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Southern - Trainee Train Driver - Recruitment Discussion
- Thread starter mwest123
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RailUK Forums
Lights Out
New Member
I've completed the MiniSCAAT and still waiting to hear back.
You are not alone. The last email I had from GTR on this application was on 14th December and I've heard nothing since then.
D3WY
Member
Don't worry if you have not had a rejection yet you're in the pool waiting for new training courses to come up which I have heard there are plenty of
Psalms3418
Member
Nothing yet, can take a while to hear back. My first application with GTR it took them 5 months to get back to me after doing the SJT’s.
Remember, in most cases:
No news is good news
lewisricekrisp
New Member
Hi. Any idea on how long the recruitment process can take, from application to start of training? Thanks
Psalms3418
Member
Most common answer you’ll find is: “How long is a piece of string.”
It differs greatly. Fastest I’ve seen on the forum is 5/6months but the average seems to be about anything just over a year, usually less than 2.
Many factors go into this time frame
Eg:
- an immediate open position or future opportunities (the needs of the TOC)
- what depot you’ve applied for in the respective TOC
- training course availability
- DMI availability
- etc
I’m sure others could speak on it too with examples of their own experiences.
Hope this helps
jpmateta14
Member
Just got my rejection email lads, best of luck to everyone
BarneyGumble
Member
Sorry to hear mate, how do you feel you did with the 2nd test? I haven't gotten my invite for it yet so I don't know what to expect.
Hello, I applied on the 10th of December for this trainee train driver position with Southern. I completed the initial assessment that got sent to me but I haven’t heard anything since. Does anyone have any advice / tips going forward. I know I have got a long way ahead of me. This is my dream job 
I’m in the same boat aswell still nothing I’m hoping I did well in that test and see what comes next
Good luck to all. I applied early December and I'm still waiting on a response. Does anybody know the steps in this process up to the beginning of training? I have only completed my initial online assessment so undoubtedly have a lot more to come.
Each TOC may do it differently but generally you’ll have an online assessment as you just did. Then you’d go to the assessment centre to do the psychometric tests could be done all in one go or split into two parts. After that final driver manager interview, it’s either you get the job or don’t after aswell passing medical evaluation.
I’m in the same boat as you right now did the online test. Haven’t heard anything back but i heard some people have heard back from them that they failed. No news is good news.
If you already sat the OPC assessments and passed all normally they’d fast track you to the final stage. ( the situation i am in )
williamdi
New Member
I have my test centre at the end of February for this role they got back to me about 2 weeks ago
== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==
I have made a few of the tests into programmes you can practice on your comp at home i made them because i couldn't afford the ones online so they are pretty cheap compared to the others https://willisjames.gumroad.com/l/zdbdy here is the link if you do purchase it, let me know what you think and if i can make any adjustments.
jpmateta14
Member
It was only the mini scaat I believe I failed, I applied for a Shunter Driver application a few months before which had the same tests, either its a very high bar or I'm very bad at those tests lol
Have you heard anything yet? But tips and advice, you can start revising now, there’s a Group Bourdon Test that you can revise for online if you search it up. This is one of many assessments you complete at the OPC. the trick here is to be accurate and quick. Make sure you are accurate though.Hello, I applied on the 10th of December for this trainee train driver position with Southern. I completed the initial assessment that got sent to me but I haven’t heard anything since. Does anyone have any advice / tips going forward. I know I have got a long way ahead of me. This is my dream job
Hello!
No I haven’t heard of anything yet unfortunately. I do understand this is a very long process so happy to wait.
However I have been invited to an assessment centre for trainee train drive with southwestern. I applied for the post 2 weeks ago and got my assessment next week (so it seems to be faster with southwestern)
Yeh some companies are quick when it comes to the process, some companies take a while to reply and then all of sudden they’re doing it fast. Is just a waiting game. But good luck to you, do you know what tests you are sitting on the day
On the day I’ll be sitting three tests which are…
- Vigilance Test (WAFV)
- Perception Test (ATAVT)
- Hand Co-Ordination Test (2HAND)
Advice when it comes to these tests. For the WAFV, remain focus throughout the entirety of test it’s long and vigorous (30m). You’ll need to react as fast as you can when the shape goes to a darker colour as it flashes. The test will get tiring towards the end.On the day I’ll be sitting three tests which are…
I believe if I pass them, I get invited back to do the others
- Vigilance Test (WAFV)
- Perception Test (ATAVT)
- Hand Co-Ordination Test (2HAND)
Perception test you need to be actively alert you’ll only see the picture for a sec. That’s all I can say for that.
Hand Co, you’ll have practice examples before the actual test. Take as long as you want practicing to make sure you are confident when taking the test. Tip is go as fast as you can while remaining in the shape. Find the balance. Do not go too slow, if you do see yourself coming out the shape don’t be flustered return back in the shape and continue, I myself came out a lot of times.
Thank you so much for the advice, I really appreciate it
I’ve been reading through the booklet that they gave me regarding these tests but it’s been hard to practice due to them being computerised. I’ve been watching videos on YouTube and reading through different threads on this forum to try and help.
it’s really helpful what you have mentioned to me
Yeh man I wish you all the best in the assessments stages let me know how it goes. If you need any more help feel free to messageThank you so much for the advice, I really appreciate it
I’ve been reading through the booklet that they gave me regarding these tests but it’s been hard to practice due to them being computerised. I’ve been watching videos on YouTube and reading through different threads on this forum to try and help.
it’s really helpful what you have mentioned to me
Thanks for the information. A friend of mine who applied heard back that they had failed the initial test, the day after they completed it. Hopefully I hear about the assessment soon as Im eager to get going. Good luck in your final stage assessment.
Alright, hopefully we hear from them soon! And thank you
thephonix11
New Member
I applied in October 2024 with GTR, passed my online assessments and then waited until October 2025 for classroom assessments, passed them and then got invited for a managers interview in November. Passed that then just did my MMI interview this past Wednesday and found out today I got the job (pending medical) feel so over the moon now.
Aye bro I’m happy for you man. You had a long wait but it was worth it in the end for sure. This is what I meant earlier about some TOCs. They’ll start slow then all of sudden the process is going quick.
Do you remember some of the questions you were asked at the managers interview
GrooveLine
Member
Congratulations thephonix11! That's wonderful news. Definitely worth the wait. Inspires confidence that no news really is good news. Enjoy your new career!
Hi,
I’ve been emailed to do the The mini Safe Concentration and Attention Test, but when I opened the link it’s on the official OPC assessment site. (Southern)
The problem is I have an offer for trainee train driver from GWR, starting in a couple month. My question is if I fail this online assessment will the offer from GWR be withdrawn as this assessment is on the OPC official site.
Thank you,
In Advance
I’ve been emailed to do the The mini Safe Concentration and Attention Test, but when I opened the link it’s on the official OPC assessment site. (Southern)
The problem is I have an offer for trainee train driver from GWR, starting in a couple month. My question is if I fail this online assessment will the offer from GWR be withdrawn as this assessment is on the OPC official site.
Thank you,
In Advance