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SWR - Trainee Driver - Recruitment Discussion

Bob813

Member
Joined
22 Jul 2026
Messages
16
Location
Sutton
Yes I heard back yesterday. Unfortunately I failed because I didn’t meet the 400 minimum word requirement on the supporting statement. I only wrote just over 300 words. A silly mistake made by me.
Frustrating. Keep an eye on Basingstoke though, you know where you went wrong. Just need to bump the words up a bit. I applied for Waterloo in June and made the same mistake by 20 words or so which was stupid from me and got rejected because of it. When Waterloo came back up this month I tried to apply but it said I already had an application open. I called them and said I know exactly where I've gone wrong and they re-opened it for me to re-submit it. They were really helpful on the phone.
 
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Tawhid03

New Member
Joined
21 Sep 2026
Messages
2
Location
London
I did the tests with SWR in Jan '25, having applied early December '24. This was what I did...
Day One - paper tests...
Group Bourdon
TEA-Occ
TRP 1&2
If you passed that, Day Two a few weeks later was computer tests...
WAFV Vigilance Test
ATAVT Perception Test
2Hand Co-ordination Test.

SWR are National Standard.
I'd imagine they have to accept previously passed tests, but don't quote me on that.

My DMI was next, just over four months later.
Once I passed that, it was about six weeks before my MMI, which unfortunately I failed. They were lining me up for a September course.

Best of luck.
Thanks so much man, this has helped me understand where I am at, I failed tea-occ only a year ago with GTS for the elizibeth line so had to wait a year to re apply so now from what your telling me, I'd assume I will go to the centre to resit Tea occ, then after passing that alone, seperately will be invited to another day at the centre for the WAFV,ATAVT and 2 Hand coordination. Do drop me your details so I can stay in contact with you throughout this process do lmk your instagram or whatsapp! Also any advice on where to practice for the WAFV and the rest of the stage 2 tests. You could message me privately regarding the DMI which you passed so I know what to expect , but once again thank you for all of this.
 

Pelican82

New Member
Joined
28 Sep 2026
Messages
4
Location
Crowthorne
Hey, has anyone who applied for the vacancies on or around the 21st for Strawberry hill, Farnham and or Basingstoke heard anything yet? I have seen a couple of people say that they got a no for Basingstoke because of distance, but has anyone else heard anything back ?
 

Bob813

Member
Joined
22 Jul 2026
Messages
16
Location
Sutton
Hey, has anyone who applied for the vacancies on or around the 21st for Strawberry hill, Farnham and or Basingstoke heard anything yet? I have seen a couple of people say that they got a no for Basingstoke because of distance, but has anyone else heard anything back ?
I applied for Strawberry Hill & Waterloo on 9th September. Had an email Monday 28th for the Waterloo role to book the assessment so just under three weeks between applying and getting the email saying I've progressed. I haven't heard on Strawberry Hill yet but, I'm not sure if that means they don't need to contact me for Strawberry Hill because I've already been given the go ahead for Waterloo, time will tell. So, you might have another week or so to wait for an answer. If others have had emails earlier this week saying no then it might be positive for you. Good luck.
 

Pelican82

New Member
Joined
28 Sep 2026
Messages
4
Location
Crowthorne
I applied for Strawberry Hill & Waterloo on 9th September. Had an email Monday 28th for the Waterloo role to book the assessment so just under three weeks between applying and getting the email saying I've progressed. I haven't heard on Strawberry Hill yet but, I'm not sure if that means they don't need to contact me for Strawberry Hill because I've already been given the go ahead for Waterloo, time will tell. So, you might have another week or so to wait for an answer. If others have had emails earlier this week saying no then it might be positive for you. Good luck.
Ahh that sounds about right the Bob. I'd told myself that I wasn't all that fussed and what will be will be but who am I kidding.
Never been so keen to try and get into a pool, talent or otherwise. Good luck in your assessment
 

