Highways Agency

When?

• When will I be able to see information about each recruitment campaign?
• If I'm successful at the Assessment Centre, how long will it be until I'm doing the job?

What?

• Do I need a driving licence for all roles?
• What if I have 3+ points on my licence?
• What happens if I get points on my driving licence at any point?
• What is a typical working day like?
• What is typical example of a shift pattern?
• What checks will I undergo before being offered a formal appointment?
• What if I fail one aspect of my training but pass the rest?
• What is involved in training?
• What development opportunites are there for me?

Where?

• Where are the RCCs (Regional Control Centre) and outstations based?
• Where will I be based day-to-day?
• Where will training take place?

Who?

• Is there a minimum age limit?
• Is there a maximum age limit?
• What is the full range of Traffic posts that may become available?
• I am not a UK national. Can I apply?
• I'm a Special Constable, can I still apply?

How?

• How do I complete the Achievement Record?

When?

When will I be able to see information about each recruitment campaign?
Details of all the vacancies we are currently recruiting for can be found on our Current Vacancies page. You can register to receive email alerts on this page too, or you can contact our enquiry line on 0800 917 4441 and register that way.

If I'm successful at the Assessment Centre, how long will it be until I'm doing the job?
In most areas we will be recruiting to a waiting list. If you're successful you will be able to remain on this list for up to 2 years and will be contacted as and when a position arises in your chosen location.

Once a formal offer of employment has been made and all medical, security and criminal checks have been successfully completed, you will attend a training programme to ensure you start your role fully prepared. The length of your training depends on which role you're doing:

• Traffic Officers: 6 weeks
• RCC Operators: 4 weeks
• Traffic Officer Supervisors: 6 weeks
• RCC Operator Supervisors: 5 weeks

After successfully completing your training you will then be working under supervision.

Back To Top

What?

Do I need a driving licence for all roles?
Yes, you must have held a full valid driving licence for at least 2 years for all roles except Regional Control Centre (RCC) Operator.

What if I have 3+ points on my licence?
We will accept 3 points but no more on the date of application.

What happens if I get points on my driving licence at any point?
As one of our employees, in a situation where driving is a fundamental part of the job and a condition of employment, for operational flexibility and for Health and Safety reasons you must be able to legally drive. (e.g. hold, and continue to hold, a valid and relevant driving licence and be insurable).

You will need to inform your line manager if you receive any additional points on your licence. If you receive additional points before you start working for us you will need to contact the Traffic Appointments Team on 0113 283 6262 for advice.

What is a typical working day like?
On the Meet the Team page, members of the team explain in their own words what a typical working day is like.

What is typical example of a shift pattern?
In order to provide full around the clock services, The Traffic Officer Service operates on a shift working basis. The shifts are usually comprised of one of the following:

a) Three-day shift pattern - known as 24/7 this comprises early, late and night turns of duty on a rotating basis. This shift pattern attracts a 20% shift allowance.

b) Two-day shift pattern - known as double day or 16/7, this comproses early and late turns of duty. This shift pattern attracts a 12.5 % shift allowance.

EXAMPLE SHIFT PATTERN - Traffic Officer, RCC Operator and Supervisors:

• Earlies 0600-1500 
• Lates 1400-2300  
• Nights 2200-0700 every 3rd week or so

In a pattern of a) 2 earlies, 2 lates, 2 nights (24/7)

or b) 3 earlies, 3 lates (16/7 double day)

Either way you will probably work 6 days on 3 days off.

What checks will I undergo before being offered a formal appointment?

• Medical check (may include attending a medical)
• Security check (includes Criminal Records Bureau check where appropriate to the job)
• Character enquiry
• Satisfactory references 

Please bear in mind that these checks can take some time.

What if I fail one aspect of my training but pass the rest?
As we need to maintain the safety of our staff and of road users, offers of employment may not be confirmed if training is not satisfactorily passed.

What is involved in training?
The Foundation Training Course will provide you with a solid grounding in the skills required to carry out your role. The duration of the course will vary depending on your role. The intensive programme has been designed to give you exposure to managing incidents, dealing with customers, patrolling and closing the motorway and the full range of activities that you will experience on the job.

What development opportunities are there for me?
After you start working with us you'll have the opportunity to undertake the Certificate in Traffic Management, a Level 3 vocational qualification accredited by City & Guilds