GWR - Trainee Train Driver - Recruitment Discussion

[LouMel]

The video interview is by GWR but the MMI by OPC, they won't have knowledge of what you did so it should be fine afaik

Thank you! I hope I get a chance to do it. Sounds like they are putting a freeze on the process in some areas. I hope all those who have had that email aren't waiting long!

 

[Degs]

Hi, not yet. My MMI is booked for June so I've also got an eye out for any info about it.

Hi, MMI went well. Questions that were asked were exactly the ones people have posted on this forum if that’s any help. I’m now waiting for a DMI date so hoping someone can shine some light on it
Good luck

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 15 May 2026 ==

Just had mine and yes, sat all the tests and then the MMI at the end of it. A lot of GWR employees had told me it was separate, and I know a handful of people who have separate MMIs to tests too. Caught me off, but I think it went well anyway

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 5 May 2026 ==


Had mine today! Anything specific you want to know? I'll be honest, I don't remember the questions specifically but can say they are very much 'describe a time you did XYZ'

You get 30 minutes to prep answers. Then an hour long interview to discuss them and expand on them, and get little curveballs thrown at you as well in the middle of it all - as well as hypothetical questions and scenarios.

Sorry only just seen this, yeh that’s exactly how mine went in the end although my psychometrics and mmi were on separate days. Have you say a DMI yet? Cheers

 

[Brenfield]

Hi, MMI went well. Questions that were asked were exactly the ones people have posted on this forum if that’s any help. I’m now waiting for a DMI date so hoping someone can shine some light on it
Good luck

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 15 May 2026 ==


Sorry only just seen this, yeh that’s exactly how mine went in the end although my psychometrics and mmi were on separate days. Have you say a DMI yet? Cheers

hey, Congrats on passing! And thanks for the info, gives me a bit more confidence going in.

 

[Degs]

I’m in the same boat for Swansea, just awaiting the formal offer, it coming up quick though so it will be soon hopefully!

Can you give me some tips for the DMI please if you have sat it already. Thanks

 

[js17]

Hi all,

Is there anyone on here that is currently waiting for the Reading Depot? (I’ve read a lot regarding Exeter, Bristol etc)

I have been placed into the ‘reserve talent pool’ since December 25, and haven’t heard anything since; just wondering if anyone else is in the same boat for Reading?

Cheers

 

[vc99]

I'm starting training on 13 July for a Central Region course in Bristol. Anyone else?

For those wanting to know timelines:

I'm a Bristol Temple Meads applicant (external).

Note - already had psychometrics and MMI completed across 2024 and early 2025 courtesy of another TOC, which I'm still in the talent pool for. Unsure whether I would have ever been offered a start date.

Applied for GWR 10 Oct 25. Did 2 psychometric tests at this point. Situational judgement and error checking.
- Application with the hiring manager email on 27 Oct 2025.
- Invited to video interview 20 Nov 2025 by email (did it on 24th).
- Notified by email that passed video interview on 1 Dec 2025.
- Invite to DMI 5 Jan 2026 by email.
- DMI at Bristol Temple Meads 15 Jan 2026.
- notified by email that I passed DMI on 16 Jan 2026 and placed on the "Reserve" list.
- 19 Mar 2026 phonecall from GWR Recruitment with conditional offer pending medical, DBS etc. This was followed immediately with a conditional offer by email.
- 16 April 2026. Medical in Swindon. Told I'd passed there and then.
- 30 April 2026 phonecall from GWR Recruitment to confirm I was available to start in July.
- 13 May 2026 contract issued.

I'm aware that this timeline is fast and I'm fortunate but I have been chasing a trainee train driver job for a few years and know the feeling of being stuck in a talent pool with not much information as well as suffering setbacks in the psychometrics. My advice is whenever there is an opening with a TOC or FOC in your area then apply and give the application everything.

This thread and the forum in general is a wealth of knowledge and has been very helpful throughout this whole process for me so thank you.

If you're still waiting or in the process don't give up!

