How to Become a Train Driver in 2021
The complete guide to unlocking and passing the UK train driver recruitment process.
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Become a train driver
Our POWERFUL guide is guaranteed to help you become a trainee train driver and pass the selection process. It contains example train driver application form responses that you can use to form your own unique winning answers, insider tips on passing the assessment centre, sample train driver interview questions, and successful responses for every stage of the process.
Let’s start off by telling you what the UK selection process involves and how we can help you to become a train driver!
We have collated a mass of insider information on how to successfully pass the selection process and it is all available on this page.
The Train Driver Selection Process
The selection process to become a trainee train driver will normally consist of the following elements:
Stage 1 – Completion of the application form & SUBMITTING YOUR CV
The application form is the first stage of selection and unfortunately, the vast majority of applicants fail at this stage. You will be required to complete the form online and it should be your number one priority to demonstrate the assessable competencies and qualities that are vital to the role.
For example, you will need to provide evidence of where you have provided a high-level of customer service, or when you have previously concentrated for long periods of time, or when you have had to work under pressure.
Train operating companies will also require you to submit a CV detailing your professional achievements, employment history, qualifications and education. So make sure your CV is fully up-to-date and error-free to boost your chances of progressing.
Stage 2 – The train driver Assessment Centre
Once you have successfully passed the application form you will be invited to attend an assessment centre. During which you will be required to undertake a number of psychometric tests including, but not limited to:
Concentration tests
Communications exercises
Ability tests
Awareness and recognition tests
Observational ability tests
Vigilance tests
Situational judgement tests
The best way to prepare for these assessments is to practice, practice, practice! This means you will need to get your hands on sample tests in the build-up to the assessment centre.
Stage 3 – THE MANAGER’S INTERVIEW
All train operating companies now require applicants to sit a manager’s interview in addition to the structured interview which takes place at the assessment centre.
If you reach this stage of the selection process then you will not want to fail!
In order to pass the trainee train driver manager’s interview you will need to provide EVIDENCE that you meet the assessable qualities required for the role.
Stage 4 – VETTING & Medical TESTs
The final stages of selection involve a series of checks to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, and a medical/fitness assessment to ensure that you are able to perform the job safely.
Career defining knowledge.
Watch the video to find out how this resource will help you.
ABOUT THE ROLE
For those people who want to become a train driver the selection process presents a considerable challenge. The main reason for this is simply because the competition is fierce. Having said that, the vast majority of people who apply will fail at the first hurdle, simply because they have not prepared themselves fully.
As you can imagine, many applicants get carried away with their childhood dreams and ambitions without first establishing whether or not this is the job for them.
Remember, this is a safety critical role and there are strict rules in place for both passenger and freight trains, which drivers must follow. In past years there have been a number of unfortunate rail incidents and Train Operating Companies only want to employ people who take safety seriously.
The word ‘safety’ should be at the forefront of your mind whilst you are going through selection. It’s the exact reason why the TOC will assess your ability to concentrate for long periods of time during the assessment day. Because if you can’t, you will be putting yourself, and your passengers, at risk from harm.
During your initial training course you will receive in-depth training and guidance on the important topic of safety. The role does involve sitting in the cab for prolonged periods of time. Before you apply you need to be certain that you are capable of maintaining high levels of concentration for lengthy periods.
KEY QUALITIES OF A TRAIN DRIVER
Below are the key qualities needed to become a train driver:
Customer-Focused
As well as driving the train, you’ll have a number of customer service responsibilities – addressing passengers using the on-board PA system, keeping them informed, and helping to develop good passenger relations.
Safety Conscious
You’ll also make sure their safety is paramount at all times, reacting quickly and calmly in an emergency situation and reporting incidents wherever necessary.
Concentration
Train drivers need to be able to maintain exceptional levels of concentration – after all, this is a high-pressure role, calling for you to be cool, calm and responsible. You’ll also be a strong communicator, and capable of working on your own initiative.
Flexibility
Flexibility is also essential, since trains operate 24 hours a day, all year round. That means your shift lengths and patterns will vary, including early starts, late finishes, weekends and bank holidays.
