Our Train Driver application process

Our Train Driver application process

At LNER, we’re on the lookout for outstanding individuals who have the skills, passion and commitment to excel in the fast-paced and rewarding role of Train Driving. We want you to feel confident and prepared every step of the way, which is why our recruitment process is designed to be fair, transparent and to give you a real feel for what it takes to drive the future of rail.

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Whether you’ve dreamed of being a Train Driver since childhood, or you’re simply excited about a new challenge, this is your chance to shine. We want to make sure this role is a perfect fit for you and for us!

Before you apply, please take a moment to review the requirements. These aren’t just guidelines, they’re essential for the role. If you don’t meet them, we won’t be able to progress your application. We want to give every candidate the best chance of success, so please make sure you’re eligible before applying.

To apply for an Apprentice Driver role, you must:

  • Be at least 20.5 years old.
  • Live within 60 minutes of the depot.
  • Not have failed psychometric tests with any Train Operating Company in the last six months.
  • Be able to work shifts, including nights and weekends.
  • Arrange your own transport to work.
  • Be punctual, focused and able to work independently.
  • This is a demanding role, and you must be prepared to undertake an apprenticeship and commit to continuous learning.

Steps on your journey

Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5

The Application & Online Testing – Let’s Get Started!

This is the first step in your journey, let’s get your application started. You’ll start by answering a few questions and completing some really important tests. These will help us get a sense of how you handle key skills like decision-making and attention to detail, all crucial for life as a Train Driver.

Here's what you'll be working on in this stage:

Situational Judgement Test (SJT):

Why it’s important:

As a Train Driver, you’re going to have to make quick decisions in all sorts of situations. This test shows how you approach real-life scenarios, whether you’re responding to an emergency, managing passengers, or solving unexpected challenges.

What we’re looking for:

  • Decision-making: Can you think fast and make the right call?
  • Situational awareness: Do you understand the importance of safety and customer care in every situation?

Get ready to make decisions under time pressure. You’ll pick the best action and the least appropriate action for each scenario. Just don’t forget to choose your best answer!

Detail Checking Test:

Why it’s important:

Imagine working in a role where every detail counts, from train timetables to safety protocols. This test shows us how accurately you can check and process information.

What we’re looking for:

  • Attention to detail: How well can you spot the small things that make a big difference?
  • Accuracy: In a safety-critical job, accuracy is key.

The clock is ticking in this timed test. Can you spot the error in a sea of information? This is a crucial skill for Train Drivers, so show us you’ve got the sharp eye needed to stay safe and efficient.

Verbal Reasoning Test:

Why it’s important:

As a Train Driver, you’ll need to understand and act on written instructions, safety protocols, and communicate effectively with others. This test evaluates your ability to read and understand text quickly and accurately.

What we’re looking for:

  • Comprehension: Can you understand complex information and act on it?
  • Clear communication: This is key to ensuring safety on the job.

Now it’s time to put your reading skills to work and show us how well you can process information from text.

Video Interview – Let’s get to know you better

Next up, it’s time to get personal. You’ve passed the online tests, now it’s time to show us what makes you tick. The video interview is your chance to demonstrate your communication skills, enthusiasm for the role, and why you think you would be an amazing addition to the LNER family.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

  • Communication: Can you communicate clearly and confidently? Train Drivers need to relay instructions to passengers, the control centre, and fellow staff, so this is an essential skill.
  • Enthusiasm: We're looking for candidates who are genuinely excited about the role and ready to contribute to our team.
  • Motivation: Why do you want to become a Train Driver at LNER? This is your chance to tell us what’s driving you.

Be yourself, speak from the heart, and show us why you’re the perfect fit for the job.

Driver Manager Interview – Time to share your experience

Congratulations on making it through the video interview. Now, it’s time for your interview with our Driver Team Managers. Here, we’ll chat about your experiences and how they’ve shaped you for the Apprentice Train Driver role. Whether your experience is directly related to driving or not, we’ll consider all the skills and traits that can contribute to your success.

It’s all about your journey and how it has prepared you for the exciting challenge of becoming a Train Driver at LNER. We can’t wait to hear about what makes you ready for the tracks!

What we’ll be looking for:

  • Competency: Share your experiences and how they relate to the role. We'll ask you about situations you've faced and how you managed them, focusing on transferable skills.
  • Problem-solving: How do you handle challenges or surprises? We want to know how you've dealt with pressure and found solutions in tough situations.
  • Adaptability: Show us how you've adjusted to new environments, worked with different people, or embraced change. Flexibility and learning on the job are key. It’s all about your journey and how it has prepared you for the exciting challenge of becoming a Train Driver at LNER. We can’t wait to hear about what makes you ready for the tracks

Psychometric Testing – Let’s Test Your Problem-Solving Skills

Our short-listed candidates are now invited to take part in a full day of psychometric testing. This is an important part of the process, as it helps us assess your cognitive abilities, how you think, reason, and solve problems under pressure.

What we’ll be looking for:

  • Quick thinking: Can you process information quickly and make solid decisions in real-time?
  • Problem-solving: How well do you handle complex situations and come up with effective solutions?

These tests are timed, so be prepared to demonstrate your mental agility and problem-solving skills.

