West Midlands Trains (inc. LNWR) - Trainee Driver - Recruitment Discussion

[HH24]

Just applied for Wolves. Good luck everyone!

Good luck with it!

 

[Penguin80]

Hi all,

I wondered if anyone who has recently been offered a role with WMT could offer some guidance on a very hypothetical question.

I am currently going through the process with WMT (trainee driver) but due to personal circumstances I am likely to be unable to accept a course date this side of the summer if successful. Do you know if WMT offer flexibility and keep personnel within the talent pool for later course dates should they be unable to commit to the first offer?

Many thanks in advance.

Hiya. If you can't make the first course they will defer to the next one so if you can't make the November intake you will be in the talent pool waiting for a course in 2027

 

[S-Car-Go]

Anyone here actually drives for WMT. How do the shifts work, I have friends who work in freight and they sometimes only do 5/6 hours worth of shift but get 12 hours. Is this the same for passenger trains

It's true that freight drivers could potentially have a 12 hour shift. That'll be their maximum ceiling limit per day, they'll get paid for 12. Most of their shifts will be shorter than that but it factors in delays and operational issues.

With WMR/LNWR, the maximum potential hours I can do per day is 10. We're contracted to do 4 days/week, ergo a 40 hour week. I'm unlikely to work a full 40 hours as there needs to be some slack in timetabling and rostering. Overtime is accrued when, let's say for example, my shift ends at 9pm, but my train is delayed and I'm back at my home depot station at 9.30. I can claim 30mins extra as overtime. Hope that all makes sense.

 

[Jay1874]

Unfortunately I got the news yesterday I Failed my DMI, can’t say I’m not absolutely gutted, in one way I’m proud to have got to the final bit but on the other hand I just fell apart on the final few questions so was half expecting it.

Just painful when you imagine yourself getting the job, and then not getting it.

Anyways I’m after some advise from anyone who’s been in the same situation. I have to wait 6 months to re apply I get that but then do I have to do all the OPC stuff again? Also can I apply for other companies straight away if anything comes up and I no it doesn’t mean I should go straight to interview, but is that the case even with other companies? Probably not a straight forward answer just looking at where I go from here.

Thanks for everything guys don’t think I would have got this far without this forum!

 

[mr_ixolite]

Unfortunately I got the news yesterday I Failed my DMI, can’t say I’m not absolutely gutted, in one way I’m proud to have got to the final bit but on the other hand I just fell apart on the final few questions so was half expecting it.

Just painful when you imagine yourself getting the job, and then not getting it.

Anyways I’m after some advise from anyone who’s been in the same situation. I have to wait 6 months to re apply I get that but then do I have to do all the OPC stuff again? Also can I apply for other companies straight away if anything comes up and I no it doesn’t mean I should go straight to interview, but is that the case even with other companies? Probably not a straight forward answer just looking at where I go from here.

Thanks for everything guys don’t think I would have got this far without this forum!

Bad luck man, I'm in the same boat with another toc

your opc stuff lasts for 5 years and you can take that pass to any toc so no you wont have to do it again, you can't apply for wmt until after 6 months but you can go to another toc straight away

 

[HH24]

Unfortunately I got the news yesterday I Failed my DMI, can’t say I’m not absolutely gutted, in one way I’m proud to have got to the final bit but on the other hand I just fell apart on the final few questions so was half expecting it.

Just painful when you imagine yourself getting the job, and then not getting it.

Anyways I’m after some advise from anyone who’s been in the same situation. I have to wait 6 months to re apply I get that but then do I have to do all the OPC stuff again? Also can I apply for other companies straight away if anything comes up and I no it doesn’t mean I should go straight to interview, but is that the case even with other companies? Probably not a straight forward answer just looking at where I go from here.

Thanks for everything guys don’t think I would have got this far without this forum!

Sorry to hear. I don't think you have to do the OPC tests again. They're valid for 5 years I believe. May differ based on other TOCs and their scoring requirements if they want you to do any extra specific tests. You've got your OPC passes so that's already further along than loads of people.

 

[mr_ixolite]

May differ based on other TOCs and their scoring requirements if they want you to do any extra specific tests.

sorry yes, quite correct, I missed that bit although would only have to redo the specific extra tests or standard tests that a toc may require a higher score on, not the whole thing again

 

[6up]

Hi all,

Did anyone find WMT core values at all? I can't seem to find anything definitive on their pages.

I've had some fantastic help from other members on here but just wondered if anyone had anything definitive?

Many Thanks

 

[Jay1874]

Sorry to hear. I don't think you have to do the OPC tests again. They're valid for 5 years I believe. May differ based on other TOCs and their scoring requirements if they want you to do any extra specific tests. You've got your OPC passes so that's already further along than loads of people.

