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Train driver

Alternative titles for this job include Engine driver, London Underground driver, tube driver

Train drivers operate trains on the rail network, carrying passengers and freight around the country.

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£60,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

35 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Meet Paige

Paige talks about the skills needed to be a train driver.

1 minute 35 second watch

View transcript

Hi, I'm Paige, and I'm a train driver for Southern Rail.

My background has got nothing to do with rail. I have a degree in event management. Completely unrelated. I've also done, most of my background was retail, so I found an opening at Southern and also on the London Underground.

So what I went for first was London Underground. I worked as a CSA for them, which is a customer service assistant, based on the platforms. Then I got an interview for the train driver role here. So went for that. Obviously went through a lot of tests. And then here I am.

Yeah, started about, it’s almost six years ago I actually started and went through about a year and a half of training. So there's a lot to learn. The rulebook is quite extensive. Some of it's day to day stuff. A lot of it is based around when things go wrong. That's where our knowledge really kicks in.

So there’s quite a few skills that I think a train driver needs to be successful, communication being a big one because there's a lot of people throughout the day you need to communicate with effectively. You need to be good at concentrating and being able to hold concentration for like an extended period of time and being able to self motivate yourself to keep on that concentration.

The thing that I love most is the freedom in a sense. Some people might not look at it as freedom, but I like the fact that you kind of go in, you get your work list for the day, and then you go off and just do it.

I find it a job to be proud of. Like that's probably my main thing. I'm quite proud of doing this job and, you know, taking people to work or taking people out for the day, and that just gives me quite a lot of satisfaction. So that's probably the number one thing for me.

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

Apprenticeship

You can apply to a train operating company for a place on a Train Driver Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship takes between 1 and 2 years to complete and combines on-the-job training with classroom learning with a training provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, in English and maths

More Information

Work

You could start as a rail passenger assistant, train conductor or revenues officer with a train company, then apply for a trainee driver post once you have built up your experience.

This is also a common way to become a London Underground driver with Transport for London.

Direct Application

You can apply directly to a train operating company to become a trainee driver.

Employers usually expect you to have GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths, or equivalent qualifications.

You'll have to successfully complete a number of assessments, medical checks and interviews to be accepted onto a training course.

Training normally lasts between 1 and 2 years.

More Information

Career tips

You can sign up for job alerts with train operating companies to find out about trainee driver vacancies.

Further information

You'll find train operating companies through the Rail Delivery Group.

You can get more information about working in the rail industry from Routes into Rail.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • concentration skills
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • observation and recording skills
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • be over 20 years of age
  • pass enhanced background checks
  • pass a medical check

  • live within 45 minutes to 1 hour's travel by car of the depot you're applying to

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a train driver, you'll:

  • check controls and equipment before and after journeys
  • drive trains between stations or freight depots, following a schedule
  • follow track signalling, speed and safety instructions along routes
  • speak with control centres and signal operators during journeys
  • make passenger announcements
  • record incidents like equipment problems, onboard issues or delays
  • take part in regular training on rail operations, safety and regulations

Working environment

Your working environment may be noisy and you may spend nights away from home.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

Once you're qualified, you could work on passenger, freight or engineering trains. You may also choose to work on particular routes, for example Eurostar lines.

With experience, you could become a trainee instructor:

  • teaching new starters in the classroom
  • demonstrating cab controls and signals in a rail simulator
  • accompanying trainees on journeys, as they learn the routes

You could move into management, supervising driver performance and making sure trains and crew are where they need to be on the rail network. You might also move into operations management, planning future rail developments.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a train driver right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a train driver?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

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