Heya. Fantastic news and a relief your starting. Have to let us know how you get on
Can I ask when you had the call 19th March. Did they say it would be the July course or was it simply your invited to the next stage which would be medical and dbs? Thanks

 

[Reactor Scram]

Heya. Fantastic news and a relief your starting. Have to let us know how you get on
Can I ask when you had the call 19th March. Did they say it would be the July course or was it simply your invited to the next stage which would be medical and dbs? Thanks

The call was at the end of the working day - around 1630. It was from a standard mobile number. I missed it and they left a voicemail. I managed to call back about 1700. I was asked if I was available for a course on 13 July. I said yes and they confirmed with me that I had no holiday booked. Was told the next steps and verbally told medical date.

Following the call I received two emails almost immediately. One was the conditional offer pending medical, right to work and DBS etc. The other was around limits for the medical. Hearing, vision, height and BMI limits etc.

I received the official medical invitation with the date and time agreed on the phone about 1 week later with location in Swindon. There's a few forms to print, fill in and bring with you.

 

[Brenfield]

The call was at the end of the working day - around 1630. It was from a standard mobile number. I missed it and they left a voicemail. I managed to call back about 1700. I was asked if I was available for a course on 13 July. I said yes and they confirmed with me that I had no holiday booked. Was told the next steps and verbally told medical date.

Following the call I received two emails almost immediately. One was the conditional offer pending medical, right to work and DBS etc. The other was around limits for the medical. Hearing, vision, height and BMI limits etc.

I received the official medical invitation with the date and time agreed on the phone about 1 week later with location in Swindon. There's a few forms to print, fill in and bring with you.

Hey congrats on the offer.
just thought i'd ask. Are you able share the the medical limits that you were emailed?
I'm still in the recruitment process but i'm worried i might have an issue with my BMI. I'm loosing weight but i'd like to know what i need to aim for if i get into the talent pool.

 

[PlayedRex]

Hey congrats on the offer.
just thought i'd ask. Are you able share the the medical limits that you were emailed?
I'm still in the recruitment process but i'm worried i might have an issue with my BMI. I'm loosing weight but i'd like to know what i need to aim for if i get into the talent pool.

I went through the same process. It entirely depends on the doctor tbh, the recommended limit is a 33 BMI and people further up the thread have been rejected with a 34 BMI. I had my start date pushed back from February and went to a weight review in March where I’d lost enough weight for the doctor to be happy.
The 33 BMI isn’t a hard limit but they do seem to be pushing on that front at the minute so I’d recommend getting as light as you can.

 

[Brenfield]

I went through the same process. It entirely depends on the doctor tbh, the recommended limit is a 33 BMI and people further up the thread have been rejected with a 34 BMI. I had my start date pushed back from February and went to a weight review in March where I’d lost enough weight for the doctor to be happy.
The 33 BMI isn’t a hard limit but they do seem to be pushing on that front at the minute so I’d recommend getting as light as you can.

Thanks that's reassuring. I'm at about 34 BMI now and I haven't done the MMI yet so, assuming i get that far, i'll have quite a long time to get it down before any potential medical.

 

[Reactor Scram]

Hey congrats on the offer.
just thought i'd ask. Are you able share the the medical limits that you were emailed?
I'm still in the recruitment process but i'm worried i might have an issue with my BMI. I'm loosing weight but i'd like to know what i need to aim for if i get into the talent pool.

Thank you, here's some stuff that I've lifted from the comms in preparation for the medical:

Weight - should not have a BMI of more than 33.

Height- between 5’2” and 6’4”

Hearing- any hearing loss must not exceed 40 dB at 0.5 and 1 kHz, and 45 dB at 2 kHz, in either ear.

Vision-visual acuity must be 6/6 both eyes together, with the worse eye no more that 6/12. This is with or without prescription glasses. Contact lenses are permitted if the visual standard is also met with prescription glasses.

Prescription lenses must not exceed +5 for hypermetropia (long sighted), - 8 for myopia (short sighted).

Applicants who have not had an eye test with an optician for more than 2 years are advised to do so before attending for the medical.

Colour vision- normal as assessed by the Ishihara test plates, discretion can be used to accept alternative regulated colour vision tests.

