How to be a train driver?

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To become a train driver trainee, you need a clean driving record and a responsible work history. You must complete a train safety course and pass mental health, concentration, and stress tests. Freight train engineer positions are highly in-demand, and most rail companies require a clean driving record of at least five years. Candidates must pass a drug test and be compared to other candidates before being selected to work as a train driver trainee.

If you want to become a train driver trainee, the process starts long before you apply to a local railroad. You must possess a clean driving record and demonstrate your ability to be responsible through previous positions. You will also need to complete a train safety course once you have been accepted onto the railroad. Other steps to becoming an apprentice train driver include passing a battery of tests, from mental health to concentration and stress tests. Once all the training is completed successfully, you can be hired on the railway to become a train driver.

It is common for all budding engineers to become trainees on a passenger train. The freight train engineer position is normally a highly in-demand job for senior railroad employees. This is due, in part, to the lower speed, weight and distances traveled by the passenger train compared to a freight train. Most rail companies will not consider anyone for an engineer position with a clean driving record of less than five years. This means that to become an apprentice machinist, you must begin your preparation several years before coming into contact with the railway.

The task of operating a train is extremely demanding and the operator must demonstrate responsibility in previous jobs. So, if you want to become a train trainee, you must have an exemplary work history before applying to drive a train. Team leaders, bosses and group leaders or supervisors are often chosen before minor employees, as the candidate’s work history is taken into account. Several tests must be done before you even consider driving a train. Mental tests to measure concentration, reflexes and color blindness are given to new candidates.

One of the final tests you will need to take before being considered a train trainee is a drug test. Once all of your scores are calculated, any extra-curricular bonuses such as mechanics, math, and past leadership will be added to your final score. You will be compared to other candidates and the best of the bunch will be contacted to become a train driver trainee. If selected, you will typically work under the supervision of an experienced engineer for several months in the rail yard before taking up work as a passenger train engineer.




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