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Assessments & Medicals discussion

slinkyjinx

Member
Joined
18 Jun 2024
Messages
12
Location
uk
Hi everyone, I’m new here and looking for some help and advice. I have an assessment with Southeastern for a trainee train driver role in a few days.

Has anyone recently attended this assessment? If so, could you share some information about how the day went, the tests involved, and the order in which they were conducted? I would greatly appreciate any insights.
I did one for LNER a couple of weeks ago! It’s usually paper tests first.

Group Bourdon dots test (google it) you can practise for free.

Then it’s “how many floors?” You count the low tones out of a sequence of different high and low tones. Each low tone represents a floor. There’s about 8 questions on this, asking you how many floors?

Part 2- You then an A3 piece of paper with names on it, next to the names are symbols. Like XO XX +- ++. You have to circle all two symbols that match.

Then the 3rd part of the test is counting a sequence of tones, whilst circling all the matching two symbols. My best advice for this one is, circle the symbols in between each sequence of tones you count.

The next part of the test is a listening/reading test. You’ll have an A4 piece of paper with information or instructions with a photo. Mine was about the braking system. You listen to the audio version of it first, and then you have 5 minutes to read it. You can take notes on a scrap piece of paper. They take the information away and the notes. You wait a through minutes and then have 18 questions to answer in 7 mins. I managed to answer all of them.

The second part of this test is cables and dials. It’s pretty straight forward. Just make sure you listen to the instructions,

Once you’ve done this, they’ll mark the papers. If you are successful you have to do the computer tests.

The computer tests- the first test was vigilance. There’s a small grey square, it is flashing slowly, it turns darker every now and again, every time it turns dark you press the button as quickly as possible. The best tip I can give is, don’t keep your hand on the button. They are quite sensitive. Make sure it’s hoovered over, or to the side of the button. I ended up with a hand spasm and hit it at the wrong time. I still passed though! You have to do this for 30 mins.

The second test is basically a photo that flashes up on the screen for 1 sec. It asks you what you see. It’s the same options for every photo. The 5 options are pedestrian, motor vehicle, bicycle/motorbike, traffic sign, traffic light. There’s 20 questions on this. Tip- only click what you see, don’t guess. You get marked down for the wrong answer.

Third test is hand coordination test, left hand toggle goes left to right, right hand toggle goes up and down. The aim is to get the red ball along the track without it going off. If it goes off the line, it makes a beep. You probably will go off, and it will beep, the aim is to recover quickly. Tip- use the base of the toggles. It’s easier to control as it’s very sensitive,

After that, I had a SJT, there’s no wrong or right answer, it’s just a personality test, they use this information for your interview at the end.

You have a break, then go back and they tell you if you’ve passed.

If successful, you have an interview with the assessors. There’s usually 7 questions, you write brief answer. Then they’ll ask you to tell them about it in more detail. They ask you questions like… how do you feel about rules? Do you think you followed the rules? What was the outcome of following the rules?

I passed first time, it’s not hard, it just hurts your brain. Best advice, if you mess up, don’t worry, keep going. No one is perfect. You might surprise yourself.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==

Has anyone got advice for the TRP 1???

I know it was Glop passage but I’ve heard it’s changed. Is this correct?
Mine was on braking systems
 
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RailUK Forums

DriverHBS

Member
Joined
24 Sep 2023
Messages
6
Location
leeds
Hi everyone - I am in the application process for a driving position and despite trying, I can’t seem to get an answer from anyone about the medical. I have a recently diagnosed under active thyroid and need to start taking medication. Is this the end of my application or is this something normal that would be accepted?
 

DriverHBS

Member
Joined
24 Sep 2023
Messages
6
Location
leeds
Ah yes, of course, I just don’t want to waste mine or others time if its something that cannot be progressed
 

silexa

Member
Joined
26 Jan 2022
Messages
110
Location
East Midlands
You will have to declare it - however i know many drivers (and myself as Safety Critical Staff) who are on Levothyroxine and have no issues with their medical.
Only get issues if you forget to take it etc etc
 

DriverHBS

Member
Joined
24 Sep 2023
Messages
6
Location
leeds
Aah thank you, thats great to hear. I would always declare it, I just don’t want to get to the final stage and get knocked back!
 

silexa

Member
Joined
26 Jan 2022
Messages
110
Location
East Midlands
Aah thank you, thats great to hear. I would always declare it, I just don’t want to get to the final stage and get knocked back!
Just make sure you're honest with the medical staff, if you have side effects you must declare them.
I've never had any issues so I'm sure you'll be fine :)

Good luck!
 

