Transport for Wales - Trainee Train Drivers

[Badge3226]

Ok thanks mate. How did you find the computer tests and mmi?

I’ve passed the computer tests twice, having first took them in 2018 when all the tests were on 1 day (failed dots), and more recently in November when I passed. Either way they are intense mate, as I’m sure you’d expect them to be. I found it worse 2nd time around due to the added pressure of it being my last attempt. Just try to stay calm. I convinced myself that logic dictates ‘worse’ people than me had passed before

The grey square is simply staring at a screen for 30 minutes… It’s not exactly pleasant, but ultimately you just need to press the button when the box turns black. Don’t let your mind drift, stay focused. The first time I found that 30 minutes flew by, the second time it felt like an hour!

The ATATV traffic scenario I found tricky. You’ll naturally second guess yourself. I believe the key is to only mark what you KNOW you seen and not to guess

Personally I found the 2 hand controller quite easy. I desperately needed the toilet half way through through just to make things difficult!

A lot is made of the MMI and personally I don’t know why… It’s simply an interview, think of it as such. They ask a question, you elaborate further upon your answer and answer any further questions they may ask about it. Be honest and try to (if possible) refer to lone working, safety critical/dangerous scenarios, shift working, health and safety, high level of responsibility, public service etc etc

Key thing, stay calm and confident

 

[Wincey123]

Hi, just had my results for last Wednesday paper tests. Passed! Second attempt. Just messaging to ask if anyone can remember the 6 questions they asked for the mmi, I know one was an emergency situation. Not sure whether to change some answers

I can’t remember the questions completely but all I would say is learn the train driver description and values and when answering their questions make sure you hit every competency for the question asked. It worked for me.

I just kept telling myself be safety conscious at all times and I was fine.

Good luck!

 

[perks1992]

I’ve passed the computer tests twice, having first took them in 2018 when all the tests were on 1 day (failed dots), and more recently in November when I passed. Either way they are intense mate, as I’m sure you’d expect them to be. I found it worse 2nd time around due to the added pressure of it being my last attempt. Just try to stay calm. I convinced myself that logic dictates ‘worse’ people than me had passed before

The grey square is simply staring at a screen for 30 minutes… It’s not exactly pleasant, but ultimately you just need to press the button when the box turns black. Don’t let your mind drift, stay focused. The first time I found that 30 minutes flew by, the second time it felt like an hour!

The ATATV traffic scenario I found tricky. You’ll naturally second guess yourself. I believe the key is to only mark what you KNOW you seen and not to guess

Personally I found the 2 hand controller quite easy. I desperately needed the toilet half way through through just to make things difficult!

A lot is made of the MMI and personally I don’t know why… It’s simply an interview, think of it as such. They ask a question, you elaborate further upon your answer and answer any further questions they may ask about it. Be honest and try to (if possible) refer to lone working, safety critical/dangerous scenarios, shift working, health and safety, high level of responsibility, public service etc etc

Key thing, stay calm and confident

Thankyou! Yeah feeling the pressure as its my last chance. With the hand controller, do you get any practice attempts first? How sensitive are they and how fast should you attempt to go obviously being steading is main target also

 

[Badge3226]

Thankyou! Yeah feeling the pressure as its my last chance. With the hand controller, do you get any practice attempts first? How sensitive are they and how fast should you attempt to go obviously being steading is main target also

If I remember rightly, you get unlimited (within reason I suppose) attempts to practice as long as you don’t get the ball to the end on your given practice attempts. For example, get 99% of the way there, don’t cross the ‘finish line’ and then just let it go back to the start. It’s the exact same 2 hand course you complete every time, so I found I probably got a little quicker each time as I got used to it. Don’t worry about coming out of the lines, everyone does… It’s just a case of getting back in when you do and not panicking

 

[SCDR_WMR]

If I remember rightly, you get unlimited (within reason I suppose) attempts to practice as long as you don’t get the ball to the end on your given practice attempts. For example, get 99% of the way there, don’t cross the ‘finish line’ and then just let it go back to the start. It’s the exact same 2 hand course you complete every time, so I found I probably got a little quicker each time as I got used to it. Don’t worry about coming out of the lines, everyone does… It’s just a case of getting back in when you do and not panicking

You do in theory however there is a time limit which will stop the practice and require the assessor to login and reset it (seen it twice). Realistically after going forward, back and forward you should understand the sensitivity of it and be ready

 

[Saxon79]

Paper tests done and now it's the waiting game. Got to admit it was quite stressful and came out with a headache but it's done now. Anyone who is to do them tomorrow at Chester all the best.

