Metrolink Tram Driver - Manchester - Recruitment Discussion

[haidox]

I was in training nearly 3 years ago and at that time it was 8am until 4pm, normally we'd finish around 3.30pm. It was 2 weeks in the classroom followed by 2 weeks out driving with a minder. Then 2 weeks back in the classroom followed by the final 2 weeks driving again with a minder. Don't know if it's changed since then.

 

[cew1983]

Hello,

My husband got to the second stage of interview for a tram driver. He believed he performed well. The group task went well. He was told his announcement was the best of the day. He climbed on the tram first time. He passed the hazard perception test. He believed her did well in the listening task. He says the interview went well.

He interviewed on a Friday (there were interviews on the Monday & Wednesday too) and was told he would find out on the Monday. He didn’t. He chased on the Friday and received an email an hour later saying he had been unsuccessful.

He was shocked, as he thought everything had gone well!

Does anyone have any thoughts?

 

[juspassingby]

Hello,

My husband got to the second stage of interview for a tram driver. He believed he performed well. The group task went well. He was told his announcement was the best of the day. He climbed on the tram first time. He passed the hazard perception test. He believed her did well in the listening task. He says the interview went well.

He interviewed on a Friday (there were interviews on the Monday & Wednesday too) and was told he would find out on the Monday. He didn’t. He chased on the Friday and received an email an hour later saying he had been unsuccessful.

He was shocked, as he thought everything had gone well!

Does anyone have any thoughts?

Hi,

When you think you did well, that's when it usually goes downhill sadly (always the case with me)

They want to see someone who is safety minded and the fact that your husband went to the interview stage means he did pass all the assessments but probably didn't do as well in the interview (didn't answer questions how they expect you to answer).

The hiring manager asks 4/5 hypothetical competency questions. They want to see if you're safety focused or a risk taker. My guess would be that your husband didn't answer the questions with safety in mind?

The questions they usually ask are questions like:
'If there was an aggressive passenger on board causing problems for other passengers, how would you deal with it?'
If your answer is anything similar to this:
"I'll go and politely ask the aggressive passenger to be more respectful, they usually listen to me as I'm a polite and respectful person who gets along with everyone" - it's a fail.
What they want to hear is:
"I'll follow safety procedures, remain calm in the cab and make a PA announcement for the passenger to be respectful towards fellow passengers. If that doesn't work then I'll contact control and the authorities if required".

It's a safety critical role so they always want answers with safety first.. even if it doesn't make sense to us.

I personally would ask for a feedback to see where things went down south.

I'm also surprised to hear your husband found the conversations between the controller and drivers 'ok'. I thought they were horrible and very hard to understand.

If you have further questions, feel free to ask here or you can also direct message me.

P.s I've been through their assessments/interview recently and thought I failed (I always doubt myself). It went well apparently since they called me a couple of days later.

 

[StuartWatt]

Hi there,

Apologies if this has already been asked, but I have an in person psychometric test in March and I was wondering if there were any websites/practice tests/information I can be pointed to, to be able to practice?

Many thanks,
Stuart.

 

[juspassingby]

Hi there,

Apologies if this has already been asked, but I have an in person psychometric test in March and I was wondering if there were any websites/practice tests/information I can be pointed to, to be able to practice?

Many thanks,
Stuart.

Did they not send you a pack? Usually they send some practice stuff when they email you. I'll send you something to your DM.

 

[willowellen]

Did they not send you a pack? Usually they send some practice stuff when they email you. I'll send you something to your DM.

Hi, I have the psychometric assessment this week, and I’m wondering do they also do interview on this day or is it just the assessments? And do you know what the stages are before you start training (if you pass them all) I’m just wondering what to expect

 

[juspassingby]

Hello,

So there's 2 stages to the assessments which you'll do on 2 different days.

