Metrolink Tram Driver - Manchester - Recruitment Discussion

[Jools619]

I know i’m late jumping in this, but just curious if anyone knows how often do Metrolink advertise for Tram drivers during the course of a year?

 

[haidox]

I would say every couple of months. The training course is around 2 months long, 2 weeks classroom, 2 weeks driving with a minder, 2 weeks classroom, 2 weeks driving with a minder. The turnover of drivers is high so they are always looking to recruit all year round.

 

[CYR]

I spoke with the people team on Friday and they said there are no further planned recruitment campaigns now for 2026. They may however look at one towards the very end of the year if needed but if not, would most probably be in January. I’d recommend registering for vacancy updates on Keolis Amey Metrolink website https://metrolinkjobs.current-vacancies.com/OneAccount/account/Login

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 20 May 2026 ==

I would say every couple of months. The training course is around 2 months long, 2 weeks classroom, 2 weeks driving with a minder, 2 weeks classroom, 2 weeks driving with a minder. The turnover of drivers is high so they are always looking to recruit all year round.

It’s now a 12 week course

 

[rachelhyman160]

We all passed our first driving assessment on Friday (end of the 2nd week) and are now looking forward to the end of this coming week to go out of service driving with our minders on the mainline. If your start date is June 8th, then I know another lad starting on that date too. I’m sure we will catch each other in the canteen, etc.

Hi, well done on passing the assessments! Yes, my start date is the 8th of June. Looking forward to it. I was just checking, do you have any idea of the shift patterns, etc.?

 

[CYR]

We did late out of service driving last week with a trainer and this week I’m in service driving with my minder a mix of lates and 1 early. Then 2 weeks back in the classroom, back out again with minder before final assessment and then let loose on our own. Shifts will be a mixture of earlies, days and lates with 2-3 rest days per week. They change every week and then after the 12th week, repeat and start them all over again

 

[lshaw]

.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 1 Jun 2026 ==

Hi guys, just wanted to jump on this thread. I have passed all tests, medicals, etc., and have been offered a start date. I just wanted to know, does anyone have any information on what the roster is like since the new unite deal? Thanks.
Also any information on what to expect on the 12 weeks training

I start 8th June too, did you get your first day instructions and schedule email last week?

 

[rachelhyman160]

I start on June 8th too. Did you get your first-day instructions and schedule email last week?

Hi, yes, I start on the 8th of June as well.

I got the first-day instructions last week. It looks like a 10-week course, but I'm unsure as some of the dates were a bit mixed up on mine.

 

[lshaw]

Hi guys, just wanted to jump on this thread. I have passed all tests, medicals, etc., and have been offered a start date. I just wanted to know, does anyone have any information on what the roster is like since the new unite deal? Thanks.
Also any information on what to expect on the 12 weeks training

Yes seemed to be a 10 week schedule, dates did look a little messed up but I'm sure we will know more on Monday.
Did you have any luck logging into Cascade? I can't seem to login with the details they gave me. Maybe we're only supposed to use the login when we start officially.

 

[rachelhyman160]

Yes seemed to be a 10 week schedule, dates did look a little messed up but I'm sure we will know more on Monday.
Did you have any luck logging into Cascade? I can't seem to login with the details they gave me. Maybe we're only supposed to use the login when we start officially.

Yes that what's it looked like a bit messed up like you say will find out monday . Yes I've just tried logging into cascade think it must be for when we start .

 

[CYR]

Yes seemed to be a 10 week schedule, dates did look a little messed up but I'm sure we will know more on Monday.
Did you have any luck logging into Cascade? I can't seem to login with the details they gave me. Maybe we're only supposed to use the login when we start officially.

Cascade access will be sorted for Monday at Queens and you can then log on and change your password. Any issues, speak with Zeenat in the People Team

 

[lshaw]

Cascade access will be sorted for Monday at Queens and you can then log on and change your password. Any issues, speak with Zeenat in the People Team

Thank you

 

[CYR]

Thank you

No problem at all. The first couple of weeks are pretty intense and you’ll think a definite information overload but it’s well worth it. We’ve just started our 6th week now. This week and next back in the classroom and then we’re out in service driving properly with our minders again.

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

GOOD LUCK TO ALL NEW STARTERS TOMORROW MORNING AT QUEENS ROAD

 

[lshaw]

No problem at all. The first couple of weeks are pretty intense and you’ll think a definite information overload but it’s well worth it. We’ve just started our 6th week now. This week and next back in the classroom and then we’re out in service driving properly with our minders again.

