At one point in his/her life, every child wants to be a train driver. It is arguably said to be one of the most exciting jobs ever. However, things are not as easy as they look. Only by following certain steps can one actually end up becoming a train driver.
However, the first crucial step is to fill out the application form for the train driver, with extreme accuracy and attention. It is extremely vital because the whole selection procedure depends on this. The procedure advances through levels, where the aspiring train driver must answer correctly. Only this will guarantee his entry into the next stage. This is followed by the really technical part of the entire procedure. The candidate has to clear a requisite number of tests, out of which the most important ones are the Psychometric Tests. Other than this, the aspiring train driver must progress through the Mechanical Comprehension test, the Group Bourdon Test, the Fast Reaction and Coordination tests, and the Trainability for Rules and Regulations test. All these are extremely integral elements of the selection procedure and must be studied separately by the candidates. The best way is to deal with these complex exams by preparing for them in advance, by using sample papers.
Next are the interviews. Again, the preparation procedure for these is very similar to the exams. The candidate for the train driver has to study sample interviews, read and analyze the sample responses. But it is important to prepare one’s own unique replies. The train driver’s ability to handle pressure is well adjudged by his performance in the interviews. For such a post as this, emotional stability and alert sensibilities are both very important
Candidates are often sent for one day intensive training course before they apply for the selection process where they are made to understand the role of the train driver. This understanding is required to be applied to the selection process. The importance of high quality customer service is relayed along with the test of handling pressure at critical times. The work and salary of the train driver is also explained. This one day course improves the prospect of success of the candidates seeking to join the Train Operating Company. The salary in this job per year is around 30,000 pounds.
Driving a train is very different from driving a bus or a car and it needs a lot of assurance and attentiveness. As this is a position that demands you to be very responsible, it is of utmost importance that the training is done wisely. Ideally a train driver should know how to react in pressure situations and should always be stable.