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Transport

Train Driver

Train drivers operate passenger and freight trains safely across the rail network. Employers usually expect English and maths GCSEs; you must be 18 or over to train, and pass medical checks and assessments. Training normally takes around 1–2 years. No degree is required.

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Career fit

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Entry level
£28,000 (starter)
Mid-career (typical)
£28k – £65k
Senior / lead
£65,000 (experienced)
What you'll do

A day in the life

  • Carry out pre-departure checks
  • Drive trains following signals and speed limits
  • Make passenger announcements
  • Respond to faults and incidents
  • Hand over the train and report issues
The path

Your career roadmap

Every milestone from school to senior. Track progress as you complete each stage.

  1. 1

    GCSEs

    education
    Usually 2 years at school; resits often 1 year

    Build English and maths skills through GCSEs or equivalent qualifications that train operators often expect from trainee applicants.

  2. 2

    Application to train operating company

    application
    Recruitment can take several months

    Apply for advertised trainee driver vacancies, showing reliability, safety awareness and readiness for shifts.

  3. 3

    Recruitment assessments

    application
    Often several sessions over weeks or months

    Complete aptitude tests and interviews assessing concentration, information processing, judgement and suitability for safety-critical driving.

  4. 4

    Medical checks

    application
    Usually one appointment; follow-up checks may be needed

    Attend a driver medical covering eyesight, colour vision, hearing and general health, alongside required drug and alcohol screening.

  5. 5

    Train driver training

    qualification
    Usually 12–18 months; some programmes take around 2 years

    Complete paid classroom learning, practical exercises and supervised driving, covering railway rules, traction knowledge, route knowledge and emergency procedures.

  6. 6

    Driver qualification

    certification
    Usually completed towards the end of training

    Pass final competence assessments and complete the licensing and employer certification requirements needed for your driving duties.

  7. 7

    Train Driver

    role
    Ongoing employment

    Drive authorised passenger or freight services, following signalling, operating procedures and ongoing competence requirements.

  8. 8

    Instructor / management progression

    role
    Usually after several years of driving; requirements vary

    Use established driving experience to train colleagues, assess competence or move into driver management and operational leadership.

What you need

Skills you'll build

Qualifications
  • Train driver training with a rail operator
Certifications
  • Train Driving Licence
  • Route and traction knowledge certification