GWR - Trainee Train Driver - Recruitment Discussion

[Jam248]

No worries at all. I was there as well. I didn't even sleep the night before and the interviewer asked if I wanted to reschedule but I said no. Happy I didn't reschedule. Try and prepare 2 answers for each questions. They will probe from time to time. Answer honestly, to prevent tripping up at any stage. Use the STAR method to structure your answers. You will be fine. And it's ok. You're welcome.

Will they only ask questions around the 6 you fill out or will they ask other questions? Such as “ why do you want to be a train driver” or “ what do you know about the company” etc? Thanks

 

[Twin82]

Will they only ask questions around the 6 you fill out or will they ask other questions? Such as “ why do you want to be a train driver” or “ what do you know about the company” etc? Thanks

No. They do that in the dmi. The mmi is solely based on the 6 questions and at times they will prove you on the answers you give. I come from a bus driving background so my answers align well with what they are looking for.

 

[Jam248]

No. They do that in the dmi. The mmi is solely based on the 6 questions and at times they will prove you on the answers you give. I come from a bus driving background so my answers align well with what they are looking for.

Okay great! that’s good too know, I’m wondering why they put MMI 1 & 2 made me think there would be further questioning. Helps that I can just focus on those 6 now.

 

[Twin82]

Beats me. Focus on the 6 questions and you'll be alright.

 

[RobotBen91]

Just had an email from GWR saying all 2026/27 positions have been filled but my application remains active in the reserve list. Looks like its going to be a very very very long wait for those of us in Exeter, Plymouth and Penzance.

 

[WillPlym]

Just had an email from GWR saying all 2026/27 positions have been filled but my application remains active in the reserve list. Looks like its going to be a very very very long wait for those of us in Exeter, Plymouth and Penzance.

Sorry to hear this. What stage of the process were you, had you already passed the DMI and in a talent pool?

 

[RobotBen91]

Sorry to hear this. What stage of the process were you, had you already passed the DMI and in a talent pool?

Yes, still in the talent pool but the wait is going to be a bit longer it seems.

 

[Bastoo32]

Just had an email from GWR saying all 2026/27 positions have been filled but my application remains active in the reserve list. Looks like its going to be a very very very long wait for those of us in Exeter, Plymouth and Penzance.

Sorry to hear this - did they send this to you directly from you following up or was it a generic email sent out ? i’m clutching at straws - waiting to hear from my potential depot

 

[RobotBen91]

Sorry to hear this - did they send this to you directly from you following up or was it a generic email sent out ? i’m clutching at straws - waiting to hear from my potential depot

It looked very generic. It did include 'to reassure you, you are still active in the reserve list for your chosen depot' so I assume its generic. Their talent pool is live for 5 years so im just in for a long wait. Just relieved I made it in the talent pool. Others had assessments cancelled. Feel sorry for the people who have done all the process for nothing. At least I'll get in eventually.

 

[Bastoo32]

It looked very generic. It did include 'to reassure you, you are still active in the reserve list for your chosen depot' so I assume its generic. Their talent pool is live for 5 years so im just in for a long wait. Just relieved I made it in the talent pool. Others had assessments cancelled. Feel sorry for the people who have done all the process for nothing. At least I'll get in eventually.

Absolutely - let’s hope your wait isn’t too long. thanks for the quick response

 

[BennyF94]

Hey All,

Hope you're all well!

Had the email yesterday to book my MMI in Swindon for Reading Depot on 29th April. Anyone else going to be there? Any idea what sort of thing they ask at MMI? Presumanly it's all just based off the examples that you give in the answer form? Also, any good SJE practise out there? Did all the other tests with SWR so they have been validated over

Hi Simon

Ben here, I believe I was just before you on the 29th in Swindon for the MMI’s. How did yours go/how long were you in there for?

Have you heard anything back yet? I believe they said they had to let us know within 7 working days I’m yet to hear back yet.

 

[EZ2636]

I’ve been in a pool since September and haven’t had an email… maybe depot specific?

 

[RobotBen91]

I’ve been in a pool since September and haven’t had an email… maybe depot specific?

Probably yeah. Your depot in Wiltshire may be in a different situation.

 

[apjs87]

Just had an email from GWR saying all 2026/27 positions have been filled but my application remains active in the reserve list. Looks like its going to be a very very very long wait for those of us in Exeter, Plymouth and Penzance.

I've had the same this week. Will be a year waiting in July. Still, nice to know we're not forgotten and the update is appreciated.

 

[RobotBen91]

I've had the same this week. Will be a year waiting in July. Still, nice to know we're not forgotten and the update is appreciated.

