TransPennine Trains - Trainee Driver Recruitment Discussion

[SCDR_WMR]

I am slightly confused, if you are invited to an assessment centre, are part one and part two on the same day?

No. They are separate dates. You will only be invited to part 2(computer tests + MMI) if you pass the written tests to TPE standard.

 

[LouG]

Is there a contact number for recruitment.

 

[will1989]

Is there a contact number for recruitment.

I don't think they have a public-facing number, just email tpe.recruitment@tpexpress.co.uk and they should get back to you.

 

[toc1234]

Hello, I've been waiting for my MMI results for around a month now. My email to TPExpress Recruitment has gone unanswered. I believe the usual wait time for MMI results are around 7 ~ 10 working days? Naturally, the waiting and the silence has me a tad worried. Anybody else been in / is currently in the same position? Is it just a case of playing the waiting game now or is this an irregular situation that needs chasing up? Thanks!

 

[nical]

Has anyone heard anything about when DMIs will take place?

 

[Brickz]

Hello, I've been waiting for my MMI results for around a month now. My email to TPExpress Recruitment has gone unanswered. I believe the usual wait time for MMI results are around 7 ~ 10 working days? Naturally, the waiting and the silence has me a tad worried. Anybody else been in / is currently in the same position? Is it just a case of playing the waiting game now or is this an irregular situation that needs chasing up? Thanks!

Reply to the opc email that invited you to the mmi, they will give you the results.

 

[will1989]

Has anyone heard anything about when DMIs will take place?

I've not heard anything, can only guess it will be in the new year now.

 

[Bandit_David]

Just had an invite to sit the OPC assessments (part 1) in leeds in early december, anyone else had these? (I've applied for Preston).

Sorry for the late reply. I know for the June applicants, they had 4 go through to interview. I'm assuming 1 of the 4 got a role that started in October.
I was placed in the talent pool, but not sure if the others were too.

Good luck with the psychometrics! Just keep practicing, with the sounds of it, the dot test gets a few people. Use the programme from this website that generates them, I also kept a small word search book with me and tried to complete them as quickly as possible.

 

[kepler]

Just sat the stage 2 computer based assessments. Passed those and then sat the MMI. I have no idea how it went but I'm pretty unsure about my performance .

I found myself responding "fine" to most of the "how did that make you feel?" questions. How did other people respond?

Just a waiting game now, or back in a year

Edit: got the email that I failed the MMI. More work to do!

 

[will1989]

Just sat the stage 2 computer based assessments. Passed those and then sat the MMI. I have no idea how it went but I'm pretty unsure about my performance .

I found myself responding "fine" to most of the "how did that make you feel?" questions. How did other people respond?

Just a waiting game now, or back in a year

Edit: got the email that I failed the MMI. More work to do!

Commiserations, but well done on passing the rest of the tests!

I'm not sure how much help I can be as I was convinced I'd failed my MMI but found this helpful when coming up with some strong examples for the MMI:

The OPC - Psychology - Case Studies - NTS Story 1: What Non-Technical Skills (NTS) are most important to safe train driving?

I think (as I say I'm no expert) when they ask you how you feel they're asking your attitudes to things, so be positive about following rules and procedures, be comfortable in communicating with others, feel confident that you can maintain your concentration and enjoy working alone etc.

 

[kepler]

Commiserations, but well done on passing the rest of the tests!

I'm not sure how much help I can be as I was convinced I'd failed my MMI but found this helpful when coming up with some strong examples for the MMI:

The OPC - Psychology - Case Studies - NTS Story 1: What Non-Technical Skills (NTS) are most important to safe train driving?

I think (as I say I'm no expert) when they ask you how you feel they're asking your attitudes to things, so be positive about following rules and procedures, be comfortable in communicating with others, feel confident that you can maintain your concentration and enjoy working alone etc.

Thanks so much for that, it should help with the next one.

I think reflecting on it I was perhaps more neutral rather than positive in a lot of aspects. I know I also didn't follow STAR as strictly as I could've as well.

I'll ring OPC and ask for feedback this week as well, hopefully that will give me a few pointers.

Good luck to everyone else still in the running!

 

[Rocco 698]

Just sat the stage 2 computer based assessments. Passed those and then sat the MMI. I have no idea how it went but I'm pretty unsure about my performance .

I found myself responding "fine" to most of the "how did that make you feel?" questions. How did other people respond?