Medical conditions/treatment -must not suffer from medical conditions or treatments likely to cause sudden loss of consciousness, incapacity, mobility issues, impairment of vision or hearing, impairment of balance or coordination.

 

[Brenfield]

Than

Thank you, here's some stuff that I've lifted from the comms in preparation for the medical:

Weight - should not have a BMI of more than 33.

Height- between 5’2” and 6’4”

Hearing- any hearing loss must not exceed 40 dB at 0.5 and 1 kHz, and 45 dB at 2 kHz, in either ear.

Vision-visual acuity must be 6/6 both eyes together, with the worse eye no more that 6/12. This is with or without prescription glasses. Contact lenses are permitted if the visual standard is also met with prescription glasses.

Prescription lenses must not exceed +5 for hypermetropia (long sighted), - 8 for myopia (short sighted).

Applicants who have not had an eye test with an optician for more than 2 years are advised to do so before attending for the medical.

Colour vision- normal as assessed by the Ishihara test plates, discretion can be used to accept alternative regulated colour vision tests.

Medical conditions/treatment -must not suffer from medical conditions or treatments likely to cause sudden loss of consciousness, incapacity, mobility issues, impairment of vision or hearing, impairment of balance or coordination.

Great thanks. I think I should be good on everything except the BMI but i've got time to sort it out.

 

[BarneyGumble]

I'm upset today, I sat my assessments and passed everything aside the WAFV. I messed up real bad early on by thinking it had gone black a few times in a row when it hadn't. I went perfect after that on the test but it wasn't enough.

I'll say good luck to everyone. I'm still enjoying my current role as a guard with another TOC and I'm only in my early 30s, I'll focus on my current job and continue to learn for next time. I won't be too bitter about it since it's only a year and I know what to focus on.

For those with tests up a head, I really did find that this forum was more than enough along with the prep paper. Don't be anxious on the day, just be focused on what you got to do. I actually found the 2hand and the visual flash test to be the easiest, despite their fearsome reputation so you also need to go in understanding that everyone is different and you'll likely find some tests much harder than some on these forums may have said while others are easier like what happened here. Do not freak out, if you aren't sure on anything they are more than happy to explain everything.

All in all I ended up enjoying my time and look forward to taking another crack next year, I'm quite hopeful. Thanks for the help all.

 

[Twin82]

I'm upset today, I sat my assessments and passed everything aside the WAFV. I messed up real bad early on by thinking it had gone black a few times in a row when it hadn't. I went perfect after that on the test but it wasn't enough.

I'll say good luck to everyone. I'm still enjoying my current role as a guard with another TOC and I'm only in my early 30s, I'll focus on my current job and continue to learn for next time. I won't be too bitter about it since it's only a year and I know what to focus on.

For those with tests up a head, I really did find that this forum was more than enough along with the prep paper. Don't be anxious on the day, just be focused on what you got to do. I actually found the 2hand and the visual flash test to be the easiest, despite their fearsome reputation so you also need to go in understanding that everyone is different and you'll likely find some tests much harder than some on these forums may have said while others are easier like what happened here. Do not freak out, if you aren't sure on anything they are more than happy to explain everything.

All in all I ended up enjoying my time and look forward to taking another crack next year, I'm quite hopeful. Thanks for the help all.

Sorry to hear that mate. You’ll get it done next time around as you'll know what to expect.

With the 2 hand coordination test, did you do it perfectly? You said you found it amongst the easiest task on the day

 

[BarneyGumble]

Sorry to hear that mate. You’ll get it done next time around as you'll know what to expect.

With the 2 hand coordination test, did you do it perfectly? You said you found it amongst the easiest task on the day

with the 2hand I went into it with the expectation that it would go out of the line consistently and not to let the high pitch sound affect me. I think too many people must begin freaking out when they start hearing that sound and because it's happening constantly they begin to lose their nerve. Once you understand that you should hopefully be approaching the test with some confidence and just focus on getting it to its destination.

Admittedly I've played games my whole life and it likely helped, albeit never with joysticks like that. Everyone passed the test for what it's worth. Even so, I'll say it's virtually impossible to do it perfectly. It's simply not designed like that, its testing your ability to keep your head while hearing a potentially distressing sound.

