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

[SA9t7]

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

Did you apply in Jan 2025?

 

[Arden]

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

Hi @magicflash, I prepared for stage 1 using the materials they supplied and watching videos on Youtube about the various tests.
I printed off a number of pages of the group bourdon test and practiced against a stop watch in the days leading up to the assessment - this allowed me to learn how to recognise the patterns of 4 and find my rhythm.
I was focusing on accuracy and consistency rather than speed - although once you've learnt the patterns you'll find you can go quite quick.
The other tests were really good fun - don't try to overthink anything - just follow the instructions to the word.
I've seen lots of questions and comments regarding what to wear - I wore a white shirt (open neck, no tie) tucked in to a smart pair of chinos and smart shoes.
I was the first person to arrive (an hour early) but we were delayed starting because quite a lot of people arrived late - there was a group of people waiting in the downstairs lobby when they should have made their way up to the assessment room (this was the studio, cannon street, b'ham).
Good luck!

 

[DaveChooChoo]

Last Friday mate got my dmi this friday

Nice!! Good Luck!

 

[magicflash]

Hi @magicflash, I prepared for stage 1 using the materials they supplied and watching videos on Youtube about the various tests.
I printed off a number of pages of the group bourdon test and practiced against a stop watch in the days leading up to the assessment - this allowed me to learn how to recognise the patterns of 4 and find my rhythm.
I was focusing on accuracy and consistency rather than speed - although once you've learnt the patterns you'll find you can go quite quick.
The other tests were really good fun - don't try to overthink anything - just follow the instructions to the word.
I've seen lots of questions and comments regarding what to wear - I wore a white shirt (open neck, no tie) tucked in to a smart pair of chinos and smart shoes.
I was the first person to arrive (an hour early) but we were delayed starting because quite a lot of people arrived late - there was a group of people waiting in the downstairs lobby when they should have made their way up to the assessment room (this was the studio, cannon street, b'ham).
Good luck!

thanks so much for the info! I think you naturally over think it all. Fingers crossed it all goes well! thanks again!

 

[ST88]

Just got notification i passed OPC Stage 2 and on list for interview. Thank you all for the advice, much appreciated!

Any idea how long it takes for final interview? Also what sort of Questions do they ask in the DMI?

 

[Harjam12]

Just got notification i passed OPC Stage 2 and on list for interview. Thank you all for the advice, much appreciated!

Any idea how long it takes for final interview? Also what sort of Questions do they

Congratulations, thats the hard bit done from my understanding. I can't help with timing , but i passed my stage 2 in May and haven't received anything since.

 

[ST88]

Congratulations, thats the hard bit done from my understanding. I can't help with timing , but i passed my stage 2 in May and haven't received anything since.

Thank you! Oh wow, which train company did you apply and region?

 

[joehosten]

Hi all

This was quite a while ago (May), but would like to ask those that have passed & started.

I had my DMI on the 13th May and found out I had passed the same day. The email was something along the lines of "You have passed, we have no more information but are planning our intakes for 2026. Please let us know about availability, DOB, and upcoming holidays". Sent my reply the same day and it's now almost July. I am expecting a longish wait as spaces have to open up - I asked in the interview and they said my cohort was aiming for an October start, assuming I'm not put into the talent pool.

Anyway, those that have passed/started, what was your experience with this stage of the process. I applied in October 2025 for Cov.

 

[Nella]

Hello all, I am trying to find out whats the average time from completing the application until job offer. I understand some people might be put in talent pool for months and month while others would start sooner. What is your experience and perhaps some of your colleagues as confirmed info? Not looking for info like " Ive heard this guy waited 2 years..." Only valid info please. Thank you

 

[HH24]

Here's my timeline:
October 2025 - Application
November/December 2025 - Online sift
March 2026 - OPC stage 1
April 2026 - OPC stage 2
May 2026 - DMI
June/July 2026 - Offer, medical, references etc.
Looking at a start in October, so 12 months in all.

 

[Nella]

Here's my timeline:
October 2025 - Application
November/December 2025 - Online sift
March 2026 - OPC stage 1
April 2026 - OPC stage 2
May 2026 - DMI
June/July 2026 - Offer, medical, references etc.
Looking at a start in October, so 12 months in all.

brilliant, thanks a lot and congrats well done !

 

[Drivingtales]

Hello all, I am trying to find out whats the average time from completing the application until job offer. I understand some people might be put in talent pool for months and month while others would start sooner. What is your experience and perhaps some of your colleagues as confirmed info? Not looking for info like " Ive heard this guy waited 2 years..." Only valid info please. Thank you

At least 6 months to 1 year

 

[magicflash]

I’ve not had anything back yet, I’m guessing you haven’t had anything either?

Going next week

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 2 Jul 2026 ==

The group bourdon test is crossing off 4 dots, not letters.

It's 2 minutes per section too. 5 sections so 10 minutes in total to complete the task.