 

[deanboy7]

Haven't really had clarity on this to date but regarding the ATAVT....traffic lights side on view (lights not visible) but they are a set of traffic lights....are you selecting traffic light, traffic sign or nothing?

 

[L401CJF]

Haven't really had clarity on this to date but regarding the ATAVT....traffic lights side on view (lights not visible) but they are a set of traffic lights....are you selecting traffic light, traffic sign or nothing?

I was selecting traffic light for side on traffic lights and passed.

 

[kallyvintage]

Paper tests done this morning, like Saxon. Wishing everyone the best of luck if they make it this far.

I knew from the practice stuff that Bourdon is my weak point and I put my all into these, but I thought it was brutal on the day. Couldn't wait for them to finish. Got around 2/3 of the lines done each sheet but honestly I can probably bet my mortgage I'll have missed one or two somewhere.
Dials I found easy and got into a flow but just ran out of time, got about 3/4 of those done.

Tones and phonebook I 'think' I excelled at out of all the tests. Had time to quickly scan over and recheck I didn't miss any double symbols out on the sheet whilst counting the tones.

Already I am second guessing what examples I want to use should I get through to MMI!

 

[Paddygee]

Paper tests done this morning, like Saxon. Wishing everyone the best of luck if they make it this far.

I knew from the practice stuff that Bourdon is my weak point and I put my all into these, but I thought it was brutal on the day. Couldn't wait for them to finish. Got around 2/3 of the lines done each sheet but honestly I can probably bet my mortgage I'll have missed one or two somewhere.
Dials I found easy and got into a flow but just ran out of time, got about 3/4 of those done.

Tones and phonebook I 'think' I excelled at out of all the tests. Had time to quickly scan over and recheck I didn't miss any double symbols out on the sheet whilst counting the tones.

Already I am second guessing what examples I want to use should I get through to MMI!

Well done...Lets hope you get the reply you want...

 

[Saxon79]

Paper tests done this morning, like Saxon. Wishing everyone the best of luck if they make it this far.

I knew from the practice stuff that Bourdon is my weak point and I put my all into these, but I thought it was brutal on the day. Couldn't wait for them to finish. Got around 2/3 of the lines done each sheet but honestly I can probably bet my mortgage I'll have missed one or two somewhere.
Dials I found easy and got into a flow but just ran out of time, got about 3/4 of those done.

Tones and phonebook I 'think' I excelled at out of all the tests. Had time to quickly scan over and recheck I didn't miss any double symbols out on the sheet whilst counting the tones.

Already I am second guessing what examples I want to use should I get through to MMI!

I didn't finish either phonebook test. Just hope I wasn't too slow. I was probably 7/8 of way to finishing both. I know I missed 1 on bourdon test because I seen it when we finished it was the very 1st row. I'm still confident I passed that one though. The passage on Glop I'm unsure about whether I've done enough to pass. Dials I found easy I did about 33 or 34 out of the 43.

 

[JLyons]

I didn't finish either phonebook test. Just hope I wasn't too slow. I was probably 7/8 of way to finishing both. I know I missed 1 on bourdon test because I seen it when we finished it was the very 1st row. I'm still confident I passed that one though. The passage on Glop I'm unsure about whether I've done enough to pass. Dials I found easy I did about 33 or 34 out of the 43.

Fingers crossed it goes well for you all. Hopefully not too long to wait until my tests. Do they do the report writing task (written communication) as it’s in the practise but not heard anyone mention it on here?

 

[Saxon79]

Fingers crossed it goes well for you all. Hopefully not too long to wait until my tests. Do they do the report writing task (written communication) as it’s in the practise but not heard anyone mention it on here?

Yes they do. It's pretty straightforward.

 

[Dorian Grey]

I’m worrying now, probably got just over half way on everything. Oh dear! Does anybody remember the MMI questions? Mind was so fried I forgot what they were the second I walked out. Particularly the first 2?

 

[harleyluna]

Regarding the written report , how many words and is it timed?

 

[SCDR_WMR]

Haven't really had clarity on this to date but regarding the ATAVT....traffic lights side on view (lights not visible) but they are a set of traffic lights....are you selecting traffic light, traffic sign or nothing?

Regardless of which side you can see, you are seeing a set of traffic lights. So put what you see.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 Feb 2023 ==

Regarding the written report , how many words and is it timed?

