GWR - Train Manager / Conductor Recruitment and Discussion

[loki30]

I my mate was a host and he went to his station on day one and it was there for him and then went to
Training after that!

What station mate

Thank you for that. Bristol is my depot.

 

[Frenchy7119]

Thank you for that. Bristol is my depot.

Ok cool well good luck enjoy your training, when did you apply

 

[McReadie]

Hello everyone,
I was offered a start date in March, which I accepted. Uniform and Medicals are all done, I was just wondering if uniform is provided on the very first day of training, or I’ll need to go shopping for some extra bits so I can look smart while I wait for uniform issue? Thank you for your kind replies.

Doesn't really matter, if they don't have uniform ready just dress smart from what you already have.

 

[edwin1812]

Ok cool well good luck enjoy your training, when did you apply

I think it should be August, since we start at the same time and work from the same depot.

 

[jonesy2026]

Because you passed them it doesn't matter. The RAAT/SCAAT/TCT/TST do have a limit (2 attempts I believe with GWR). First fail 6 months wait, second fail 12 month wait and then exclusion.
Unlike a driver, the fail doesn't apply across all TOCs.
Because you didn't fail, these rules didn't apply. Of course, happy to be corrected if I'm wrong on this.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Jan 2026 ==


Yes, they're not straight forward but I didn't want to add that in the initial reply. Were they similar to the example, or different?
And of course, good luck!

Hi McReadie, they were very different from the example questions. I completed this on saturday and still not heard nothing yet. If I have passed surely I would have been sent another reminder by now to complete the next online test, I'm not sure how long inbetween each tests are, would you happen to know? thank you

 

[loki30]

Ok cool well good luck enjoy your training, when did you apply

Thank you man, I applied in August/September round there. Edwin1812 is correct in saying we must have applied at the same time.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Jan 2026 ==

Doesn't really matter, if they don't have uniform ready just dress smart from what you already have.

Thank you

 

[Frenchy7119]

I think it should be August, since we start at the same time and work from the same depot.

O lucky you been in the talent holding pool for Swansea now since mid 2024

 

[McReadie]

Hi McReadie, they were very different from the example questions. I completed this on saturday and still not heard nothing yet. If I have passed surely I would have been sent another reminder by now to complete the next online test, I'm not sure how long inbetween each tests are, would you happen to know? thank you

Were they similar to my example?
They're not always that quick to reply - either, way you will be notified.
It's usually 1-3 days between tests.

 

[edwin1812]

O lucky you been in the talent holding pool for Swansea now since mid 2024

I feel really sorry about that, and I heard they weren't letting you change depots. Hope you get an offer soon!

 

[jonesy2026]

Were they similar to my example?
They're not always that quick to reply - either, way you will be notified.
It's usually 1-3 days between tests.

Hi, yes I would say more similar to your sample. I received this morning a link to do the Practice ticket checking test so iv just completed that and got up to question 15 out of a possible 40 questions. Fingers crossed this was enough and went well to, thank you for your help

 

[Frenchy7119]

I feel really sorry about that, and I heard they weren't letting you change depots. Hope you get an offer soon!

Me to have put in for Host and Driver now as well which are both progressing so fingers crossed! Enjoy your training mate

 

[McReadie]

Hi, yes I would say more similar to your sample. I received this morning a link to do the Practice ticket checking test so iv just completed that and got up to question 15 out of a possible 40 questions. Fingers crossed this was enough and went well to, thank you for your help

That should be enough really if you're mostly accurate.
You're not expected to finish it all.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Jan 2026 ==

Hi everyone, I have am through to interview stage and came across this forum while doing my prep. Any advice for the interview? It’s the stage I am most nervous about as I seem to always struggle in an interview scenario. Any help on questions I am likely to face and length of interview would be greatly appreciated

You have to pass the group assessment to progress.
Interview is competency based.... customer service, safety, difficult decisions/situations, changed someones mind, motivation for applying etc, etc.
Note : these aren't the questions but just a pointer. Different depots may have different questions.