Ive been in since September and everyone ive seen on here from Exeter (and Plymouth) passed their DMI before me so i expected to be at the back of the queue anyway. Probably going to be another year wait for us. At least we'll get there one day

 

[officewalla]

I'm sorry if I came across that way. I understand that there are different variations of the questions. The one I directed you to are the 6 questions that they have been using for the past 13 years or so. Word for word. And I do appreciate you're trying to be as prepared as best as possible. They were the same questions I got in my mmi. I'll send them to you. Bare in mind, question 5, it should be persevere and not preserve. Wish you all the best for your mmi. And again, I apologise if I sounded annoyed.

Talk about spoon and feeding At least 3 of these questions are nothing like the 6 I had on my MMI; 3 were a variation on a theme. If reliance is placed upon these 6 questions alone, then trouble may be ahead. Mine were about time alone, feeling lonely and so on as a general direction of travel as well as the rules and processes and taking charge of a situation.

 

[Twin82]

Talk about spoon and feeding At least 3 of these questions are nothing like the 6 I had on my MMI; 3 were a variation on a theme. If reliance is placed upon these 6 questions alone, then trouble may be ahead. Mine were about time alone, feeling lonely and so on as a general direction of travel as well as the rules and processes and taking charge of a situation.

How is that spoon feeding when the 6 questions are all over the forum? I dunno shat mmi you did, but the one I did in October were exactly those 6 questions. Perhaps you're referring to the DMI ‍♂️. And of course it would be best to prepare for other scenarios.

 

[RiverDon]

How is that spoon feeding when the 6 questions are all over the forum? I dunno what mmi you did, but the one I did in October were exactly those 6 questions. Perhaps you're referring to the DMI ‍♂️. And of course it would be best to prepare for other scenarios.

When I was applying for driver jobs I did a lot of research into the MMI and how it works. The questions are set by RSSB and are standard across every interview but the wording can vary slightly. They haven't changed since the MMI was introduced in 2013. I collated the following questions from posts on this forum, elsewhere on the internet and my own experience of sitting two MMIs:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Question about rules and procedures

Describe a time when you had to follow rules and procedures.

When have you previously had to follow strict rules to complete a process?

Tell me about a time you've had to follow rules or step-by-step procedures to complete a task.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 Question about tenacity and persistence

Describe a time you have been on a training course over 2 weeks.

Give an example of where you had to persevere whilst learning.

Describe a time when you’ve had to work hard to achieve something.

Tell me about a time when you have had to work hard and persevere to learn something new
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3 Question about a role similar to train driver/working alone

Describe a role you have previously done similar to a train driver.

Describe a time you completed a task similar to a task a train driver does.

Tell me about a task or job you have undertaken that shares similarities with the train driver role.

Describe a role which you think is similar to a train driver.

Describe a time when you have worked for long periods of time alone.

Tell me about a time where you've had to work for long periods of time alone.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4 Question about working to a high standard

Give an example of a situation where it was important that you did not make a mistake.

Describe a time when you have worked to a very high standard.

Tell me about a time you had to do something where it was very important not to make a mistake.

Describe a time you had to maintain a high standard of work while under pressure
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5 Question about an emergency

Describe a time you have handled an emergency situation.

Describe a time where you've been involved in an emergency or unexpected situation.

Give an example of a time when you have had to deal with an emergency, either in or outside work.

Tell me about a time you had to deal with an emergency.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6 Question about difficult situations

Describe a time you had to complete a task in the face of difficulty.

Describe a time when you have solved a difficult problem.

Give an example of a time you gave good service whilst experiencing difficulty.

Tell me about a time when you had to overcome significant difficulties to complete something.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At the driver manager interview it's more like a normal job interview and they could ask you anything but the MMI is highly structured and they'll always ask you a question from each of those six topics. The follow up probing or hypothetical questions you're asked are based on your answers to the situational judgement test carried out before the MMI (not to be confused with any SJT they may give you as part of your application before you get to the official RSSB/OPC assessments). I believe the results of the SJT affect the way your MMI answers are scored but I have no proof of that.

 

[Twin82]

When I was applying for driver jobs I did a lot of research into the MMI and how it works. The questions are set by RSSB and are standard across every interview but the wording can vary slightly. They haven't changed since the MMI was introduced in 2013. I collated the following questions from posts on this forum, elsewhere on the internet and my own experience of sitting two MMIs:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Question about rules and procedures

Describe a time when you had to follow rules and procedures.

When have you previously had to follow strict rules to complete a process?

Tell me about a time you've had to follow rules or step-by-step procedures to complete a task.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 Question about tenacity and persistence

Describe a time you have been on a training course over 2 weeks.

Give an example of where you had to persevere whilst learning.

Describe a time when you’ve had to work hard to achieve something.

Tell me about a time when you have had to work hard and persevere to learn something new
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3 Question about a role similar to train driver/working alone

Describe a role you have previously done similar to a train driver.