 

[Jimwow1987]

Hi first time poster, just registered

I applied for trainee driver position for Paddington on 18th December 2025 and passed the initial online tests and got an email on 30th December saying my application was under review.

Got an email on 26th January 2026 saying my Application was successful and I was invited to submit a video interview which I completed on 28th January 2026.

I then got an email on 3rd February 2026 saying was successful in my Video interview and would be invited in due course to either a full or part assessment, a face to face interview with the driver management team after checking if I had done psychometric tests in the last 6 months or had 2 attempts and failed.

I then Received an email on 25th March 2026 inviting me to book a slot at the assessment centre (OPC Watford). I picked 19th May 2026.

I attended the Assessment Centre this past Tuesday, 19th May 2026. There were 4 of us for GWR. They made us sit the computer tests first. In order we did the WAFV Vigilance Test then the ATAVT Perception Test then the 2 hand Coordination Test. We all then did the paper based tests, the Group Bourdon, the TEA-Occ, the TRP parts 1 and 2. We never sat the written communication test.

They then told us we would all receive feedback after a 15 minute break.

Me and another candidate were successful, much to my surprise thinking I had failed the 2 handed coordination test. Unfortunately 2 of the candidates were informed they had failed and sent home.

We both then did a situational judgement test on the computer and then had to fill out a pre-interview multi modal interview form and then sent for an hours lunch break.

When we returned we both went in, separate rooms and interviews, for a multi-modal interview. After the interview which lasted around an hour I was told that the day was complete and would find out in 7 to 10 working days If I had made the next stage. I’m not sure how the other candidate got on as he was still in his interview when I left.

I was very surprised to receive an email Wednesday Morning, 20th May 2026, informing me I successfully passed the assessment day and that I was through to the next stage which will be a driver manager interview. I will be invited in due course. They did mention in the email that timescales may be extended due to changes in workforce requirements. So it’s just a waiting game now.

Obviously I’m very happy to have passed the Psychometric tests and the mmi but still another hurdle to get through, the dmi, so no guarantees yet.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 22 May 2026 ==

Hi first time poster, just registered

I applied for trainee driver position for Paddington on 18th December 2025 and passed the initial online tests and got an email on 30th December saying my application was under review.

Got an email on 26th January 2026 saying my Application was successful and I was invited to submit a video interview which I completed on 28th January 2026.

I then got an email on 3rd February 2026 saying was successful in my Video interview and would be invited in due course to either a full or part assessment, a face to face interview with the driver management team after checking if I had done psychometric tests in the last 6 months or had 2 attempts and failed.

I then Received an email on 25th March 2026 inviting me to book a slot at the assessment centre (OPC Watford). I picked 19th May 2026.

I attended the Assessment Centre this past Tuesday, 19th May 2026. There were 4 of us for GWR. They made us sit the computer tests first. In order we did the WAFV Vigilance Test then the ATAVT Perception Test then the 2 hand Coordination Test. We all then did the paper based tests, the Group Bourdon, the TEA-Occ, the TRP parts 1 and 2. We never sat the written communication test.

They then told us we would all receive feedback after a 15 minute break.

Me and another candidate were successful, much to my surprise thinking I had failed the 2 handed coordination test. Unfortunately 2 of the candidates were informed they had failed and sent home.

We both then did a situational judgement test on the computer and then had to fill out a pre-interview multi modal interview form and then sent for an hours lunch break.

When we returned we both went in, separate rooms and interviews, for a multi-modal interview. After the interview which lasted around an hour I was told that the day was complete and would find out in 7 to 10 working days If I had made the next stage. I’m not sure how the other candidate got on as he was still in his interview when I left.

I was very surprised to receive an email Wednesday Morning, 20th May 2026, informing me I successfully passed the assessment day and that I was through to the next stage which will be a driver manager interview. I will be invited in due course. They did mention in the email that timescales may be extended due to changes in workforce requirements.

 

[Twin82]

Congratulations. Seemed like a fast process. You did really well. You've done the hard bit. Hopefully they will sort out whatever they are doing and book you in for the dmi.

