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Assessments & Medicals discussion

RyanMabey12

Member
Joined
16 Mar 2021
Messages
7
Location
Wales
Any train drivers on Mounjaro?

Is it allowed? Obviously would be declared
You have to take it when you have two days of rest. You need a 48hr buffer incase of any side effects. Theres a few where i work who take it and this is what they have been told
 
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Harlequinuk

On Moderation
Joined
15 May 2025
Messages
345
Location
UK
Hi everyone. As the title says, where can i find practise safety critical tests , for GTR Station Staff roles ,please?
 

scott5050

New Member
Joined
12 Mar 2026
Messages
1
Location
Edinburgh
Hi all, I’ve recently applied for conductor with scotrail. I have epilepsy and was wondering if this will hinder my application. I’ve just sat my online assessments and waiting to hear back.

Thanks
 

Hugo3000

Member
Joined
21 Jan 2020
Messages
91
Location
North
Depends. Anyone who has active epilepsy will not pass the medical, however if it's under control and has been for many years there's a chance depending on how strict Scotrail is - I have no idea what their policies are.
 

Rosa1989

New Member
Joined
10 Aug 2022
Messages
4
Location
Sussex
I’m a driver (not for Scotrail) and have a chronic life long condition under control with medication.

Like you, when seeking employment I wrecked my head about being ruled out because of it, the only answer there’ll ever be is it’s all case by case and they’ll look at the side effects of medication, how the meds work for you. Your history of incidents/relapses and when the last ones were, severity, etc.

No one is going to be able to say you’ll be fine, only you know your condition. But don’t stress it, go to the medical, be honest and up front and have a chat and see where it goes.
 
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CC2TD

Member
Joined
11 Mar 2026
Messages
5
Location
Hove
I’ve recently been invited for an assessment day with GTR. I’m practicing all the tests in the booklet and just wondering if there’s any advice with regards to the MMI and what sort of questions are asked. I‘ve been in my current job for 25yrs which is a safety & customer focused role along with working long hours on various shifts. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks
 

SZR

New Member
Joined
16 Mar 2026
Messages
3
Location
Coventry
I am due my OPC testing in 2 weeks' time. I have been practicing the material sent by the TOC and some materials from how2become/train driver info. Are there any other materials that can help?

I am really struggling with the flashing images- I just cannot remember what I have seen as the images only shows for a split second. Can anyone give any tips? Also, anyone who has sat the test, can you please advise if on the day all flashing images questions will be out of the same 5 options (pedestrian, bike, motor vehicle, traffic light and signs) or will it be random questions?
 

driverd

Member
Joined
29 Mar 2021
Messages
910
Location
UK
I am due my OPC testing in 2 weeks' time. I have been practicing the material sent by the TOC and some materials from how2become/train driver info. Are there any other materials that can help?

I am really struggling with the flashing images- I just cannot remember what I have seen as the images only shows for a split second. Can anyone give any tips? Also, anyone who has sat the test, can you please advise if on the day all flashing images questions will be out of the same 5 options (pedestrian, bike, motor vehicle, traffic light and signs) or will it be random questions?

Hi there,

So you do right by practicing with the how2become stuff, it is really good.

If there's one part you're struggling with, all I can suggest is to keep practicing. These tests are aptitude tests, not skills tests - so unfortunately, if you're not naturally apt in a certain area, they are designed to filter candidates out. Other than practicing, its very hard to suggest any other strategies.

It was a very long while ago now that I did my drivers aptitude test so I'm probably not the best person to answer about current tests, though I must say I can't actually remember what the images were that flashed up (that bodes well, doesn't it?!).

All the best with the assessments, it sounds as though you're doing absolutely the right thing by taking them seriously and investing in the preparation materials.

Finally, this thread will likely soon be moved into the careers section of the website, if you're struggling to find it.
 

SZR

New Member
Joined
16 Mar 2026
Messages
3
Location
Coventry
Hi there,

So you do right by practicing with the how2become stuff, it is really good.

If there's one part you're struggling with, all I can suggest is to keep practicing. These tests are aptitude tests, not skills tests - so unfortunately, if you're not naturally apt in a certain area, they are designed to filter candidates out. Other than practicing, its very hard to suggest any other strategies.

