user1234567
Member
Random question , does anyone know if the BMI has been relaxed for the medical? Looking at the applications I can’t see it stipulated in the FAqs like it used to be
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GWR - Trainee Train Driver - Recruitment Discussion
- Thread starter JT97
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someone posted further up the thread the limits sent to them for the medical in an email. BMI requirement was 33 or less. Not sure is that is different than what it used to be or not.
No, they still ask for a BMI of no more than 33 (I had my medical 2 months ago)
hi, not really, we're both in the same boat. The gap for me between completing my stage 1 assessment and being invited to the stage 2 was about 1 month if that's anything to go by.
Though i am guessing by the activity in this thread that they are doing things in batches so when enough people have done their MMIs they'll start booking DMIs. When i got the invite to do the MMI i saw there were dates available to book though to July so maybe towards the end of next month we'll start hearing things.
SmugStarlord
Member
I think you may be right. It could be a case of waiting for a bunch of you so they can knock the DMI's in 1 go. Im still waiting for an MMI with my batch, so could be their waiting for us to do ours maybe
user1234567
Member
Thanks for the response
From memory are you in for Swansea depot? Has there been any murmuring of if/when vacancies will be listed please?
Failed medical last year which I have now resolved so keen to enter the process again
If you dont mind me asking why did you fail medical?
HeritageSussex
Member
Closing on 30th June.,
user1234567
Member
Yeah sure, I think I may have broadcast it too much at the time on reflection but I a) wanted to warn others and b) was down in the dumps about it
It was BMI related, was half a stone over the BMI cap.
I read that others were given time to correct it, I wasn’t
That sounds a bit harsh, hopefully you get through this time.
Reactor Scram
Member
Trainee Train Driver Fratton -
careers.firstgroup.co.uk
Trainee Train Driver Plymouth -
careers.firstgroup.co.uk
Trainee Train Driver Paddington & Oxford -
careers.firstgroup.co.uk
Trainee Depot Driver - Exeter, Plymouth, Penzance:
careers.firstgroup.co.uk
Advert closes 30 June 2026.
For anyone new to this. Apply quickly as the advert may be removed early. Be detailed in your application and proof read it. Think about the qualities of a train driver.
You'll be asked to do two tests after application (unless there is any changes from recently). First will be a situational judgement test with no time limit. Rate given scenarios as most or least appropriate.
Then you'll get an error checking test which is timed. You'll get some data and you need to spot the error(s), if any. This is timed and both speed and accuracy are needed. Don't be worried if you don't finish it. There is practice questions you can do as many times as you like.
These tests are used as a sifting tool. If you pass AND score highly enough to be progressed then you'll have a video interview to do - this is not with a person. Three or four questions and answer into your computer camera. There is opportunity to practice.
If you get through this then it'll be onto train driver psychometrics which GWR split over 2 days. Paper and and computer tests in one long day. If you pass then you'll do the multi modal interview (MMI) which is a one to one with an assessor who is assessing your competency to do the job.
Pass that and you'll get a sit down with the company in the form of a Driver Manager Interview (DMI). This is the job interview where you'll demonstrate why you want the job and how you have the necessary skills and that you'll fit in with the depot and company values.
Pass that and you'll most likely be placed on a reserve list pending a space on a course. Once they tell you that you've got a training start date you'll go for a medical and you'll get a contract following right to work checks. They'll ask for references after you receive your contract.
Timescales can vary a lot. Expect minimum 1 year from applying to start date with long waits between communication from the company. Remember, that if you haven't been rejected then you're still in. Some people wait 3 or 4 years from application to getting a start date so be prepared to exercise patience.
Very competitive process. Googling tells me that it's approximately 1 in 400 applicants get a start date.
If there are questions then happy to help, where I can. Good luck!
