Train Driving Experiences for under-16s

[John745]

I have been snooping around, looking for train driving experiences (or driver tasters) for under 16s for one of my family members. When I say a driving experience, I mean like standard or a bit narrower gauge, not miniature gauge or small stuff like that. I've found some, like Plym Valley and some driver for a fiver/tenners (like in Wensleydale, East Somerset Railway, Eden Valley Railway, Northamptonshire Ironstone Railway and the Lavender Line) but can't find any proper ones (these are all only about 10 minutes long). If anyone knew of any more (remember it needs to be under 16), replies would be appreciated.

 

[Alisadeen]

Have you tried checking out the Bluebell Railway in Sussex? They have a Footplate Taster experience that might work for younger train enthusiasts. Get in touch with them to see if they have any options for under 16s.

Or another option is the Severn Valley Railway in Worcestershire. They offer a Junior Driver Experience for kids aged 12-16, where they can actually drive a steam locomotive with supervision.

 

[fireftrm]

The problem is that railways will have 21 as the minimum age for their drivers, I know this is an 'experience' but their safety rules can't be amended to permit people outside their Safety Management System ages to be in the drivers seat on the main running lines. Sorry

 

[43066]

Most heritage railway driving experiences seem to specify 18 or over. Presumably this is to avoid the admin burden of safeguarding, staff having to undergo CRB checks etc.

It might be worth asking if they could work around it by allowing the minor to accompany an adult on the experience.

They offer a Junior Driver Experience for kids aged 12-16, where they can actually drive a steam locomotive with supervision.

That sounds like a good option to explore.

 

[zwk500]

Most heritage railway driving experiences seem to specify 18 or over. Presumably this is to avoid the admin burden of safeguarding, staff having to undergo CRB checks etc.

It might be worth asking if they could work around it by allowing the minor to accompany an adult on the experience.

I imagine where 18 is specified it's as much about insurance requirements for the person to be legally responsible as an adult as it is about safeguarding (although that will be a factor). If the insurers say no under-18s, I doubt a railway would risk any liability.

 

[43066]

I imagine where 18 is specified it's as much about insurance requirements for the person to be legally responsible as an adult as it is about safeguarding (although that will be a factor). If the insurers say no under-18s, I doubt a railway would risk any liability.

Yep, that’s likely to be a factor.

Good to see that the SVR (at least) have concluded that there’s sufficient demand to form a business case to jump through the various hoops.

 

[zwk500]

Yep, that’s likely to be a factor.

Good to see that the SVR (at least) have concluded that there’s sufficient demand to form a business case to jump through the various hoops.

Indeed - but then insurance companies have a history of being somewhat histrionic on the risks of young drivers.

 

[43066]

Indeed - but then insurance companies have a history of being somewhat histrionic on the risks of young drivers.

In the context of car drivers who go out and drive like absolute tools after passing their tests (didn’t we all!) - absolutely.

Albeit 16 year olds driving trains in a strictly controlled environment surely shouldn’t be any greater risk statistically than anyone else?!

I wonder whether that, or the safeguarding issue, is the biggest factor these days.

 

[zwk500]

In the context of car drivers who go out and drive like absolute tools after passing their tests (didn’t we all!) - absolutely.

Yes, although the insurers do take the mickey somewhat.

Albeit 16 year olds driving trains in a strictly controlled environment surely shouldn’t be any greater risk statistically than anyone else?!

It depends partially on what they're driving - some locos (including early diesels) could need a bit of strength to manage the controls at times. But in general I agree a blanket ban wouldn't be proportional.

I wonder whether that, or the safeguarding issue, is the biggest factor these days.

Could well be a combination of both. I remember the safeguarding process for my local rugby club was especially overzealous, because the RFU insisted everybody be DBS checked by the club regardless of any other checks. We had school teachers in the senior squad who weren't allowed to coach the juniors, some of whom they taught Mon-Fri until they'd had the DBS done again.

 

[paul1609]

There is a Heritage Railway Association Guidance for Footplate Experience Courses that was last updated in December 2022 that states that the minimum age for participation should be 18. As a HRA guidance it will have the backing of the ORR. Any railway that doesn't follow that guidance without mitigation in place is exposing themselves to huge risks in the event of an incident.

 

[rustbucket]

I wonder whether that, or the safeguarding issue, is the biggest factor these days.

Safeguarding is certainly a challenge, at the preserved railway I volunteer at we need two safeguarding officers for any activity involving under 18s volunteering

 

[philthetube]

Assuming that a cab can accommodate a parent, that should resolve the safeguarding issue.

 

[fireftrm]

Or another option is the Severn Valley Railway in Worcestershire. They offer a Junior Driver Experience for kids aged 12-16, where they can actually drive a steam locomotive with supervision.

Severn Valley Railway have nothing on their website about this and only a message saying that they are still unable to accept new footplate expereince bookings as they are working through the backlog of those with Covid period vouchers

 

[30907]

Safeguarding is certainly a challenge, at the preserved railway I volunteer at we need two safeguarding officers for any activity involving under 18s volunteering

Pedantically, I think you mean DBS-checked adults. Having a second adult present with young people is a sensible policy generally.

 

[rustbucket]

Pedantically, I think you mean DBS-checked adults. Having a second adult present with young people is a sensible policy generally.

DBS checked AND safeguarding trained....

 

[m79900]

The EVR allow under 16s to do 'Driver for a Fiver' when they do galas