PASS THE TRAIN DRIVER RECRUITMENT PROCESS
We guarantee that our How To Become a Train Driver online resources will teach you how to navigate the different elements of the selection process. The package contains 240+ pages of train driver recruitment information, tests, and videos which will guide you through each of the different elements of selection, including the application form, the assessment centre, the interviews and the medical.
Please note this is a subscription service. Please see full details below.
Start Preparing Now 👉Sample Train Driver Interview Questions
Q. “Can you tell me about a time when you have worked as part of a team to achieve a goal?”
Tips for Structuring Your Response:
TIP 1: Think of a situation where you volunteered to work with a team in order to achieve a difficult task. It is better to say that you volunteered as opposed to being asked to get involved by another person.
TIP 2: Candidates who can provide an example of when they achieved the task, despite the constraints of time will generally score higher.
Sample Response Structure:
STEP
6
STEP
5
STEP
4
STEP
3
STEP
2
STEP
1
Explain what the result/outcome was. Try to make the result positive as a result of your actions.
Now explain what had to be done and how you overcame any obstacles or hurdles.
Explain how it was decided who would carry out what task.
Explain why the task was difficult and whether there were any time constraints.
Now explain who else was involved and what the task was.
Explain what the situation was and how you became involved.
Train Operating Companies employ many people in different roles from conductors to platform staff, and from ticket office staff to caterers.
In fact, it is not uncommon for thousands of people to work for one particular TOC. Therefore, it is essential that every member of the team works together in order to achieve the ultimate goal of providing a high quality rail service.
The recruitment staff will want to be certain that you can work effectively as part of a team, which is why you may be asked questions that relate to your team-working experience.
When responding to this type of question use the following format for structuring your response:
S – Tell the interviewer what the SITUATION was that you were involved in. Make sure the situation is a genuine one and one where you took action!
T – Tell the interviewer what TASK you had to undertake and also what tasks other people did too.
A – Now tell the interviewer what ACTION you took specifically and also what action other people took as part of the team. It is advisable to use an example of where you volunteered to take action as opposed to being told by a supervisor or a manager.
R – Finally, tell the interviewer what the RESULT was following your actions. Your answer should include a POSITIVE OUTCOME based on the actions you took.
Pass the Train Driver Selection Process. First time.
Crafted for everyone, no matter your skill level or background, this guide was made to help you achieve one goal: to become a train driver.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
SCORING CRITERIA
Essential information about how you will be assessed during every stage of the selection process.
APPLICATION FORM SAMPLE ANSWERS
Lots of up-to-date sample application form questions, responses and tips on how to pass this initial stage.
PRACTICE ASSESSMENT CENTRE TESTS
Step-by-step information on how to pass the assessment centre including 100s of practice questions and answers.
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Sample answers to each of the competency based interview questions.
INSIDER SECRETS
Insider tips on how to answer the interview questions and advice on how you will be scored.
SCORE-BOOSTING STRATEGIES
Get ahead of the competition with unique and proven strategies 16 years in the making.
Customer Success Stories
Having helped 1000s of aspiring train drivers for over 16 years, it is no wonder our customers love us…
I now feel totally prepared and full of knowledge for which will be a difficult process. I recommend this company – Lucy B. TrustPilot
I now feel a lot more confident in going forward with an application to become a train driver. – Simon D. TrustPilot
…the books I have purchased have been invaluable and have helped me pass stage 1 of my journey to become a Trainee Train Driver. – James T. TrustPilot
…the assessment and interview sections in particular were invaluable in knowing what to expect so you can prepare accordingly. Well worth the investment. – Max A. TrustPilot
It was very informative and I found the tips for the practice tests extremely valuable. – Lorraine F. TrustPilot
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR CAREER PACK?
Complete guidance to ensure you pass the ENTIRE train driver recruitment process.
Where to look, and how to apply for the latest trainee train driver positions in the UK.
Insider advice on how to complete the application form, including sample questions and answers.
Previously successful application form responses that you can use to develop your own winning application!
Revealed – avoid the common pitfalls that most applicants make (75% of people fail the application stage – don’t be one of them!)
Discover exactly how you are assessed throughout the entire selection process (hint: understanding this will allow you to know exactly how the assessors want you to act at every stage).
A complete breakdown of the assessment centre and how you MUST prepare if you wish to succeed.
A detailed breakdown of the online SJT (situational judgement test) including practice questions and answers so you can fully prepare.