Trainee Train Driver - Fratton, Hampshire, United Kingdom
Do you want the best seat on the railway? Every day, our Train Drivers help thousands of customers travel safely, comfortably and on time. They're the face of our operation, playing a vital role in delivering an exceptional journey and helping shape the future of rail travel. If you're looking...
careers.firstgroup.co.uk
Trainee Train Driver Plymouth -
Trainee Train Driver - Plymouth, United Kingdom
Do you want the best seat on the railway? Every day, our Train Drivers help thousands of customers travel safely, comfortably and on time. They're the face of our operation, playing a vital role in delivering an exceptional journey and helping shape the future of rail travel. If you're looking...
careers.firstgroup.co.uk
Trainee Train Driver Paddington & Oxford -
Trainee Train Driver - Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom - London, Greater London, United Kingdom
Do you want the best seat on the railway? Every day, our Train Drivers help thousands of customers travel safely, comfortably and on time. They're the face of our operation, playing a vital role in delivering an exceptional journey and helping shape the future of rail travel. If you're looking...
careers.firstgroup.co.uk
Trainee Depot Driver - Exeter, Plymouth, Penzance:
Trainee Depot Driver - West Region - Exeter, United Kingdom - Plymouth, United Kingdom - Penzance, Cornwall, United Kingdom
Who are we? GWR is the proud custodian of Brunel's railway - one of the most prestigious networks in the world. We have some of the newest trains in the country and exciting plans to extend our services. With more than one hundred million passenger journeys each year, we carry people to over...
careers.firstgroup.co.uk
Advert closes 30 June 2026.
For anyone new to this. Apply quickly as the advert may be removed early. Be detailed in your application and proof read it. Think about the qualities of a train driver.
You'll be asked to do two tests after application (unless there is any changes from recently). First will be a situational judgement test with no time limit. Rate given scenarios as most or least appropriate.
Then you'll get an error checking test which is timed. You'll get some data and you need to spot the error(s), if any. This is timed and both speed and accuracy are needed. Don't be worried if you don't finish it. There is practice questions you can do as many times as you like.
These tests are used as a sifting tool. If you pass AND score highly enough to be progressed then you'll have a video interview to do - this is not with a person. Three or four questions and answer into your computer camera. There is opportunity to practice.
If you get through this then it'll be onto train driver psychometrics which GWR split over 2 days. Paper and and computer tests in one long day. If you pass then you'll do the multi modal interview (MMI) which is a one to one with an assessor who is assessing your competency to do the job.
Pass that and you'll get a sit down with the company in the form of a Driver Manager Interview (DMI). This is the job interview where you'll demonstrate why you want the job and how you have the necessary skills and that you'll fit in with the depot and company values.
Pass that and you'll most likely be placed on a reserve list pending a space on a course. Once they tell you that you've got a training start date you'll go for a medical and you'll get a contract following right to work checks. They'll ask for references after you receive your contract.
Timescales can vary a lot. Expect minimum 1 year from applying to start date with long waits between communication from the company. Remember, that if you haven't been rejected then you're still in. Some people wait 3 or 4 years from application to getting a start date so be prepared to exercise patience.
Very competitive process. Googling tells me that it's approximately 1 in 400 applicants get a start date.
If there are questions then happy to help, where I can. Good luck!
hawkster26
Member
Great details thanks, I have recently passed stage 1/2 & MMI with a different TOC if successful would I go straight to DMI stage ?Trainee Train Driver Fratton -
Trainee Train Driver - Fratton, Hampshire, United Kingdom
Do you want the best seat on the railway? Every day, our Train Drivers help thousands of customers travel safely, comfortably and on time. They're the face of our operation, playing a vital role in delivering an exceptional journey and helping shape the future of rail travel. If you're looking...
Trainee Train Driver Plymouth -
Trainee Train Driver - Plymouth, United Kingdom
Do you want the best seat on the railway? Every day, our Train Drivers help thousands of customers travel safely, comfortably and on time. They're the face of our operation, playing a vital role in delivering an exceptional journey and helping shape the future of rail travel. If you're looking...
Trainee Train Driver Paddington & Oxford -
Trainee Train Driver - Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom - London, Greater London, United Kingdom
Do you want the best seat on the railway? Every day, our Train Drivers help thousands of customers travel safely, comfortably and on time. They're the face of our operation, playing a vital role in delivering an exceptional journey and helping shape the future of rail travel. If you're looking...
Trainee Depot Driver - Exeter, Plymouth, Penzance:
Trainee Depot Driver - West Region - Exeter, United Kingdom - Plymouth, United Kingdom - Penzance, Cornwall, United Kingdom
Who are we? GWR is the proud custodian of Brunel's railway - one of the most prestigious networks in the world. We have some of the newest trains in the country and exciting plans to extend our services. With more than one hundred million passenger journeys each year, we carry people to over...
Advert closes 30 June 2026.
For anyone new to this. Apply quickly as the advert may be removed early. Be detailed in your application and proof read it. Think about the qualities of a train driver.
