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

[sammywints]

Hi,

How long does it usually take to find out whether or not you passed the assessments that were on the initial sift please?

I applied August 4th for Birmingham
Snow Hill 2027

Thank you.

You'll probably get notified some time next week. I had mine start of July (around the 6th I think they dropped) and I got my email on the 24th to say I've passed the sift.

Regarding those who passed the sift, I'm reading around and it seems to be 2-3 months before standard assessment invites are handed out. I'm assuming we won't really be hearing anything until heading into the end of the year, around late October-November time perhaps?

I understand there's no set time for it but going based off what I've read anyway (applied for Coventry depot btw if that's any indications)

 

[JM2001]

So I applied 4/08, but I did the 4 online sift tests on 20/08? So would it be more like mid September I find out?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 29 Aug 2026 ==

So I applied 4/08, but I did the 4 online sift tests on 20/08? So would it be more like mid September I find out?

 

[Class170Fan]

Good morning all, I have my first stage opc assessment on the 9/9/26, I’m trying to find some practice Group Bourdon tests to do on paper but I can’t find any. Is there any websites where I can download and print some out please

 

[jlc16]

Good morning all, I have my first stage opc assessment on the 9/9/26, I’m trying to find some practice Group Bourdon tests to do on paper but I can’t find any. Is there any websites where I can download and print some out please

I bought the 'how2become - Train Driver Tests' on Amazon, and would highly recommend it. https://amzn.eu/d/0eQHzS6K

There is another one on Amazon by how2become, which is purely just a dots concentration test book and guide - but can't vouch for that one as I didn't have it.

 

[Harjam12]

Hi everyone, whats the process if i am unable to start a specific course due personal circumstances. Can i request a later start date if successful. Thanks

 

[JM2001]

Hi,

has anybody got any tips/advice for the OPC stage 1 testing?

any advice is welcome.

cheers.

 

[monkeynut]

Hi everyone, whats the process if i am unable to start a specific course due personal circumstances. Can i request a later start date if successful. Thanks

Hi I was offered an initial date which didn’t work for me due to personal circumstances so was offered another date a few months later

 

[Brickz]

Good morning all, I have my first stage opc assessment on the 9/9/26, I’m trying to find some practice Group Bourdon tests to do on paper but I can’t find any. Is there any websites where I can download and print some out please

 

[Edy722a]

Hi all. I applied for Wolverhampton in November 2025, completed all assessments with OPC, most recent being stage 2 in Watford last week. On Monday I have been told I am on the list for a DMI but that it may be a while yet. I have not been told it is a talent pool like others have suggested. Does anyone know if recruitment for wolves is still taking place or is that on hold too? The way it was worded for me is that they will be booking me in for a DMI, or am I reading too much into that.

Also any others for wolves on here who applied similar time?

Any advice would be fab!

I'm in pretty much exactly the same boat as you mate. Applied to Wolves in Nov 25 also. Did my Stage 2 OPC last week and got the email to say I had passed yesterday. My previous email said the next stage may be a while, then I go the invite two days later! So, I'm hopeful an invite for the DMI doesn't take too long. It's been a right emotional rollercoaster this! Would love an early 2027 course, that would be the dream!

 

[Jonmanunited]

got my stage 1 and 2 next week, practising the group bourdon, where i am getting 9 limes with 1 mistake, will this be okay? Also, what sort of questions were asked in the MMi?

 

[RD123]

if you download the group bourdon tool on this website, it has an option to print out sheets

 

[Welshp88]

I'm in pretty much exactly the same boat as you mate. Applied to Wolves in Nov 25 also. Did my Stage 2 OPC last week and got the email to say I had passed yesterday. My previous email said the next stage may be a while, then I go the invite two days later! So, I'm hopeful an invite for the DMI doesn't take too long. It's been a right emotional rollercoaster this! Would love an early 2027 course, that would be the dream!

Well done getting the pass! Huge achievement and something that will stick with you for abit. It’s reassuring to know that they’re still completing stage 2 though and hopefully soon be inviting people for DMIs.

 

[Kaeyby]

got my stage 1 and 2 next week, practising the group bourdon, where i am getting 9 limes with 1 mistake, will this be okay? Also, what sort of questions were asked in the MMi?

Hiya,
The questions you would most likely be asked in the MMI would be:

✮ Give an example of a time you undertook a task similar to train driver's role
✮ Describe a time where you've been involved in an emergency / unexpected situation
✮ Describe a time where you've had to follow rules and procedures
✮ Describe your greatest achievement
✮ Describe a time where you've had to work for long periods of time alone
✮ Describe a time when you have solved a difficult problem

These questions should be answered using the STAR method but you will find when doing your MMI they will ask other questions that will be relating to answers given on the MMI form that you have inputted and the response you gave to the interviewer. The SJT assessment I did had related to my MMI Interview.