FYI open attachment

 

[singjungle]

Because you passed them it doesn't matter. The RAAT/SCAAT/TCT/TST do have a limit (2 attempts I believe with GWR). First fail 6 months wait, second fail 12 month wait and then exclusion.
Unlike a driver, the fail doesn't apply across all TOCs.
Because you didn't fail, these rules didn't apply. Of course, happy to be corrected if I'm wrong on this.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Jan 2026 ==


Yes, they're not straight forward but I didn't want to add that in the initial reply. Were they similar to the example, or different?
And of course, good luck!

Thanks for replying everyone, I have been able to confirm with GWR that if you fail twice at the SCAAT they will not consider you for the position again.

McReadie, do you know if the SCAAT uses shapes only or special characters such as brackets and parentheses, or can it be a mix of everything?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Jan 2026 ==

Hi chap, I believe I can help here. Yes, GWR require the OPC psychometric tests. However I can confirm that if you've done them within the last two years and passed, and they're recorded on the official OPC in London database, they will allow you to carry these and thus avoid having to sit them again for this particular campaign.
As for failing two times - that doesn't count for Guards / TMs / Conductors OPC psychometrics, only driver testing has the two strikes and you're out regime. I've sat the guards/TMs OPC psychometrics at least ten times and passed them all (do not ask why...) and can assure you there's no limit.

Thank you for replying!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Jan 2026 ==

The two time rule is only for Driver I think! I did it a few time for TFW and failed it twice and failed it it first time at GWR passed after that but yea I found SCAAT the hardest, but it last down to practise! I bought some
Books on line which you can practice with

Thank you for your reply, hope it goes well for you!

 

[McReadie]

Thanks for replying everyone, I have been able to confirm with GWR that if you fail twice at the SCAAT they will not consider you for the position again.

McReadie, do you know if the SCAAT uses shapes only or special characters such as brackets and parentheses, or can it be a mix of everything?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Jan 2026 ==


I think SCAAT in the actual test does use shapes/chatacters/letters.
I'll try and and attach some simplified examples for both SCAAT and RAAT.
The tests will be a lot more involved and will be different but you can get a general idea. Remember - speed and accuracy.
Scan the SCAAT as you would a crossword.


== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Jan 2026 ==



I think SCAAT in the actual test does use shapes/chatacters/letters.
I'll try and and attach some simplified examples for both SCAAT and RAAT.
The tests will be a lot more involved and will be different but you can get a general idea.

 

[D1015]

First of all - apologies for any misinformation / mistakes on my part. I honestly did not know that GWR had an internal standard of even Guards only getting to sit the OPC tests twice in a lifetime (says he relievedly mopping his brow, now in his position). Most TOCs seem to not be bothered as long as you apply only every >6months. But I do know for a fact that GWR will accept external OPC results ie if sat with another TOC application.
The one thing I did discover, and this was confirmed by an OPC officer on the day I found out in August, was that although every TOC uses the OPC tests, they don't always upload them to the central OPC database in London! So if you sit with TOC A, pass but then fail at the manager interview and apply to TOC B, you may have to sit them again because TOC A wouldn't have uploaded them to OPC.



I discovered this having sat for a very angry TOC in January 2025 - I passed the OPC tests but they weren't accepted when I applied for a different TOC formerly ran by a rifleman. At the second TOC therefore we had to sit four OPC tests, in high school exam conditions, as part of the Assessment Centre. However, this second TOC had recruited the actual OPC to come up and invigilate and log the test results, meaning that my August 2025 results were on the central OPC system, but not the ones sat in Jan 2025. Thus when it came to GWR I did not have to sit any OPC - I went straight from the GWR SJT to holding emails to invite to assessment centre / interview.

