Before being called in for an actual interview, a train driver trainee typically goes through a nearly year-long application and testing process. The train driver trainee begins a six-month apprenticeship-style education after the interview is successfully completed and an offer of employment is made. The train driver trainee learns a route, is educated and tested on the train’s mechanics, and learns how to safely operate the train while riding with a skilled operator trainer. There are numerous opportunities for the trainee to fail on the way to becoming a certified train driver, thanks to periodic testing and interviews.
The chance to become a train driver does not come along very often, and the application process is lengthy. Each step is designed to weed out a large percentage of the applicants. Although there is no requirement for a specific educational background to become a train driver trainee, the interview process is used to weed out those with a limited knowledge base. All applicants should familiarize themselves with the rail system and the requirements of a train driver trainee before proceeding to the interview stage of the hiring process.
The train driver trainee is assigned to a certified train operator/trainer after being accepted into the actual hands-on component of the hiring process. For about six months, the trainee works side side with the trainer. The proper identification of signals, speed limits, and horn sounding are all taught. The trainee driver also observes actual train braking, stopping, and starting.
The trainee is allowed to take control of the train under the supervision of the trainer and complete the daily run on time. The trainee must operate the train for a minimum of 250 hours, with at least 50 of those hours completed in the dark. Traction training is a component of training that focuses on the train’s actual driving and mechanical features.
One aspect of this training is for the trainee to work on resolving train problems that could cause the train to be delayed. The trainee may be able to avoid the need for a mechanic to come out to the train completing minor repairs and bringing it back up to operational status. This not only keeps the train on time, but it also saves the train owner money. The trainee is given the status of newly qualified train driver for a minimum of two years after successfully completing the train driver trainee component.