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

[jimbo1198]

Hi everyone, it’s my second time applying, I failed the DMI last October. I’ve just received the email telling me the next step is an online assessment through the OPC in July, but I already passed all OPC assessments last year. Will I still have to take part in the online assessment or should I contact them?

Do you know how you failed the DMI?

 

[RowanStackbey]

Do you know how you failed the DMI?

It was split into two parts, first part standard interview questions (what do you know about the company, why do you want to work for us etc.), and the second part was scenario questions (tell us about a time when…). I fluffed the first part so they didn’t bother with the second.

They gave me feedback in person and the gist of it was that I just didn’t say enough. My mind goes blank in interviews and I just didn’t go into enough detail. They brought up a few things, like how I didn’t even mention the partnership with London Northwestern, and how I didn’t talk enough about things ive done to prepare for the role.

Hopefully I can get a second chance, and I’ll know what to expect this time round

 

[jimbo1198]

It was split into two parts, first part standard interview questions (what do you know about the company, why do you want to work for us etc.), and the second part was scenario questions (tell us about a time when…). I fluffed the first part so they didn’t bother with the second.

They gave me feedback in person and the gist of it was that I just didn’t say enough. My mind goes blank in interviews and I just didn’t go into enough detail. They brought up a few things, like how I didn’t even mention the partnership with London Northwestern, and how I didn’t talk enough about things ive done to prepare for the role.

Hopefully I can get a second chance, and I’ll know what to expect this time round

Ah, sorry to hear you didnt get through. I have my dmi next week for crewe so trying to get as much information about them as possible.

 

[Twin82]

Hi everyone, it’s my second time applying, I failed the DMI last October. I’ve just received the email telling me the next step is an online assessment through the OPC in July, but I already passed all OPC assessments last year. Will I still have to take part in the online assessment or should I contact them?

Sorry about your mishap in the dmi. You have to do the online testing regardless of how far you’ve reached in any recruitment process. Once you’ve passed the big sift, in the form of online assessments, then you skip the in house test assessments and go straight to dmi. And that’s dependent of what toc accepts your pass. You would be ok with the company you done the dmi with.

 

[Arden]

Hi, I had my stage 1 last week in B'ham (I applied for Leamington Spa) and received notification yesterday I've passed and would be moved forward to Stage 2. I am over the moon. The notification also said Stage 2 might not take place for a while but as soon as they have any further news they'll be in touch. To my surprise I received an email 06:39 today inviting me to book in for Stage 2 - at 9:25 I tried to book in via the booking page but at the bottom of the page it says in an amber box 'Unfortunately there are no longer any interview times available for you to select. Please contact WM Trains to discuss this further.' I tried on my laptop, iPad and iPhone and all show the same message.
I emailed recruitment this morning and I was impressed they replied pretty quickly - but it wasn't exactly helpful - they said 'I'm unsure as to why the link isn't working, as other candidates are booking their slots. I can only suggest at this point to try booking on a different device?'
I've replied asking for further assistance and also replied to the original invitation informing them of the issue (and shared a screen shot). I really hope they can resolve it as I don't wish to fall foul of the two-day response rule.
Has anyone else had this issue?
Thank you.

After my little technical glitch last week I'm pleased to say the recruitment team have sorted it out and I'm now confirmed to do stage 2 on 27th July. In case anyone else has any issues in the future - I recommend replying to the email you received from WM and add in 'cc' recruitment@wmtrains.co.uk - and if you feel your issue isn't being answered and you need to escalate I used LinkedIn to find the relevant HR leader and emailed them direct - email addresses are firstname.surname@wmtrains.co.uk , thanks.

 

[Jay1874]

Last course is November. So probably August time. I’m also waiting for a DMI for Cov. After November its January and March.

Hi Everyone,

I am currently awaiting a DMI for coventry. Does anyone have any insider info of when the next batch of these will be?

Any info would be greatly appreciated

Thanks.

The November course is filled from my understanding, I had my DMI for COV in May. I didn’t get selected but 6 got through and put onto the NOV course. Only 11 got the DMI from 1100 is what I was told so I would assume you will be on the next lot of DMI’s probably towards the back end of the year/early next year.

But honestly who even knows how it works, I’ve spoke to people who applied 2 years ago got to DMI heard nothing, then I applied and pretty much done it all in a few months, one of the strangest hiring processes I’ve ever known!

Good luck either way mate!

 

[BHMGuard]

The November course is filled from my understanding, I had my DMI for COV in May. I didn’t get selected but 6 got through and put onto the NOV course. Only 11 got the DMI from 1100 is what I was told so I would assume you will be on the next lot of DMI’s probably towards the back end of the year/early next year.

But honestly who even knows how it works, I’ve spoke to people who applied 2 years ago got to DMI heard nothing, then I applied and pretty much done it all in a few months, one of the strangest hiring processes I’ve ever known!

Good luck either way mate!

To be fair, if true, that suits me a lot more. I have a holiday booked in Jan I’ve already paid out a lot for, so was going to declare it anyway at the DMI if I got that far. So early next year courses is a bonus. Thanks for sharing.

 

[ad00am]

As someone who has recently been through the process, there isn’t really an easy way to work out how the depot you apply for will align with your DMI date and then potential course date.

For me there were parts of the process that advanced quickly, whilst other parts much slower. I was then offered multiple course dates.

Therefore my advice for those going through the process is not to over think it too much, and just focus on being fully prepared for each stage. There are too many variables in the recruitment process to try and predict timings.

 

[UTV1982]

Just a quick question regarding attire to wear at the stage 2 test/MMI.

Normally like to dress smart anyway for anything work related. But felt a little over dressed for stage 1 test.

What was the general consensus of clothing to wear to the stage 2 tests etc?