It was a very long while ago now that I did my drivers aptitude test so I'm probably not the best person to answer about current tests, though I must say I can't actually remember what the images were that flashed up (that bodes well, doesn't it?!).

All the best with the assessments, it sounds as though you're doing absolutely the right thing by taking them seriously and investing in the preparation materials.

Finally, this thread will likely soon be moved into the careers section of the website, if you're struggling to find it.
Thank you!
 

Reactor Scram

Member
Joined
3 Feb 2024
Messages
122
Location
Bristol
Hi, I have failed this test and since passed it.

It's the 5 things that you described, yes.

There are maybe 25 or so questions non stop. The key to this is practice over and over. If you've invested in some sample software then just keep at it. I practiced a lot for my 2nd and final go and it felt almost natural by the end. Everyone's brain is different. If you search this forum there's lots of advice. People say don't guess which is sound advice but if you miss stuff by being too cautious then you'll fail as well.
Practice until you're consistently getting good scores on the software. Pretty old fashioned but there is no silver bullet for this.

Very best of luck.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==

This is what I used - worked really well for me:

 

RiverDon

On Moderation
Joined
11 Mar 2024
Messages
297
Location
UK
I am due my OPC testing in 2 weeks' time. I have been practicing the material sent by the TOC and some materials from how2become/train driver info. Are there any other materials that can help?

I am really struggling with the flashing images- I just cannot remember what I have seen as the images only shows for a split second. Can anyone give any tips? Also, anyone who has sat the test, can you please advise if on the day all flashing images questions will be out of the same 5 options (pedestrian, bike, motor vehicle, traffic light and signs) or will it be random questions?

It is a really hard test! The options after each picture are always the same and in the same order. It is an adaptive test so the pictures will get more and more complicated and cluttered as you progress until you start making errors. As mentioned in the post above I have read before that it is negatively marked meaning you lose points if you say that you saw something that wasn't in the picture so you should only tick the box if you are definitely sure you saw something. But I don't have any proper evidence of that other than a random thing I read online - it might not be true!

Within the list 6 months or so someone posted a link here for an online practice version they had made which was really good but I unfortunately can't find the post now. I think it might have been in the Scotrail thread.
 

aaron_butler18

New Member
Joined
16 Mar 2026
Messages
1
Location
sheffield
Hi so I’m winding myself up because I have just done the SCAAT test for Sheffield Supertram and I’m scared I have failed basically I did 6/9 pages because I messed up the first 2 on the pages I did I believe I got halfway down do I still have a chance?
 

Neatro

Member
Joined
30 May 2018
Messages
536
Location
Birmingham
I am due my OPC testing in 2 weeks' time. I have been practicing the material sent by the TOC and some materials from how2become/train driver info. Are there any other materials that can help?

I am really struggling with the flashing images- I just cannot remember what I have seen as the images only shows for a split second. Can anyone give any tips? Also, anyone who has sat the test, can you please advise if on the day all flashing images questions will be out of the same 5 options (pedestrian, bike, motor vehicle, traffic light and signs) or will it be random questions?
You really don't need how2become, there's so much information hidden on this forum and help with what you need to practice, but that being said if it helps then it's fine.

As for the photo test, easiest way to practice is by a few ways, you can either just click somewhere completely random on Google Street view look and instantly close your eyes and try to recall things you saw OR like I did there's multiple images on Google of street scenes or videos of street views.

It's just a case of practice, you can even do the exact same thing in public but pick areas that don't have much moving traffic etc (like a quiet side street) that way when you open your eyes again nothings changed and you can see what you caught or didn't.
 

mr_ixolite

Member
Joined
6 Nov 2025
Messages
92
Location
Swadlincote
I am due my OPC testing in 2 weeks' time. I have been practicing the material sent by the TOC and some materials from how2become/train driver info. Are there any other materials that can help?