Train driver interview questions you should prepare for and guidance on how to answer them for the structured interview.
What the train driver interview panel are looking for from candidates and how to give it to them!
10 essential insider tips on how to pass the selection process with ease.
Practice 100s of Dots Concentration, Ability, Error Checking and Mechanical Comprehension tests.
Practice questions and answers for the manager’s interview – suitable for all UK train operating companies.
The importance of ensuring you meet the minimum eligibility requirements (and understanding the role of a trainee train driver – hint: you will need to demonstrate this).
Why becoming a train driver right now is a fantastic career choice.
The working hours, training and probationary period that you will undergo when you join.
Time-saving strategies and score-boosting methods verified by our panel of recruitment experts.
How you will be assessed during the medical test.
Get ahead of the competition and get the latest train driver insider advice today.
Suitable for ALL UK train operating companies.
PLUS…BONUSES!
BONUS #1
150-Page Interview Skills Insider’s Guide
FOR A LIMITED PERIOD ONLY we are able to give you our powerful 150+ page ‘Interview Skills’ guide free of charge. It is the perfect guide to help you prepare for the tough train driver interviews!
- All of the most common (and not so common) interview questions you are likely to face broken down.
- Full and detailed answers to every question – ensure you always have the perfect answer!
- How to use the STAR method to come up with your own winning answers that match the experience, values, and skills the interview assessor is looking for.
- Created by interview panel experts and packed full of insider advice.
Important: This insider’s guide cannot be purchased individually anywhere else and is exclusively available as a limited-time bonus!
Worth £9.99, Yours FREE
BONUS #2
PLUS…30-Day Free Subscription Trial To The Online Train Driver Assessment Centre Testing Platform!
As well as lifetime access to the train driver career resource, this product also includes a 30-day free trial to our Train Driver Assessment Centre Testing Platform (usually £9.99 + vat per month).
- 100s of Train Driver practice questions on each element of the assessment centre to help boost your scores;
- Practice all of the train driver test questions under timed conditions using our online testing suite;
- Instant online access;
- Compatible on mobiles, tablets and computers;
- Scores are tracked so you can focus on areas that need improvement.
Important: This powerful free trial costs £9.99 + vat every month for everyone else! You will get unrestricted access to all of the interactive online train driver questions to give you an advantage right away.
Worth £9.99 + vat, Yours FREE for 30-days*
*We want you to know: This is a subscription service that is charged at just £5.95 + vat per month after the 30-day trial expires. No minimum term. If you cancel before the 30-day trial ends, you will not be charged. Please see our terms for full details.
PASS THE TRAIN DRIVER SELECTION PROCESS TODAY!
- The ENTIRE train driver selection process revealed step-by-step;
- “Hand-held” guidance to passing each stage including the application, sifting tests, assessment centre, interviews and medical;
- Trusted by a community of 1000s of happy customers;
- Guides, templates, practice tests, and powerful bonuses included with every order.
- Get the edge over the competition today!
Features
You don’t just get advice on what to do. We will show you exactly how to pass the train driver recruitment process.
Proven Guidance
Over 16 years’ of experience packed into on-demand insider recruitment guides that have helped 1000s.
Unique Training
Includes unique train driver recruitment training content built from the ground up and not found anywhere else.
Actionable Content
We don’t just share what you need to do, but also HOW you should do it with tips and strategies you can implement today!
Swipeable Templates
These templates are worth the value of the resource themselves – we give you the exact foundations you can use to build your application and master the assessment stages!
Your 240-page guide to success.
Our best-selling guide in a compact, accessible, online format to hold your hand throughout the entire trainee train driver selection process.
Created by experts. Made for you.
With over 16 years of history behind us, we are the leaders in train driver recruitment advice. So whether you want to understand the scoring criteria, learn what must go on your application form, recognise what not to say at the interview, or practice and pass the online tests, you can access it all at your finger tips, today.