Quick question, on the dot test. Is it best to finish the line you’ve started if the timer goes off or just move on? Do they not mark you on half a line done ?

 

[Unobrow]

Quick question, on the dot test. Is it best to finish the line you’ve started if the timer goes off or just move on? Do they not mark you on half a line done ?

It’s best to follow the instructions you’re given.

 

[Danj876]

Hi everyone. This place has been super helpful and have passed my stage one and two. Waiting toll for a date for my DMI. Just wanted to ask if anyone has any good sources for info on WM trains? I’ve looked at their site and got the generic company info but wanted something abit more substantial to learn before attending?

 

[Penguin80]

Hi all

This was quite a while ago (May), but would like to ask those that have passed & started.

I had my DMI on the 13th May and found out I had passed the same day. The email was something along the lines of "You have passed, we have no more information but are planning our intakes for 2026. Please let us know about availability, DOB, and upcoming holidays". Sent my reply the same day and it's now almost July. I am expecting a longish wait as spaces have to open up - I asked in the interview and they said my cohort was aiming for an October start, assuming I'm not put into the talent pool.

Anyway, those that have passed/started, what was your experience with this stage of the process. I applied in October 2025 for Cov.

Hi Joe well done for getting through. I think the next intake is either October or November. Its likely you won't hear anything for a while as when I passed my DMI it was all very rushed as they were trying to get me on the June course but it was all very last minute so you will probably hear something in September. The medical is next so they will do that soon

 

[ST88]

Hi All, so i have my DMI coming up in a couple of weeks, was wondering what WM Trains sort of ask regarding questions for the interview, any insight would be helpful

 

[Spider1806]

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

Hey there I have completed all my psychometrics previously and I have applied to WMT now had an email saying I need to do a OPC sift assessment?

Can you advise what this was roughly?

Help and advise appreciated

 

[Danj876]

Good Morning,

I have a DMI this week for London Northwestern (west midlands trains) Has anyone attended a DMI recently for this company?
Just wondering what to expect? The sort of questions that were asked?
Ive done alot of my own revising and want to male sure im focusing on the right areas.

Many thanks

Hey how did your DMI go?

 

[Spider1806]

Congrats mate!!! Is it just the medical for you now?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 2 Mar 2026 ==


HI, I think it varies as to how long they take to send you the OPC online sift stuff. Mine was a month or two if I remember rightly. They will send it eventually!

Hi mate - can you help at all on what was on the online opc sift test?

Advice and help appreciated

 

[Walkerorca]

Deleted

 

[BHMGuard]

Hi All, so i have my DMI coming up in a couple of weeks, was wondering what WM Trains sort of ask regarding questions for the interview, any insight would be helpful

Just an FYI, the current MD has announced he’s stepping down on LinkedIn, and he’s named the new MD there. Will be worth knowing.

 

[HH24]

Had my medical this week for Coventry with a planned start date in October. Anyone else on here looking at starting in October?

 

[A2Jon]

Hey there I have completed all my psychometrics previously and I have applied to WMT now had an email saying I need to do a OPC sift assessment?

Can you advise what this was roughly?

Help and advise appreciated

It’s an at home test, it’s situational awareness test and another test asking you to prioritise different safety scenarios.

I was in the same situation as you when I applied. Get through this sift and as long as you have scored to WMT standards you should get through directly to DMI like I did.

 

[Spider1806]

It’s an at home test, it’s situational awareness test and another test asking you to prioritise different safety scenarios.

I was in the same situation as you when I applied. Get through this sift and as long as you have scored to WMT standards you should get through directly to DMI like I did.

Don’t you have to do DFFT test?

Was the online stuff real easy?

 

[A2Jon]

Don’t you have to do DFFT test?

Was the online stuff real easy?

I had done the DFFT test when I did the testing for GTR, I do believe WMT don’t use it anymore.

It wasn’t anything you shouldn’t have already com access if you have passed the stage 1&2 testing already.

 

[Spider1806]

I had done the DFFT test when I did the testing for GTR, I do believe WMT don’t use it anymore.

It wasn’t anything you shouldn’t have already com access if you have passed the stage 1&2 testing already.

Yea I have never done the DFFT test

Done stage one and two passed both first time

It’s been a while and head space ain’t there for another test that’s all if you get me. I thought I was done with the psychometric

What location you apply for?

 

[A2Jon]

Yea I have never done the DFFT test

Done stage one and two passed both first time

It’s been a while and head space ain’t there for another test that’s all if you get me. I thought I was done with the psychometric

What location you apply for?

I applied for Bletchley. 9 weeks into training now.

I have sent you a DM.

 

[t_564]

Could anyone shed any light on the opc sift tests for west midlands railway.

I know there's brief chats on here about them but what do they include and are they difficult?

any help is much appreciated

 

[jamziig]

Could anyone shed any light on the opc sift tests for west midlands railway.

I know there's brief chats on here about them but what do they include and are they difficult?

any help is much appreciated

https://traindriverpro.co.uk/assessments this what u be doing enjoy