 

[jonesy2026]

Hi, I have just sat the last of my online tests which was RAAT, does anyone know how long it will take to hear back whether I have passed or failed at all? Its the awful wait now.. so would be nice to know a rough estimate if anyone has one, thank you

 

[McReadie]

First of all - apologies for any misinformation / mistakes on my part. I honestly did not know that GWR had an internal standard of even Guards only getting to sit the OPC tests twice in a lifetime (says he relievedly mopping his brow, now in his position). Most TOCs seem to not be bothered as long as you apply only every >6months. But I do know for a fact that GWR will accept external OPC results ie if sat with another TOC application.
The one thing I did discover, and this was confirmed by an OPC officer on the day I found out in August, was that although every TOC uses the OPC tests, they don't always upload them to the central OPC database in London! So if you sit with TOC A, pass but then fail at the manager interview and apply to TOC B, you may have to sit them again because TOC A wouldn't have uploaded them to OPC.



I discovered this having sat for a very angry TOC in January 2025 - I passed the OPC tests but they weren't accepted when I applied for a different TOC formerly ran by a rifleman. At the second TOC therefore we had to sit four OPC tests, in high school exam conditions, as part of the Assessment Centre. However, this second TOC had recruited the actual OPC to come up and invigilate and log the test results, meaning that my August 2025 results were on the central OPC system, but not the ones sat in Jan 2025. Thus when it came to GWR I did not have to sit any OPC - I went straight from the GWR SJT to holding emails to invite to assessment centre / interview.

Hi, SWR also allow only 2 attempts.
I'm surprised at the other information though, as GWR have previously refused to accept the TST/TCT/SCAAT/RAAT results that were passed with another TOC.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 15 Jan 2026 ==

Hi, I have just sat the last of my online tests which was RAAT, does anyone know how long it will take to hear back whether I have passed or failed at all? Its the awful wait now.. so would be nice to know a rough estimate if anyone has one, thank you

If you passed the others, then will have passed this too.
You'll by know Tuesday I should think, but you'll have to be in the shortlist to progress - 'application with the hiring manager'.

 

[Colly103]

Hi apologies if this has already been answered elsewhere. Does failing any of the OPC conductor tests go against your lives when applying for a driver position? Also if you sit the OPC conductors ones and were unsuccessful- then would you have to wait 6 months before you could apply for a driver or conductors position again?

 

[D1015]

Hi, SWR also allow only 2 attempts.
I'm surprised at the other information though, as GWR have previously refused to accept the TST/TCT/SCAAT/RAAT results that were passed with another TOC.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 15 Jan 2026 ==


If you passed the others, then will have passed this too.
You'll by know Tuesday I should think but you'll have to be in the shortlist to progress - 'application the hiring manager'.

Wasn't aware that SWR had the limit too.

(They also had a crazy numerical test Atop the usual OPC tests....and indeed another set of results to add to my collection.... /General Grievous)

As for GW yes, quite. My first time I applied with them I had valid passes from elsewhere but was told I had to do them again - so did, and passed them.

<This time> I suspect differed due to my point re official OPC uploads and the fact that some TOCs don't bother sharing/uploading to OPC 'central' whereas I sat a round that was monitored and scored by the OPC themselves, not the TOC, prior to this campaign.

 

[rob wright]

Hi apologies if this has already been answered elsewhere. Does failing any of the OPC conductor tests go against your lives when applying for a driver position? Also if you sit the OPC conductors ones and were unsuccessful- then would you have to wait 6 months before you could apply for a driver or conductors position again?

Conductors would be a 6 month wait I dont believe it will count agaist you applying for driver as its a different process. apply and they will let you know if your not eligable.

 

[Colly103]

Conductors would be a 6 month wait I dont believe it will count agaist you applying for driver as its a different process. apply and they will let you know if your not eligable.

