Train driver
Train drivers operate trains on the rail network, carrying passengers and freight around the country.
Also known as: Engine driver, London Underground driver, tube driver
- Starter salary£28,000 a year
- Experienced£65,000 a year
- Typical hours35 to 40 a week
What you'll do
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.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
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
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 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
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 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.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- be over 18 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
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.
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 18.
Guides for this industry
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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0