How to Write a Train Driver CV: Tips for a Successful Application
With the UK rail industry transporting over passengers annually, a career in train driving offers long-term stability, excellent benefits, and professional growth. This guide is for anyone seeking a new role in the rail industry, from a freight train driver, a passenger service operator, or a trainee train driver.
Using a clear and modern CV means you’re more likely to get shortlisted for an interview and get your new career journey on track. This guide shows how to write an applicant tracking system (ATS)-friendly CV that meets the demands of the transport and logistics industry. It also details how to present key skills, qualifications, and experience to potential employers.
In this article, we cover:
The essential sections to include in a train driver CV.
How to format CV sections with examples and tips.
Creating a CV for trainee train driver roles with little or no experience.
Streamline your CV writing process with CVMaker, featuring intuitive designs and advice on how to choose the best CV template.
Customise this train driver CV example
Train driver CV example
This Train Driver CV example demonstrates how to present a clear and structured application for rail roles in the UK. Using the Hopkins CV template, the CV balances essential technical skills, like train operations, defect reporting, and safety checks, with strong soft skills such as teamwork and communication. Ideal for both trainee and experienced driver roles, it’s fully compatible with ATS systems and easy to customise for different job titles.
What to include in a train driver CV?
To land a job in rail operations, your CV for train driver job applications must include the following core sections:
Contact details: include your full name, email address, mobile number, and home address.
Personal statement: a short paragraph summarising your experience, career goals, and key soft skills.
Driving licence: include the category of licence you hold (usually Category B as a minimum).
Medical & DBS: rail employers require candidates to pass a medical assessment and a DBS check. Confirm this in your CV or cover letter.
Education: list your GCSEs or equivalent academic qualifications.
Work experience: highlight relevant roles that emphasise safety protocols, time management or customer service.
Skills: include both technical skills and interpersonal abilities (see more below).
Certifications: if applicable, include railway safety, for companies like Network Rail, or health and safety training.
For guidance on writing your CV from scratch, read our article on a master CV a full career record you can adapt for every future job application.
Must-have CV sections
Personal profile
Skills section
Work experience
Education
Learn more about how to write a good CV.
How to highlight train driver skills on a CV
Your CV skills section should demonstrate that you can work safely, reliably, and in line with operational standards. Use clear bullet points to structure this section clearly and tailor your skills to match the specific job description.
Include a mix of hard skills (technical) and top soft skills (interpersonal qualities) to showcase your full suitability for the job:
Essential train driver skills with definitions
Train operations: ability to control and manage passenger or freight trains across routes safely and efficiently.
Operational safety: deep understanding of signalling systems, speed regulations, and health and safety compliance.
Communication: clear verbal and written skills to liaise with control centres and ensure passenger safety.
Attention to detail: Spotting potential issues before they arise and maintaining accurate journey logs.
Decision-making: responding calmly and effectively to emergencies or service disruptions.
Use your personal profile to showcase soft skills in action
"Calm and safety-focused individual with strong attention to detail and the ability to stay alert and responsive under pressure. Adaptable and dependable, with proven experience following strict procedures, communicating clearly with teams, and maintaining focus in fast-paced, time-sensitive environments. Committed to delivering a smooth and reliable service for passengers and contributing to a culture of safety and efficiency."
| Hard skills | Soft skills |
|---|---|
| Experience operating trains (passenger or freight) | Focus and concentration during long shifts |
| Knowledge of signalling protocols | Calmness under pressure |
| Emergency procedure handling | Adaptability |
| Routine safety inspections and defect reporting | Teamwork |
| Familiarity with radio communication systems. | Time management |
You can also integrate these skills into your experience section
Followed detailed procedures and ensured clear, accurate communication to support operational goals, contributing to a 25% improvement in task efficiency and overall team performance.
How to write a personal profile for a train driver CV
Your CV summary is a short paragraph at the top of your CV that introduces who you are, your job title, and most relevant strengths. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your interpersonal qualities, highlight relevant experience and your career goals.
Personal profile on a CV
Whether you are a student, a graduate, or a seasoned professional, a personal profile is essential for your CV when targeting the UK job market. This statement should grab the attention of employers and set you apart from other applicants.
Learn more about how to successfully pitch yourself in a personal profile.
Include soft skills and keywords from the job description:
Example 1: “Focused and safety-conscious trainee train driver with a strong background in route learning, teamwork, and operational awareness. Proven ability to remain calm under pressure and deliver clear communication during delays or service changes.”
Example 2: “Reliable and methodical qualified train driver with 6 years of experience operating passenger services. Known for excellent punctuality, defect reporting, and strong coordination with control teams.”