Just a waiting game now, or back in a year

Edit: got the email that I failed the MMI. More work to do!

Yes, just done my Stage 2 / MMI - and I feel exactly like you. It was my 2nd attempt so I was feeling the pressure but I sailed through the computer-based tests. It was just the MMI I felt I struggled with. But, you don’t know what they’re looking for. The young lady who interviewed me was so chatty pre & post interview but during the interview she was the consummate professional and a credit to the OPC! I was almost 2.5 times her age but, on the one hand she put me at ease yet I felt quite intimidated! Anyway, if anyone wants some great info, months of research and evidence gathering, that will be of no use at all there please DM me!!

 

[Urobach]

Further Trainee Train Driver (Talent Pool) vacancies for

Liverpool

TPE Careers

www.tpexpresscareers.co.uk

Manchester Piccadilly

TPE Careers

www.tpexpresscareers.co.uk

Sheffield

TPE Careers

www.tpexpresscareers.co.uk

Closing on 26 January 2026

Quoted the Sheffield advert below

Job description​

Trainee Train Driver - Sheffield (Talent Pool) (024661)​

• Sheffield Railway Station
• Permanent - Full Time
• Train Drivers
• Driver

Trainee Train Driver – Sheffield

• Salary during training: £28,523pa
• Salary increasing to (after 8 weeks of completed training) is: £68,931pa
• Hours: Around the clock shift work including weekends
• Location: Sheffield
• Course Start Date: Talent Pool for 26/27

We're TransPennine Express and we're going places. Whether that's helping customers reach their destination, or ensuring our colleagues feel fulfilled and supported in their careers. We're looking for people with drive and enthusiasm to join our amazing team and help push for more progress within the rail industry. We look forward to meeting new faces and eager minds, ready to join our mission of creating a better-connected network in the North and Scotland, for good.
Our Train Drivers play a vital role in delivering safe, efficient and reliable journeys for our customers across our extensive network. The role demands high levels of concentration, excellent observational skills, and the ability to react quickly and make sound decisions while following operational rules and procedures at all times. In addition to driving responsibilities, you'll also contribute to great customer service—so professionalism, approachability, and a smart appearance are essential.
We're now recruiting Trainee Train Drivers for our Sheffield depot.
Before applying, please consider the following:

• Location: You must live within a 60‑minute commutable distance of the depot. Proof of residence will be required at interview.
• Shifts: You must be able to work a variety of shifts, including early mornings, late finishes, nights, and weekends.
• Rules & Procedures: You should be comfortable following strict processes and working within safety‑critical guidelines.
• Learning: You must be able to absorb, understand, and recall complex technical information.
• Personal Qualities: We're looking for individuals who are responsible, reliable, and conscientious.

To help us select the right candidates, the recruitment process includes several stages:
Phase 1:
Online application and questions, Smart Chat interview questions, a measured concentration test (online), and local Driver Management shortlisting.
Successful candidates will progress to Phase 2. (Please note: spaces are limited.)
Phase 2:
Trainee Driver Psychometric Assessments – Stage 1.
If successful, you will be invited to Stage 2.
Phase 3:
Trainee Driver Psychometric Assessments – Stage 2.
Successful candidates will progress to interview.
Phase 4:
Interview with members of the Driver Management Team.
Phase 5:
Medical assessment. For safety reasons, you must meet minimum medical standards, including specific vision and hearing requirements.
Please note: due to the nature of night driving, we cannot accept applicants who have undergone certain types of eye surgery.
During your first 9–12 months, you'll undertake an intensive training programme delivered both in the classroom and out on the network. This may include periods away from home. You'll also complete the Level 3 Train Driver Qualification and functional skills (where applicable).
Training is demanding, and you'll need commitment, focus and determination to succeed.
If you've applied previously and wish to be considered again, you will need to submit a new application.
Due to high volumes of applications, we're unable to provide feedback if you are not shortlisted.
This vacancy may close early if we receive sufficient applications.
Going places has never felt better!
At TransPennine Express, it's our goal to help people reach their full potential. We offer the opportunity to not just join the transformation of the rail industry, but to lead it. Our values are designed with every team member in mind; whether it's ensuring you feel free to be yourself at work, or encouraging everyone to pull together and support each other. We promise to value our people for the individuals they are. Whichever department becomes your destination, from the tip of the train, to the tail, our only focus is heading at full speed into the future. So, if making people crack a smile helps you feel at home, and raising standards is second nature to you, we'd love to have you onboard.