I am really struggling with the flashing images- I just cannot remember what I have seen as the images only shows for a split second. Can anyone give any tips? Also, anyone who has sat the test, can you please advise if on the day all flashing images questions will be out of the same 5 options (pedestrian, bike, motor vehicle, traffic light and signs) or will it be random questions?
There are videos of this test on youtube you can practice with and yes all the pictures are street scenes and you are looking for the same 5 things each time, read the instructions carefully at the start because they clarify what is / isn't a street sign, vehicle etc

A great piece of advice I saw on here which you may have already read is look for the small things first, small road signs, pedestrians etc as you will pick up the larger things like cars in your peripheral vision as you do so, while doing the test I found it helped to mutter under my breath what I had seen and repeat it until I had ticked the boxes, I also practiced any time I was driving, looking straight ahead at the road as normal and picking things up in my peripheral vision as I drove along and going into a bit more detail, bin - what colour? group of schoolkids - how many? parked car, what make? etc, it's all good training
 

pp7822

New Member
Joined
17 Mar 2026
Messages
2
Location
Middlesex
Hi Guys,

Sorry if a repetitious post, but having used the forum search function I can find little information.

In relation to the visual search excercise (VSE) where can I find some practice material - Online or otherwise.

I am struggling to find much at all. Many thanks in advance!
 

Pabl007

Member
Joined
6 Jul 2025
Messages
40
Location
London
Hi all,

For those that have passed the DMI previously, how long did you wait to be invited for your medical?

I’ve been asked about my notice period, confirm date of birth etc. And been told they are planning for next course intakes for 2026.

Just trying to get an insight to others experiences and manage my own expectations lol
Hi,

Passed my DMI in October, got the call for the medical and the conditional offer around middle of January and approx a week later got my formal offer and start date for the course. It really seems to vary from TOC to TOC and also depot dependant on demand and availability.
 

RyanMD

Member
Joined
13 Jan 2026
Messages
31
Location
England
Hi,

Passed my DMI in October, got the call for the medical and the conditional offer around middle of January and approx a week later got my formal offer and start date for the course. It really seems to vary from TOC to TOC and also depot dependant on demand and availability.
Thanks mate appreciate the response
 

SZR

New Member
Joined
16 Mar 2026
Messages
3
Location
Coventry
Hi, I have failed this test and since passed it.

It's the 5 things that you described, yes.

There are maybe 25 or so questions non stop. The key to this is practice over and over. If you've invested in some sample software then just keep at it. I practiced a lot for my 2nd and final go and it felt almost natural by the end. Everyone's brain is different. If you search this forum there's lots of advice. People say don't guess which is sound advice but if you miss stuff by being too cautious then you'll fail as well.
Practice until you're consistently getting good scores on the software. Pretty old fashioned but there is no silver bullet for this.

Very best of luck.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==

This is what I used - worked really well for me:

Thank you - appreciate the advice!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==

You really don't need how2become, there's so much information hidden on this forum and help with what you need to practice, but that being said if it helps then it's fine.

As for the photo test, easiest way to practice is by a few ways, you can either just click somewhere completely random on Google Street view look and instantly close your eyes and try to recall things you saw OR like I did there's multiple images on Google of street scenes or videos of street views.

It's just a case of practice, you can even do the exact same thing in public but pick areas that don't have much moving traffic etc (like a quiet side street) that way when you open your eyes again nothings changed and you can see what you caught or didn't.
wow - i'll try that, thank you!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==

There are videos of this test on youtube you can practice with and yes all the pictures are street scenes and you are looking for the same 5 things each time, read the instructions carefully at the start because they clarify what is / isn't a street sign, vehicle etc

A great piece of advice I saw on here which you may have already read is look for the small things first, small road signs, pedestrians etc as you will pick up the larger things like cars in your peripheral vision as you do so, while doing the test I found it helped to mutter under my breath what I had seen and repeat it until I had ticked the boxes, I also practiced any time I was driving, looking straight ahead at the road as normal and picking things up in my peripheral vision as I drove along and going into a bit more detail, bin - what colour? group of schoolkids - how many? parked car, what make? etc, it's all good training
That's great advice, thank you
 

dangerous

New Member
Joined
31 Jan 2026
Messages
1
Location
Somerset
I have got through to the assessment day with GWR for a conductor and was just wondering what the individual and group task involves
 
Last edited by a moderator:

pp7822

New Member
Joined
17 Mar 2026
Messages
2
Location
Middlesex
Hi Guys,

Sorry if a repetitious post, but having used the forum search function I can find little information.

