster?

Thanks.

 

[_toommm_]

Hi guys I am interested in becoming a train driver, I am aware that train drivers work 35 hours a week if I am correct. Just wanted to ask how many hours a day train drivers work but also how many days a week do they work and do they work on a roster?

Thanks.

It all depends on the company that you end up working for - some companies work over four days, and I believe some work over five days. Each TOC will have its own shift limit and driving time limit under normal circumstances.

Have a search of this sub-forum using the search function in the top-right, and if you can’t find the answer to your question, I’d suggest making a new thread.

 

[Watershed]

Hi guys I am interested in becoming a train driver, I am aware that train drivers work 35 hours a week if I am correct. Just wanted to ask how many hours a day train drivers work but also how many days a week do they work and do they work on a roster?

Thanks.

It all depends on the company and depot in question - but they will all have a roster, which you will enable you to work out which shifts you will be doing, quite a while in advance.

Whilst most TOCs are on something around a 35 hour week, the actual number of hours you do will vary significantly week by week. See this picture for an example of a roster.

The longest shift you could work at any company would be 12 hours, but most passenger operators have a maximum 9 or 10 hour day.

As for days a week, it's a mixture of 4 and 5 day weeks, again depending on the company and depot. At some places you will be able to choose between the two - they each come with their own pros and cons. However, you obviously won't always work the same days, so you may end up working 10 days on the trot for example.

 

[A460009]

I have recently been unsuccessful for a second time with a Trainee Driver application. I am struggling to make the interview stage so clearly other candidates have a better application than mine. I’m looking for any advice others could give that have progressed past the initial sift stage.

I’ve only applied to one TOC but suspect the forms are relatively the same with generic questions such as What attracted you? What skills do you have? Give an example of when you have worked under pressure or dealt with an unexpected situation? Etc

I could certainly do better with the ‘What attracted you’ question, I’m really kicking myself about that one. I think I rushed it in case the job was pulled down early. I thought I’d covered allot of the skills & attributes on the job advert but didn’t give specific examples of when I’ve demonstrated this as I thought this would be covered in an interview and there was a limited character count for answers. I did struggle abit with the pressurised/unexpected situation one. I work in engineering, specifically machining so I found that a little bit difficult. I also don’t really have much in the way of customer service experience so looking for advice if anyone used examples outside of their employment, just from general life.

I want my application to stand out from all the others and I'm sure I will be able to give better responses but need abit of inspiration. Feeling quite disheartened and dejected at the moment.


Any advice would be welcome, thank you

 

[dctraindriver]

So what did attract you to apply to be a driver?

 

[Papa]

Research what exactly a train driver does and the qualties a good train driver possesses. Try to make your answers match the competencies of a train driver. Look up non-technical skills os RSSB website and make sure your answers are hitting some of those as well. You need to relate your life and career experiences so that they meet the requirements of a train driver. Also to give yourself the best chance apply to as many TOCs and FOCs as are advertising in your local area.

 

[Newapplicant]

Good afternoon all,

Hope you've all had a fantastic Christmas and Santa has brought you all everything you want.

I'm just wondering if anyone can give any idea of the life of a trainee driver for Northern, for instance, what to expect, timescales etc.

I recently applied and it got me wondering, I have a brief idea but was wondering if anyone has been through the process and could give me some indication as to what to expect.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Training]

I have my assessment coming up and am doing some prep work... wondering if I should invest in a support package?

I have seen a couple of comments on these forums relating to How2Become and also something called Traindriverinfo.com. Traindriverinfo appears to be preferred option to get as close to the real thing however that URL for me doesn't exist? Can anybody add some clarity or even better the actual URL? Thanks in advance.

 

[1867Blue]

I have my assessment coming up and am doing some prep work... wondering if I should invest in a support package?

I have seen a couple of comments on these forums relating to How2Become and also something called Traindriverinfo.com. Traindriverinfo appears to be preferred option to get as close to the real thing however that URL for me doesn't exist? Can anybody add some clarity or even better the actual URL? Thanks in advance.

I used the how2become software. Certain bits were helpful, others not so helpful.

the group bourdon, whilst not without fault, I found the most helpful out of all the tests. The main fault being it doesn’t time you, and just gives you a yes or no to your answer. Would be better if it timed you and showed you which you had correct, or incorrect. Getting the odd one, in my opinion is inevitable.

 

[Canonite]

It gives you a breakdown of all times and stats from the tests. ie avg time per row etc

 

[1867Blue]

It gives you a breakdown of all times and stats from the tests. ie avg time per row etc

That must be different from the ones that I used, mate. There was nothing like that on mine.

 

[iwasyoungonce]

The GB tool sticky on this forum is great just print of loads of hard copies and practice away

 

[Bounded1]

Here is a free, computer based group bourdon tool which gives you breakdown of mistakes per row, speed, rows completed etc. https://metodorf.com/tests/bourdon_test.php

 

[Canonite]

That must be different from the ones that I used, mate. There was nothing like that on mine.

I’m just using the one on this forum.
Every time you do a test you click on ‘Sheet Stats’ at the bottom. That brings up each sheet and you can highlight omissions and fastest rows etc

 

[1867Blue]

I’m just using the one on this forum.
Every time you do a test you click on ‘Sheet Stats’ at the bottom. That brings up each sheet and you can highlight omissions and fastest rows etc

Ah right. I was referring to the how2become.

 

[iwasyoungonce]

Don't waste your time with electronic versions your test is on paper so practice that.