Scotrail Trainee Drivers (Ongoing)

[Jedi]

Yeah that’s pretty much correct, sometimes you’ll do the 2 assessment centres, the MMI then the DMI.

Thanks for reply and info.

 

[Muzzles]

Hi all,

Been looking to see what the Aon tests involve but can’t seem to find anything definitive.
Is it a full blown test (read something about counting green dots within a black circle) or more scenario and situational questions?

Cheers

 

[afloattoast]

Just had the 6 month talent bank email

 

[hendo1995]

Hi, I asked AI to summarise the recruitment steps for Scotrail train driver jobs. This is what it came up with. Would people who have been through this process please comment to say whether this is accurate? Thanks.
1. Internal application

• You apply through the ScotRail internal vacancy system when a Trainee Driver vacancy is advertised for your depot/location.
• Your application is sifted against the requirements of the role.

2. Initial online assessment / screening

• Completed at home.
• An initial OPC/AON-style online assessment, followed by a Situational Judgement Test (SJT).
• AON / OPC Online Tests: Measures basic logical reasoning, reaction/monitoring capability, and work-related behavioral tendencies.
• Situational Judgement Test (SJT): Questions designed to assess how you prioritize safety, adhere to rules, communicate clearly, and avoid unnecessary risks in workplace scenarios. SJT – think safety → rules/procedures → communication → appropriate escalation → maintaining control → avoiding unnecessary risk.

3. Assessment Day 1

• Candidates who pass the online screening are invited to the first in-person driver assessment.
• Location: Atrium Court, Glasgow.
• Format: Paper-and-pencil psychometric tests testing concentration, memory, and comprehension under strict time constraints.
• Specific Tests Involved:
  • Group Bourdon Test (GBT / Dot Concentration Test):
    • What it is: A grid containing groups of 3, 4, 5, and 6 dots.
    • What you do: You must go through rows rapidly and strike out every group with exactly 4 dots. Every 2 minutes, you are told "change" and must move to the next sheet. Tests sustained attention, speed, and accuracy.
  • TRP1 (Trainability for Rules and Procedures — Part 1 / Memory & Comprehension):
    • What it is: A test evaluating your ability to learn, retain, and recall technical information.
    • What you do: You are given a passage containing railway rules/safety material to study for a fixed time while taking notes. Your notes and text are then collected, and you answer multiple-choice questions purely from memory.
  • TRP2 (Trainability for Rules and Procedures — Part 2 / Dial & Rules Reasoning):
    • What it is: A logic and procedural application test.
    • What you do: You are given a booklet showing dials/gauges pointing to various numbers or zones alongside a set of procedural rules. You must quickly process the rules to decide what action to take or what order to check instruments in.
  • TEA-Occ (Test of Everyday Attention for Occupational Settings):
    • What it is: An auditory and visual attention test.
    • What you do: Tests your ability to hold focus and switch attention while listening to audio tones (e.g., counting specific pitch tones while scanning visual data).

4. DMI — Driver Manager Interview

An in-depth interview conducted by ScotRail Driver Managers and HR.

For Internal Candidates: Expect probing questions about your current operational experience, safety record, and understanding of the railway environment.

Focus: Non-Technical Skills (NTS), safety critical decisions you have made, rule adherence, and transferable skills from your current role.

5. Assessment Day 2

• Location: Atrium Court, Glasgow
• Format: Specialised computer rigs equipped with custom joysticks, foot pedals, headphones, and touch/keyboard controls.
• Specific Tests Involved:
  • WAFV (Vigilance / Grey Square Test):
    • What it is: Measures long-term vigilance and reaction consistency.
    • What you do: A square on a screen subtly changes color (from light grey to dark grey) at random intervals over a prolonged, repetitive session. You must press a button immediately whenever you spot the change.
  • ATAVT (Tachistoscopic Traffic Images Test):
    • What it is: Tests rapid hazard perception and visual scanning ability.
    • What you do: Traffic/road scene images flash on the screen for 1 second. You must immediately select which elements were present in the image (e.g., pedestrians, road signs, motorbikes, traffic lights).
  • Two-Hand Coordination Test:
    • What it is: Measures motor control, spatial awareness, and hand-to-hand coordination.
    • What you do: Using two separate joysticks (one for horizontal axis, one for vertical axis), you must steer a dot along a moving or complex track without touching the boundaries.
  • Dynamic Tracking / Tones & Reaction Test (Fast Reaction Test):
    • What it is: Tests multi-tasking under pressure.
    • What you do: You respond to visual color changes on screen using keypads, audio tones (high/low pitch) through headphones, and yellow screen cues using foot pedals—all simultaneously. Speed increases over time to measure recovery under stress.