 

[Jimwow1987]

Congratulations. Seemed like a fast process. You did really well. You've done the hard bit. Hopefully they will sort out whatever they are doing and book you in for the dmi.

Thank you

 

[amalek]

Hi first time poster, just registered

I applied for trainee driver position for Paddington on 18th December 2025 and passed the initial online tests and got an email on 30th December saying my application was under review.

Got an email on 26th January 2026 saying my Application was successful and I was invited to submit a video interview which I completed on 28th January 2026.

I then got an email on 3rd February 2026 saying was successful in my Video interview and would be invited in due course to either a full or part assessment, a face to face interview with the driver management team after checking if I had done psychometric tests in the last 6 months or had 2 attempts and failed.

I then Received an email on 25th March 2026 inviting me to book a slot at the assessment centre (OPC Watford). I picked 19th May 2026.

I attended the Assessment Centre this past Tuesday, 19th May 2026. There were 4 of us for GWR. They made us sit the computer tests first. In order we did the WAFV Vigilance Test then the ATAVT Perception Test then the 2 hand Coordination Test. We all then did the paper based tests, the Group Bourdon, the TEA-Occ, the TRP parts 1 and 2. We never sat the written communication test.

They then told us we would all receive feedback after a 15 minute break.

Me and another candidate were successful, much to my surprise thinking I had failed the 2 handed coordination test. Unfortunately 2 of the candidates were informed they had failed and sent home.

We both then did a situational judgement test on the computer and then had to fill out a pre-interview multi modal interview form and then sent for an hours lunch break.

When we returned we both went in, separate rooms and interviews, for a multi-modal interview. After the interview which lasted around an hour I was told that the day was complete and would find out in 7 to 10 working days If I had made the next stage. I’m not sure how the other candidate got on as he was still in his interview when I left.

I was very surprised to receive an email Wednesday Morning, 20th May 2026, informing me I successfully passed the assessment day and that I was through to the next stage which will be a driver manager interview. I will be invited in due course. They did mention in the email that timescales may be extended due to changes in workforce requirements. So it’s just a waiting game now.

Obviously I’m very happy to have passed the Psychometric tests and the mmi but still another hurdle to get through, the dmi, so no guarantees yet.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 22 May 2026 ==

Hi first time poster, just registered

I applied for trainee driver position for Paddington on 18th December 2025 and passed the initial online tests and got an email on 30th December saying my application was under review.

Got an email on 26th January 2026 saying my Application was successful and I was invited to submit a video interview which I completed on 28th January 2026.

I then got an email on 3rd February 2026 saying was successful in my Video interview and would be invited in due course to either a full or part assessment, a face to face interview with the driver management team after checking if I had done psychometric tests in the last 6 months or had 2 attempts and failed.

I then Received an email on 25th March 2026 inviting me to book a slot at the assessment centre (OPC Watford). I picked 19th May 2026.

I attended the Assessment Centre this past Tuesday, 19th May 2026. There were 4 of us for GWR. They made us sit the computer tests first. In order we did the WAFV Vigilance Test then the ATAVT Perception Test then the 2 hand Coordination Test. We all then did the paper based tests, the Group Bourdon, the TEA-Occ, the TRP parts 1 and 2. We never sat the written communication test.

They then told us we would all receive feedback after a 15 minute break.

Me and another candidate were successful, much to my surprise thinking I had failed the 2 handed coordination test. Unfortunately 2 of the candidates were informed they had failed and sent home.

We both then did a situational judgement test on the computer and then had to fill out a pre-interview multi modal interview form and then sent for an hours lunch break.

When we returned we both went in, separate rooms and interviews, for a multi-modal interview. After the interview which lasted around an hour I was told that the day was complete and would find out in 7 to 10 working days If I had made the next stage. I’m not sure how the other candidate got on as he was still in his interview when I left.

I was very surprised to receive an email Wednesday Morning, 20th May 2026, informing me I successfully passed the assessment day and that I was through to the next stage which will be a driver manager interview. I will be invited in due course. They did mention in the email that timescales may be extended due to changes in workforce requirements.

Congrats mate hard part is over now. Was this for the Heathrow express role?

 

[Jimwow1987]

Congrats mate hard part is over now. Was this for the Heathrow express role?