Describe a time you completed a task similar to a task a train driver does.

Tell me about a task or job you have undertaken that shares similarities with the train driver role.

Describe a role which you think is similar to a train driver.

Describe a time when you have worked for long periods of time alone.

Tell me about a time where you've had to work for long periods of time alone.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4 Question about working to a high standard

Give an example of a situation where it was important that you did not make a mistake.

Describe a time when you have worked to a very high standard.

Tell me about a time you had to do something where it was very important not to make a mistake.

Describe a time you had to maintain a high standard of work while under pressure
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5 Question about an emergency

Describe a time you have handled an emergency situation.

Describe a time where you've been involved in an emergency or unexpected situation.

Give an example of a time when you have had to deal with an emergency, either in or outside work.

Tell me about a time you had to deal with an emergency.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6 Question about difficult situations

Describe a time you had to complete a task in the face of difficulty.

Describe a time when you have solved a difficult problem.

Give an example of a time you gave good service whilst experiencing difficulty.

Tell me about a time when you had to overcome significant difficulties to complete something.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At the driver manager interview it's more like a normal job interview and they could ask you anything but the MMI is highly structured and they'll always ask you a question from each of those six topics. The follow up probing or hypothetical questions you're asked are based on your answers to the situational judgement test carried out before the MMI (not to be confused with any SJT they may give you as part of your application before you get to the official RSSB/OPC assessments). I believe the results of the SJT affect the way your MMI answers are scored but I have no proof of that.

Lovely input. Very interesting. And thanks for this. I was going off my interview and what many have said about theirs.

 

[officewalla]

How is that spoon feeding when the 6 questions are all over the forum? I dunno shat mmi you did, but the one I did in October were exactly those 6 questions. Perhaps you're referring to the DMI ‍♂️. And of course it would be best to prepare for other scenarios.

Of course it is spoon feeding. This forum is full of people who want the answers given to them in every conceivable scenario. My MMi was as described ie a variation on the themes and not the exact same questions. A bit of research on this forum and in other places will reveal many different options and answers. Being well prepared and doing self study and personal research is going to be better in almost all cases when confronted with something that you have not been given a stock answer for. A driver is about being well trained, well prepared and able to think in 3 dimensions at times. One dimensional what is the answer to this type approach will not win the prize and flexibility and adaptability as well as being a self started and determined will get people through the process. Being given all the material will most likely still get them through the process but at some point they will get found out.

 

[Jam248]

When I was applying for driver jobs I did a lot of research into the MMI and how it works. The questions are set by RSSB and are standard across every interview but the wording can vary slightly. They haven't changed since the MMI was introduced in 2013. I collated the following questions from posts on this forum, elsewhere on the internet and my own experience of sitting two MMIs:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Question about rules and procedures

Describe a time when you had to follow rules and procedures.

When have you previously had to follow strict rules to complete a process?

Tell me about a time you've had to follow rules or step-by-step procedures to complete a task.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 Question about tenacity and persistence

Describe a time you have been on a training course over 2 weeks.

Give an example of where you had to persevere whilst learning.

Describe a time when you’ve had to work hard to achieve something.

Tell me about a time when you have had to work hard and persevere to learn something new
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3 Question about a role similar to train driver/working alone

Describe a role you have previously done similar to a train driver.

Describe a time you completed a task similar to a task a train driver does.

Tell me about a task or job you have undertaken that shares similarities with the train driver role.

Describe a role which you think is similar to a train driver.

Describe a time when you have worked for long periods of time alone.

Tell me about a time where you've had to work for long periods of time alone.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4 Question about working to a high standard

Give an example of a situation where it was important that you did not make a mistake.

Describe a time when you have worked to a very high standard.

Tell me about a time you had to do something where it was very important not to make a mistake.

Describe a time you had to maintain a high standard of work while under pressure
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5 Question about an emergency

Describe a time you have handled an emergency situation.

Describe a time where you've been involved in an emergency or unexpected situation.

Give an example of a time when you have had to deal with an emergency, either in or outside work.

Tell me about a time you had to deal with an emergency.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6 Question about difficult situations

Describe a time you had to complete a task in the face of difficulty.

Describe a time when you have solved a difficult problem.

Give an example of a time you gave good service whilst experiencing difficulty.

Tell me about a time when you had to overcome significant difficulties to complete something.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At the driver manager interview it's more like a normal job interview and they could ask you anything but the MMI is highly structured and they'll always ask you a question from each of those six topics. The follow up probing or hypothetical questions you're asked are based on your answers to the situational judgement test carried out before the MMI (not to be confused with any SJT they may give you as part of your application before you get to the official RSSB/OPC assessments). I believe the results of the SJT affect the way your MMI answers are scored but I have no proof of that.