In relation to the visual search excercise (VSE) where can I find some practice material - Online or otherwise.

I am struggling to find much at all. Many thanks in advance!
Anyone?
 

Zugaga

Member
Joined
2 Mar 2026
Messages
50
Location
Surrey
Not being funny or anything, and in the nicest possible way: there were a bunch of comments addressing precisely this question immediately before you posted it (which have been quoted since), and I for one quietly assumed that in time you might notice this of your own volition.
 

Madisuperstar

Member
Joined
20 Nov 2025
Messages
26
Location
West Norwood
Hi,

Passed my DMI in October, got the call for the medical and the conditional offer around middle of January and approx a week later got my formal offer and start date for the course. It really seems to vary from TOC to TOC and also depot dependant on demand and availability.
Hi how you long you waited from MMI to DMI please
 

RobotBen91

Member
Joined
20 Sep 2025
Messages
58
Location
Axminster
I passed my DMI for Exeter St David's, for a trainee train driver, back in September but haven’t heard anything since. Does anyone know what the usual timescales are for that station?
 

Pabl007

Member
Joined
6 Jul 2025
Messages
40
Location
London
Hi how you long you waited from MMI to DMI please
Hi, it was about 4 weeks. I did a whole day of assessments which if you passed them the MMI was done at the end of that day. My assessment day was on a Thursday, I got an email confirming I’d passed the MMI on the following Monday morning and a further email later the same day with a link to book the DMI which had several dates as options in approx 3-4 weeks time. My TOC is GWR and the depot is Paddington. Think it seems to vary depending on these two factors.
 
Last edited:

Madisuperstar

Member
Joined
20 Nov 2025
Messages
26
Location
West Norwood
Hi, it was about 4 weeks. I did a whole day of assessments which if you passed them the MMI was done at the end of that day. My assessment day was on a Thursday, I got an email confirming I’d passed the MMI on the following Monday morning and a further email later the same day with a link to book the DMI which had several dates as options in approx 3-4 weeks time. My TOC is GWR and the depot is Paddington. Think it seems to vary depending on these two factors.
Thanks really appreciate
 

Colly103

Member
Joined
27 Jul 2025
Messages
51
Location
Durham
Hi - hoping someone can help? I’m sure it’s on this thread somewhere so apologies in advance - could someone point me towards information around the DFFT? I have been practicing using the info sent out by the TOC but understand it is different from the actual test and the real one is more difficult??? Any tips or advice much appreciated
 

mr_ixolite

Member
Joined
6 Nov 2025
Messages
92
Location
Swadlincote
Hi - hoping someone can help? I’m sure it’s on this thread somewhere so apologies in advance - could someone point me towards information around the DFFT? I have been practicing using the info sent out by the TOC but understand it is different from the actual test and the real one is more difficult??? Any tips or advice much appreciated
Real test is more involved than the practice materials, I wouldn't say harder as such, just has more information to consider, as in you might have 2 or more dials with needles in the same zone so you then also have to look at the number the needle is pointing at for each dial that's in the same zone to correctly prioritise them
 

Colly103

Member
Joined
27 Jul 2025
Messages
51
Location
Durham
Real test is more involved than the practice materials, I wouldn't say harder as such, just has more information to consider, as in you might have 2 or more dials with needles in the same zone so you then also have to look at the number the needle is pointing at for each dial that's in the same zone to correctly prioritise them
Many thanks! I’ve been using the TOC info and also bought some from the OPC which seems more complicated- better get practising!!! Appreciate the advice
 

KaneLeb

Member
Joined
9 Jul 2025
Messages
60
Location
ECML
This might be a silly question but I was wondering if anyone knows whether it is a) allowed, or b) looked down on if you were to take a notebook into an interview to assist with any answers to questions you might vaguely forget?

Just curious as how2become states one TOC could ask any out of 35 interview questions, so to practice for every question & remember all possible answers is a fairly tall order. Any help or advice is much appreciated!
 

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