Thank you, no talent pool for mainline

 

[officewalla]

Been said before and will say it again. Currently there are too many trainees and not enough work at the end of the training. If and until Sundays become part of the working week and perhaps GBR living up to its promise to put passengers first and increase some services, and many drivers assumed to be retiring are staying put for various reasons, the talent pools and reserve lists may have a bit of a wait to proceed.

 

[Jimwow1987]

Been said before and will say it again. Currently there are too many trainees and not enough work at the end of the training. If and until Sundays become part of the working week and perhaps GBR living up to its promise to put passengers first and increase some services, and many drivers assumed to be retiring are staying put for various reasons, the talent pools and reserve lists may have a bit of a wait to proceed.

Yeah of course and I fully expect to wait a while. At least the ball is rolling though. Still worth trying

 

[Brenfield]

Been said before and will say it again. Currently there are too many trainees and not enough work at the end of the training. If and until Sundays become part of the working week and perhaps GBR living up to its promise to put passengers first and increase some services, and many drivers assumed to be retiring are staying put for various reasons, the talent pools and reserve lists may have a bit of a wait to proceed.

hi, sorry if its a stupid question but could you explain a bit more about the Sundays becoming part of the working week? I thought drivers worked Sundays as part of the shifts already. Also why would it impact drivers retiring?

 

[class ep-09]

hi, sorry if its a stupid question but could you explain a bit more about the Sundays becoming part of the working week? I thought drivers worked Sundays as part of the shifts already. Also why would it impact drivers retiring?

Sundays are not part of working week. They are “ committed” for GWR grade drivers (which is still an overtime) and voluntary for HSS grade drivers .

If Sundays become part of working week, there will be need for more drivers.
For now nothing is known if they become.

Recent intake was partially driven by anticipation of striking deal with DfT for Sundays becoming part of the working week and numbers of drivers getting close to retirement, many if which decided to work for few more years.

None so far materialised and depots now have too many drivers and drivers in training .
How long before training “picks up” again - no one knows . It all costs money and money is tight.

 

[RobotBen91]

Hi first time poster, just registered

I applied for trainee driver position for Paddington on 18th December 2025 and passed the initial online tests and got an email on 30th December saying my application was under review.

Got an email on 26th January 2026 saying my Application was successful and I was invited to submit a video interview which I completed on 28th January 2026.

I then got an email on 3rd February 2026 saying was successful in my Video interview and would be invited in due course to either a full or part assessment, a face to face interview with the driver management team after checking if I had done psychometric tests in the last 6 months or had 2 attempts and failed.

I then Received an email on 25th March 2026 inviting me to book a slot at the assessment centre (OPC Watford). I picked 19th May 2026.

I attended the Assessment Centre this past Tuesday, 19th May 2026. There were 4 of us for GWR. They made us sit the computer tests first. In order we did the WAFV Vigilance Test then the ATAVT Perception Test then the 2 hand Coordination Test. We all then did the paper based tests, the Group Bourdon, the TEA-Occ, the TRP parts 1 and 2. We never sat the written communication test.

They then told us we would all receive feedback after a 15 minute break.

Me and another candidate were successful, much to my surprise thinking I had failed the 2 handed coordination test. Unfortunately 2 of the candidates were informed they had failed and sent home.

We both then did a situational judgement test on the computer and then had to fill out a pre-interview multi modal interview form and then sent for an hours lunch break.

When we returned we both went in, separate rooms and interviews, for a multi-modal interview. After the interview which lasted around an hour I was told that the day was complete and would find out in 7 to 10 working days If I had made the next stage. I’m not sure how the other candidate got on as he was still in his interview when I left.

I was very surprised to receive an email Wednesday Morning, 20th May 2026, informing me I successfully passed the assessment day and that I was through to the next stage which will be a driver manager interview. I will be invited in due course. They did mention in the email that timescales may be extended due to changes in workforce requirements. So it’s just a waiting game now.

Obviously I’m very happy to have passed the Psychometric tests and the mmi but still another hurdle to get through, the dmi, so no guarantees yet.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 22 May 2026 ==

Hi first time poster, just registered

I applied for trainee driver position for Paddington on 18th December 2025 and passed the initial online tests and got an email on 30th December saying my application was under review.