357

Established Member
Joined
12 Nov 2018
Messages
2,284
AFAIK yes, providing you meet the medical standard. Same as people who wear glasses.
 

CreswellSig

Member
Joined
17 May 2024
Messages
36
Location
Stockport
Do all TOC's and FOC's use OPC for Train Driver Psychometric Tests? I am currently in the recruitment process with Colas Rail and the next stage is the Train Driver Psychometric Tests.

I have been informed that I would need to attend an assessment centre to complete the tests, but do not have the details yet. Does anyone know where the assessment centre for Colas Rail is?
 

NSEWonderer

Established Member
Joined
5 Dec 2020
Messages
2,903
Location
London
Do all TOC's and FOC's use OPC for Train Driver Psychometric Tests? I am currently in the recruitment process with Colas Rail and the next stage is the Train Driver Psychometric Tests.

I have been informed that I would need to attend an assessment centre to complete the tests, but do not have the details yet. Does anyone know where the assessment centre for Colas Rail is?
Not every TOC/FOC uses OPC, some have their own testing centers but the results all still go onto the national database for other companies to see.
 

slinkyjinx

Member
Joined
18 Jun 2024
Messages
12
Location
uk
Do all TOC's and FOC's use OPC for Train Driver Psychometric Tests? I am currently in the recruitment process with Colas Rail and the next stage is the Train Driver Psychometric Tests.

I have been informed that I would need to attend an assessment centre to complete the tests, but do not have the details yet. Does anyone know where the assessment centre for Colas Rail is?
Not sure, a lot of companies use OPC or DB Cargo assessment centre
 

Roz

New Member
Joined
18 Apr 2024
Messages
4
Location
dartford
I did one for LNER a couple of weeks ago! It’s usually paper tests first.

Group Bourdon dots test (google it) you can practise for free.

Then it’s “how many floors?” You count the low tones out of a sequence of different high and low tones. Each low tone represents a floor. There’s about 8 questions on this, asking you how many floors?

Part 2- You then an A3 piece of paper with names on it, next to the names are symbols. Like XO XX +- ++. You have to circle all two symbols that match.

Then the 3rd part of the test is counting a sequence of tones, whilst circling all the matching two symbols. My best advice for this one is, circle the symbols in between each sequence of tones you count.

The next part of the test is a listening/reading test. You’ll have an A4 piece of paper with information or instructions with a photo. Mine was about the braking system. You listen to the audio version of it first, and then you have 5 minutes to read it. You can take notes on a scrap piece of paper. They take the information away and the notes. You wait a through minutes and then have 18 questions to answer in 7 mins. I managed to answer all of them.

The second part of this test is cables and dials. It’s pretty straight forward. Just make sure you listen to the instructions,

Once you’ve done this, they’ll mark the papers. If you are successful you have to do the computer tests.

The computer tests- the first test was vigilance. There’s a small grey square, it is flashing slowly, it turns darker every now and again, every time it turns dark you press the button as quickly as possible. The best tip I can give is, don’t keep your hand on the button. They are quite sensitive. Make sure it’s hoovered over, or to the side of the button. I ended up with a hand spasm and hit it at the wrong time. I still passed though! You have to do this for 30 mins.

The second test is basically a photo that flashes up on the screen for 1 sec. It asks you what you see. It’s the same options for every photo. The 5 options are pedestrian, motor vehicle, bicycle/motorbike, traffic sign, traffic light. There’s 20 questions on this. Tip- only click what you see, don’t guess. You get marked down for the wrong answer.

Third test is hand coordination test, left hand toggle goes left to right, right hand toggle goes up and down. The aim is to get the red ball along the track without it going off. If it goes off the line, it makes a beep. You probably will go off, and it will beep, the aim is to recover quickly. Tip- use the base of the toggles. It’s easier to control as it’s very sensitive,

After that, I had a SJT, there’s no wrong or right answer, it’s just a personality test, they use this information for your interview at the end.

You have a break, then go back and they tell you if you’ve passed.

If successful, you have an interview with the assessors. There’s usually 7 questions, you write brief answer. Then they’ll ask you to tell them about it in more detail. They ask you questions like… how do you feel about rules? Do you think you followed the rules? What was the outcome of following the rules?