All the tests are timed, be concise and clear with your report. Don't use 10 words if 5 will do. No minimum or maximum words, just focus on getting all the detail without any fluff

 

[harleyluna]

Regardless of which side you can see, you are seeing a set of traffic lights. So put what you see.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 Feb 2023 ==


All the tests are timed, be concise and clear with your report. Don't use 10 words if 5 will do. No minimum or maximum words, just focus on getting all the detail without any fluff

 

[Leavesontrack]

I’m worrying now, probably got just over half way on everything. Oh dear! Does anybody remember the MMI questions? Mind was so fried I forgot what they were the second I walked out. Particularly the first 2?

you will be fine...

you always think the worse, its a normal disposition...

when i did it in november i think it was something like
When did you work in difficult circumstances and a time when working under pressure... might have changed since then eh... dont sweat that though, worry about this if you pass the first assesment. You get the from you filled back and you can change some of the answers if you want...

 

[Saxon79]

I’m worrying now, probably got just over half way on everything. Oh dear! Does anybody remember the MMI questions? Mind was so fried I forgot what they were the second I walked out. Particularly the first 2?

Did you complete the 18 questions based on the passage we read?

 

[Jammy216]

Hi All, Just to give an insight to all those doing the tests at the moment. I have passed each of the stages and had the same feeling that I didn't do enough on the day having only completed about 75% of each test paper. Speed is important but accuracy more so. So please have confidence and don't worry yourself sick.

Is anyone on here due to start in Cardiff on the 3rd April?

 

[Dorian Grey]

you will be fine...

you always think the worse, its a normal disposition...

when i did it in november i think it was something like
When did you work in difficult circumstances and a time when working under pressure... might have changed since then eh... dont sweat that though, worry about this if you pass the first assesment. You get the from you filled back and you can change some of the answers if you want...

Yes might be a moot point anyway! Thanks trying to relax but it’s hard! Good luck to everyone now the latest paper tests are over

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 21 Feb 2023 ==

Did you complete the 18 questions based on the passage we read?

Yes think that was the only thing I managed to complete. Only got half way on the dials- the downside of having to take your watch off!

 

[Baiton20]

I’m worrying now, probably got just over half way on everything. Oh dear! Does anybody remember the MMI questions? Mind was so fried I forgot what they were the second I walked out. Particularly the first 2?

I think they were something like,
•Describe a time when you have dealt with an emergency situation.
•Describe a job you have done that is similar to a train driver.
•Talk about a time when you have done a job/task that required attention to detail or planning.
•Describe a time when you have had to persevere on a course or job.
•Something about following rules and procedures… safety standards etc.

They are not 100%, but something like that. I know they said you can look at the answers again and change them for the MMI if you want to.


Fingers crossed now, 7 days to wait for an email!



Thanks

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 21 Feb 2023 ==

————————

A question for anyone who has done the MMI…

Are the MMI dates also offered on a first come first served basis, or is it a more personal email with selectable times and dates?

 

[Jammy216]

Same process for both stages, email sent offering select dates. A date and time was given for the DMI.

 

[Baiton20]

Same process for both stages, email sent offering select dates. A date and time was given for the DMI.

Ok thanks. Back to hoping I don’t miss the email again then, lol.

 

[Dorian Grey]

I think they were something like,
•Describe a time when you have dealt with an emergency situation.
•Describe a job you have done that is similar to a train driver.
•Talk about a time when you have done a job/task that required attention to detail or planning.
•Describe a time when you have had to persevere on a course or job.
•Something about following rules and procedures… safety standards etc.

They are not 100%, but something like that. I know they said you can look at the answers again and change them for the MMI if you want to.


Fingers crossed now, 7 days to wait for an email!



Thanks

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 21 Feb 2023 ==

————————

A question for anyone who has done the MMI…

Are the MMI dates also offered on a first come first served basis, or is it a more personal email with selectable times and dates?

Cheers they sound about right, slightly different to the ones posted on this thread earlier

 

[Pendinas]

Does anybody know what the process of re-applying is like? Passed all the tests first time round, but failed DMI (thought I did really well, but I think there was only a one or two talent pool spots available) ...Wondering if I should wait for the 6 months to be up and go again with TfW, or apply for different ToC sooner. If I do wait the 6 months, do I just submit application like last time, hope I pass the paper sift again and assume they'll notice I passed the tests? If so, would I then have to wait for the DMI's to come up again along with the candidates doing the assessments in the next round of recruitment?