First stage:
- Dials (Circle shapes with needles on them labeled Heat, Power, Control etc) - You sort them in order of priority
- Group bourdon (shapes)

If you pass that then:

Second stage:
- Group task to come up with a PA announcement
- Get on and off tram
- Make an announcement on tram PA systems
- Operate a track lever - They'll show you how
- Hazard perception
- Radio calls listening test (not a pass or fail but do your best)
- One to one interview with hiring manager

If you pass them all then they'll make an offer to you, discuss a start date and send you for a medical.

 

[Neatro]

Don’t want to sound dumb or anything, but what’s the times for the training? Is it like a 9-5 Monday to Friday thing for 12 weeks?

Pretty much, ours was 9-4 except a few nights where we went out driving before the mentors.

 

[hopefulnewbie]

Good evening and hello all

I'm hoping to soon be a tram driver on the Manchester Metrolink and have an assessment coming up in March. My concern is the Psycho-metric assessment. I've purchased the practice versions from the recommended site however they do appear to be extremely optimistic in terms of the time provided to complete each test. I'm probably somewhere about halfway in terms of completing in the allocated time. I'm extremely concerned about this and was looking for any help/hints/tips etc.

Thanks in advance

 

[Ben7677]

Hello, I recently passed the process for metrolink.
Don't worry about completing the entire thing, I only got about a third to half of the way down each page for mine, what they're mostly looking for is accuracy.
If you have any other questions, I'm always happy to help!

 

[RailGeo]

Please don't purchase any practice materials, as it's just not necessary, and might even disadvantage you in terms of your expectations for each assessment. Search this forum for tips and tricks, as quite a majority on here have sat and successfully passed their OPC. I can personally recommend practicing using the free Group Bourdon test, found stickied on the career thread.

As for what to expect in regards to time, I recall the Group Bourdon was 2 minutes per sheet, with 5 sheets in total. The sheets were smaller than those in the Group Bourdon Tool, meaning if you're scoring in the 8-12 row range, then you should be doing considerably well for the real paper test.

The TEA-OCC was much quicker than I expected, with each stage taking roughly 40 seconds.

The TRB stage 1 had 5 minutes of reading time and roughly 5 minutes for asnwers. Stage 2 had 8 minutes to answer 44ish questions.

Best of luck for your assessment, and don't stress it too much. They're much easier than they're made out to be.

 

[hopefulnewbie]

Hello, I recently passed the process for metrolink.
Don't worry about completing the entire thing, I only got about a third to half of the way down each page for mine, what they're mostly looking for is accuracy.
If you have any other questions, I'm always happy to help!

Hi Ben

Thanks for this, it has out me a little more at ease .

Did you practice prior to your assessment? If so, where or what did you practice on or with?

Also, when you do the assessment, is it on a computer or with pen and paper?

Thanks again

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 Feb 2026 ==

Please don't purchase any practice materials, as it's just not necessary, and might even disadvantage you in terms of your expectations for each assessment. Search this forum for tips and tricks, as quite a majority on here have sat and successfully passed their OPC. I can personally recommend practicing using the free Group Bourdon test, found stickied on the career thread.

As for what to expect in regards to time, I recall the Group Bourdon was 2 minutes per sheet, with 5 sheets in total. The sheets were smaller than those in the Group Bourdon Tool, meaning if you're scoring in the 8-12 row range, then you should be doing considerably well for the real paper test.

The TEA-OCC was much quicker than I expected, with each stage taking roughly 40 seconds.

The TRB stage 1 had 5 minutes of reading time and roughly 5 minutes for asnwers. Stage 2 had 8 minutes to answer 44ish questions.

Best of luck for your assessment, and don't stress it too much. They're much easier than they're made out to be.

Hi and thanks for your reply, I'm a little more reassured now.

I've already purchased the practice tests, they were £9 so not beoke the bank. Where would I find the free Bourdon test please?

Thanks

Thanks

 

[Matt_P_1995]

Hello,

So there's 2 stages to the assessments which you'll do on 2 different days.

First stage:
- Dials (Circle shapes with needles on them labeled Heat, Power, Control etc) - You sort them in order of priority
- Group bourdon (shapes)

If you pass that then:

Second stage:
- Group task to come up with a PA announcement
- Get on and off tram
- Make an announcement on tram PA systems
- Operate a track lever - They'll show you how
- Hazard perception
- Radio calls listening test (not a pass or fail but do your best)
- One to one interview with hiring manager

If you pass them all then they'll make an offer to you, discuss a start date and send you for a medical.