I passed first time, it’s not hard, it just hurts your brain. Best advice, if you mess up, don’t worry, keep going. No one is perfect. You might surprise yourself.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==


Mine was on braking systems
Thank you so much. This is the exact information I’ve been looking for in the forum. So far you’re the only one that’s managed to explain this clearly

Another thing I wanted to ask is which test you found most difficult and during the MMI did you provide examples and if so were they personal or work experience related?

I feel much clear and confident now about the assessment day . Many thanks:)!!
 

slinkyjinx

Member
Joined
18 Jun 2024
Messages
12
Location
uk
I used example from work experience as I’m already railway so I follow rules and procedures but they do welcome examples from personal life experiences. As long as the answer covers the question, you can use any example providing you are confident to go into more detail.

I am happy to help! It sounds scary but it really is nothing to worry about.

Just remember to take a deep breathe, relax, take your time with the practise runs (you get practice examples, just before every test) it’s testing you on your behaviours. It’s looking for people who are able to follow instructions, calm and composed, being able to carry on if you make a mistake, resilience, don’t give up.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==

I used example from work experience as I’m already railway so I follow rules and procedures but they do welcome examples from personal life experiences. As long as the answer covers the question, you can use any example providing you are confident to go into more detail.

I am happy to help! It sounds scary but it really is nothing to worry about.

Just remember to take a deep breathe, relax, take your time with the practise runs (you get practice examples, just before every test) it’s testing you on your behaviours. It’s looking for people who are able to follow instructions, calm and composed, being able to carry on if you make a mistake, resilience, don’t give up.
Just to add, the MMI was the hardest, just because I had been there all day, my brain was hurting from all the concentrating. My MMI was one hour and a half long!
 

Emma95

New Member
Joined
24 Jun 2024
Messages
4
Location
Northwich
Hello everyone!

I made it through the SJT stage and have been invited to complete a pre-recorded video interview for West Midland Trains. I've never had a video interview before, let alone for a TOC. What can I expect at this stage and what can I do the prepare for it?

Many thanks for reading this!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==

Hello everyone!

I made it through the SJT stage and have been invited to complete a pre-recorded video interview for West Midland Trains. I've never had a video interview before, let alone for a TOC. What can I expect at this stage and what can I do the prepare for it?

Many thanks for reading this!
Edit: This is for a customer service assistant (Booking Office) role
 

slinkyjinx

Member
Joined
18 Jun 2024
Messages
12
Location
uk
Hello everyone!

I made it through the SJT stage and have been invited to complete a pre-recorded video interview for West Midland Trains. I've never had a video interview before, let alone for a TOC. What can I expect at this stage and what can I do the prepare for it?

Many thanks for reading this!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==


Edit: This is for a customer service assistant (Booking Office) role
Hi!

I would write out some different examples. The questions will be based around customer service. (These are just examples and not the same as online)

1. Give us a time when you have given excellent customer service?

2. Give us a time when you have had to challenge a member staff about their behaviour

3. Give us a time when you have had a difficult customer?

4. Give us a time when you have had to work as a team?

5. Give us a time when you have used your own initiative?

Once you’ve got these written down as answers. You can put the notes on the side of the screen.

The recording is roughly 2-3 mins long. AIM to answer the question, not go off subject. Give lots of detail. Make sure you

1. Talk about the situation
2. What you needed to do
3. What you did
4. Outcome

Read the job profile, understand the role fluently and pick out the skills needed for the role. Make sure you mention this in your interview.

Railway is looking for people, who go that extra mile, team players but also can work alone, good listening skills, lead ship, accountability, dealing with conflict, attention to detail etc etc

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==

Hi!

I would write out some different examples. The questions will be based around customer service. (These are just examples and not the same as online)

1. Give us a time when you have given excellent customer service?

2. Give us a time when you have had to challenge a member staff about their behaviour

3. Give us a time when you have had a difficult customer?

4. Give us a time when you have had to work as a team?

5. Give us a time when you have used your own initiative?

Once you’ve got these written down as answers. You can put the notes on the side of the screen.

The recording is roughly 2-3 mins long. AIM to answer the question, not go off subject. Give lots of detail. Make sure you

1. Talk about the situation
2. What you needed to do
3. What you did
4. Outcome

Read the job profile, understand the role fluently and pick out the skills needed for the role. Make sure you mention this in your interview.

Railway is looking for people, who go that extra mile, team players but also can work alone, good listening skills, lead ship, accountability, dealing with conflict, attention to detail etc etc
It also doesn’t hurt to go into the station, speak to the staff about the role. Anyone would be happy to talk to you.
 

