GTR Train Driver Application Guide: Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern & Gatwick Express
Quick answer
GTR (Govia Thameslink Railway) recruits train drivers for Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern, and Gatwick Express services. Candidates must pass a multi-stage selection process including online application, situational judgement, the standard RSSB train driver psychometric battery, medical, and final panel interview.
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) is one of the UK's largest and most complex train operating companies, running four of Britain's best-known passenger services: Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern, and Gatwick Express. If you're aiming to become a train driver with GTR, you'll be joining an operator that manages over 3,000 services a day across London and the South East. This guide walks you through every stage of their recruitment process — from the online application to the final panel interview — and explains what you can do to maximise your chances.
About GTR and Their Routes
GTR moved into public ownership on 31 May 2026, having previously been run by Govia (Go-Ahead and Keolis). It covers Southern (serving London to Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire), Thameslink (the cross-London route from Bedford and Cambridge to Brighton and Gatwick), Great Northern (serving Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire commuter routes from Kings Cross and Moorgate), and Gatwick Express (the premium non-stop service between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport). GTR drivers typically work across multiple brands, depending on their depot, meaning you may drive a Southern EMU one week and a Thameslink Class 700 the next.
GTR Train Driver Salary
Trainee train drivers at GTR typically start on a training salary in the region of £25,000-£30,000 while qualifying. Once passed out as a driver, salaries rise significantly — experienced GTR drivers typically earn in the range of £55,000-£65,000 per year including shift allowances. Gatwick Express and Thameslink drivers may attract slightly higher rates due to the operational complexity of those routes. Salaries are regularly reviewed through ASLEF collective agreements.
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GTR Application Process — Step by Step
GTR advertises vacancies on their careers website and through the National Rail careers portal. The typical application stages are: (1) Online application form — your employment history, driving licence details, and eligibility questions; (2) Situational Judgement Test (SJT) — an online assessment testing how you'd respond to realistic scenarios on the job; (3) train driver psychometric tests — the standard RSSB battery, usually conducted at an assessment centre; (4) Medical assessment — to DVLA Group 2 standard (or higher internal standard); (5) Interview — a structured panel interview covering competencies, motivation, and safety awareness; (6) Training — a lengthy training programme covering traction, routes, and rules. Not all vacancies follow exactly this sequence, and some stages may be combined.
The Train Driver Psychometric Tests at GTR
RSSB standard RIS-3751-TOM sets out the standard battery used across GB mainline operators: Group Bourdon and TEA-Occ (attention), the WAFV vigilance test, TRP1b and TRP2 (rules and procedures), the ATAVT (perception), 2HAND (hand coordination), a situational judgement exercise and a multi-modal interview. Each company chooses its own pass marks and may add tests. Results go on a national database; if you apply elsewhere later, the new employer checks it and tells you what you need to sit.
How to Prepare for the GTR Train Driver Tests
The best preparation is focused, realistic practice. The Vigilance Test rewards consistent alertness — avoid caffeine spikes that wear off midway through, and practise maintaining attention for full-length sessions rather than short bursts. For the ATAVT, the key is building recognition speed for hazard categories — you need to identify whether each element is present in a scene quickly and accurately. Hesitation costs marks. For Coordination, smooth and consistent tracking is better than overcorrecting — practice until joystick movements feel natural. Our practice platform includes original practice versions of these and other tests in the battery, and the train company will send you official practice materials at least a week before your assessment.
GTR Interview and Final Stages
GTR's competency interview typically covers areas including: safety awareness and why it matters, how you've handled pressure or unexpected situations in past work, your motivation for train driving specifically, and your understanding of the role's responsibility. Research GTR's specific routes and recent news — knowing that Thameslink runs through the core tunnel under London, or that Southern has been investing in new depot facilities, shows genuine interest. Final-stage medical checks are thorough, covering vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, and any history of conditions that could impair concentration or reaction time.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car driving licence to apply to GTR?
A full UK car driving licence is required for most GTR train driver roles. This is a standard prerequisite across most UK train operators and is a condition of the licence to drive trains.
How long does the GTR recruitment process take?
From application to starting training, the GTR process typically takes 6-12 months. train driver assessment slots can be several weeks after your online tests, and medical and interview stages add further time. Patience is essential.
Can I apply to GTR if I've failed train driver tests at another operator?
Yes, each operator runs their own assessment. However, the train driver tests are standardised, and repeated recent failures can flag concerns. It's worth taking time to genuinely practice and improve before re-applying rather than applying again immediately.
What depots does GTR recruit for?
GTR recruits for depots across their network including Three Bridges, Selhurst, Hornsey, Stewarts Lane, Bedford, and others. The depot you'll work from determines your route knowledge requirements and shift patterns.
Is GTR a good operator to work for as a train driver?
GTR operates one of the most varied and challenging networks in the UK — drivers frequently cite the complexity of the routes and the variety of traction as positives. Like all large operators, shift patterns include early starts, late finishes, and weekends. ASLEF representation means pay and conditions are collectively negotiated.