Could you please PM me if possible?

 

[juspassingby]

Could you please PM me if possible?

PM sent.

 

[hopefulnewbie]

Hello,

So there's 2 stages to the assessments which you'll do on 2 different days.

First stage:
- Dials (Circle shapes with needles on them labeled Heat, Power, Control etc) - You sort them in order of priority
- Group bourdon (shapes)

If you pass that then:

Second stage:
- Group task to come up with a PA announcement
- Get on and off tram
- Make an announcement on tram PA systems
- Operate a track lever - They'll show you how
- Hazard perception
- Radio calls listening test (not a pass or fail but do your best)
- One to one interview with hiring manager

If you pass them all then they'll make an offer to you, discuss a start date and send you for a medical.

Hi

Thanks for posting this info. I have the psychometric in March.

I'm wondering if the mentioned "labels (Heat/Power/Control etc)"......Is this guesswork? I'm assuming it's relating to the dials you would find on a tram to monitor systems?

 

[RiverDon]

Hi

Thanks for posting this info. I have the psychometric in March.

I'm wondering if the mentioned "labels (Heat/Power/Control etc)"......Is this guesswork? I'm assuming it's relating to the dials you would find on a tram to monitor systems?

If it's the same fault finding test as the one used for Train Operating Companies, which it sounds very like, then the labels are irrelevant really. They give you detailed instructions of how the test works before you start but basically for each question there is a picture of a few analogue gauges a bit like a car speedometer. Each gauge has different zones labelled and a needle that points somewhere in those zones. The readings on the gauges affect the order that you should check some faulty cables. You follow the instructions given to find the correct sequence to check the cables, based on the readings on the gauges for each question.

The instructions might be something like "Always check cable 'A' first unless the needle on the gauge labelled 'Heat' is reading in zone 3 - in that case you check cable 'B' first." So for that question you would need to look at the 'Heat' gauge to see where the needle is pointing as that determines the first thing you check. Then you would just work through the rest of it the same way. The pictures of the gauges are different for each question so you need to look at them carefully to get the right answer.

It's a lot harder for me to try and describe here than it is to do once you've got the hang of what they're looking for. The names of the gauges and cables don't relate to anything on a real train or tram, the test is just to see if you can follow a logical algorithm.

 

[hopefulnewbie]

If it's the same fault finding test as the one used for Train Operating Companies, which it sounds very like, then the labels are irrelevant really. They give you detailed instructions of how the test works before you start but basically for each question there is a picture of a few analogue gauges a bit like a car speedometer. Each gauge has different zones labelled and a needle that points somewhere in those zones. The readings on the gauges affect the order that you should check some faulty cables. You follow the instructions given to find the correct sequence to check the cables, based on the readings on the gauges for each question.

The instructions might be something like "Always check cable 'A' first unless the needle on the gauge labelled 'Heat' is reading in zone 3 - in that case you check cable 'B' first." So for that question you would need to look at the 'Heat' gauge to see where the needle is pointing as that determines the first thing you check. Then you would just work through the rest of it the same way. The pictures of the gauges are different for each question so you need to look at them carefully to get the right answer.

It's a lot harder for me to try and describe here than it is to do once you've got the hang of what they're looking for. The names of the gauges and cables don't relate to anything on a real train or tram, the test is just to see if you can follow a logical algorithm.

I understand the explanation. It makes total sense. Thank you

 

[rachelhyman160]

Hi guys, just wanted to jump on this thread. I have passed all tests, medicals, etc., and have been offered a start date. I just wanted to know, does anyone have any information on what the roster is like since the new unite deal? Thanks.
Also any information on what to expect on the 12 weeks training

 

[Neatro]

Hi guys, just wanted to jump on this thread. I have passed all tests, medicals, etc., and have been offered a start date. I just wanted to know, does anyone have any information on what the roster is like since the new unite deal? Thanks.
Also any information on what to expect on the 12 weeks training

I left a couple of years ago so can't tell you exactly how the roster is now, but I can't see it have changed much, you'll definitely be put on a mixed roster of early/days/middles and lates and you'll stay on that pattern for quite a few years.

