Our Apprentice Driver application process

Our Apprentice 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.

line

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 over 18 years old (no upper age limit).
  • If you’re 18 years old, you’ll need to provide evidence of achieving GCSE grade 9-4 (or Level 2 equivalent, such as SCQF National 5) in English and maths to apply. Click here to see which equivalent qualifications are accepted. This does not apply if you are aged 19 or over.
  • 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
Step 6

The text-based interview – let’s get started!

After submitting your application and meeting the minimum requirements of the role, you be asked to complete a Chat Interview. This is a text-based interview and assessment which allows us to interview every applicant who applies and provide them with feedback. This is your opportunity to tell your story and for us to get to know the real you.

You’ll be asked five behavioural type questions that are directly related to the role. They’re similar to the questions you might be asked over the phone or face-to-face in a regular interview – except that here, you type your responses. You can complete this interview on a mobile, tablet or computer, and you can take your time to answer each question, so less pressure than a regular interview.

Every candidate is AI assessed on the same set of attributes derived from their responses, and nothing else. No sensitive characteristics such as gender, age and ethnicity are used. Importantly, please do not include any personal information in your responses. We only need to hear about your skills and experiences.

After completing the Chat Interview you will receive a free personality profile, based on your responses.

Online testing – identifying the essential skills

If you have successfully progressed through the text-based interview you'll be asked to complete 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.

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.

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.

The assessment day - show us what you can bring

Congratulations on making it through the video interview stage. Now, it’s time for your assessment day. The day starts with two group exercises, designed to explore how you work with others across different scenarios. They’ll look at things like communication, teamwork, how information is taken in and how you respond to changing situations.

No previous railway knowledge is needed. The focus is on how you approach the situations, work with others and make decisions.

The group exercises are followed by an interview with a Driver Team Manager and someone from the People Team. This is an opportunity for you to talk about your experiences and how these have prepared you for the Apprentice Train Driver role. Experience doesn’t need to come from the railway, skills and qualities gained through other roles and life experiences can be just as valuable.

It’s all about the journey so far and the potential to take on the exciting challenge of becoming a Train Driver at LNER.

What we’re looking for:

  • Communication and teamwork: Listening, sharing information, and working effectively with others.
  • Situational awareness: Taking in information, understanding what’s happening, and recognising what’s important.
  • Problem-solving and prioritisation: Approaching challenges, making decisions and identifying what needs attention first.
  • Adaptability: Responding positively to change, new information and different situations.
  • Experience: The skills and behaviours developed through work, education or life experience – they don’t need to come from the railway.

The assessment day is your chance to bring all of this together and show us you have what it takes to be a great future Train Driver.

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're 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'll 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's 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 text-based interview – let’s get started!

After submitting your application and meeting the minimum requirements of the role, you be asked to complete a Chat Interview. This is a text-based interview and assessment which allows us to interview every applicant who applies and provide them with feedback. This is your opportunity to tell your story and for us to get to know the real you.

You’ll be asked five behavioural type questions that are directly related to the role. They’re similar to the questions you might be asked over the phone or face-to-face in a regular interview – except that here, you type your responses. You can complete this interview on a mobile, tablet or computer, and you can take your time to answer each question, so less pressure than a regular interview.

Every candidate is AI assessed on the same set of attributes derived from their responses, and nothing else. No sensitive characteristics such as gender, age and ethnicity are used. Importantly, please do not include any personal information in your responses. We only need to hear about your skills and experiences.

After completing the Chat Interview you will receive a free personality profile, based on your responses.

Online testing – identifying the essential skills

If you have successfully progressed through the text-based interview you'll be asked to complete 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.

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.

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.

The assessment day - show us what you can bring

Congratulations on making it through the video interview stage. Now, it’s time for your assessment day. The day starts with two group exercises, designed to explore how you work with others across different scenarios. They’ll look at things like communication, teamwork, how information is taken in and how you respond to changing situations.

No previous railway knowledge is needed. The focus is on how you approach the situations, work with others and make decisions.

The group exercises are followed by an interview with a Driver Team Manager and someone from the People Team. This is an opportunity for you to talk about your experiences and how these have prepared you for the Apprentice Train Driver role. Experience doesn’t need to come from the railway, skills and qualities gained through other roles and life experiences can be just as valuable.

It’s all about the journey so far and the potential to take on the exciting challenge of becoming a Train Driver at LNER.

What we’re looking for:

  • Communication and teamwork: Listening, sharing information, and working effectively with others.
  • Situational awareness: Taking in information, understanding what’s happening, and recognising what’s important.
  • Problem-solving and prioritisation: Approaching challenges, making decisions and identifying what needs attention first.
  • Adaptability: Responding positively to change, new information and different situations.
  • Experience: The skills and behaviours developed through work, education or life experience – they don’t need to come from the railway.

The assessment day is your chance to bring all of this together and show us you have what it takes to be a great future Train Driver.

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're 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'll 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's 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

Interested?

By registering an account, you can sign up for job alerts, ensuring you're one of the first to hear about new opportunities in your area, how to apply and the selection process.

Current vacancies Register for vacancy alerts
Interested?