As the last step, we will carry out a medical assessment to ensure that you meet the required health standards. This is to help us make sure you're fit to safely operate trains.

What we’re looking for:

You’ll be required to meet the health standards set by the railway industry to ensure you can safely perform the duties of a Train Driver. These standards are in place to help you handle the role’s physical demands and ensure safety for yourself and others.

Whether your experience is directly related to driving or not, we’ll consider all the skills and traits that can contribute to your success. It’s all about your journey and how it has prepared you for the exciting challenge of becoming a Train Driver at LNER. We can’t wait to hear about what makes you ready for the tracks!

Click here to view our current apprentice driver roles or to register for job alerts

The Application & Online Testing – Let’s Get Started!

This is the first step in your journey, let’s get your application started. You’ll start by answering a few questions and completing some really important tests. These will help us get a sense of how you handle key skills like decision-making and attention to detail, all crucial for life as a Train Driver.

Here's what you'll be working on in this stage:

Situational Judgement Test (SJT):

Why it’s important:

As a Train Driver, you’re going to have to make quick decisions in all sorts of situations. This test shows how you approach real-life scenarios, whether you’re responding to an emergency, managing passengers, or solving unexpected challenges.

What we’re looking for:

  • Decision-making: Can you think fast and make the right call?
  • Situational awareness: Do you understand the importance of safety and customer care in every situation?

Get ready to make decisions under time pressure. You’ll pick the best action and the least appropriate action for each scenario. Just don’t forget to choose your best answer!

Detail Checking Test:

Why it’s important:

Imagine working in a role where every detail counts, from train timetables to safety protocols. This test shows us how accurately you can check and process information.

What we’re looking for:

  • Attention to detail: How well can you spot the small things that make a big difference?
  • Accuracy: In a safety-critical job, accuracy is key.

The clock is ticking in this timed test. Can you spot the error in a sea of information? This is a crucial skill for Train Drivers, so show us you’ve got the sharp eye needed to stay safe and efficient.

Verbal Reasoning Test:

Why it’s important:

As a Train Driver, you’ll need to understand and act on written instructions, safety protocols, and communicate effectively with others. This test evaluates your ability to read and understand text quickly and accurately.

What we’re looking for:

  • Comprehension: Can you understand complex information and act on it?
  • Clear communication: This is key to ensuring safety on the job.

Now it’s time to put your reading skills to work and show us how well you can process information from text.

Video Interview – Let’s get to know you better

Next up, it’s time to get personal. You’ve passed the online tests, now it’s time to show us what makes you tick. The video interview is your chance to demonstrate your communication skills, enthusiasm for the role, and why you think you would be an amazing addition to the LNER family.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

  • Communication: Can you communicate clearly and confidently? Train Drivers need to relay instructions to passengers, the control centre, and fellow staff, so this is an essential skill.
  • Enthusiasm: We're looking for candidates who are genuinely excited about the role and ready to contribute to our team.
  • Motivation: Why do you want to become a Train Driver at LNER? This is your chance to tell us what’s driving you.

Be yourself, speak from the heart, and show us why you’re the perfect fit for the job.

Driver Manager Interview – Time to share your experience

Congratulations on making it through the video interview. Now, it’s time for your interview with our Driver Team Managers. Here, we’ll chat about your experiences and how they’ve shaped you for the Apprentice Train Driver role. Whether your experience is directly related to driving or not, we’ll consider all the skills and traits that can contribute to your success.

It’s all about your journey and how it has prepared you for the exciting challenge of becoming a Train Driver at LNER. We can’t wait to hear about what makes you ready for the tracks!

What we’ll be looking for:

  • Competency: Share your experiences and how they relate to the role. We'll ask you about situations you've faced and how you managed them, focusing on transferable skills.
  • Problem-solving: How do you handle challenges or surprises? We want to know how you've dealt with pressure and found solutions in tough situations.
  • Adaptability: Show us how you've adjusted to new environments, worked with different people, or embraced change. Flexibility and learning on the job are key. It’s all about your journey and how it has prepared you for the exciting challenge of becoming a Train Driver at LNER. We can’t wait to hear about what makes you ready for the tracks

Psychometric Testing – Let’s Test Your Problem-Solving Skills

Our short-listed candidates are now invited to take part in a full day of psychometric testing. This is an important part of the process, as it helps us assess your cognitive abilities, how you think, reason, and solve problems under pressure.

What we’ll be looking for:

  • Quick thinking: Can you process information quickly and make solid decisions in real-time?
  • Problem-solving: How well do you handle complex situations and come up with effective solutions?

These tests are timed, so be prepared to demonstrate your mental agility and problem-solving skills.

As the last step, we will carry out a medical assessment to ensure that you meet the required health standards. This is to help us make sure you're fit to safely operate trains.

What we’re looking for:

You’ll be required to meet the health standards set by the railway industry to ensure you can safely perform the duties of a Train Driver. These standards are in place to help you handle the role’s physical demands and ensure safety for yourself and others.

Whether your experience is directly related to driving or not, we’ll consider all the skills and traits that can contribute to your success. It’s all about your journey and how it has prepared you for the exciting challenge of becoming a Train Driver at LNER. We can’t wait to hear about what makes you ready for the tracks!

Click here to view our current apprentice driver roles or to register for job alerts

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