Can I train as a train driver abroad then work in the UK

[prhodes2002]

Hi Everyone,

I am newish here, I have got one quick question about training as a train driver.

Is it possible to train abroad in another country as a train driver, then come back here to the UK and work as a quailified driver?

I have been looking for a while now at Trainee Train driver possitions over here and there does not seem to be many available, does anyone know roughly how often positions for Trainee Drivers come up?

Thanks ever so much for any messages left.

I have already downloaded lots of info off the net with regards to rules and regs etc about being a train driver.

Thanks everyone

 

[E&W Lucas]

Is it possible to train abroad in another country as a train driver, then come back here to the UK and work as a quailified driver?

No - It's a UK specific qualification
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I have already downloaded lots of info off the net with regards to rules and regs etc about being a train driver.

Waste of time. The Rules are fully covered as part of the training programme, and are meaningless unless put in context by practical training and experienced instructors.

You would be better served by reading the wealth of advice already posted on this site. Confine your attention to those posts by those who are already drivers, rather than those who think they know what is involved.

 

[prhodes2002]

Thank you ever so much, I will keep looking and hoping for any positions that may become available and keep studying until then.

Thanks everyone

 

[DarloRich]

Not yet you can’t - and I am unsure you ever will - but I have seen proposals for a pan European train driving license (something to do with the Third Railway Package?)

 

[Llama]

The European licences are here now, I have had one for some time. But it means little other than that you meet pan-European competence and medical standards.
Search for 'TDLCR'.

 

[crazysignaller]

that's correct the licence is now eu covered

 

[irish_rail]

Well for example you can qualify in Ireland and then come to the UK as a qualified driver, so I see no reason why you could not do it from other similar countries?!
Admittedly, you have no chance of getting a job with Irish Rail as a driver these days, but if you are fluent in say German, and went over there and qualified, did a couple of years driving, im pretty sure UK tocs would consider you as qualifieds, as they do with fellas from Ireland.

Though, as others have said, Id say your best chance is to keep trying over here, and be prepared to move around the UK for that first job...

 

[driver9000]

Well for example you can qualify in Ireland and then come to the UK as a qualified driver, so I see no reason why you could not do it from other similar countries?!
Admittedly, you have no chance of getting a job with Irish Rail as a driver these days, but if you are fluent in say German, and went over there and qualified, did a couple of years driving, im pretty sure UK tocs would consider you as qualifieds, as they do with fellas from Ireland.

Though, as others have said, Id say your best chance is to keep trying over here, and be prepared to move around the UK for that first job...

I'm unaware that Irish Rail Drivers can bring their qualification to Network Rail infrastructure as surely the rules are different in Ireland?

You can't qualify abroad and then work in the UK as a 'qualified driver' no matter how long you've been driving abroad as it is your competence in UK rules and regulations along with route and traction knowledge that makes you qualified. A Driver coming to the UK from say SNCF or DB would not be a qualified driver even if they held the EU licence as all that states is that you've met the medical and aptitude standards.

 

[irish_rail]

Well I can confirm I know Irish rail drivers that trained over there and transferred to UK tocs. Of course they need to route / traction train, and perhaps gen up on some rules changes but there are people that have done it I can assure you!

 

[Bluebri]

I'm not sure myself so this is more of a question than an answer, but wouldn't even qualified drivers in the uk be required to take the tests etc anyway when transferring between companies, this negating the point of going abroad in the first instance? Unless the reason is more practical that is.