Got an email on 26th January 2026 saying my Application was successful and I was invited to submit a video interview which I completed on 28th January 2026.

I then got an email on 3rd February 2026 saying was successful in my Video interview and would be invited in due course to either a full or part assessment, a face to face interview with the driver management team after checking if I had done psychometric tests in the last 6 months or had 2 attempts and failed.

I then Received an email on 25th March 2026 inviting me to book a slot at the assessment centre (OPC Watford). I picked 19th May 2026.

I attended the Assessment Centre this past Tuesday, 19th May 2026. There were 4 of us for GWR. They made us sit the computer tests first. In order we did the WAFV Vigilance Test then the ATAVT Perception Test then the 2 hand Coordination Test. We all then did the paper based tests, the Group Bourdon, the TEA-Occ, the TRP parts 1 and 2. We never sat the written communication test.

They then told us we would all receive feedback after a 15 minute break.

Me and another candidate were successful, much to my surprise thinking I had failed the 2 handed coordination test. Unfortunately 2 of the candidates were informed they had failed and sent home.

We both then did a situational judgement test on the computer and then had to fill out a pre-interview multi modal interview form and then sent for an hours lunch break.

When we returned we both went in, separate rooms and interviews, for a multi-modal interview. After the interview which lasted around an hour I was told that the day was complete and would find out in 7 to 10 working days If I had made the next stage. I’m not sure how the other candidate got on as he was still in his interview when I left.

I was very surprised to receive an email Wednesday Morning, 20th May 2026, informing me I successfully passed the assessment day and that I was through to the next stage which will be a driver manager interview. I will be invited in due course. They did mention in the email that timescales may be extended due to changes in workforce requirements.

Congratulations. Once you've passed the DMI and put into the talent pool (reserve list) you've got the job. Its just a case of when you start.

 

[Brenfield]

Sundays are not part of working week. They are “ committed” for GWR grade drivers (which is still an overtime) and voluntary for HSS grade drivers .

If Sundays become part of working week, there will be need for more drivers.
For now nothing is known if they become.

Recent intake was partially driven by anticipation of striking deal with DfT for Sundays becoming part of the working week and numbers of drivers getting close to retirement, many if which decided to work for few more years.

None so far materialised and depots now have too many drivers and drivers in training .
How long before training “picks up” again - no one knows . It all costs money and money is tight.

Thanks that makes sense. I guess that also explains why some people further up the thread had their assessments cancelled if there are already too many trainees.

 

[vc99]

Is anyone on this thread for gwr started their application post 2024 and still waiting in the talent pool?

 

[RobotBen91]

Is anyone on this thread for gwr started their application post 2024 and still waiting in the talent pool?

Yep most of us. You've got the job but you just need to forget about it as you could be waiting for years.

 

[FGW_DID]

Congratulations. Once you've passed the DMI and put into the talent pool (reserve list) you've got the job. Its just a case of when you start.

Incorrect. You haven’t got the job until you’ve had your medical and signed your contract. Getting to the talent pool isn’t a 100% guarantee you will get a spot.
It may take a while, some people have sat in a pool for a couple of years.
It wasn’t too many years ago, GWR emptied the pool and everybody was back to square one.
Getting to the pool is huge step and well done to those that get there but they aren’t in that driving seat yet!

 

[RobotBen91]

Incorrect. You haven’t got the job until you’ve had your medical and signed your contract. Getting to the talent pool isn’t a 100% guarantee you will get a spot.
It may take a while, some people have sat in a pool for a couple of years.
It wasn’t too many years ago, GWR emptied the pool and everybody was back to square one.
Getting to the pool is huge step and well done to those that get there but they aren’t in that driving seat yet!

Sorry yes you have to pass the medical. I am aware it was emptied some years ago but I was told by one of the officials that with the amount of people coming up for retirement they wouldn't do that again as there's the potential for tonnes of drivers to hand their notices in at any given time. I was warned however it could be up to 5 years waiting. If that is false information please do correct me though.