Bob813

Member
Joined
22 Jul 2026
Messages
16
Location
Sutton
I know what you mean. Never been so excited about seeing TTD vacancies pop up only to be shot down when you realise it's too far or a mad panic when there's one within 60 minutes and you know it could disappear anytime! Literally driven myself mad checking the SWR job page. Might need to have a chat with someone....
 

driver3112

Member
Joined
16 Jun 2026
Messages
12
Location
london
Goodmorning guys, I have my MMI very soon and I would like to know what will come up question wise, It would be great full if anyone can give me some pointers, and when I go for my interview I’m only doing MMI, I don’t have to do any computerised exams correct, only the MMI interview, is there anything I should look out for when doing my MMI for SWR, any help with be appreciated
 

Twin82

Member
Joined
24 Mar 2026
Messages
295
Location
Wandsworth Road
Goodmorning guys, I have my MMI very soon and I would like to know what will come up question wise, It would be great full if anyone can give me some pointers, and when I go for my interview I’m only doing MMI, I don’t have to do any computerised exams correct, only the MMI interview, is there anything I should look out for when doing my MMI for SWR, any help with be appreciated
The six questions asked in the MMI are posted all over the forum. They haven’t changed in the last 14 years or so. If you haven’t seen them yet have a look. Use the search bar. All competency based questions. Make sure to answer using the STAR technique as to keep your answers structured. Make sure your answers are relevant and specific. Wouldn’t hurt to have a few back up answers. They will probe you from time to time but in my experience it’s just to get the best answer out of me. Think about what traits each question is looking for.
 

005leo

Member
Joined
29 May 2026
Messages
19
Location
Hounslow
Goodmorning guys, I have my MMI very soon and I would like to know what will come up question wise, It would be great full if anyone can give me some pointers, and when I go for my interview I’m only doing MMI, I don’t have to do any computerised exams correct, only the MMI interview, is there anything I should look out for when doing my MMI for SWR, any help with be appreciated
Hey, how long was the wait after your dmi to get booked in for mmi?
 

driver3112

Member
Joined
16 Jun 2026
Messages
12
Location
london
The six questions asked in the MMI are posted all over the forum. They haven’t changed in the last 14 years or so. If you haven’t seen them yet have a look. Use the search bar. All competency based questions. Make sure to answer using the STAR technique as to keep your answers structured. Make sure your answers are relevant and specific. Wouldn’t hurt to have a few back up answers. They will probe you from time to time but in my experience it’s just to get the best answer out of me. Think about what traits each question is looking for.
Only thing I’m confused about is why is the MMI 4hrs, they have me in longer than my DMI?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==

Hey, how long was the wait after your dmi to get booked in for mmi?
4 months
 

Purplerain77

Member
Joined
31 Jan 2026
Messages
83
Location
Dartford
Only thing I’m confused about is why is the MMI 4hrs, they have me in longer than my DMI?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==


4 months
Have you done your computer assessments yet? As if it’s that long then usually these are done alongside the MMI. That was the case with me with another TOC
 

Twin82

Member
Joined
24 Mar 2026
Messages
295
Location
Wandsworth Road
Only thing I’m confused about is why is the MMI 4hrs, they have me in longer than my DMI?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==


4 months
That’s because if you’re the very last person to be interviewed, you’re expected to finish around that time. I promise it will not be nowhere near that time especially if you’re one of the first people to be interviewed.
 

Bob813

Member
Joined
22 Jul 2026
Messages
16
Location
Sutton
Hey all

Apologies I've tried to find out some accurate info on the Tea-OCC test with SWR. Hearing so many variations of this test online and I'm starting to get a little psyched out over it.

Please can someone clarify how this test is structured for SWR? As I would just like to be clear of whether I am looking given a directory page of the same profession and it's simply matching symbols-or whether there is the added difficulty of checking business type as well as the double symbols. Also-when counting tones at the same time as scanning the directory-are the high tones omitted and it's counting tones (without the high tone distraction).

Hearing there are so many different variations of this test I'd just like to have a clearer idea of what to expect. Obviously the practice material sent is similar but it's not really that useful.