As for the improved fatigue management I can't really comment but I'd guess it's a better pattern between shifts type changes and longer periods between work (typical improvements for fatigue)

As for what you'll learn, it'll be a mixture of classroom based and out on the network, so you'll do a couple of weeks in the classroom then you'll likely go out with a minder, then you'll come back learn a bit more then get sent out again repeating until you "qualify".

 

[StuartWatt]

Hi guys,
Are there any positives about being a Tram Driver? I see a lot of negatives...
Cheers...

 

[AverageJoe]

£40k+ a year with no qualifications needed. Aircon in the summer, heated seat in the winter.
There is also overtime available at a better rate if I remember correctly.

For someone with little education it might be the best paid job they will ever get.

I wouldn’t join thinking it’s a stepping stone to being on the railway as most tram drivers want to be train drivers but very few make it across.

 

[Neatro]

Hi guys,
Are there any positives about being a Tram Driver? I see a lot of negatives...
Cheers...

As Average said it depends on what you see as a positive.

It's around the mid 40s in pay, overtime is there if you want it, you're pretty much left alone day to day to just come in, sign on, drive then go home.

Rest day patterns are okay, better than jobs I'd previously been in, Aircon when it's hot, heating and heated seats (sometimes) when it's cold.

It can be a stepping stone to trains but it's by no means a guarantee, the time I was there maybe 5-10 people actually made it on to trains.

 

[StuartWatt]

Hello, I recently passed the process for metrolink.
Don't worry about completing the entire thing, I only got about a third to half of the way down each page for mine, what they're mostly looking for is accuracy.
If you have any other questions, I'm always happy to help!

Hi there,
Could you DM me - I would like to ask about the tests, if you don't mind?

Many thanks.
Stuart.

 

[willowellen]

..

 

[rachelhyman160]

I left a couple of years ago so can't tell you exactly how the roster is now, but I can't see it have changed much, you'll definitely be put on a mixed roster of early/days/middles and lates and you'll stay on that pattern for quite a few years.

As for the improved fatigue management I can't really comment but I'd guess it's a better pattern between shifts type changes and longer periods between work (typical improvements for fatigue)

As for what you'll learn, it'll be a mixture of classroom based and out on the network, so you'll do a couple of weeks in the classroom then you'll likely go out with a minder, then you'll come back learn a bit more then get sent out again repeating until you "qualify".

Thank you

 

[CYR]

Hi guys, just wanted to jump on this thread. I have passed all tests, medicals, etc., and have been offered a start date. I just wanted to know, does anyone have any information on what the roster is like since the new unite deal? Thanks.
Also any information on what to expect on the 12 weeks training

Many congratulations. I’ve been offered a start date too on the 27th April. When’s yours?

 

[rachelhyman160]

Many congratulations. I’ve been offered a start date too on the 27th April. When’s yours?

Hi, apologies, I have only just seen your reply. Unfortunately, I had to rearrange my start date to June due to a family emergency. How is the training going? Any tips on what to expect? Thanks.

 

[CYR]

Sorry to hear of your family emergency, hope all good now? It’s going great. Lots and lots to learn but having so much fun and enjoying it so much. One tip is to take a highlighter pen to mark in the workbook the important information for your assessments and ensure at night to revise what you have learnt that day. Wishing you lots of luck and please don’t hesitate to drop me a message if you need any help or assistance

 

[rachelhyman160]

Yes, all good now. Thank you for the info. Glad you're enjoying it.

 

[CYR]

We all passed our first driving assessment on Friday (end of 2nd week) and now looking forward at the end of this coming week to go out of service driving with our minders on the mainline. If you’re June 8th start date then I know another lad starting on that date too. I’m sure we will catch each other when in the canteen etc.