How to Become a Train Driver in the UK

Stable pay. Serious responsibility. A career on track.

If you’ve ever watched a train pull out of a station and thought, “I could do that”—you’re not alone. Train driving is one of the few jobs left where you don’t need a university degree to earn upwards of £60,000 a year. But it’s also not something you just walk into. This is a job that demands full focus, technical know-how, and a calm mindset—even under pressure.

Whether you’re eyeing the London Underground or want to work cross-country lines, here’s what it takes to become a train driver in the UK.

Quick Overview

• Job titles: Train Driver, Engine Driver, Tube Driver
• Starting salary: Around £27,000
• Experienced salary: Up to £60,000+
• Typical hours: 35–40 per week
• Work style: Shift-based—days, nights, weekends, bank holidays
• Workplace: Mostly solo in the cab, sometimes overnight stays, usually in uniform

What Does a Train Driver Actually Do?

This isn’t just “driving.” It’s operating heavy, high-speed machinery on strict schedules. You're responsible for:

• Checking the train before and after journeys
• Following routes, signals, and speed limits
• Staying in constant contact with control rooms
• Making announcements to passengers (if applicable)
• Logging incidents or technical issues
• Taking regular safety and skills training

Whether you’re carrying passengers or freight, every journey depends on your focus.

Three Ways to Get Started

Apprenticeship Route

Many start through a Level 3 Train Driver Apprenticeship. It’s hands-on, paid, and takes about 1–2 years.

• Entry: Usually need GCSEs in English and maths (grades 9 to 4 / A* to C)
• Age: Must be 18 or older (was 20 until recently)
• What to expect: Medical exams, background checks, and lots of training on real trains and simulators

Tip: Check with major train companies like Northern, Avanti West Coast, or GTR for openings.

Work Your Way Up

Already in rail? Roles like conductor, platform assistant, or ticket inspector can be stepping stones. Gain experience, prove yourself, then apply internally for trainee driver roles.

This is common with Transport for London (TfL) and London Underground.

Apply Direct

Many operators open direct trainee driver roles to the public.

• Requirements: Similar to apprenticeships—GCSEs, solid references, ability to pass assessments
• Location matters: You’ll need to live within 45–60 minutes of the depot
• Expect competition: Thousands apply, but don’t let that stop you if you’re serious

Meet Paige

Paige is a qualified train driver who knows exactly what it takes to succeed on the tracks. In this short video, she shares the skills you’ll need if you’re serious about the job.

Skills You’ll Need

This isn’t a sit-back-and-relax kind of job. You’ll need:

• Strong concentration—for long periods
• Quick thinking—for reacting to unexpected events
• Confidence using tech and digital displays
• Clear communication—with control centres and passengers
• Calmness under pressure—trains don’t wait for your stress levels to settle
• Patience, reliability, and responsibility

What’s the Training Like?

Once accepted, your training can last up to 2 years. You’ll spend time in:

• Simulators (learning routes and controls)
• Classroom sessions (safety, signalling, emergency procedures)
• On-the-job driving (with instructors beside you)

The Challenges

Career Progression

Once qualified, you can stay on one route or move into:

• Driver instructor roles – train new recruits
• Depot management – help oversee train schedules
• Operations planning – involved in how rail services are run
• Or switch between freight, passenger, or specialist rail jobs (like Eurostar or engineering trains)

Final Thoughts

Train driving isn’t for everyone. It’s focused, technical, and at times lonely. But if you like working independently, value routine, and want a career with real earning potential—this might be your perfect fit.

And yes—those iconic train horns? They’re part of the job too.