I am very grateful for any clarification.

Edit-apologies I think I've probably put this in the wrong section-as I was replying to a threat whilst using forum search, so please move if not in the appropriate thread
Have a look at this thread, it’s pretty detailed.

Trainee Driver Assessment Process Tips​

 

Ducatichick

Member
Joined
30 Nov 2024
Messages
66
Location
South Coast
Have a look at this thread, it’s pretty detailed.

Trainee Driver Assessment Process Tips​

Hey thank you. I did indeed have a look though but there are so many conflicting bits of info out there now and I was after a specific SWR related answer but thank you so so much for sharing this as I may well have missed it, you never know :)
I have now sat the assessments and after receiving two differing and conflicting answers to my earlier question I can confirm that the final part of the test was NOT high and low tones as per part 1. So even though SWR don't use the standard OPC tests and have adapted it, it is still counting all tones while scanning the phonebook.
 

Bob813

Member
Joined
22 Jul 2026
Messages
16
Location
Sutton
Hey thank you. I did indeed have a look though but there are so many conflicting bits of info out there now and I was after a specific SWR related answer but thank you so so much for sharing this as I may well have missed it, you never know :)
I have now sat the assessments and after receiving two differing and conflicting answers to my earlier question I can confirm that the final part of the test was NOT high and low tones as per part 1. So even though SWR don't use the standard OPC tests and have adapted it, it is still counting all tones while scanning the phonebook.
No problem. Did you do your assessments today? I was invited today but couldn’t make it due to work so had to reschedule for the end of the month. How were the TRP tests parts 1B and 2?
 

Ducatichick

Member
Joined
30 Nov 2024
Messages
66
Location
South Coast
No problem. Did you do your assessments today? I was invited today but couldn’t make it due to work so had to reschedule for the end of the month. How were the TRP tests parts 1B and 2?
No today no I did them last week.

I personally found them all fairly straightforward. I get really nervous sitting assessments and in interview which was why I was trying to just get some clarity on what to expect beforehand.

As I isn't have a definitive answer, I had made my own "nails" version of the TEA-OCC by using a programme I bought which was recommended on this forum to practice the TEA-OCC specifically which had three separate tests (like the real thing)

I used the first section (when you're hearing high and low but counting the low tones) and played that whilst doing the directory searches sent out in the SWR assessment prep email (so for example finding hospitals with area code 01322). I smashed the two together to practice so I found the actual test super easy.

TRP tests I found easy too and I was worried about memorising the passage but you have plenty of time. I did find the audio distracting personally but I followed it through at the audio pace first time-then in the 5 minutes you have after that I just kept re reading-any bits that I thought might be particularly useful I read over a few times. I didn't make notes I just closed my eyes and kept focussing on the passage given. It's multiple choice so very easy. make sure you read all the options before you answer.

Again I found part 2 easy to be honest but I think the overload of info given to explain it could make someone unprepared, panic. But it's a very simple task. I think there are 43 questions and you have 8 mins to do it I think. I managed to answer 27 of them and I am confident I got them all correct.

You get practice examples and plenty of opportunities with the assessor to ask questions and do ask - even just to clarify what you already know.

There were 6 of us who went in and the two that failed, failed the Group Bourdon-if you haven't already, I would recommend printing out the four dots version of the group bourdon and practice those.

Don't over think them, you've got this and good luck.
 

Twin82

Member
Joined
24 Mar 2026
Messages
295
Location
Wandsworth Road
Hey thank you. I did indeed have a look though but there are so many conflicting bits of info out there now and I was after a specific SWR related answer but thank you so so much for sharing this as I may well have missed it, you never know :)
I have now sat the assessments and after receiving two differing and conflicting answers to my earlier question I can confirm that the final part of the test was NOT high and low tones as per part 1. So even though SWR don't use the standard OPC tests and have adapted it, it is still counting all tones while scanning the phonebook.
When I did it, for the final part, it was just one tone. It was only the low tone that was being played. I didn’t do my assessment with SWR and it was summer 2025. So are you saying that’s now what you got? I was under the impression that the assessment for all companies have to use the same material set by the RSSB.
 