 

[Sorcerer]

I've been going through the application forms, and I must say that I feel sorry for anyone who might've been out of work for five years hoping to get back in because they expect at least one work experience within that time frame. Is this actually a normal practice within the railway just out of interest?

 

[Ryanc18]

I have applied for a trainee position at Liverpool. I currently hold a pass in the psychometrics which I passed in sept 2023 with Northern. Does anybody know if this pass will be valid with TPE?

 

[Fokx]

I have applied for a trainee position at Liverpool. I currently hold a pass in the psychometrics which I passed in sept 2023 with Northern. Does anybody know if this pass will be valid with TPE?

Only if your pass meets the enhanced TPE standard.

The requirements of TPE are higher than Northerns

 

[Ryanc18]

Only if your pass meets the enhanced TPE standard.

The requirements of TPE are higher than Northerns

Thanks for that. Presume TPE will just check my results as I’ve provided my NI number on the application?

 

[Fokx]

Thanks for that. Presume TPE will just check my results as I’ve provided my NI number on the application?

Yes, if you pass the application sift and you've not met the standard you'll be invited to an assesment centre where you'd only complete the tests where you haven't met the standard.

Or alternatively, if you have met the TPE standard, you'd just go straight to the driver manager interview.

 

[Manda2194]

Yes, if you pass the application sift and you've not met the standard you'll be invited to an assesment centre where you'd only complete the tests where you haven't met the standard.

Or alternatively, if you have met the TPE standard, you'd just go straight to the driver manager interview.

My experience was different here. I got told I didn’t meet the tpe enhanced scores so they cancelled my application

 

[SCDR_WMR]

My experience was different here. I got told I didn’t meet the tpe enhanced scores so they cancelled my application

Had you sat the tests recently? The only reason I can think of that you would get that response is it you weren't able to resit them during this application process due to the cool down time between testing

 

[Manda2194]

Had you sat the tests recently? The only reason I can think of that you would get that response is it you weren't able to resit them during this application process due to the cool down time between testing

Not since 2022. It was a weird one. Nobody has ever gave me a straight answer on why

 

[Sorcerer]

Completed my application today and not a moment too soon. The Liverpool and Manchester vacancies due to close on the 26th have closed early this evening!

 

[Fokx]

My experience was different here. I got told I didn’t meet the tpe enhanced scores so they cancelled my application

Did you attempt the assesments more than once?

If you had used both lives (now three for new applicants) you wouldn't be able to reapply, A pass at a lower standard is considered a fail for TOCs with a higher standard.

 

[Manda2194]

Did you attempt the assesments more than once?

If you had used both lives (now three for new applicants) you wouldn't be able to reapply, A pass at a lower standard is considered a fail for TOCs with a higher standard.

Attempted twice but the passed the second time to enhanced albeit not TPE advance.

I thought they would then give me a chance to increase the scores but they just withdrew the application when they found out

 

[Fokx]

Attempted twice but the passed the second time to enhanced albeit not TPE advance.

I thought they would then give me a chance to increase the scores but they just withdrew the application when they found out

You aren't able to improve your current scores I'm afraid. Both lives have been used up and you won't be able to reapply successfully for Transpennine Express again

 

[Manda2194]

You aren't able to improve your current scores I'm afraid. Both lives have been used up and you won't be able to reapply successfully for Transpennine Express again

Yes that surprised me. I thought because it was still a pass you get another opportunity

 

[Brickz]

Yes that surprised me. I thought because it was still a pass you get another opportunity

RIS-3751-TOM Iss 4 - Psychometric Testing Attempts Update - 07/12/2024

RSSB has made an update to RIS-3751-TOM which deals with all things to do with psychometric testing and candidate finding: RIS-3751-TOM Iss 4 Summary Of Changes RIS-3751-TOM Iss 4 has been updated and aligned to current good practice and legislation for train driver psychometric...

www.railforums.co.uk

 

[Luna78]

Has anyone put an application in for the latest vacancies at Manchester?

 

[SCDR_WMR]

Has anyone put an application in for the latest vacancies at Manchester?

Yes, why?

 

[Luna78]

Yes, why?

I have put an application in too. Thought it might be nice for us all to share updates and where we are in the process.

I completed the 2 online assessments on Monday and my application is with the hiring manager.