The role
Driver tasks include:
• inspecting the train prior to departure
• reporting defects
• carrying out adjustments and undertaking repairs
• monitoring the train's speed
• making announcements to passengers and liaising with onboard staff.
Skills required to be a Train Driver
- Physically fit
- Valid drivers licence
- Ability to work outdoors
- Can respond to abnormal situations and emergencies
Previous experience
Train Drivers often come from a career in:
- construction or property services
- resources, engineering or manufacturing sectors
- mechanic or mobile plant operations
- rail customer service
- Railway track operations
Minimum requirements
Rail operators generally recruit new drivers into a traineeship, during which time they complete the necessary training and in many cases receive a TLI42622 - Certificate IV in Train Driving.
For more information contact rail operators about their training programs.
You can find out more about who's studying to be a Train Driver and where they are doing their training here.
What a Train Driver's career progression can look like
Train Drivers may look to advance their career through opportunities such as superintendent, network controller, maintenance planner or operations manager.
What do I do next?
Our findings include information from the Australian Industry Standards' Seamless Future Rail Skills report. Take a look at their Train Driver pathways.
Our analysis on Train Driver training in Australia can be found here.
For more information on becoming a Train Driver:
- contact train companies about their driver training programs
- check out the Work in Rail website
- talk to your careers adviser
- get in touch with your union
- contact your local TAFE
- if you already work in rail, talk to your employer.
Read our stories
Margaret Fisk was a former retail assistant and stay-at-home mum when she decided to take her life in a new direction. She now works as a Train Driver and Driving Instructor for Public Transport Authority WA.
Read about her journey here.
If you have great job in rail, get in touch.