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GWR - Trainee Train Driver - Recruitment Discussion

Reactor Scram

Member
Joined
3 Feb 2024
Messages
120
Location
Bristol
I also agree that just going ahead with taking on the video interview may be the correct choice.

And absolutely, You’re spot on. The time i applied for this role I hadn’t progressed no more than just an automated email confirming my application being reviewed.

Going back on to the Psychometric part I’ve searched numerous times in different wording in the hope of finding an accurate comparison to the SWR Psychometric test that was laid out to me on the day but I’ve had no hope. I don’t suppose you’ve came across this in a search of your own and if so how did you search it in the search bar.

Thanks in advance mate.
According to OPC SWR and GWR both use national standard so I see no reason why TRP2 would be different to the one you already had a go at.


You follow the colour priority key that's given on the day. It might go like: Black - Priority 1, Grey - Priority 2, Light Blue - Priority 3 and White - Priority 4

If the needle is in the same colour quadrant for two or more dials then you order the dials in question by order of the lowest value.

You only need to work out 3 dials to find the answer, don't waste time ordering the 4th if that's not already obvious.

This looks like the test I remember:
 
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d4r0

Member
Joined
10 Jul 2026
Messages
7
Location
oxfordshire
Just had a rejection email through for Oxford trainee role after hiring manager review. No further feedback given but I was almost 2 years out from a start date so hopefully it was just that and the next time it comes up I match the timeline a bit better. For those in the pot still keep an eye out for any emails and good luck.
 

Otter_87

New Member
Joined
3 Aug 2026
Messages
1
Location
High Wycombe
Hi Guys,
First post on here. I'm just recieved my invite for a video interview for the Oxford Trainee Position too. How many guys are in the running for this role?
 

MamaPara2

Member
Joined
31 May 2026
Messages
15
Location
Slough
Hey. Is anyone in the talent pool for Heathrow Express and heard anything?
I haven't heard anything since May when I was successful but sadly there are no training courses at the moment. It's getting me down as starting to wonder if any courses will ever become available. Thanks.
 
Joined
7 Jul 2026
Messages
19
Location
Southampton Airport Parkway
According to OPC SWR and GWR both use national standard so I see no reason why TRP2 would be different to the one you already had a go at.




This looks like the test I remember:
Thank you @Reactor Scram

The link you've provided me with is something i'd came across not so long ago as i agree it's very similar to the tests i done.

The only difference between this and the real thing was the numbers on there. I'm sure the gauges on the day all had a random number as oppose to the examples in the link you've provided where you can work out the pattern of numbers. But the official assessment would show the needle/pointer pointing at a random part of the gauge which didn't make sense because it would be pointing at the colour that was covering less of gauge compared to other colours. Maybe i looked into this more than i should have which managed to throw me off completely.
 

B00kworm

Member
Joined
30 Apr 2026
Messages
7
Location
Wokingham
Just to update those waiting for their MMI. I had mine today. The questions asked were exactly as posted previously, covering following strict rules and procedures, a time it was important not to make a mistake, dealing with an emergency, persevering at something, a role similar to a train driver and a difficult situation. It was 1:1 and the lady asked questions once you’d given the example if she wanted certain points clarified or answered. It was formal but in a relaxed way. I was in there (including the short summaries) just under 2 hours.

Good luck folks!
 

SmugStarlord

Member
Joined
11 May 2026
Messages
54
Location
Twyford
Just to update those waiting for their MMI. I had mine today. The questions asked were exactly as posted previously, covering following strict rules and procedures, a time it was important not to make a mistake, dealing with an emergency, persevering at something, a role similar to a train driver and a difficult situation. It was 1:1 and the lady asked questions once you’d given the example if she wanted certain points clarified or answered. It was formal but in a relaxed way. I was in there (including the short summaries) just under 2 hours.

