Avanti - Trainee Train Drivers - Recruitment Discussion

[nasontherails]

Definitely helps, but you will need to have multiple back up scenarios.. using the star method

 

[malaika10]

Recently did the CBI, its definitely a lot more harder and intense than the MMI. The interviewer will probe and try to get a rise out of you... was in there for an hour and half.

Hi how was it. have you heard anything back? what type of questions did they ask and what you observed what are they looking for you to say?? please help

 

[ZZTop]

Has anyone heard back from the Wolverhampton recruitment havent had anything except a 'keep waiting' email last year. Passed in March 2024

You should hear back in the next month or two

 

[ChooWoo]

Hopefully haven't had anything in terms of comms since March 2025, anyone had anything more recently?

I tried chasing but never get a reply, cant see application online in log in

 

[hopetorail]

I hope all those who did their stage 2 tests today did well. If you have any helpful tips for the rest of us with upcoming tests, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

 

[malaika10]

has anyone gave cbi and stage 2 test today at opc watford?

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

I also got invited for the 18th. Sounds like a fair few made it if they're running multiple days!

Hi how was your day?? how was your assesment would you like to share your experience and tips

 

[jamziig]

Man I am only worried about the ATAvT the rest I can pass

 

[hopetorail]

Best of luck to all those who did their stage 2 tests today. If you have any helpful tips for the rest of us with upcoming tests, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[rail graft]

went for stage 2 today and was gutted to fail at the VSE, but was informed that I had passed the national standard so does anyone know where that leaves me in terms of new applications ?

 

[Twin82]

went for stage 2 today and was gutted to fail at the VSE, but was informed that I had passed the national standard so does anyone know where that leaves me in terms of new applications ?

You can still apply to toc’s that accept passes at national standard. Unfortunately, you've lost a life for toc’s at enhanced pass standard that use VSE as their method of enhanced pass and will have to wait a year. You can also apply to toc’s that use a different extra test, eg DFFT, as their enhanced pass. Like GTR. Hope that makes sense

 

[rail graft]

You can still apply to toc’s that accept passes at national standard. Unfortunately, you've lost a life for toc’s at enhanced pass standard that use VSE as their method of enhanced pass and will have to wait a year. You can also apply to toc’s that use a different extra test, eg DFFT, as their enhanced pass. Like GTR. Hope that makes sense

yeah makes perfect sense appreciate it !

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 May 2026 ==

You can still apply to toc’s that accept passes at national standard. Unfortunately, you've lost a life for toc’s at enhanced pass standard that use VSE as their method of enhanced pass and will have to wait a year. You can also apply to toc’s that use a different extra test, eg DFFT, as their enhanced pass. Like GTR. Hope that makes sense

yeah makes perfect sense appreciate it !

You can still apply to toc’s that accept passes at national standard. Unfortunately, you've lost a life for toc’s at enhanced pass standard that use VSE as their method of enhanced pass and will have to wait a year. You can also apply to toc’s that use a different extra test, eg DFFT, as their enhanced pass. Like GTR. Hope that makes sen

im assuming I won't have to take these tests again apart from the VSE if required and I was told that the my national pass is valid for 5 years, correct me if Im wrong?

 

[hopetorail]

went for stage 2 today and was gutted to fail at the VSE, but was informed that I had passed the national standard so does anyone know where that leaves me in terms of new applications ?

I'm sorry to hear, but I'm glad you did well on the other tests. Do you have any tips for those prepping for the tests? Best of luck moving forward.

 

[rail graft]

I'm sorry to hear, but I'm glad you did well on the other tests. Do you have any tips for those prepping for the tests? Best of luck moving forward.

would say prepare for the VSE as best you can because that seemed to be the deal breaker for a few, if you can get a software that somewhat mimics it, just continously practice trying to do the two tasks simultaneously

 

[hopetorail]

would say prepare for the VSE as best you can because that seemed to be the deal breaker for a few, if you can get a software that somewhat mimics it, just continously practice trying to do the two tasks simultaneously

Okay. I'll try and put in more practice time. So the other tasks (Inc the 2 hand) weren't as bad as the imagination might say? Thank you again.