 

[ZLA1711]

Hi

Got OPC Stage 1 in Birmingham next week.

Just checking my emails and confirmations to get the address and plan where to park and noticed something

The email says to get there for 1245 reg and testing starts promptly at 1300.

However the view interview details button takes you to your booking page which says arrive at 1300 and testing starts promptly at 1330.

Anybody recently sat the afternoon session and was it 12:45 for 13:00 or 13:00 for 13:30?

Thanks

 

[hawkster26]

Hi

Got OPC Stage 1 in Birmingham next week.

Just checking my emails and confirmations to get the address and plan where to park and noticed something

The email says to get there for 1245 reg and testing starts promptly at 1300.

However the view interview details button takes you to your booking page which says arrive at 1300 and testing starts promptly at 1330.

Anybody recently sat the afternoon session and was it 12:45 for 13:00 or 13:00 for 13:30?

Thanks

Just get there for 12:30 nothing worse then being in a rush just before important tests

 

[Class170Fan]

How long do you normally have to complete the group bourdon test?

 

[Unobrow]

How long do you normally have to complete the group bourdon test?

5 “pages” at 2min each.

 

[Edy722a]

Well done getting the pass! Huge achievement and something that will stick with you for abit. It’s reassuring to know that they’re still completing stage 2 though and hopefully soon be inviting people for DMIs.

Well done getting the pass! Huge achievement and something that will stick with you for abit. It’s reassuring to know that they’re still completing stage 2 though and hopefully soon be inviting people for DMIs.

Cheers mate, you too. It’s a long road this! The closer the end has gotten, the longer it feels waiting for the next stage! Feels like I’m checking my emails 500 times a day!

 

[Class170Fan]

How did everyone do today on their stage 1 opc?

 

[Jonmanunited]

Annoyingly, I passed everything at national standard but didn’t pass 2 of the tests at enhanced standard.

I will look at other train companies who accept national standard.

 

[Craigk8163]

Annoyingly, I passed everything at national standard but didn’t pass 2 of the tests at enhanced standard.

I will look at other train companies who accept national standard.

Do they tell you on the day then.

 

[rjmoy]

sat mine in the 9th, unfortunately had an email today to say I was unsuccessful, awaiting feedback from OPC

 

[Edy722a]

Hi all. I applied for Wolverhampton in November 2025, completed all assessments with OPC, most recent being stage 2 in Watford last week. On Monday I have been told I am on the list for a DMI but that it may be a while yet. I have not been told it is a talent pool like others have suggested. Does anyone know if recruitment for wolves is still taking place or is that on hold too? The way it was worded for me is that they will be booking me in for a DMI, or am I reading too much into that.

Also any others for wolves on here who applied similar time?

Any advice would be fab!

Hello mate, have you had any further word yet? This wait is killing me! Cheers.

 

[Welshp88]

Hi mate. I am yet to hear anything! We applied 10 months ago, I’m happy to wait a little longer lol all in good time I’m sure. Passing that OPC isn’t easy so I’m chuffed I got through that

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 16 Sep 2026 ==

Hello mate, have you had any further word yet? This wait is killing me! Cheers.

Hi mate. I am yet to hear anything! We applied 10 months ago, I’m happy to wait a little longer lol all in good time I’m sure. Passing that OPC isn’t easy so I’m chuffed I got through that

 

[HH24]

Anyone else starting on the upcoming October 12th course?

 

[Class170Fan]

hello all, unfortunately I didn’t meet the required standards.

 

[Craigk8163]

I found out Thursday I have passed stage one, which I completed the week before. This morning I have received an email inviting me to stage 2 - this seems a quick process. Information suggested a couple of months between the 2.

 

[Nella]

I found out Thursday I have passed stage one, which I completed the week before. This morning I have received an email inviting me to stage 2 - this seems a quick process. Information suggested a couple of months between the 2.

Congratulation on stage one pass! must feel amazing, do you mind me asking when did you apply and which depot? I assume snow hill/Birmingham? Do you also have date for stage 2 yet?

 

[Craigk8163]

Congratulation on stage one pass! must feel amazing, do you mind me asking when did you apply and which depot? I assume snow hill/Birmingham? Do you also have date for stage 2 yet?

Did the online sift about 6 weeks ago and stage one last week. Picked stage 2 test for mid October

 

[hawkster26]

Can anyone Confirm the starting trainee wage and pass out wage for WM / LNWR please