Good luck folks!
Is there a rough page number these were posted previously or is it a case of going back until i come across them. Not wanting to come across like im wanting to be spoon fed
 

B00kworm

Member
Joined
30 Apr 2026
Messages
7
Location
Wokingham
Is there a rough page number these were posted previously or is it a case of going back until i come across them. Not wanting to come across like im wanting to be spoon fed
Can’t remember, if you search something like “rules and procedures” or MMI it should come up in the thread
 

coasting8816

Member
Joined
28 Jun 2026
Messages
12
Location
London
I wasn't successful with GWR (didn't pass the fault finding test) and I'm now looking to apply for a trainee role with EMR. One of the first questions they ask is "Have you failed any OPC driver testing in the last 12 months?" - does this include the online one I failed for GWR or is that only ones you might do as part of an assessment centre?
 

Reactor Scram

Member
Joined
3 Feb 2024
Messages
120
Location
Bristol
Not part of national psychometric testing so you can go ahead and apply.
I wasn't successful with GWR (didn't pass the fault finding test) and I'm now looking to apply for a trainee role with EMR. One of the first questions they ask is "Have you failed any OPC driver testing in the last 12 months?" - does this include the online one I failed for GWR or is that only ones you might do as part of an assessment centre?
 

Local

New Member
Joined
27 Apr 2026
Messages
3
Location
Aylesbury
For those who attended the OPC in Watford for thier assesments, Were the standard questions used for the MMI? This is what I have found on this forum:

Many thanks

  • Give an example of a time when you have had to follow strict rules or procedures
  • Give an example of a time when you had to do a job to a high standard although you were faced with difficulties
  • Give an example of a time when you had to carry out a task where it was very important not to make a mistake
  • Describe a time when you had to take control of a pressurised or emergency situation
  • Give an example of a task you have carried out which is similar to an aspect of a train driver’s job
  • Give an example of a time when you have had to persevere to learn something new
Hi, Does anyone know if these questions are still valid?
 

traineeyh

Member
Joined
5 Oct 2025
Messages
38
Location
london
Hey. Is anyone in the talent pool for Heathrow Express and heard anything?
I haven't heard anything since May when I was successful but sadly there are no training courses at the moment. It's getting me down as starting to wonder if any courses will ever become available. Thanks.
Hi, I’m starting in November for HEX
 

WMC

Member
Joined
20 Aug 2024
Messages
13
Location
UK
Has anybody here applied for the most recent trainee train driver role, Plymouth depot, and heard anything back? Been waiting a month now since last update, and that was that the application was with the hiring manager. Thanks a lot.
 

traineeyh

Member
Joined
5 Oct 2025
Messages
38
Location
london
Oh wow. Congratulations.
I haven't heard anything yet except I was successful in April. When did you find out you were successful? Did you get an offer recently? Well done mate.
Thank u mate. Did my DMI in late jan and got a phone call in late July offering me a place in the November course.
 

plymguy

New Member
Joined
18 Aug 2026
Messages
1
Location
Plymouth
Has anybody here applied for the most recent trainee train driver role, Plymouth depot, and heard anything back? Been waiting a month now since last update, and that was that the application was with the hiring manager. Thanks a lot.
Hi WMC,

I applied for the plymouth trainee depot driver role, after the error checking I had my email within a few days, submitted my video interview 2 weeks ago today, awaiting the result eagerly.

Did you apply for the train driver role and not depot? They could possibly be working through depot first
 

HZM19

Member
Joined
27 Oct 2025
Messages
16
Location
london
Received a call today from GWR. I've been offered a place for the February 2027 training course. This is for the Heathrow express role!
 

WMC

Member
Joined
20 Aug 2024
Messages
13
Location
UK
Hi WMC,

I applied for the plymouth trainee depot driver role, after the error checking I had my email within a few days, submitted my video interview 2 weeks ago today, awaiting the result eagerly.

Did you apply for the train driver role and not depot? They could possibly be working through depot first
Hi mate.

Yeah I applied for the trainer driver role, not depot! Wish I’d done both now.

Best of luck with it!
 

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