6. MMI

• The MMI (Multi-Modal Interview) can take place straight after the testing or you can be told to come back at a later date. It is carried out by HR / Atrium staff.
• Conducted by qualified assessors / HR staff.
• Process: You are given written prompt sheets prior to the interview where you write brief outlines of real-life experiences. The interviewer then uses these to conduct a structured, deep-dive interview.
• Focus: Evaluates Non-Technical Skills (NTS) such as composure under pressure, situational awareness, workload management, rule compliance, and decision-making.

7. Medical

• Once successful at the recruitment stages, you undergo the safety-critical medical. This includes eyesight, hearing, colour vision and drugs/alcohol screening.
• The medical is governed by the national train-driving medical standards set out by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).

8. Background/reference checks

• References and Disclosure Scotland checks follow.

9. Conditional offer → start date

• Once everything is cleared, you receive the formal employment/appointment documentation and are allocated a training start.
• ScotRail says the driver training programme typically lasts between 12 and 14 months.

I’ve only done part 1 tests so far but seems correct apart from the Dynamic Tracking / Tones & Reaction Test (Fast Reaction Test) in part 2. Not sure going by what I know that’s included but may well be.

 

[afloattoast]

I’ve only done part 1 tests so far but seems correct apart from the Dynamic Tracking / Tones & Reaction Test (Fast Reaction Test) in part 2. Not sure going by what I know that’s included but may well be.

Sorry I missed that, yeah the only test to do with tones is in assessment stage 1

 

[Ferretrugby]

Just had the 6 month talent bank email

Same with me, seem like a very generic email.

 

[scottgl]

Same with me, seem like a very generic email.

I'm waiting for Glasgow, not had the email yet... odd but I guess they might take a day or so to send them

 

[afloattoast]

I'm waiting for Glasgow, not had the email yet... odd but I guess they might take a day or so to send them

Yeah possibly send them out in batches by depot

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Just had another of the same email come through Although this one does say if you’ve already received this email today and have responded you don’t need to respond again.

Think maybe the earlier one was sent too early and now everyone is getting them?

 

[scottgl]

Yeah possibly send them out in batches by depot

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Just had another of the same email come through Although this one does say if you’ve already received this email today and have responded you don’t need to respond again.

Think maybe the earlier one was sent too early and now everyone is getting them?

Yeah, just got that email and replied to it.

Six months down, hopefully not much longer now!

 

[afloattoast]

Yeah, just got that email and replied to it.

Six months down, hopefully not much longer now!

Yeah it’s been a long time from first applying eh? Hopefully hear something before the next 6 months are up, seems you get a good 3 or 4 months heads up that you’ll be starting, and with next courses probably Feb/March time next year hopefully we’ll hear soon

 

[Ducaticam]

Yeah it’s been a long time from first applying eh? Hopefully hear something before the next 6 months are up, seems you get a good 3 or 4 months heads up that you’ll be starting, and with next courses probably Feb/March time next year hopefully we’ll hear soon

I like your optimism, I hope you're right
I just got my 6 month letter also.

 

[afloattoast]

I like your optimism, I hope you're right
I just got my 6 month letter also.

If you’re not optimistic then what’s the point lol

 

[LostSoul4Ever]

Yeah it’s been a long time from first applying eh?

It isn't half. I had no kids when I applied. By the time I start - I suppose it's if I start, but let's stay optimistic - I'll have two

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Hi I’m still waiting for dates to be approved for assessment center 1

I was in the March 24 application, so have already completed the process and in the talent bank now. So just a waiting game for the next while.

 

[scottgl]

Yeah it’s been a long time from first applying eh? Hopefully hear something before the next 6 months are up, seems you get a good 3 or 4 months heads up that you’ll be starting, and with next courses probably Feb/March time next year hopefully we’ll hear soon

I like your optimism, I hope you're right
I just got my 6 month letter also.

Did you two just reply to the email to confirm, or did you send a separate new email?

I’m probably overthinking it, but I just replied to the original email. Now I’m wondering if I should send a separate email to traindriverrecruitment@scotrail.co.uk instead, even though that’s who the original email came from haha.