This is great information! Would you have any idea on why they add an MMI 2 in? I have an MMI 1 & 2 to sit both being one hour a piece. So it is slightly confusing as it comes across as though there will be two separate interviews. I have prepared well, however, I do believe eventually the non technical skills we have as people will show up in the end. Some will have the ability to do the role and others wont.

 

[RiverDon]

Would you have any idea on why they add an MMI 2 in? I have an MMI 1 & 2 to sit both being one hour a piece. So it is slightly confusing as it comes across as though there will be two separate interviews.

I have no idea why they are giving MMI 1 and 2, unless they're splitting it up and asking three questions at each? Everything I have read indicates the RSSB/OPC assessment process is for a single MMI with questions from the six topic areas I listed. The company I applied for only does a single MMI (I failed it the first time and passed it the second). I believe if you're well prepared you are giving yourself the best possible chance of passing. I failed my first MMI by not being prepared enough and being caught on the back foot as soon as it started. Good luck!

 

[Jam248]

I have no idea why they are giving MMI 1 and 2, unless they're splitting it up and asking three questions at each? Everything I have read indicates the RSSB/OPC assessment process is for a single MMI with questions from the six topic areas I listed. The company I applied for only does a single MMI (I failed it the first time and passed it the second). I believe if you're well prepared you are giving yourself the best possible chance of passing. I failed my first MMI by not being prepared enough and being caught on the back foot as soon as it started. Good luck!

Thanks, appreciate that. Yeah I have good examples from my background and feel alot of them are based heavily around safety, procedures and maintaining concentration. Hopefully it will go well. Do you know how long the interview is roughly? I have been told that we have a small window to write down our answers to the 6 questions and then in for the interview. What company did you do yours with? Thanks again

 

[simonh97]

Hi Simon

Ben here, I believe I was just before you on the 29th in Swindon for the MMI’s. How did yours go/how long were you in there for?

Have you heard anything back yet? I believe they said they had to let us know within 7 working days I’m yet to hear back yet.

Hey Ben,

Mine went quite badly tbh, I actually found the lady to be quite rude. I was in there for about an hour and 15 minutes I think.

Yeah I heard back on Friday, I haven’t got the job. Oh strange you haven’t heard anything, they definitely said 7 working days, but I guess with last Monday being a bank holiday then they could let you know today too

 

[SmugStarlord]

Hi everyone, i have my 1st assessment day for GWR booked in for next month. I applied for trainee driver at Reading. Ive got all the practice materials but would love to hear from others who have sat it recently about what to expect, how long until you heard wether you passed or failed etc.
Its been a 6 month process so far since I first applied

 

[Jam248]

Hey Ben,

Mine went quite badly tbh, I actually found the lady to be quite rude. I was in there for about an hour and 15 minutes I think.

Yeah I heard back on Friday, I haven’t got the job. Oh strange you haven’t heard anything, they definitely said 7 working days, but I guess with last Monday being a bank holiday then they could let you know today too

Sorry to hear this, I have mine coming up in the next two weeks. Any advice? Do they ask any other questions aside from the 6? Thanks

 

[Brickz]

Hi Simon

Ben here, I believe I was just before you on the 29th in Swindon for the MMI’s. How did yours go/how long were you in there for?

Have you heard anything back yet? I believe they said they had to let us know within 7 working days I’m yet to hear back yet.

You can email the OPC directly to ask for an update that would most likely be the quickest way.

 

[simonh97]

Sorry to hear this, I have mine coming up in the next two weeks. Any advice? Do they ask any other questions aside from the 6? Thanks

Thank you. Make sure you’ve got solid examples of things you’ve done that might fit with the questions and make sure you use STAR in the answer format. They don’t take any other questions apart from the 6 on the form

 

[azg1122]

Hi, some similar to MMI but more relaxed and some more personal to gauge the type of person/character you are. They asked what I knew about GWR and the role nothing technical. Hope that helps.

All the best

Thanks just had it I don’t feel like it went the best mine was very short how long was your interview for ? Just want to gauge if mine was too short..

 

[BennyF94]

Hey Ben,

Mine went quite badly tbh, I actually found the lady to be quite rude. I was in there for about an hour and 15 minutes I think.

Yeah I heard back on Friday, I haven’t got the job. Oh strange you haven’t heard anything, they definitely said 7 working days, but I guess with last Monday being a bank holiday then they could let you know today too

Hi Simon,

I hope you’re well.

Sorry to hear that mate. Yeah it was a tough interview, I think all the probing and interrupting is done deliberately to throw you off and see how you react to it.

I actually heard back about 10 minutes after I found your message on here lol, I somehow managed to pass I had very little hope as I thought the interview didn’t go particularly well. Onto the DMI next but was told they’ll email with dates but could be a long wait again.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do going forward