Career outlook for train driver
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
£57,720
Currently employed in Scotland
2,300
Average UK salary
£57,720
Currently employed in Scotland
2,300
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures.
Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would drive trains on local and national rail networks, making sure that passengers and freight get to their destination safely and on time.
You would:
- Check equipment and engines before a journey starts
- Contact control centres for information about routes
- Follow signalling instructions during the journey
- Make stops along your route to pick up and drop off passengers or freight.
- Make passenger announcements
- Control automatic doors
- Prepare engines for handover to drivers on the next shift
- Record any delays or issues that occur
The passengers would be putting their trust in you to act responsibly and keep them safe. It would be very important to follow safety rules closely.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
96%
Part-time
4%
Self employed
0%
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- Adaptability
- Resilience
- Building relationships
- Reading
- Verbal communication
- Observation
- Respecting
- Concentrating
- Taking initiative
- Recalling
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Qualifications
You'll need to apply for a driver trainee programme with a train company. Most train companies expect drivers to have qualifications in English and maths at SCQF Level 4/5.
You would attend a year-long training programme with learning in the classroom and simulators. You'd pass tests on subjects like:
- Mechanical knowledge
- English
- Maths
You must pass all stages of the training and complete a Personal Track Safety (PTS) certificate to fully qualify as a train driver.
Trainee train driver vacancies don't come up often. Some people start off as conductors or passenger assistants and work their up by showing an interest in train driving.
Useful subjects
- English
- Maths
- Science subjects
- Technologies subjects
You will also need
You will need to be aged 21 or over before starting your training. You'll also need to pass medical examinations which include eyesight, hearing and colour vision tests.
You could be tested for drugs or alcohol at any time.
You may need to be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
Helpful to have
Qualifications and experience that show the ability to follow instructions, concentrate, show quick reaction time and a basic mechanical such as:
- Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCQF level 4)
- Uniformed and Emergency Services (SCQF level 4)
Relevant work-based experience and qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Rail Engineering (SVQ level 2) or be willing to work towards qualifications once in a job.