 

[jessica1306]

Does anybody know what the process of re-applying is like? Passed all the tests first time round, but failed DMI (thought I did really well, but I think there was only a one or two talent pool spots available) ...Wondering if I should wait for the 6 months to be up and go again with TfW, or apply for different ToC sooner. If I do wait the 6 months, do I just submit application like last time, hope I pass the paper sift again and assume they'll notice I passed the tests? If so, would I then have to wait for the DMI's to come up again along with the candidates doing the assessments in the next round of recruitment?

Hi, exactly this happened to me and now I’m in the Talent Pool. Waited just over 6 months, reapplied for another depot, still TfW, and got through paper sift. When they said I’d got through the initial stage and they said they would be in contact regarding the paper/computer tests and MMI I emailed with the info requested (national insurance etc) and also mentioning I had already passed the tests on X date.

Heard nothing, then a call asking if I’d like another depot as it was far closer to my home address which I agreed to interview with, even though was the same interviewers as the previous DMI. Then a bit after that I got an email giving day/time for DMI and found out about 10 days later I passed.

So yes, you’d have to wait for next round of DMIs but I expect will be sooner than if you had to go for the tests as that’s far more time to organise.

 

[RyanC87]

Does anybody know what the process of re-applying is like? Passed all the tests first time round, but failed DMI (thought I did really well, but I think there was only a one or two talent pool spots available) ...Wondering if I should wait for the 6 months to be up and go again with TfW, or apply for different ToC sooner. If I do wait the 6 months, do I just submit application like last time, hope I pass the paper sift again and assume they'll notice I passed the tests? If so, would I then have to wait for the DMI's to come up again along with the candidates doing the assessments in the next round of recruitment?

When did you do the dmi.

That part isn't counted, so you could go to another toc if you live within an hour of them. The whole enhanced or standard pass comes into play, some have different pass marks.

If you wait for tfw then you apply with paper app and then you can email to say you've passed it all before and they should allow you through.

 

[Pendinas]

Thanks for the replies, I initially applied in late November for Machynlleth (very small depot), did both testing days in January and then had DMI on the 7th Feb, then found out on 10th I was unsuccessful. Thought it went really well, and normally pessimistic when it comes to this sort of thing, so I was very surprised.
When reapplying, can you just use the exact same answers (assuming questions are the same). Is it possible to fail the paper sift by bad luck the second time round?
So I was thinking about maybe reapplying for Cardiff, as from speaking to people I might be in the pool already had I gone for somewhere bigger. But they might just tell me I should go for the closer/smaller one even though there is a smaller chance of getting in? Then again from what I have read, it seems you are more likely to get in the second time round.
I am curious how the second interview goes with the same interviewers... Surely there is a large elephant in the room that you're giving the same answers you did before. Is it advisable to make reference to the first interview? "The first time I interviewed I said X, but this time round I'd like to add X,Y and Z" etc??

 

[SCDR_WMR]

Thanks for the replies, I initially applied in late November for Machynlleth (very small depot), did both testing days in January and then had DMI on the 7th Feb, then found out on 10th I was unsuccessful. Thought it went really well, and normally pessimistic when it comes to this sort of thing, so I was very surprised.
When reapplying, can you just use the exact same answers (assuming questions are the same). Is it possible to fail the paper sift by bad luck the second time round?
So I was thinking about maybe reapplying for Cardiff, as from speaking to people I might be in the pool already had I gone for somewhere bigger. But they might just tell me I should go for the closer/smaller one even though there is a smaller chance of getting in? Then again from what I have read, it seems you are more likely to get in the second time round.
I am curious how the second interview goes with the same interviewers... Surely there is a large elephant in the room that you're giving the same answers you did before. Is it advisable to make reference to the first interview? "The first time I interviewed I said X, but this time round I'd like to add X,Y and Z" etc??

Remember, it may just be how you come across rather than the answers you gave that meant you were unsuccessful. The questions are likely to be the same, or a slight variation so you should feel extra prepared next time, even if you have no idea why you weren't taken on this time.

There isn't really any luck involved, the sift is looking for key words and phrases. You'll likely remember some of the questions when you do it again (I certainly did) and hopefully you can remember what answers you gave.

Perseverance is important on the railway, so keep you head up and go again when the time comes. And be prepared to keep applying in the next few years, other TOCs take testing results for 5 years.