Train driver
Train drivers operate trains on the rail network, carrying passengers and freight around the country.
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
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.
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 and on your own
- 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
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
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
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.
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.
Career tips
You can sign up for job alerts with train operating companies to find out about trainee driver vacancies.
The minimum age for driver training is going to be lowered from 20 to 18 later this year.
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.
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This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.