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

GOOD LUCK TO ALL NEW STARTERS TOMORROW MORNING AT QUEENS ROAD

Thanks.

 

[Ayaan]

Hi, I have the psychometric assessment this week, and I’m wondering do they also do interview on this day or is it just the assessments? And do you know what the stages are before you start training (if you pass them all) I’m just wondering what to expect

Hi, i had my psycomatric with northern train driver, i did manage to passed all test exept cable and dial.
I still have a 2 chance left.
Need your advice please if i apply for tram driver and will get psycomatric do i need to do cable and dial test only?
Tram psycomatric standerdized nationally via RSSB?

 

[RedFalcon62]

Hello,

So there's 2 stages to the assessments which you'll do on 2 different days.

First stage:
- Dials (Circle shapes with needles on them labeled Heat, Power, Control etc) - You sort them in order of priority
- Group bourdon (shapes)

If you pass that then:

Second stage:
- Group task to come up with a PA announcement
- Get on and off tram
- Make an announcement on tram PA systems
- Operate a track lever - They'll show you how
- Hazard perception
- Radio calls listening test (not a pass or fail but do your best)
- One to one interview with hiring manager

If you pass them all then they'll make an offer to you, discuss a start date and send you for a medical.

Hi. I'm interested on Wednesday for practical assessment and interview.
Any tips you have would be grateful.
I'm confident regarding the tests however I've not had an interview in years and I'm quite nervous about my answers. What sort of questions do they ask? Thanks

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Jun 2026 ==

Hi guys, just wanted to jump on this thread. I have passed all tests, medicals, etc., and have been offered a start date. I just wanted to know, does anyone have any information on what the roster is like since the new unite deal? Thanks.
Also any information on what to expect on the 12 weeks training

Hi Rachel. Sorry to jump on this thread but I was just wondering what sort of questions they ask at interview?
I'm doing practical assessment next week. Any tips would be great thanks.
And well done on passing

 

[CYR]

Hi. I'm interested on Wednesday for practical assessment and interview.
Any tips you have would be grateful.
I'm confident regarding the tests however I've not had an interview in years and I'm quite nervous about my answers. What sort of questions do they ask? Thanks

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Jun 2026 ==


Hi Rachel. Sorry to jump on this thread but I was just wondering what sort of questions they ask at interview?
I'm doing practical assessment next week. Any tips would be great thanks.
And well done on passing

The 4-5 questions the Driver Training Manager will ask you are mostly safety related. For example there is an aggressive passenger on your tram, what would you do? You wouldn’t approach them, you’d stay in your locked cab and contact NMC (control) on the radio and either ask for assistance or request a code Alpha. They ALWAYS want safety to come first and foremost in every situation.
One question at the end was “Give me an example where you realised that you’d made a mistake and what you did to rectify the situation”. They’re looking for you to be honest and hold your hands up at the first opportunity.

Hope it all goes well for you?

 

[juspassingby]

Hi, i had my psycomatric with northern train driver, i did manage to passed all test exept cable and dial.
I still have a 2 chance left.
Need your advice please if i apply for tram driver and will get psycomatric do i need to do cable and dial test only?
Tram psycomatric standerdized nationally via RSSB?

Hi mate,

Yes you do have to do the cables and dials test for Metrolink. The cables and dials you do for Northern is 'exactly the same' as the one you do for Northern/Avanti/TPE or any other rail company. The cables and dials is set by the RSSB and since Metrolink is a LRV which operates on heavy rail in segregated area, you must pass that test to even be considered. Good news is you've done it once so you know what to expect.

The cables and dials is the only test at Metrolink which is the same as Northern tests. At Northern you would have done the Group Bourdon (dots), you'll also do that test with Metrolink but instead of 'dots' it'll be 'shapes'.

 

[RedFalcon62]

The 4-5 questions the Driver Training Manager will ask you are mostly safety related. For example there is an aggressive passenger on your tram, what would you do? You wouldn’t approach them, you’d stay in your locked cab and contact NMC (control) on the radio and either ask for assistance or request a code Alpha. They ALWAYS want safety to come first and foremost in every situation.
One question at the end was “Give me an example where you realised that you’d made a mistake and what you did to rectify the situation”. They’re looking for you to be honest and hold your hands up at the first opportunity.

Hope it all goes well for you?

Cheers

 

[Ayaan]

Hi mate,

Yes you do have to do the cables and dials test for Metrolink. The cables and dials you do for Northern is 'exactly the same' as the one you do for Northern/Avanti/TPE or any other rail company. The cables and dials is set by the RSSB and since Metrolink is a LRV which operates on heavy rail in segregated area, you must pass that test to even be considered. Good news is you've done it once so you know what to expect.