SILVER
TRAIN DRIVER SILVER PACK
INSTANT ONLINE ACCESS
YOU SAVE 23%
✓ SILVER Access to the UK’s No.1 How to Become a Train Driver Career Guide and Bonuses
✓ 240-page How to Become a Train Driver Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 65-page Train Driver Application Form Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 49-minute Train Driver Application Form Coaching Video (Lifetime access)
✓ 190-page Train Driver SJT Tests Online Workbook (Lifetime access)
250-page Train Driver Tests Online Workbook (Lifetime access)
155-page Train Driver Dots Tests Online Workbook (Lifetime access)
150-page Numerical Concentration Tests Online Workbook (Lifetime access)
60-page Train Driver Interview Questions & Answers Online Guide (Lifetime access)
55-minute Train Driver Interview Coaching Video (Lifetime access)
Live coaching from a train driver recruitment expert who will provide the latest recruitment techniques needed to pass the difficult selection process at your first attempt!
Your pass enables you to attend one Train Driver Recruitment Training Webinar within the next 12 months **worth £97+vat**
✓ Plus exclusive Bonuses – including the latest insider recruitment information added regularly! (Lifetime access)
✓ 150-page Interview Skills Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 30-Day Free Trial to the Train Driver Assessment Centre Testing Platform. Thereafter just £5.95 + vat per month (Monthly Service)?
Order Now
GOLD (MOST POPULAR)
TRAIN DRIVER GOLD PACK
INSTANT ONLINE ACCESS
YOU SAVE 19%
✓ GOLD Access to the UK’s No.1 How to Become a Train Driver Career Guide and Bonuses
✓ 240-page How to Become a Train Driver Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 65-page Train Driver Application Form Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 49-minute Train Driver Application Form Coaching Video (Lifetime access)
✓ 190-page Train Driver SJT Tests Online Workbook (Lifetime access)
✓ 250-page Train Driver Tests Online Workbook (Lifetime access)
✓ 155-page Train Driver Dots Tests Online Workbook (Lifetime access)
✓ 150-page Numerical Concentration Tests Online Workbook (Lifetime access)
✓ 60-page Train Driver Interview Questions & Answers Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 55-minute Train Driver Interview Coaching Video (Lifetime access)
Live coaching from a train driver recruitment expert who will provide the latest recruitment techniques needed to pass the difficult selection process at your first attempt!
Your pass enables you to attend one Train Driver Recruitment Training Webinar within the next 12 months **worth £97+vat**
✓ Plus exclusive Bonuses – including the latest insider recruitment information added regularly! (Lifetime access)
✓ 150-page Interview Skills Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 30-Day Free Trial to the Train Driver Assessment Centre Testing Platform. Thereafter just £5.95 + vat per month (Monthly Service)?
Order Now
PLATINUM
TRAIN DRIVER PLATINUM PACK
INSTANT ONLINE ACCESS
BEST VALUE – YOU SAVE 20%
✓ PLATINUM Access to the UK’s No.1 How to Become a Train Driver Career Guide and Bonuses
✓ 240-page How to Become a Train Driver Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 65-page Train Driver Application Form Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 49-minute Train Driver Application Form Coaching Video (Lifetime access)
✓ 190-page Train Driver SJT Tests Online Workbook (Lifetime access)
✓ 250-page Train Driver Tests Online Workbook (Lifetime access)
✓ 155-page Train Driver Dots Tests Online Workbook (Lifetime access)
✓ 150-page Numerical Concentration Tests Online Workbook (Lifetime access)
✓ 60-page Train Driver Interview Questions & Answers Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 55-minute Train Driver Interview Coaching Video (Lifetime access)
✓ Live coaching from a train driver recruitment expert who will provide the latest recruitment techniques needed to pass the difficult selection process at your first attempt!
✓ Your pass enables you to attend one Train Driver Recruitment Training Webinar within the next 12 months **worth £97+vat**
✓ Plus exclusive Bonuses – including the latest insider recruitment information added regularly! (Lifetime access)
✓ 150-page Interview Skills Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 30-Day Free Trial to the Train Driver Assessment Centre Testing Platform. Thereafter just £5.95 + vat per month (Monthly Service)?
Order Now
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How will the 'How2Become a Train Driver' guide help me become a train driver?
Simply put, this training works and is proven to help people like you to successfully become train drivers. With lifetime access to our train driver resources, you will not only benefit from our flagship 240-page ‘How to Become a Train Driver’ guide (which has sold 1,000s of copies) but you’ll also get access to a dynamic portal of content that we update frequently with all the very latest information, practice material, and strategies that are helping people across the UK become train drivers. With 1,000s of customers frequently thanking us for the career success we have helped them gain, and 16 years’ experience in providing recruitment and assessment centre training, you can rest assured knowing you are getting the best train driver training material on the market.
