Train Driving

About Train Driving

The fastest way to travel from one city to another or travel around any city is by train. This means train drivers are an import part of public transport and will cause a lot of complications if they do not operate. However, it requires a lot of focus to make sure everyone is safe, the train is on the correct tracks, passengers are standing safe distance from tracks and much more.

Type of Course

You will have to study the theory and learn the practical driving skills, which will both be tested at the end.

Entry Requirements

To attend these courses you will need:

• You must be at least 21;
• At least grade C or above (4 or above) in english and mathematics;
• A-levels are not required but will appeal to the organization that provides the training;

The course will initially require you to apply to it, if you are progressed to the next state you will attend a training center. There you will sit various aptitude tests, you will also have a physical, eyesight and drug exam (which you need to pass). If you are successful you will be progressed to the training course, where there will be theory and practical lessons and examinations.

GCSEs that suit this Course

Regardless of what GCSEs you do you can always go down various career paths, but certain GCSEs will give you an advantage and some will be required. Below is a list of GCSEs which will help you with train driver course:

• English Language and Literature *(required)
• Mathematics *(required)
• Science (double or triple)
• IT
• Electronics

A-levels that suit this Course

You will not need A-levels to enter train driving courses, but you will need to future proof your career, so it is still good to have A-levels. Regardless of what A-levels you do you can always go down various career paths, but certain A-levels will give you an advantage and some will be required. Below is a list of A-levels which will help you with train driver course:

• Mathematics
• Physics

Duration of Course

The whole course takes between 28 - 30 weeks, including theory, practical and document application.

Course cost

Usually the train operator will make the application on your behalf, therefore, there is no cost for you.

Who This Course Suits?

Every course will be enjoyable and suit different personalities, below is a list of characteristics and personalities which will enjoy a train driving course:

• Enjoy being out and about instead of in a office or one location
• Enjoy driving and operating big equipment or machinery
• Interested in trains

Module /Topics

Train driving course has many topics that need to be covered, below is a list of the topics that will be in the curriculums.

Theory:

• Rules and regulations;
• Operating vehicle correctly;
• Health and safety;
• Different routes;
• Documentation and procedures;
• Maintaining the vehicle.

Practical:

• Turning on vehicle;
• Operating vehicle safely;
• Driving and controlling vehicle safely;
• Stopping vehicle;
• Following signs.

Industry Sectors

Train driving course allows you too apply to different industries, below is a list of them:

• Public and commercial travels operators (Southeastern, Transport for wales, West midlands railway etc...)
• Industrial rail operators (freight or engineering trains)
• Military rail operators

Types of Jobs

Train driving course allows you to apply to a wide variety of roles, below is a list of them:

• Train driver;
• Instructor.

Work hours and Salary

The maximum weekly legal limit a company can make you work is set to 56 hours. The number of hours you will work depends on the route/operator you work for, demand and your personal choice. Usually it will be around 35-40 hours. The salary you can expect can be seen below:

• Trainee between £20,000 to £26,000
• Newly Qualified between £25,000 to £35,000
• Experienced between £32,000 to £42,000
• Senior between £38,000 to £65,000