Danfilm007

Member
Joined
5 Jul 2015
Messages
330
Hello everyone!

I made it through the SJT stage and have been invited to complete a pre-recorded video interview for West Midland Trains. I've never had a video interview before, let alone for a TOC. What can I expect at this stage and what can I do the prepare for it?

Many thanks for reading this!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==


Edit: This is for a customer service assistant (Booking Office) role

Good luck! They should give you a test question for you to practice on first too.
 

kisyrpk

Member
Joined
7 May 2024
Messages
22
Location
Littlehampton
Hi Chaps.

Anywone know whether TRP-1 is a multiple choice question only or you need to write down some?

Also regarding 6 questions on the end of assessment which are based on MMI. I just wondering whether you need write down example of your experience very shortly or whole story? Someone has mentioned that it takes about 20 minutes then they drill you with the answers you've put on the sheet.
 

smudgycrane

Member
Joined
6 Jun 2024
Messages
7
Location
london
hey guys did anyone do stage 3 at the assessment centre consisting of competency and scenario-based interviews for the TFL operation officer !?
I'm trying to get some tips but can't find anything
 

slinkyjinx

Member
Joined
18 Jun 2024
Messages
12
Location
uk
Hi Chaps.

Anywone know whether TRP-1 is a multiple choice question only or you need to write down some?

Also regarding 6 questions on the end of assessment which are based on MMI. I just wondering whether you need write down example of your experience very shortly or whole story? Someone has mentioned that it takes about 20 minutes then they drill you with the answers you've put on the sheet.
It’s multiple choice, mine was 18 questions.

Just put a brief example, they will ask you to explain it in more detail in the interview
 

officewalla

Member
Joined
22 Apr 2019
Messages
204
Location
South of England
Hi everyone - I am in the application process for a driving position and despite trying, I can’t seem to get an answer from anyone about the medical. I have a recently diagnosed under active thyroid and need to start taking medication. Is this the end of my application or is this something normal that would be accepted?

I have no activity from my thyroid and take a significant dose of Levothyroxine each day. Not an issue at all with the medical although those of you with an underactive thyroid will know that if you don't take it for more than a couple of days, you do get a bit more tired than normal.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

trevor57

New Member
Joined
9 Jun 2024
Messages
1
Location
Brighton
I've just been sent an invite to book assessment day for Thameslink trainee driver. The dates offered are only 11 and 12 days away. I was under the impression that I would be sent practice material, is this correct? However, I am concerned that won't have much time to use any practice material. Is this timescale normal, and should I be concerned?
 

traineemanc07

Member
Joined
5 Feb 2024
Messages
66
Location
York
Having recently gone through the process. You will get sent practise material by GTR in prep for the day. I would suggest this is all you need. In terms of timescale, yes it can be a very quick turnaround for things like assessment day, interviews and medical.... best of luck
 

John Bishop

Member
Joined
15 Nov 2018
Messages
653
Location
Perth
Hi everyone - I am in the application process for a driving position and despite trying, I can’t seem to get an answer from anyone about the medical. I have a recently diagnosed under active thyroid and need to start taking medication. Is this the end of my application or is this something normal that would be accepted?
It’s a hormone rather than a drug so no issues for driving!
 

BrokenSam

Member
Joined
18 May 2020
Messages
272
Location
North Wales
Hi everyone - I am in the application process for a driving position and despite trying, I can’t seem to get an answer from anyone about the medical. I have a recently diagnosed under active thyroid and need to start taking medication. Is this the end of my application or is this something normal that would be accepted?

You'll be fine
 
Last edited by a moderator:

NSEWonderer

Established Member
Joined
5 Dec 2020
Messages
2,903
Location
London
I know the VSE has been discussed to death on here but how does anyone manage to do part 3 without sacrificing some errors on the signal(right hand side)?
 

Terry844

Member
Joined
22 Sep 2020
Messages
129
Location
Romford
I know the VSE has been discussed to death on here but how does anyone manage to do part 3 without sacrificing some errors on the signal(right hand side)?
It’s about prioritising the tasks and it tells you which task takes priority
 

NSEWonderer

Established Member
Joined
5 Dec 2020
Messages
2,903
Location
London
It’s about prioritising the tasks and it tells you which task takes priority
Thanks. I guess they don't mind much mistakes on the non priority task in the result that you get none to little on the primary. Will have to remember that on the day. Easily the most annoying of all the tests, I have to say!
 

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