Who is a good fit for the 'How2Become a Train Driver' guide?
This resource is our flagship career guide, designed to help anyone looking to become a train driver conquer the gruelling selection process.
It is ideal for those just staring out at the application stage, who want an “over-the-shoulder” guide to passing each stage of the process.
If you have already begun the selection process, then you’ll be able to pick up this guide from the exact stage you are at and follow the step-by-step guidance to passing the assessment centre, structured interview, manager’s interview and more with confidence.
Whatever stage of the process you are at, you can be confident you’ll have all the strategies and tools you need to succeed.
What training is included in the guide? Will it really help me become a train driver?
Yes! With the ‘How to Become a Train Driver’ guide you will be able to access training that has been helping applicants successfully become train drivers for over a decade.
At How2Become.com we like to do things a little differently. Instead of just giving you access to guides which explain how the selection process works, and what you need to do to pass, we teach you HOW to do it also. For example, we don’t just provide you with sample interview questions, we provide winning sample responses and step-by-step guidance on how to create your own successful answers. Whether you are thinking about applying, or you are half way through the train driver selection process, this guide will ‘hold your hand’ step-by-step. Here is a full list of everything you will get within this resource.
Is there a time limit on accessing the material?
You will get unlimited access to all of the content contained within our Gold and Platinum resources with no time restrictions! We understand that applying to become a trainee train driver can be a long and stressful experience, that is why we want to take away that worry – you will get access whenever you need, whether it’s just for a week, or for a year, you will have full access to the ‘How to Become a Train Driver’ guide whenever you need it. You will also get access to all future updates we make to this guide, ensuring you are getting the latest guidance.
Are your resources specific for geographical regions?
When we launched How2Become.com we wanted to ensure our content would help as many people as possible no matter where they are, and we are achieving just that! We sell our resources to every country in the world, with 1000s of customers in the USA, UK, India, Australia, Africa and more! All of our content is either written or spoken in English, with the content designed to be as universal as possible unless otherwise stated. Our ‘How to Become a Train Driver’ guide is designed specifically for all UK train operating companies. Please note: services outside of the UK may have different selection processes. If you can’t see a guide you need in our huge catalogue, then just let us know and we will help if we can!
What's the difference between the Silver, Gold, and Platinum versions?
Whichever option you choose, you can be confident you are getting the latest and highest quality training to become a train driver. All packages contain our flagship 240-page train driver guide: ‘How to Become a Train Driver’, our train driver application guide and video walkthrough, SJT online workbook and the bonuses listed on this page.
The Gold package contains our full range of train driver testing workbooks, plus video coaching for the train driver interviews.
The Platinum package contains everything in Silver and Gold, but also includes a ticket to book onto one of our live Train Driver Recruitment Training webinars, run by our recruitment expert, to coach you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
How will I access the guide/training materials?
As soon as your order is complete you will be able to access all of the guides, training resources, and view the on-demand videos via your How2Become account! You can use any smart phone, PC, Mac, or tablet to access your materials.
Is your training really driving success?
Yes, absolutely! We get 100s of testimonials and comments each month from those that have used our training, thanking us for the help it has given them.
How often is this guide updated? Is it relevant for my train operating company?
Having created recruitment guides for the last 16 years, we know how often selection processes change. That is why we keep close ties to those “in the know” and we regularly update our content. You will get the latest and best strategies to enable you to become a train driver.
WHY BUY WITH HOW2BECOME?
CREATED BY THE EXPERTS
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EXCLUSIVE FREE BONUSES
Firstly, these guides are created by us and our team of experts – we have all the answers to your questions and will help you succeed (like we’ve been doing for the last 16 years), we update our material frequently and you can contact us at any time with any questions you have.
Secondly, we provide exclusive bonuses with all our products that you won’t find anywhere else. These bonuses include free guides, powerful online testing suites and more!
Finally, our guides and training just work. Take a look at our TrustPilot page where you will see our rating of 4.9/5. There, our customers share their positive buying experiences and more importantly the time-saving success our resources have given them (hint: they are now trainee train drivers).
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