As the course is delivered via eLearning, access to the course and trainers is done online via a compatible electronic device. 

We recommend a PC or laptop for the best experience although a tablet or phone are acceptable.

You will also be able to access your course at any time and complete the modules at your own pace.

This is a medium to advanced level course aimed at those looking to explore many aspects of being a train driver, train systems and train operations.

Ideal for those new to the industry or learners already in the industry looking to change career direction.

Module 1

Introduction to Train Driving | Lifestyle responsibilities | Booking on and off for duty | Interactive visit to a traincrew depot | Basic railway safety | Basic communication principles | Introduction to a maintenance depot | Interactive visit to a depot | Customer service |End of module assessment.

Module 2

What is a train? | Train systems | Preparation theory | How trains attach and detach | Train safety systems | Identifying components | Basic fault finding | End of module assessment.

Module 3

Basic signalling principles | Signs and indications | Train safety systems | Stopping at signals | Passing signals at danger with authority | Speeds | Professional driving techniques | Level crossings | How to learn a route | End of module assessment.

Module 4

Passing signals at danger without authority | Wrong direction movements | Examining the line | Degraded working | Emergencies | Train faults and assisting failed trains | Propelling and brake regulations | Extreme weather | End of module assessment.

The TDF Level 3 Certificate in Train Driving Pre Employment Training Course is aimed directly at those looking to apply for Train Driver roles. 

As you need to be 21 to obtain a Train Driving Licence, we'd suggest that you are at least 20 at the time of PET training. 

However, you could undertake the course at anytime before this as long as you understand that you would not be employable as a Train Driver until 21.

Course fees are currently £218.75.

Funding may be available from various Government schemes or grants. Service Leavers in their last 2 years can apply to have 80% of the course costs covered (up to £175) with their Standard Learning Credits. If you are a Service Leaver, or in your last 2 years of Service use your SLC by downloading an MoD Form 1950

Other employers may also offer a similar resettlement funding strategy.

Course fees grant access to the course for 12 months (1 year). If the course has not been completed in this time, learners will be removed from the course. Additional years access can be granted at additional cost to the learner.

Successful course completion indicates with a high degree of certainty that you can successfully pass initial driver training. Successful completion of the course would certainly increase the likelihood of employment opportunities.

Successful completion demonstrates motivation and willingness to invest in your own learning and development. It also firmly demonstrates the ability to study and learn at a very specific technical level. 

After getting into Train Driving, opportunities then exist to develop into Driver Instructor, Driver Trainers, or Driver Managers.

The Training Team are on hand at any time to assist during the self study course.

You can contact the Training Team at any point via email to clarify understanding or get some more detail.

Further details on how to contact the Training Team are provided once you are enrolled.

End of Module Assessments

You will be assessed at the end of each module with multiple choice questions appropriate to the knowledge being assessed. The pass mark for each end of module assessment is 80% - On successful completion of each module you will be awarded a downloadable certificate. You may attempt End of Module Assessments as many times as you need.

End of course assessment

You can only advance to the End of Course Assessment on successful completion of Modules 1 - 4.

As the Pre Employment Training (PET) Course is designed to align with requirements for both TDLCR and the Train Driver Apprenticeship Scheme you will be assessed using 50 multiple choice questions designed to gauge your understanding of the course content.

You can only attempt the End of Course Assessment twice.

The percentage required to successfully pass the course is 85% on the End of Course Assessment. 

You can be awarded a pass (85% - 88%), Merit (89 - 94%) or Distinction (95%+).

Once your result has been verified you will recieve a Pass, Merit or Distinction award, you will receive a downloadable eCertificate and supporting document detailing the subject matter studied and scores achieved in each Module.

If you do not reach the required overall pass mark, you will fail the course. A resit is available at an additional cost. 

6 - 9 weeks on average.

This is an in-depth course that examines complex rules theory and operating procedures. The course is aimed at being representative of the training you would receive as part of the initial driver training programmes offered by Train Operators. As such, it is estimated that it will take around 6 - 8 weeks to complete (60 - 80 hours) - this estimate is based on around 2 hours of study per day (Mon to Fri).

There are no comparative courses to take. For a true comparison it takes around 9.5 weeks of classroom study during initial training. The initial driver training courses are usually around 15 to 16 weeks long but also contain practical handling time, annual leave and visits to depots.

No. You must be employed by a Train Operating Company to be a Train Driver. 

Our course aims to give you the best chance of success when applying for a train driver vacancy. With over 4,000 applicants applying for a handful of jobs you will need something to stand out. NO ONE ELSE OFFERS THE PRE-EMPLOYMENT TRAINING COURSE - as such it is a real bonus to your application.