 

[Bandit_David]

went for stage 2 today and was gutted to fail at the VSE, but was informed that I had passed the national standard so does anyone know where that leaves me in terms of new applications ?

This is off the OPC website for what each TOC requires for psychometric results. Some TOCs also need 'higher' enhanced results than others.

 

[Twin82]

yeah makes perfect sense appreciate it !

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 May 2026 ==


im assuming I won't have to take these tests again apart from the VSE if required and I was told that the my national pass is valid for 5 years, correct me if Im wrong?

That's correct. As its done to national standard, it's accepted at every toc that accepts passes at national standard. And additional test at enhanced level wouldn't be part of the national curriculum. The extra tests are company specific.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 May 2026 ==

That's correct. As its done to national standard, it's accepted at every toc that accepts passes at national standard. And additional test at enhanced level wouldn't be part of the national curriculum. The extra tests are company specific.

Just to add, some companies may require a higher mark on the standard part of testing could be from the group bourdon up to the 2 hand coordination. That would come under the enhanced standard. Some may want a higher mark on all the standard testing. If you should fail any of those, then this will affect the outcome (I believe). Like to be counted as a strike for both standard and enhanced (I believe). That was my understanding when it was explained to me.

 

[rail graft]

That's correct. As its done to national standard, it's accepted at every toc that accepts passes at national standard. And additional test at enhanced level wouldn't be part of the national curriculum. The extra tests are company specific.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 May 2026 ==


Just to add, some companies may require a higher mark on the standard part of testing could be from the group bourdon up to the 2 hand coordination. That would come under the enhanced standard. Some may want a higher mark on all the standard testing. If you should fail any of those, then this will affect the outcome (I believe). Like to be counted as a strike for both standard and enhanced (I believe). That was my understanding when it was explained to me.

I see, thanks a lot for this insight, lightens the blow a little that I haven't completely blown my chances

 

[Twin82]

I see, thanks a lot for this insight, lightens the blow a little that I haven't completely blown my chances

You're welcome. Best of luck moving forward

 

[jamziig]

Ok, the test to watch out, vse part one and 2 easy, part 3 super careful and also prioritise the train more than the other exercise error, (must pass this)

Atavt pic are used are from Germany and euro region

Wafv don’t sit close to the screen(also sit close to open window if u get a chance so gray look grey, after 10 min in the next u will see grey getting darker if u dont have distance) u only have 1 sec to click and dont click grey.

2 hand control, u have to do it quick with less mistakes, but do not make this too much mistake in the same run,

If u pass all of these you do CBI, u get 25 min to write down ur answer and then u get tested on them, ( dont have weak answers) question could be about rules and procedures, problems and resolve in emergency situation. It could be about any of these following question You probably can find more information on the forum.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 May 2026 ==

went for stage 2 today and was gutted to fail at the VSE, but was informed that I had passed the national standard so does anyone know where that leaves me in terms of new applications ?

Man I was upset when u said u failed, I thought failed it too at one point

 

[hopetorail]

Ok, the test to watch out, vse part one and 2 easy, part 3 super careful and also prioritise the train more than the other exercise error, (must pass this)

Atavt pic are used are from Germany and euro region

Wafv don’t sit close to the screen(also sit close to open window if u get a chance so gray look grey, after 10 min in the next u will see grey getting darker if u dont have distance) u only have 1 sec to click and dont click grey.

2 hand control, u have to do it quick with less mistakes, but do not make this too much mistake in the same run,

If u pass all of these you do CBI, u get 25 min to write down ur answer and then u get tested on them, ( dont have weak answers) question could be about rules and procedures, problems and resolve in emergency situation. It could be about any of these following question You probably can find more information on the forum.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 May 2026 ==


Man I was upset when u said u failed, I thought failed it too at one point

Thank you for the information, it's very insightful. Did you pass the assessment? If so, did they call you on the same day. Once again, thank you for the help

 

[Twin82]

Ok, the test to watch out, vse part one and 2 easy, part 3 super careful and also prioritise the train more than the other exercise error, (must pass this)

Atavt pic are used are from Germany and euro region

Wafv don’t sit close to the screen(also sit close to open window if u get a chance so gray look grey, after 10 min in the next u will see grey getting darker if u dont have distance) u only have 1 sec to click and dont click grey.

