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Train driver

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

£65,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

35 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a train driver

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

Apprenticeship

You can apply to a train operating company and begin a train driver advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Work

You can start as a rail passenger assistant or train conductor, then apply for a trainee driver post. This is also a common way to become a London Underground driver.

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.

Training can last between 12 and 24 months.

More Information

Career tips

A good way to find out about trainee driver vacancies is to sign up for job alerts with train operating companies.

Further information

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

What it takes

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • concentration skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • observation and recording skills
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • the ability to work well with others and on your own
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • be over 20 years of age
  • live within 1 hour's travel of the depot you're applying to
  • pass enhanced background checks
  • pass a medical check

What you’ll do

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you'll:

  • check controls and equipment before a journey
  • drive the train between stations or freight depots
  • speak with control centres along the route about any issues
  • follow track signalling, safety and speed instructions
  • leave platforms and pull into stations safely
  • make passenger announcements
  • control automatic doors
  • position and hand over engines to drivers on the next shift
  • record incidents like equipment problems, onboard issues or delays

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.

With experience, you could combine your job with instructing trainee drivers, who are learning new routes and cab controls. You could also become a driver trainer, teaching new starters in the classroom, working with driver simulators and accompanying trainees on journeys.

You could move into management, supervising drivers and making sure trains and crew are where they need to be on the rail network. Operations management is another possibility, 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.

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