Mention how you’ve applied your skills in relevant contexts:
Example 1: “Passenger train operator who managed long-distance routes with no safety incidents and received commendations for prompt decision-making during signalling faults.”
Example 2: “Trainee rail operator who supported customer announcements and emergency procedures while assisting lead drivers, demonstrating situational awareness and attention to safety protocol.”
Personal profile examples for a train driver CV
Freight Train Driver CV personal profile example
Experienced Freight Train Driver with 6+ years operating cross-country rail services. Calm under pressure with a strong focus on operational safety and punctuality. Proven track record of reducing delivery delays and improving efficiency across night freight operations. Excellent communication with depots and control centres to ensure safe transit of goods.
Trainee Train Driver CV personal profile example
Motivated and safety-conscious train driver with a background in public transport and logistics. Demonstrates strong attention to detail, teamwork, and quick decision-making. Recently completed train simulator testing with top scores. Motivated to progress in a rail career focused on reliability, safety, and professional development.
Qualified Train Driver CV personal profile example
Fully qualified Train Driver with over a decade of experience on intercity and suburban routes. Adept at managing busy timetables, assisting with emergency responses, and following strict signalling protocols. Recognised for excellent customer service skills, professional integrity, and minimising delays during high-traffic periods.
MPV Train Driver CV personal profile example
Adaptable and technically-skilled MPV Train Driver, 4 years specialising in infrastructure maintenance and support trains. Experienced with non-passenger routes and works possession planning. Skilled in risk assessment, brake testing, and coordination with trackside engineering teams. Committed to ensuring rail safety and efficient track access.
Qualified Rail Operator CV personal profile example
Dedicated Rail Operator with expertise in local and regional transport networks. Brings 7+ years of experience in safely operating passenger services. Strong communicator with a commitment to timeliness, passenger safety, and team collaboration. Recently implemented a route-checking checklist that improved schedule adherence by 12%.
How to include relevant driving work experience train driver CV
When applying for a train driver CV job, your work experience section should focus on understanding transport operations, following procedures, and commitment to safety regulations. Prioritise positions involving vehicle operation, scheduling, or public interaction.
Start with your most recent job using reverse chronological order. Include your job title, company, location, and dates, followed by 3–4 bullet points using action verbs such as “monitored, coordinated, ensured, and responded”. Use metrics where possible to highlight achievements.
What should each work experience entry include?
Job title of current or previous role
Organisation name and location
Dates of employment (month/year)
A concise paragraph detailing your duties
Followed by 2–3 bullet points that highlight your key achievements or measurable impact.
Learn more about the work experience section in a CV.
Good and bad examples of achievements:
Good example
"Introduced eco-driving techniques, reducing fuel consumption by 10% per route.”
Bad example
“Helped with fuel.”
Good example
“Consistently maintained 98% on-time performance over 12 months.”
Bad example
“Trained on signals and driving stuff.”
Good example
“Responded to a signalling fault incident, coordinating with control to restore services within 18 minutes.”
Bad example
“Was good at driving trains safely.”
How to format work experience on a train driver CV:
[Job Title], [Company Name] [Location], [Dates]
Brief paragraph outlining role, responsibilities, and context.
Bullet 1: A strong, measurable achievement using an action verb. Bullet 2: Another quantifiable contribution or recognition received.
Train Driver work experience examples:
Train Driver, East Midlands Railway, Nottingham, 2020 - present
Operate scheduled passenger services across regional routes, ensuring strict compliance with signalling, speed, and safety procedures. Conduct pre-departure inspections and real-time fault reporting. Maintain continuous communication with control centres and station staff to ensure smooth operations and minimal disruption. Uphold high standards of passenger safety and service delivery under variable weather and traffic conditions.
Maintained a 100% on-time departure rate over 12 consecutive months, supporting company KPIs for punctuality.
Identified and logged 20+ technical issues early, helping reduce maintenance downtime and prevent service delays.
London Underground Train Operator, Transport for London, Central Line, 2021 - present
Drive underground passenger services through high-density urban networks while maintaining strict adherence to TFL standards and safety regulations. Execute pre-departure inspections, monitor systems via cab controls, and respond swiftly to service disruptions and passenger incidents. Support customer service staff through onboard communication and announcements.
Reduced passenger delays by 18% during peak hours by adapting route timing strategies and managing dwell times effectively.
Awarded ‘Safe Driver of the Year’ in 2022 for maintaining exemplary incident-free records across all shifts.
Trainee Train Driver, Northern Rail, Leeds, 2023 - 2025
Undertake practical and classroom-based training to develop comprehensive knowledge of rail operations, safety systems, signalling, and emergency procedures. Shadow experienced drivers and complete supervised route learning across varied regional lines. Build a strong foundation in communication, route planning, and adherence to company safety protocols.