Ok thank you! I only had to do OPC stage 2 this time as I passed the stage one some while back so hopefully the stage 1 is still in date and I’ll get it second time around

Bad luck man, I'm in the same boat with another toc

your opc stuff lasts for 5 years and you can take that pass to any toc so no you wont have to do it again, you can't apply for wmt until after 6 months but you can go to another toc straight away

It’s not nice is it mate! Only 11/12 got through to the interview stage for WMT cov so I guess more people just interviewed better than me which is absolutely fine and happy for the guys that got it! At least I’ll be better equipped second time around

 

[lasevillana]

Just applied for the 2027 intake for West Midlands, do we know when we get to hear back if we got through the sift or not? Thank you!

 

[Ally2900]

Just applied for the 2027 intake for West Midlands, do we know when we get to hear back if we got through the sift or not? Thank you!

I'm hoping it won't be too long! Maybe a couple of weeks after the advert closes?

 

[BHMGuard]

I'm hoping it won't be too long! Maybe a couple of weeks after the advert closes?

I waited approx 2 months from application to being on the list for OPC sift. Expect a long wait.

 

[Ally2900]

I waited approx 2 months from application to being on the list for OPC sift. Expect a long wait.

Oh wow. That's a long wait. Thanks for letting us know though.

 

[UTV1982]

Hi all,

Did anyone find WMT core values at all? I can't seem to find anything definitive on their pages.

I've had some fantastic help from other members on here but just wondered if anyone had anything definitive?

Many Thanks

I used the 3 commitments that are on the website. Sustainability, community, diversity and inclusion.

 

[6up]

I used the 3 commitments that are on the website. Sustainability, community, diversity and inclusion.

Thank you so much. Really appreciate that

 

[UTV1982]

Ok thank you! I only had to do OPC stage 2 this time as I passed the stage one some while back so hopefully the stage 1 is still in date and I’ll get it second time around


It’s not nice is it mate! Only 11/12 got through to the interview stage for WMT cov so I guess more people just interviewed better than me which is absolutely fine and happy for the guys that got it! At least I’ll be better equipped second time around

Jay, I tried to send you a dm but it went weird and cut half the message off.

 

[andrewguk]

I attended yesterday's stage 1 OPC assessment in Birmingham.

For anybody attending in the future make sure you bring "proof of your national insurance number" as well as your ID.

Two people couldn't sit the test cause they didn't bring it.

 

[Rammie]

My partner applied for Birmingham on Monday and has just had the dreaded email saying it’s a no today. That’s was fast!

 

[Matteo1988]

Anybody applied for bletchley?normally how the procedure works with WMT?

 

[chris2288]

Anybody applied for bletchley?normally how the procedure works with WMT?

Hello mate
I applied for Bletchley back in October last year. I'm currently waiting for my DMI interview.
My process so far has been
October 2025- filled in online application and found out roughly 2 weeks after that I had been put through into an online sift.
December 2025- completed an online sift. This process asked me such questions as "am I happy to work shift patterns" and "do I like to work for long periods by myself"
Found out I had passed this then was invited to do my stage 1 tests
March 2026- did my stage 1 paper tests. These included four dot test/bleep test etc. For these I did purchase a few books online to help me practice. Next Stop Train driver also helped with these. Found out a week later I had passed this
May 2026- Sat my stage 2 computer tests and MMI Found out I passed these 2 days later.
Now waiting my DMI which if successful I believe its just a medical and then a course date offer.
Good luck with it all mate of you want any other guidance just message me and I'll try to help out

 

[Matteo1988]

Hello mate
I applied for Bletchley back in October last year. I'm currently waiting for my DMI interview.
My process so far has been
October 2025- filled in online application and found out roughly 2 weeks after that I had been put through into an online sift.
December 2025- completed an online sift. This process asked me such questions as "am I happy to work shift patterns" and "do I like to work for long periods by myself"
Found out I had passed this then was invited to do my stage 1 tests
March 2026- did my stage 1 paper tests. These included four dot test/bleep test etc. For these I did purchase a few books online to help me practice. Next Stop Train driver also helped with these. Found out a week later I had passed this
May 2026- Sat my stage 2 computer tests and MMI Found out I passed these 2 days later.
Now waiting my DMI which if successful I believe its just a medical and then a course date offer.
Good luck with it all mate of you want any other guidance just message me and I'll try to help out

I've applied this week.Thank you so mutch for the informations mate I hope you will go through.

 

[xenomorth45]

My partner applied for Birmingham on Monday and has just had the dreaded email saying it’s a no today. That’s was fast!