2 hand control, u have to do it quick with less mistakes, but do not make this too much mistake in the same run,

If u pass all of these you do CBI, u get 25 min to write down ur answer and then u get tested on them, ( dont have weak answers) question could be about rules and procedures, problems and resolve in emergency situation. It could be about any of these following question You probably can find more information on the forum.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 May 2026 ==


Man I was upset when u said u failed, I thought failed it too at one point

Still haven't done your assessment day yet?

 

[jamziig]

I passed waiting for cbi result

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 21 May 2026 ==

Still haven't done your assessment day yet?

I did mine with rail graft

 

[Twin82]

I passed waiting for cbi result

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 21 May 2026 ==


I did mine with rail graft

How did you find all the other testing? We're you nervous?

 

[jamziig]

How did you find all the other testing? We're you nervous?

Yes, I was nervous too, but honestly don’t panic if you make a mistake — you’re allowed a few. Your reaction timing matters a lot across all the tests today.

For the WAFV, sit slightly back from the screen. You don’t want to be too close because it’s around 30 minutes of staring at grey squares turning black. Stay relaxed, remember to blink, and don’t click when it’s still grey.





For the ATAVT, the best advice I can give is to scan from right to left. Only answer with what you actually saw — if you didn’t clearly see it, don’t guess.





For the Two-Hand Coordination Test, they’re looking at both speed and accuracy. In the first few runs you might make mistakes, but after that focus on becoming faster while keeping errors low.





For the VSE, sit closer to the screen. The first two sections are usually straightforward. The third gets trickier, so you need to spot the error quickly without spending too long searching.





Most important thing overall: stay calm and reset mentally after each test. One small mistake won’t fail you.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 21 May 2026 ==

How did you find all the other testing? We're you nervous?

How did ur assignment went?

 

[hopetorail]

Yes, I was nervous too, but honestly don’t panic if you make a mistake — you’re allowed a few. Your reaction timing matters a lot across all the tests today.

For the WAFV, sit slightly back from the screen. You don’t want to be too close because it’s around 30 minutes of staring at grey squares turning black. Stay relaxed, remember to blink, and don’t click when it’s still grey.





For the ATAVT, the best advice I can give is to scan from right to left. Only answer with what you actually saw — if you didn’t clearly see it, don’t guess.





For the Two-Hand Coordination Test, they’re looking at both speed and accuracy. In the first few runs you might make mistakes, but after that focus on becoming faster while keeping errors low.





For the VSE, sit closer to the screen. The first two sections are usually straightforward. The third gets trickier, so you need to spot the error quickly without spending too long searching.





Most important thing overall: stay calm and reset mentally after each test. One small mistake won’t fail you.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 21 May 2026 ==


How did ur assignment went?

Great post. Thank you greatly for your feedback and insight. I hope you hear back soon with positive results from your CBI

 

[jamziig]

Great post. Thank you greatly for your feedback and insight. I hope you hear back soon with positive results from your CBI

Did u do you assignments today?

 

[hopetorail]

Did u do you assignments today?

No, I think they're doing tests every other day. So, I have mine tomorrow.

 

[jamziig]

No, I think they're doing tests every other day. So, I have mine tomorrow.

Be very careful when u doing atavt, there will be some pic u will see red light thinking u saw traffic signal but they are not, alway do the check from right to left and pedestrian are on right side mainly.

 

[tallFella]

Good evening everyone!
Long time lurker first time poster here. Hope everyone’s enjoying this year’s recruitment process. Just wanted to know if anyone has got an email for their DMI yet?

 

[ChooWoo]

Good evening everyone!
Long time lurker first time poster here. Hope everyone’s enjoying this year’s recruitment process. Just wanted to know if anyone has got an email for their DMI yet?

Still waiting for that Email since passing opc in March 2024... they certainly do not rush