Train Driver CV example

Writing a CV as a train driver isn’t about making bold claims – it’s about proving safety and consistency. The goal is to make it easy for recruiters to see your qualifications, technical knowledge, and ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.

This guide will walk you through the key steps to structure your experience clearly and highlight your competencies in order to create a CV that makes employers confident in your ability to operate safely and efficiently.

In the rail industry, there’s no room for error – and the same goes for your CV. A well-organised document makes it easy for hiring teams to understand your experience and proven strengths. Each section’s structure should be clear and effortlessly walk recruiters through the most important parts.

Here’s the layout to follow:

• Name and contact details – Display your personal details clearly at the top so employers can get in touch easily. Including a picture of yourslf is entirely optional.
• Profile – Begin with a concise summary that highlights your expertise and what you bring to the role.
• Core skills – Highlight your strongest skills that align with the role’s requirements.
• Work experience – Start with your most recent role and work backwards, showcasing achievements and responsibilities.
• Education & certifications – List qualifications and professional training relevant to rail work or a degree.
• Additional info – Include any additional details, like awards, professional memberships, or hobbies that highlight your skills or personality.

When it comes to your CV format, make sure to use bullet points to break up experience and responsibilities. Divide each section clearly with bold headings, and keep your CV clean and simple – using a readable font and no more than two pages in length. That’s ample length to get everything important across, so save any extra stuff for your cover letter. A tidy CV signals to employers that you value structure and clarity – key qualities for anyone in control of a train.

Your CV profile (or personal statement, for newer candidates) should give employers a quick sense of who you are as a driver – like your level of experience and how you approach the job. Whether you’ve been operating passenger services or freight lines, this is your chance to highlight your background and show that you’re a trustworthy, level-headed professional who will bring genuine value to the role.

Here’s what to include:

• Where you’ve worked – National rail operators, metro lines, depot work, or training programmes.
• Your top qualifications – Train Driver licence, PTS (Personal Track Safety), or safety-critical certification.
• Core attributes – Focused, dependable, rules-driven, able to stay calm under pressure.
• Type of routes or services – Passenger, freight, depot shunting, night services, etc.
• Work ethic – Commitment to punctuality, safety, and passenger welfare.

This section acts as a fast summary of the core abilities that make you a reliable and safe operator. Scan the job spec for the keywords you know recruiters are going to be looking for when they open up a CV, and prioritise those CV skills over generic soft skills.

Tailor this section to reflect the specific job you’re applying for: if you’ve worked on freight, night routes, or longer-distance services, those details can be reflected here in a way that helps you stand out.

This is where you prove you’ve done the job – and done it well. Rail employers want evidence of your ability to follow procedures, maintain focus for long shifts, and respond calmly in safety-critical situations. Each entry in your work experience section should reflect the trust and responsibility you’ve held.

List each role starting with the most recent. Include the job title, employer, and employment dates. Use bullet points to describe your key responsibilities and the impact of your work: a useful tip is to use numbers wherever possible to make your achievements feel more tangible.

• Outline – Describe the role and rail environment – e.g. operator, type of train, or service type.
• Responsibilities – Use action words like “operated,” “monitored,” “communicated,” or “followed.”
• Achievements – Mention outcomes such as “Maintained 98% on-time departure record,” “Passed all safety audits,” or “Trained two junior drivers during depot rotation.”

For train driver roles, this section is vital. Start with your most recent or relevant qualification – such as a Train Driver licence or NVQ in Rail Transport. Follow with secondary education or any additional courses in safety, operations, or mechanical knowledge.

If you’re in training or recently qualified, include modules or competencies you’ve completed – like fault diagnosis or radio communications. Your certifications prove that you’re equipped to handle the safety demands of the role and that you’ve met the legal and professional standards to drive.