Thats really quick considering the ad hasn’t closed. Did they accidentally tick one of the boxes that does an automatic reject? Like not agreeing to a drug test or living more than an hour away? So many tick boxes its easy to get them wrong. It took about 2 months to hear when I applied last time.

 

[Ally2900]

I think I've made a big mistake. I applied on a whim before submitting an application for WMT to do an arctic shores assessment with another Toc for another role (not driver). Fair to say, I fluffed it and got a feedback report about my personality and ironically it told me that I like to work independently and how I thrieve in an environment with set rules etc . Anyway, from that it seems my personality isn't suited to a team work based role. As am I certain I have failed this test (or so they have determined I am not the correct fit for them) does that mean I'm out of the race now for this new application with WMT?

 

[magicflash]

Hello mate
I applied for Bletchley back in October last year. I'm currently waiting for my DMI interview.
My process so far has been
October 2025- filled in online application and found out roughly 2 weeks after that I had been put through into an online sift.
December 2025- completed an online sift. This process asked me such questions as "am I happy to work shift patterns" and "do I like to work for long periods by myself"
Found out I had passed this then was invited to do my stage 1 tests
March 2026- did my stage 1 paper tests. These included four dot test/bleep test etc. For these I did purchase a few books online to help me practice. Next Stop Train driver also helped with these. Found out a week later I had passed this
May 2026- Sat my stage 2 computer tests and MMI Found out I passed these 2 days later.
Now waiting my DMI which if successful I believe its just a medical and then a course date offer.
Good luck with it all mate of you want any other guidance just message me and I'll try to help out

Well done for passing the tests!
Could I ask you which books and what else did you use for stage 1? I have mine in July. TIA

 

[JC4]

Hello. Welcome to the forum. If you need any help please just ask or private message me as I have been through the process . I am also female and was encouraged to apply but I'm glad I did. In terms of safety critical roles I don't feel you need to have worked a role like that to be able to apply, you just need to be aware that's its a safety critical role and if and when you get to the MMI stage you can go back through your career in your head and pinpoint times where you have safeguard kids or done something with a safety mindset. That's what they are looking. I wish you all the best of luck

Hi, could you message me please? I'm not able to send you a message atm

 

[whitby26]

Hello, I have a question I hope someone can help me with. I have passed stage 1 & 2 & MMI with another toc at enhanced level. I have applied for the Position at Bletchley would that put me straight to the DMI stage or would I have to re take anything ? I applied for avanti and they gave me the elbow as I had already taken the MMI and they do a similar test which can’t be taken in a certain timeframe of taking an MMI. Thank you

 

[itsmejuniior]

Hello, I have a question I hope someone can help me with. I have passed stage 1 & 2 & MMI with another toc at enhanced level. I have applied for the Position at Bletchley would that put me straight to the DMI stage or would I have to re take anything ? I applied for avanti and they gave me the elbow as I had already taken the MMI and they do a similar test which can’t be taken in a certain timeframe of taking an MMI. Thank you

Yes, straight to DMI, assuming it's all within the last 5 years

 

[A2Jon]

Hello, I have a question I hope someone can help me with. I have passed stage 1 & 2 & MMI with another toc at enhanced level. I have applied for the Position at Bletchley would that put me straight to the DMI stage or would I have to re take anything ? I applied for avanti and they gave me the elbow as I had already taken the MMI and they do a similar test which can’t be taken in a certain timeframe of taking an MMI. Thank you

Yes that’s correct, I did the same. Passed everything with GTR beginning of last year. Applied for Bletchley Nov last year and went directly to my DMI in February. Just started the 4th week of training

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 May 2026 ==

I think I've made a big mistake. I applied on a whim before submitting an application for WMT to do an arctic shores assessment with another Toc for another role (not driver). Fair to say, I fluffed it and got a feedback report about my personality and ironically it told me that I like to work independently and how I thrieve in an environment with set rules etc . Anyway, from that it seems my personality isn't suited to a team work based role. As am I certain I have failed this test (or so they have determined I am not the correct fit for them) does that mean I'm out of the race now for this new application with WMT?

You should be fine. WMT don’t use the Arctic Shores as a soft method so it should have no bearing on your application. Good luck.

 

[magicflash]

I attended yesterday's stage 1 OPC assessment in Birmingham.

For anybody attending in the future make sure you bring "proof of your national insurance number" as well as your ID.

Two people couldn't sit the test cause they didn't bring it.

How did you find the test ?

 

[Penguin80]

Yes that’s correct, I did the same. Passed everything with GTR beginning of last year. Applied for Bletchley Nov last year and went directly to my DMI in February. Just started the 4th week of training

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 May 2026 ==



You should be fine. WMT don’t use the Arctic Shores as a soft method so it should have no bearing on your application. Good luck.

How are you finding the training