Train Driver
Drive passenger or freight trains across the UK rail network.
This UK train driver career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £32,000 - £40,000 (trainee)
- Mid-career salary
- £50,000 - £65,000
- Senior salary
- £65,000 - £75,000+
- Work environment
- Cab; shifts including nights / weekends
- Time to entry
- 12 - 18 months training
- Degree required
- Not required - very competitive entry
- Category
- Transport and Logistics
What a Train Driver does
Drive passenger or freight trains across the UK rail network.
- Freight Train Driver - Drive freight services - often more nights, fewer passengers.
How to become a Train Driver
- Look up Train Driver roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Train Driver - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Concentration
- Calm temperament
- Reliability
- Following procedures