 

[afloattoast]

Did you two just reply to the email to confirm, or did you send a separate new email?

I’m probably overthinking it, but I just replied to the original email. Now I’m wondering if I should send a separate email to traindriverrecruitment@scotrail.co.uk instead, even though that’s who the original email came from haha.

i sent a separate email, but I was the same as you, didn’t know whether to just reply or send a new one lol

Really wish you would get an acknowledgment that they’ve received it though

 

[Ducaticam]

Did you two just reply to the email to confirm, or did you send a separate new email?

I’m probably overthinking it, but I just replied to the original email. Now I’m wondering if I should send a separate email to traindriverrecruitment@scotrail.co.uk instead, even though that’s who the original email came from haha.

I did both, but believe they both went to the same place, I haven't had a confirmation e-mail from either.

 

[OLECHRIS]

I emailled them for an update and the next day received the 6 month talent bank email
Anyone else still waiting for yoker?

 

[Ducaticam]

I emailled them for an update and the next day received the 6 month talent bank email
Anyone else still waiting for yoker?

I emailled them for an update and the next day received the 6 month talent bank email
Anyone else still waiting for yoker?

Me, and at least another couple on here.

 

[DennyDriver]

Successful DMI for Airdrie - thanks to the many who gave me advice! Happy to pass on any help.

Unsure if Stage 2 assessments or MMI next.

 

[al07]

Hello,

I’m wondering if anyone can help. When you received your disclosure did it automatically share with Experian?

 

[afloattoast]

Successful DMI for Airdrie - thanks to the many who gave me advice! Happy to pass on any help.

Unsure if Stage 2 assessments or MMI next.

Will be stage 2 and then MMI

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Hello,

I’m wondering if anyone can help. When you received your disclosure did it automatically share with Experian?

Experian deal with your disclosure now I’m sure?

 

[al07]

Will be stage 2 and then MMI

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 7 Sep 2026 ==


Experian deal with your disclosure now I’m sure?

Yeah they do. Just not sure if it’s automatically shared with them, it’s asking for a email and contact number when I go to share it

 

[afloattoast]

Yeah they do. Just not sure if it’s automatically shared with them, it’s asking for a email and contact number when I go to share it

Have you got a start date?

 

[al07]

Have you got a start date?

yeah

 

[afloattoast]

yeah

Congrats! Am I correct in saying you applied for the talent bank positions at the beginning of the year?

 

[mcayo]

Successful DMI for Airdrie - thanks to the many who gave me advice! Happy to pass on any help.

Unsure if Stage 2 assessments or MMI next.

Congratulations mate I’m also airdrie but still waiting for date assessment 1 did u apply on end of February as well it’s along waiting?

 

[Crooky2]

Successful DMI for Airdrie - thanks to the many who gave me advice! Happy to pass on any help.

Unsure if Stage 2 assessments or MMI next.

Hi, congratulations on a successful DMI.

I have my DMI Thursday 10th in Aberdeen for Dundee. Can you remember any of the questions they asked you?.

I had an interview a few years back and remember some of the things they asked. My brain is doing somersaults.

Last time I had the interview early in the morning and had coffee prior which was a bad idea. I seemed to let my nerves get the better of me and ended up stuttering and not really selling myself very well despite the interviewers doing their best to help me out.

 

[mcayo]

currently waiting for a date for part 1 assessment tests .. anyone else in the same position ? Applied back in January so long process but all good so far. Looking for advice if anyone has done these assessments too and any good tips? Thank you

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How did you find the assessment part 1

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Hi Chris, I am in the same position as you. I received email 2 weeks ago to say I’ve made it to first stage , I’m panicking I haven’t prepared for all of it though as I’m concentrating on only part 1 assessment pages in book is this bad idea?

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How did you get on? Sorry I’m new to this forum and reading all replies . Was it just them tests for stage 1 on the day?

Have you had any updates about assessment 1? I’m the same, I was told I would get invited but I’ve still not heard anything yet

 

[redspider1380]

Yeah they do. Just not sure if it’s automatically shared with them, it’s asking for a email and contact number when I go to share it

Yeah, Experian pass on all the information to the employer. You won’t see that until the checks are at 100% though.

 

[baylee29]

Have you had any updates about assessment 1? I’m the same, I was told I would get invited but I’ve still not heard anything yet

No nothing! I’ve been waiting since 5th August , when did you hear back?

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Anyone on here currently in process of applying for Inverness?