Become a Train Driver
A train driver operates, or drives, a train. They're also called locomotive engineers, railroad engineers or foot plate men. It's a great job for someone who likes to travel and see the country and who doesn't mind being away from home for days or weeks at a time. It pays well and affords you the benefits of belonging to a union, such as job security and a pension.
Contents
Steps
- Meet the general qualifications.
- You must be at least 18 years of age.
- You must pass a background check and a drug screen.
- You must be able to work alone for long periods of time, handle emergency situations and think for yourself.
- Attend formal training, which will consist of classroom study and hands-on experience. Training may take several weeks or several months. You must attend a program approved by the Federal Railroad Administration.
- Most train drivers attend schools operated by the railroad company, but some may choose to attend a community college and earn an associate's degree in railroad operations.
- Get an entry-level job with a railroad company, such as a laborer, rail yard worker, brakeman or conductor. Gain additional skills and experience. If you want to drive commuter trains, you may have to begin by driving buses.
- Pass the qualifying exams for different positions and work your way up to driver. Before you can drive a train, you must pass a federal licensing exam.
- You will have to attend additional training in the classroom, in simulators and on the job before you can take the licensing exam.
- You will also be required to periodically pass additional tests to maintain your license.
Tips
- Railroad jobs are currently declining because of computerization. However, a large number of railroad workers are expected to retire between 2010 and 2020, creating job openings.
- To find railroad jobs, visit the websites of railroad companies such as Norfolk Southern, Union Pacific or CSX Transportation. You can also find jobs by checking the list published by the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board. If you want to drive commuter trains or subway trains, check for jobs with area public transit authorities.
Warnings
- Train drivers are required to work long, irregular hours, including nights, weekends and holidays. They are often forced to put their names on a list and wait to be assigned work, which means being ready to work on short notice. They may have to work in severe weather conditions, which means not only working outside in the cold and heat, but sitting in cold or hot train cars.