Successfully passed all core training modules with distinction, including route knowledge and traction management
Completed 250+ hours of supervised driving across five key passenger routes, receiving consistent positive feedback from instructors.
Train driver CV work experience example with little to no experience
Train Conductor, TransPennine Express, Manchester, August 2022 - present
Support the safe and timely operation of regional services by managing passenger boarding, ensuring safety procedures are followed, and communicating effectively with train drivers and control teams. Provide real-time updates, respond to emergencies, and deliver excellent customer service under pressure.
Completed rail safety awareness training and shadowed driver operations during service disruptions
Recognised for excellent customer service during service delays, receiving positive feedback from supervisors and passengers.
How to include education on a train driver CV
Most train operating companies require basic academic qualifications such as GCSEs (or equivalent), particularly in English and Maths. Your CV education section should appear below your work experience (unless you’re a school leaver or writing your first CV, then list education first).
How to format your qualifications:
A-Levels
[Qualification name], [Institution], [Location], [Year completed]
English Literature (A), Media Studies (B), Psychology (C), Harrow Sixth Form College, London, UK, 2018
GCSEs
[Qualification name], [Institution], [Location], [Year completed]
10 GCSEs with grades A–C, including English Language and Mathematics, Hillside High School, London, UK, 2016
If you’ve completed any technical or vocational training, such as safety certifications, first aid, or driver CPC, list these under a separate courses and certifications CV section.
To stand out in a CV for train driver job applications, especially trainee roles, consider additional learning through:
Rail Academy programmes
Online safety or transport training (e.g. ROSPA, IOSH).
How to write a CV for a train driver with little to no experience
Writing a CV for trainee train driver roles without experience is still achievable, especially if you showcase top soft skills, relevant qualities, and a clear interest in train operations in your personal statement. Use a skills-based CV format to draw attention to your strengths rather than your work history.
Include:
Part-time jobs that involve working under pressure (e.g. retail, hospitality).
Any volunteering, internships, or open days at rail companies.
Hobbies that show attention to detail or discipline (e.g. chess, coding, mathematics, mechanics).
Emphasise transferable soft skills from roles in public-facing environments such as customer service, retail, receptionist or waiting staff.
Use a clean CV format that is one page in length and prioritises key sections, education and skills.
If you’re switching careers from a non-transport background, check out our blog on how to write a CV with no experience and career change advice for more tailored tips.
Pro Tip
Highlight your ability to stay calm under pressure and follow strict safety procedures. Employers are looking for reliability, focus, and a strong sense of responsibility, your soft skills are your ticket in.
The essentials for a train driver CV
A strong CV for train driver roles should highlight your safety awareness, communication, and eagerness to learn technical operational skills. Opt for a professional CV template that is optimised for application tracking systems (ATS) and tailored to the job role. Include achievements and transferable skills, even if your experience is different. For more ways to showcase your potential to employers, read how to improve your CV.
Dos and don’ts for a train driver CV
DOs
Research the company. Tailor your CV to the job description or rail operator.
List qualifications such as a full UK driving licence, DBS check, and medical clearance if applicable.
Choose professional fonts and colours on your CV.
DON'Ts
Don’t list irrelevant work history without showing how the skills transfer to train operations.
Avoid overly long paragraphs, keep your CV format clear and concise.
Skip adding a photo on your CV unless recruiters ask!
Next steps?
Ready to land your next train driver job? Explore our expert CV guides and career blog for tips on the best CV format. Pair your application with a cover letter, track your job applications, and learn how to send your CV via email to recruiters. If you’re applying for your first job, find out more about 2025’s most sought-after skills and practice essential interview questions to get prepared to land your target role.
FAQs
Are UK train drivers paid well?
Yes. According to the National , experienced drivers can earn up to £60,000 annually. Pay depends on location, type of train (freight or passenger), and shift patterns.
How to apply to be a train driver in the UK?
You can apply directly through major rail companies or through apprenticeships. Most require GCSEs (or equivalent), good vision, and passing a medical and psychometric test. Search trusted job boards and refer to to learn more.
Can a foreigner be a train driver in the UK?
Yes, provided they have the legal right to work in the UK, a valid visa, and fluent English skills. Some companies may also require UK-specific certification. Read our blog on job opportunities for international students and learn how to list languages on your CV.
Is 40 too old to become a train driver?
Not at all. Many rail operators welcome career changers, as long as you meet the health and vision criteria.
Are train drivers in demand in the UK?
Yes. The UK rail sector continues to grow and is in high demand, with operators seeking new drivers due to increased passenger demand and industry retirements.
