Train driver, Kaitaraiwa tereina
Also known as
- Locomotive engineer, railway shunter, rail operator, train operator, steam train driver, railway locomotive driver
Train drivers operate passenger and freight trains to transport people or cargo.

Duration
3:05 mins
Your pay could be
$84K
Lower
$105K to $131K
Most common
$144K
Upper
How does this pay compare?
Pay is before tax
Train drivers
- usually work shifts, including nights and weekends
- usually work on trains and at railway stations and travel locally and nationally
- may work in hazardous conditions
- need to be safety conscious, work well under pressure and work well independently
Tasks
- drive trains to different locations
- keep to schedules and stops for passengers
- follow safety rules
- talk with train team and passengers
- find and report repairs
- change tracks using levers
- monitor maintenance work and rule changes
- check trains and engines before driving
- push and pull carriages and wagons using controls
- keep records of wagon loads
Practical
Organised
Investigative
Interests that fit this job
Interest quiz,
Kairoro Whakaritea
Do the Interest quiz to find out how well your interests fit with this job.
Do the quizYou need to learn on the job and get a qualification to become a train driver.
You need
- to complete on-the-job training courses
- a New Zealand Certificate in Rail Operations (Train Driver) (Level 4)
- a driver licence
- to pass a medical assessment and drug test
- to pass a police check
- a First Aid Certificate
You may need
- a rail licence
If you’re in school
You usually need NCEA Level 2 to do the study or training for this job.
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