I did shirt and tie for all stages and interviews

 

[SoT390]

Hi everyone,
is anyone able to advise me on how long they give you to write down your examples on the form for the MMI questions?
Thank you

 

[Sotac464]

Hi everyone,
is anyone able to advise me on how long they give you to write down your examples on the form for the MMI questions?
Thank you

About 10 minutes, I literally wrote down half a sentence for each answer, its about elaborating when you are in their.

 

[SoT390]

About 10 minutes, I literally wrote down half a sentence for each answer, its about elaborating when you are in their.

Thank you

 

[magicflash]

After my little technical glitch last week I'm pleased to say the recruitment team have sorted it out and I'm now confirmed to do stage 2 on 27th July. In case anyone else has any issues in the future - I recommend replying to the email you received from WM and add in 'cc' recruitment@wmtrains.co.uk - and if you feel your issue isn't being answered and you need to escalate I used LinkedIn to find the relevant HR leader and emailed them direct - email addresses are firstname.surname@wmtrains.co.uk , thanks.

How did you find the stage 1 test? any tips? I have mine in a couple of weeks. TIA

 

[ST88]

Does anyone know how long answers have to be for the MMI, does it have to be in depth or not

 

[HH24]

Does anyone know how long answers have to be for the MMI, does it have to be in depth or not

Yep, you'll have to know your scenarios inside out as you'll be asked questions midway through an answer which will disrupt any flow.

 

[jlc16]

Does anyone know how long answers have to be for the MMI, does it have to be in depth or not

Yep, you'll have to know your scenarios inside out as you'll be asked questions midway through an answer which will disrupt any flow.

Agreed. Had my Stage 2 yesterday and got to the MMI. I had a few scenarios lined up using the STAR method, but the interviewer interrupted my flow multiple times which threw me off. I guess they do it on purpose to look at how you handle the pressure from it.
My advice would be don't make it up. Be truthful, and think safety first.

 

[IndegoMouse]

Agreed. Had my Stage 2 yesterday and got to the MMI. I had a few scenarios lined up using the STAR method, but the interviewer interrupted my flow multiple times which threw me off. I guess they do it on purpose to look at how you handle the pressure from it.
My advise would be don't make it up. Be truthful, and think safety first.

It so interesting to read this. I thought I was giving rubbish answers which is why they kept butting in but good to see that is the style! I still managed a enhanced pass luckily

 

[SoT390]

Agreed. Had my Stage 2 yesterday and got to the MMI. I had a few scenarios lined up using the STAR method, but the interviewer interrupted my flow multiple times which threw me off. I guess they do it on purpose to look at how you handle the pressure from it.
My advise would be don't make it up. Be truthful, and think safety first.

Yep, you'll have to know your scenarios inside out as you'll be asked questions midway through an answer which will disrupt any flow.

Yep, had my Stage 2 today and MMI and can confirm they ask several times Why? How? What? etc. They mentioned the interview should last around an hour. I was also asked a hypothetical question that wasn't on the sheet, "What would you do if X happened?" half way through.

 

[HH24]

Can see why it catches people out. You're also highly likely to get found out if you're making things up and relying on perfect structure to remember made up things.

Good luck with your results! What depot have you applied for?

 

[jlc16]

Can see why it catches people out. You're also highly likely to get found out if you're making things up and relying on perfect structure to remember made up things.

Good luck with your results! What depot have you applied for?

Just a quick question? Does the DMI take place at the depot you applied for, or is it at their HQ in Birmingham?

 

[IndegoMouse]

Just a quick question? Does the DMI take place at the depot you applied for, or is it at their HQ in Birmingham?

HQ

 

[jlc16]

HQ

Thanks!

 

[HH24]

Just a quick question? Does the DMI take place at the depot you applied for, or is it at their HQ in Birmingham?

It was in the staff facilities at the station I'd applied for

 

[DaveChooChoo]

Hi everyone,
is anyone able to advise me on how long they give you to write down your examples on the form for the MMI questions?
Thank you

Hi,

I did it on Friday and we were told 1 sentence, 25 words max and we all did it in about 20 mins. They didn’t give a time or ask us to hurry just waited until we finished. I was the last one to finish. Found out I passed yesterday!!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Jun 2026 ==

Does anyone know what the time scale is like for DMI Crewe? Received OPC stage 2 pass email yesterday.

 

[jimbo1198]

Hi,

I did it on Friday and we were told 1 sentence, 25 words max and we all did it in about 20 mins. They didn’t give a time or ask us to hurry just waited until we finished. I was the last one to finish. Found out I passed yesterday!!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Jun 2026 ==

Does anyone know what the time scale is like for DMI Crewe? Received OPC stage 2 pass email yesterday.

Got my invite to dmi about a week after passing stage 2 for crewe

 

[jlc16]

Does anyone know what the time scale is like for DMI Crewe? Received OPC stage 2 pass email yesterday.

Congrats! I had my Stage 2 on Monday and found out I passed yesterday, also for Crewe. Just awaiting DMI invite.

 

[DaveChooChoo]

Got my invite to dmi about a week after passing stage 2 for crewe

Wow quick! When was this?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Jun 2026 ==

Congrats! I had my Stage 2 on Monday and found out I passed yesterday, also for Crewe. Just awaiting DMI invite.

Great stuff! Hope we don’t wait too long for the next stage.

 

[Harjam12]

Does anyone know when the next round of DMI's are due to take place for Coventry depot?

 

[jimbo1198]

Wow quick! When was this?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Jun 2026 ==


Great stuff! Hope we don’t wait too long for the next stage.

Last Friday mate got my dmi this friday

 

[sjberry3]

From what I’ve read on here, the average from application to job offer can be 9-12 months. Have you tried emailing wmt recruitment for an update?

yes and they just say we will contact you when we have an update. Every time....