Any train drivers on here?

[TrainQuestions]

Or anyone knowledgeable about trains? My DS is train crazy, all he has ever wanted to do is drive trains and I want to get an idea of how realistic this is likely to be.
He is having huge difficulties at school, there is a high possibility he will end up with a dyscalculia and/or a dyspraxia diagnosis. Would this rule him out from ever being able to drive a train?

There has been talk of ADHD, but we and his teacher are not 100% convinced about this as we think that if the other issues are supported then things will improve.

I know very little about working with trains, if these things would preclude him from driving, what other opportunities would be open to him? I'd like to know if I need to float other job suggestions to him.

There are lots of different jobs in the railway industry. Only around 1% of those applying to drive a train get through the interview/test process though you can keep reapplying and can apply to different railway companies. It is one of the few well paid jobs where you don't need a degree. Many people work in lower paid jobs in the railway such as platform staff and then apply for a train driver role.
I can't say how your sons issues would affect this.

My dh is a driver. Pm me

A lot of the entrance tests involve demonstrating hand eye coordination and multi tasking. There’s a lot of information to retain, the drivers need to know the rule book and routes inside out. If you have the right temperament, the tests are not that tricky, my partner didn’t struggle too much.
One is his mates has applied a few times, and just can get through the initial aptitude test, he can’t do the lateral thinking.

The work itself has its challenges, shift work being the worst. My pattern switches from earlies to lates, so has to deal with the sleep issues.

Also the possibility of a suicide, my partner has had one and a couple of very near misses, that can take its tole.

But, it’s a great job. Well paid, good pension, relatively short, if inconsistent hours, never have to take work home (but they are continually assessed and one mistake can see you sacked..).

Any other questions I’ll try and answer, he has been in the job nearly 15 years, I feel I know all there is to know about driving a train...!

That should read My parters pattern, he is the driver, not me!

Thanks. I think he'd also have problems with this: he can’t do the lateral thinking.