At the moment I’m driving Articulated Lorries and have been for 30 years Would like to do something different
Hi Mark,
There are very few minimum requirements (see below) for becoming a train driver so it's simply just a case of applying for a trainee position via the FirstGroup careers site, whenever an opportunity arises.
- You must be at least 21 years of age
- You'll need to live within 60 minutes travel time to the depot, without using public transport when it is not available
- The ability to work shifts of varying start times, including weekends and nights shifts
- You'll need to pass a full driver medical which includes passing hearing, sight, and colour vision tests.
GWR are actually accepting applications right now for Bristol, London and Fratton, with the closing date set for 10th February. You can apply for any one of these via the jobs page on our careers site - https://careers.firstgroup.co.uk/jobs/search
Please be aware however, that these roles are extremely popular and so sometimes the adverts may close early. As such, I'd encourage you to submit an application at your earliest convenience ahead of 10th February.
Good luck!
Hi Alex,
I have previously passed the psychometric tests with a different train operator along with the multi modal interview a little over 2 years ago. Are these tests previously taken in to consideration when applying? If so at what stage would I entered the process if successful past the initial application and online assessments?
Thank you
Aaron
Hi Aaron.
Any candidate who is successfully shortlisted for the psychometric assessment stage will be checked against the national database for any previous test results. Anyone who retains a full valid pass will be able to skip this stage and be put straight forward to the Driver Manager interview. Similarly, if someone has passed some of the assessments but not all, they would only be required to complete those that they do not hold a valid pass for.
As I've alluded to however, they would still need to make the psychometric assessment stage shortlist by first submitting their application and passing the earlier stages of the process.
I hope that helps.
Alex
Hi Alex,
Thank you for your reply and the information you supplied. I have completed the application along with the 2 online assessments for the position of Trainee Train Driver in Swansea. Hopefully I will hear in good time if have made it to the next stage of the process. Thank you again for taking the time to reply
Aaron
