N
Velvet Digest

How long is the training to become a train driver?

Author

William Brown

Updated on May 11, 2026

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.

.

Also, how long is train driver training?

Typically it takes between nine and 12 months to become a qualified train driver.

Additionally, is a train driver a good job? According to Lorol, while some trainees are college leavers, many train drivers apply for the job having already followed a career in a different line of work, so Puffett's career change is not unusual. "The pay and benefits are pretty good and the shift work suits me," Puffett says.

Regarding this, what qualifications do you need to be a train driver UK?

You do not always need specific qualifications to be a Train Driver, although most employers will expect you to have a good general standard of education, including GCSEs in Maths and English. Some mechanical or electrical knowledge may also be useful.

How much do train drivers earn UK?

Average Train Driver Salaries
Southeastern Railway £50,472/yr
London Underground £49,762/yr
Arriva Group £51,781/yr
London Midland £48,750/yr
Related Question Answers

How many hours does a train driver work?

Working hours The industry standard working week is around 35 hours, which tends to be spread across four or five shifts, but these can be scheduled at any time, including evenings, late nights and weekends.

Is train driving easy?

A-driver Established Member Driving most modern trains is easy-ie making it go and stop. But that isn't the same as being a train driver where the skill is stopping it correctly and dealing with the repetitiveness etc.

What does a train driver actually do?

Train drivers are responsible for transporting both passengers and freight. A Train Driver will be responsible for trains which may operate on local or national rail networks and they may also spend time maneuvering engines in sheds or yards. Train drivers perform an important role in the transport industry today.

What does a trainee train driver earn?

Trainee drivers start with a salary of £24,024 rising to £39,372 after the training period, while experienced drivers earn £50,451. There is a final salary pension and rail travel for free or at a discount rate.

How do I train to become a train driver?

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.

Can you be a train driver if you wear glasses?

As a matter of interest, driving steam locomotives while wearing glasses is now permitted, but goggles must be worn over them.

How much do Tube drivers earn?

The majority of London Underground train drivers, approximately 3,000 of them, made £70,000-£80,000 last year when overtime and benefits is included. In a statement, TfL said: “The average base pay of a Tube driver is £55,011.

What is a train driver called?

An engineer (American and Canadian), engine driver, loco pilot, motorman, train driver (British and Commonwealth English), is a person who drives a train. The driver is in charge of, and responsible for operating the engine, as well as the mechanical operation of the train, train speed, and all train handling.

Is train driving stressful?

Train drivers have the toughest job in the country. STRESS. Train drivers have the toughest job in the country, according to the data, with 1025 claims made per 100 million hours worked - about 26 times more than the average job for males.

What course do I need to become a train driver?

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.

How much does train cost?

You can expect an average train cost to be about $5,000,000 including both the engine train or locomotive, and the coaches used in the train. This would be if you were to buy used with about 20 cars attached to the engine.

Do train drivers get free travel?

No free or reduced rate travel for new freight drivers and possibly lots of nights depending what part of freight.

Do train drivers work alone?

You would usually work alone in the driver's cab during the journey. Sometimes a trainee driver or driver inspector will be with you.

How many days a week do train drivers work?

The industry standard working week is around 35 hours, which tends to be spread across four or five shifts, but these can be scheduled at any time, including evenings, late nights and weekends.

Can Tube drivers listen to music?

There are tricks to not falling asleep while driving the tube. You're not allowed any kind of electronic device up front with you, so you can't even listen to music.

Where do train drivers sleep?

They do sleep on the train either in their own sleeping car, in the case of the sleeper attendants, or in the dorm car, in the case of the diner/snack crew. The coach attendants sleep in their coaches.

What challenges would you face as a train driver?

The main challenges are getting through the initial training - its intense and there is a lot of self teaching to be done, getting used to shift work can be draining especially if someone has gone from a 9-5 job to having to get up at 2am for work one week and going to bed at that time the next week.

How do train drivers know when to stop?

As the train comes near the Advance Home Signal, the LP powers down the loco to whatever speed restriction for what are called turnouts. These turnouts have to be taken presently limited to 30 kmph. The calling on signal, (the advance home signals a slow down), the crossing the home signal.

How much holiday do train drivers get?

Train drivers get from 35 to 40 days' holiday a year as they often work unsociable hours, and at bank holidays and weekends. Train driving can be ideal for people who want to change career.