The cables and dials is the only test at Metrolink which is the same as Northern tests. At Northern you would have done the Group Bourdon (dots), you'll also do that test with Metrolink but instead of 'dots' it'll be 'shapes'.

Thank you matey,
Quick question again I failed once psycomatric with northern, when I go psycomatric test for metro/ tram they count me as a first attempt or second attempt?

 

[BlondieSKM]

Hi all

I have been invited to a psychometric test on the 21st. I must admit I do feel quite nervous about it as it's something completely new for me.
My question is are these tests on a computer or on paper?

Thanks!

 

[juspassingby]

Hi all

I have been invited to a psychometric test on the 21st. I must admit I do feel quite nervous about it as it's something completely new for me.
My question is are these tests on a computer or on paper?

Thanks!

1 On computer, 3 on paper and rest are pshycial activities (metrolink)

 

[jd99]

Deleted

 

[EK93]

Hey everyone!

I just wanted to know in regards to the SCAAT/Bourdon test. Is it shapes or numbers etc? I'm just trying to practise as close to the real thing as possible.

Thanks in advance,

Eric.

 

[JoeLee87]

Hey everyone!

I just wanted to know in regards to the SCAAT/Bourdon test. Is it shapes or numbers etc? I'm just trying to practise as close to the real thing as possible.

Thanks in advance,

Eric.

I've been training for the letter one, but apparently on the last recruitment they done it was the dots. so I've got one whole day to practise dots too, so I've already accepted my chances are very slim now lol

 

[bobzz786]

Hi there ,
Just a quick question.
If you pass one of your psychometrical test but fail the other do you still have to wait 6 months to re apply or can you apply again Whenever the vacancy is available.

 

[gear55222]

Hey everyone!

I just wanted to know in regards to the SCAAT/Bourdon test. Is it shapes or numbers etc? I'm just trying to practise as close to the real thing as possible.

Thanks in advance,

Eric.

Hi

I did my tests last week and it was shapes for the SCAAT test , I passed and now awaiting my physical assessment next week .

Good luck

 

[Jools619]

Hi everyone

I’ve recently passed Stage 1 (psychometrics) for the Tram Driver role at KeolisAmey Metrolink and have been invited to Stage 2 at Queens Road Depot.

I’ve seen previous posts mentioning that Stage 2 includes the PA announcement task, track lever exercise, hazard perception, listening test, and interview.

For anyone who has attended recently, I’d be really grateful for a bit of insight on a few specifics:

- PA Announcement Task: For both the group exercise and individual announcement on the tram, what key points or tone do assessors look for? Any specific layout they prefer (e.g., reason for delay, next steps, apology)?

- Hazard Perception: Is this standard road/DVSA style software, or tailored specifically to light rail/tram routes?

- Competency Interview: Are there any specific core competencies (e.g., safety focus, shift flexibility, customer service) that the hiring managers heavily focus on during the 1-to-1?

Appreciate any tips or experiences anyone can share

Thanks
Julian

 

[Joker]

I'm also attending Stage 2 soon and would really appreciate any tips or advice from anyone who's already been through it, especially regarding the practical assessments and interview. Any information would be a great help. Thanks in advance!

 

[Benyy]

Hi everyone

I’ve recently passed Stage 1 (psychometrics) for the Tram Driver role at KeolisAmey Metrolink and have been invited to Stage 2 at Queens Road Depot.

I’ve seen previous posts mentioning that Stage 2 includes the PA announcement task, track lever exercise, hazard perception, listening test, and interview.

For anyone who has attended recently, I’d be really grateful for a bit of insight on a few specifics:

- PA Announcement Task: For both the group exercise and individual announcement on the tram, what key points or tone do assessors look for? Any specific layout they prefer (e.g., reason for delay, next steps, apology)?

- Hazard Perception: Is this standard road/DVSA style software, or tailored specifically to light rail/tram routes?

- Competency Interview: Are there any specific core competencies (e.g., safety focus, shift flexibility, customer service) that the hiring managers heavily focus on during the 1-to-1?

Appreciate any tips or experiences anyone can share

Thanks
Julian

Hello, I wanted to ask how it went and fine and if you can give any insite of how the day went

 

[Jools619]

Hello, I wanted to ask how it went and fine and if you can give any insite of how the day went

Hi

I haven’t had the assessment yet, mine is on 13th October.