Southeastern Train Driver Application Guide: How to Get Hired as a SE Trains Driver
Quick answer
To become a train driver with Southeastern (SE Trains), you'll need to pass an online application, situational judgement assessment, the standard RSSB train driver psychometric battery, a medical, and a competency-based interview. Trainee drivers earn around £25,000-£28,000 during training, rising to £55,000+ once qualified.
Southeastern, now operated as SE Trains by LSER (London & South Eastern Railway), is one of the UK's major commuter operators serving Kent, East Sussex, and London. With routes running from London Bridge, Cannon Street, Charing Cross, and St Pancras International — including high-speed Javelin services to Ashford and Margate — Southeastern offers a varied and rewarding environment for train drivers. If you're considering applying, this guide covers everything you need to prepare properly.
About Southeastern and Their Network
Southeastern operates services across South East London, Kent, and parts of East Sussex. Their fleet includes classic EMUs on commuter routes and the impressive Class 395 Javelin trains on the high-speed line from St Pancras to Kent — the only domestic high-speed service in the UK outside HS2. This means Southeastern drivers have the opportunity to qualify on one of Britain's most technically demanding and prestigious routes. The operator is currently managed by SE Trains following the government taking over the franchise in 2021.
Southeastern Train Driver Salary
Trainee drivers at Southeastern typically earn in the region of £26,000-£28,000 during their training period. Once passed out and driving solo, salaries step up significantly. Experienced Southeastern drivers typically earn £55,000-£62,000 per annum with shift allowances and Sunday working premiums. Javelin-qualified drivers may attract additional pay. Like other operators, Southeastern negotiates pay through ASLEF.
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The Application Process at Southeastern
Southeastern advertises vacancies on their own careers site and on the National Rail careers portal. The stages typically include: (1) Online application — personal details, eligibility, employment history; (2) Online assessments — situational judgement and sometimes a numerical or verbal reasoning test; (3) Train Specific psychometric assessment — conducted at an assessment centre; (4) Medical — to DVLA Group 2 standard; (5) Structured interview — competency and motivational questions; (6) Driver training programme — typically 9 to 24 months to full sign-off (the Department for Transport's national range). Timelines vary with demand, and Southeastern sometimes runs open days or information events for prospective applicants.
Train Driver Tests at Southeastern
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. A strong performance across every test is important, as any weak area can affect the outcome.
Preparing for Southeastern's Psychometric Tests
The most effective preparation combines understanding what each test measures with repeated, realistic practice under timed conditions. For Vigilance, build your ability to maintain alertness over a full-length session without distractions. For the ATAVT, practice identifying specific hazard categories (traffic lights, vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists) in complex scenes quickly and accurately. For Coordination, work on smooth, consistent tracking — avoid sharp overcorrections. Combine practice in the weeks before your assessment with the official practice materials the train company sends you.
Southeastern Interview Tips
Southeastern's competency interview tests areas such as: commitment to safety, handling pressure and unexpected events, communication with colleagues and the public, and motivation for the specific role. Prepare real examples from your work history that demonstrate calm decision-making, attention to detail, and responsibility. Research Southeastern's network — knowing about the Javelin service, the variety of routes, and the operator's recent developments shows genuine interest. Questions about why you want to drive trains specifically (rather than just any transport job) are common.
Frequently asked questions
Does Southeastern recruit train drivers regularly?
Southeastern runs recruitment campaigns periodically as driver demand changes. Vacancies are advertised on their website and through National Rail careers. Setting up a job alert is the best way to be notified when new roles open.
What is the Class 395 Javelin like to drive?
The Class 395 is a high-speed electric multiple unit capable of 140mph on HS1. Drivers describe it as a significant step up from standard EMU driving — precise driving techniques are required and the high-speed infrastructure is operated under a different rule set. Qualifying on the Javelin is considered a prestigious achievement.
Can I apply to Southeastern as a career changer?
Yes — most Southeastern driver recruits come from non-railway backgrounds. The application process is open to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria, including having a full UK driving licence, passing the medical, and demonstrating the right psychometric profile. Previous transport experience is helpful but not required.
How hard are the train driver tests at Southeastern?
The train driver tests are the same battery used by most UK operators and are standardised. They're not designed to be impossible, but they do require sustained concentration and react quickly to changes. Thorough preparation means you arrive knowing what each test involves.