Many thanks for the response - I was just concerned that the OPC testing may count against me! Thanks for the advice

 

[McReadie]

Hi apologies if this has already been answered elsewhere. Does failing any of the OPC conductor tests go against your lives when applying for a driver position? Also if you sit the OPC conductors ones and were unsuccessful- then would you have to wait 6 months before you could apply for a driver or conductors position again?

Hi.
6 month wait if reapplying for Conductor/Guard/TM, though maybe able to apply with different TOCs.
Driver is a different role, the above shouldn't apply.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 16 Jan 2026 ==

Wasn't aware that SWR had the limit too.

(They also had a crazy numerical test Atop the usual OPC tests....and indeed another set of results to add to my collection.... /General Grievous)

As for GW yes, quite. My first time I applied with them I had valid passes from elsewhere but was told I had to do them again - so did, and passed them.

<This time> I suspect differed due to my point re official OPC uploads and the fact that some TOCs don't bother sharing/uploading to OPC 'central' whereas I sat a round that was monitored and scored by the OPC themselves, not the TOC, prior to this campaign.

They had a 3 test limit with TCT/TST. So it's probably 3, but they have now abolished the TCT/TST altogether.

 

[voyagerdude220]

Just to clarify from what has been stated in this thread, would failing the SCAAT with GWR prevent me from applying for any future TM/Conductor jobs with them? Also would they hold any failures with applications with other TOCs? Thank you.

 

[Colly103]

Hi.
6 month wait if reapplying for Conductor/Guard/TM, though maybe able to apply with different TOCs.
Driver is a different role, the above shouldn't apply.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 16 Jan 2026 ==


They had a 3 test limit with TCT/TST. So it's probably 3, but they have now abolished the TCT/TST altogether.

Thanks for that. I’m shortlisted for a conductor role but a little nervous that you only get a limited number of lives so was worried I may lose a life as such. Appreciate your advice

 

[jonesy2026]

Hi, SWR also allow only 2 attempts.
I'm surprised at the other information though, as GWR have previously refused to accept the TST/TCT/SCAAT/RAAT results that were passed with another TOC.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 15 Jan 2026 ==


If you passed the others, then will have passed this too.
You'll by know Tuesday I should think, but you'll have to be in the shortlist to progress - 'application with the hiring manager'.

Hi Mcreadie, I've heard back this morning and received feedback stating I failed RAAT. Absolutely gutted, but iv been told to re-apply in 6 months time. Would you happen to know if I would have to redo all the online tests again or just the one I failed on?

 

[McReadie]

Just to clarify from what has been stated in this thread, would failing the SCAAT with GWR prevent me from applying for any future TM/Conductor jobs with them? Also would they hold any failures with applications with other TOCs? Thank you.

You have 2 attempts.
Have you failed before with another TOC? If so, what is it an OPC test?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 16 Jan 2026 ==

Hi Mcreadie, I've heard back this morning and received feedback stating I failed RAAT. Absolutely gutted, but iv been told to re-apply in 6 months time. Would you happen to know if I would have to redo all the online tests again or just the one I failed on?

I'm sorry to hear that.
No, just the one you failed (if reapplying with GWR). Though I'm not sure if you have to do the numerical again.
You can always ask.

 

[singjungle]

Thanks for this!

 

[McReadie]

Thanks for that. I’m shortlisted for a conductor role but a little nervous that you only get a limited number of lives so was worried I may lose a life as such. Appreciate your advice

Not being shortlisted is not a fail.
Even if you don't progress beyond shortlisting, the results will still be valid. You wouldn't need to wait 6 months to apply for a similar role if you're not taken forward - you can apply instantly.
The 6 month rule applies only when you rack up a fail at any point including interview.

Hope this helps.

 

[Colly103]

Super. Thanks again for your help

 

[voyagerdude220]

You have 2 attempts.
Have you failed before with another TOC? If so, what is it an OPC test?

Yes I've failed the SCAAT at least 3 times although I've feeling it's been one each at three different TOCs. All OPC tests.