You'll be asked to do two tests after application (unless there is any changes from recently). First will be a situational judgement test with no time limit. Rate given scenarios as most or least appropriate.
Then you'll get an error checking test which is timed. You'll get some data and you need to spot the error(s), if any. This is timed and both speed and accuracy are needed. Don't be worried if you don't finish it. There is practice questions you can do as many times as you like.
These tests are used as a sifting tool. If you pass AND score highly enough to be progressed then you'll have a video interview to do - this is not with a person. Three or four questions and answer into your computer camera. There is opportunity to practice.
If you get through this then it'll be onto train driver psychometrics which GWR split over 2 days. Paper and and computer tests in one long day. If you pass then you'll do the multi modal interview (MMI) which is a one to one with an assessor who is assessing your competency to do the job.
Pass that and you'll get a sit down with the company in the form of a Driver Manager Interview (DMI). This is the job interview where you'll demonstrate why you want the job and how you have the necessary skills and that you'll fit in with the depot and company values.
Pass that and you'll most likely be placed on a reserve list pending a space on a course. Once they tell you that you've got a training start date you'll go for a medical and you'll get a contract following right to work checks. They'll ask for references after you receive your contract.
Timescales can vary a lot. Expect minimum 1 year from applying to start date with long waits between communication from the company. Remember, that if you haven't been rejected then you're still in. Some people wait 3 or 4 years from application to getting a start date so be prepared to exercise patience.
Very competitive process. Googling tells me that it's approximately 1 in 400 applicants get a start date.
If there are questions then happy to help, where I can. Good luck!
You still have to pass the online sift stage, if you did, you then go straight to DMI.
Reactor Scram
Member
You'll need to apply and pass the initial sift tests and score above whatever cut off score they set and then pass the video interview. Once you're passed that then GWR will check your psychometrics against the national database and invite you straight to DMI. This will reduce time considerably for you.
Twin82
Member
Very well written. Thank you for this. Wasn’t aware there was another stage after the manifesto (2nd stage). Appreciate this.
Eurostar123
Member
- Joined
- 11 Aug 2016
- Messages
- 13
I have recently applied for the Oxford-based role and have completed the online SJT. Is it a signal of good news that I have not yet received a result?
Reactor Scram
Member
It's neither good or bad news. I've done this bit of the process a few times and the wait after SJT varied from pretty instant to a few days.
All I can say is you will need patience, no news is always good news. I recently passed my DMI with southeastern and was offered a start date in August.
From first applying it has taken me over 2 years to get offered a position.
Eurostar123
Member
- Joined
- 11 Aug 2016
- Messages
- 13
Thank you for letting me know. I look forward to receiving good news, hopefully.
IndegoMouse
Member
Did you do a second test, the timed fault finding?
Waterlooville
On Moderation
I am awaiting a start date having gone through the whole process with a different TOC. I applied for the GWR role for a laugh, but may see where it leads whilst I await. The process is back to front for me as the MMI is the final thing my initial TOC do upon allocation of a start date.
Eurostar123
Member
- Joined
- 11 Aug 2016
- Messages
- 13
I wasn't asked to do the timed fault finding test, but keep on being unsuccessful at the online SJT.
Did you complete your SJT? If so have you already received an email saying that you were unsuccessful?
IndegoMouse
Member
so I applied last night and did the SJT first then it invited me to do the next timed assessment. If you keep failing at SJT then I would reach out to an employment coach to help you think a little differently and understand why you would select certain choices.
I would advise you join the How2 Become web chat on 30th June
I just received an email saying I failed the SJT for GWR… sad times but it is what it is can’t win them all
Hey!
I'm Swansea yes but I haven't heard anything about more vacancies coming up
Waterlooville
On Moderation
The second test comes straight after the first IF you were successful at it.
v16ull
Member
I did the error checking test late last night and was expecting an email to say if I’d passed or failed this morning (as that’s what the process is with First Rail London, which is the same company). I passed it with First Rail but I don’t think I did as well this time round so wouldn’t be surprised if I’ve failed. Has anyone had an email after the error checking test?
Similar here. Applied for oxford depot and was immediately invited for SJT and then fault finding came immediately after that. I have heard nothing since completing this.
Waterlooville
On Moderation
I applied for one of the GWR jobs and did both tests in the week, heard nothing. I got to around question 17/18 I believe. I was fine with it until they put the key in column, which will have caused me a couple of wrong answers as I worked it out.