TrainEnthusia

Member
Joined
19 Apr 2026
Messages
14
Location
Southampton
Passed DMI, I await the MMI date.

Seems to be the same 6 questions for everyone but just worded differently between companies?

Is there a SJT before it for SWR? Or is it your given the 6 questions and your write down some answers then talk about them in the interview?
 

Bob813

Member
Joined
22 Jul 2026
Messages
16
Location
Sutton
No today no I did them last week.

I personally found them all fairly straightforward. I get really nervous sitting assessments and in interview which was why I was trying to just get some clarity on what to expect beforehand.

As I isn't have a definitive answer, I had made my own "nails" version of the TEA-OCC by using a programme I bought which was recommended on this forum to practice the TEA-OCC specifically which had three separate tests (like the real thing)

I used the first section (when you're hearing high and low but counting the low tones) and played that whilst doing the directory searches sent out in the SWR assessment prep email (so for example finding hospitals with area code 01322). I smashed the two together to practice so I found the actual test super easy.

TRP tests I found easy too and I was worried about memorising the passage but you have plenty of time. I did find the audio distracting personally but I followed it through at the audio pace first time-then in the 5 minutes you have after that I just kept re reading-any bits that I thought might be particularly useful I read over a few times. I didn't make notes I just closed my eyes and kept focussing on the passage given. It's multiple choice so very easy. make sure you read all the options before you answer.

Again I found part 2 easy to be honest but I think the overload of info given to explain it could make someone unprepared, panic. But it's a very simple task. I think there are 43 questions and you have 8 mins to do it I think. I managed to answer 27 of them and I am confident I got them all correct.

You get practice examples and plenty of opportunities with the assessor to ask questions and do ask - even just to clarify what you already know.

There were 6 of us who went in and the two that failed, failed the Group Bourdon-if you haven't already, I would recommend printing out the four dots version of the group bourdon and practice those.

Don't over think them, you've got this and good luck.
Thanks for the advice, that’s really good to know. Memorising the passages on the TRP is probably my main worry so it’s good to hear what to expect. Appreciate you taking the time and good luck with the rest of your assessments
 

UddinS

New Member
Joined
16 Sep 2026
Messages
4
Location
London
Passed DMI, I await the MMI date.

Seems to be the same 6 questions for everyone but just worded differently between companies?

Is there a SJT before it for SWR? Or is it your given the 6 questions and your write down some answers then talk about them in the interview?
Congratulations on passing the DMI. If you don’t mind me asking, what questions were you asked? I’ve seen around 10 similar questions mentioned, so I’m just trying to get an idea of which ones are actually coming up. Would really appreciate it.
 

Ducatichick

Member
Joined
30 Nov 2024
Messages
66
Location
South Coast
When I did it, for the final part, it was just one tone. It was only the low tone that was being played. I didn’t do my assessment with SWR and it was summer 2025. So are you saying that’s now what you got? I was under the impression that the assessment for all companies have to use the same material set by the RSSB.

TOC's can alter tests with permission yes but they do all comply to the RSSB. It doesn't mean they're all exactly the same. SWR test in house and don't use the OPC test material for the written part. It was however as you described-one tone and you counted them all while scanning the phonebook simultaneously (on the final part of the TEA-OCC).

There is SO much useful advise out there sometimes it's really difficult to be sure it's all applicable to your specific TOC.
 

driver3112

Member
Joined
16 Jun 2026
Messages
12
Location
london
Have you done your computer assessments yet? As if it’s that long then usually these are done alongside the MMI. That was the case with me with another TOC
To my knowledge I’ve passed stage 2 all computer exams with SWR, just doing an MMI that why I was confused on the 4 hours
 

Str1k3r

Member
Joined
28 Apr 2026
Messages
18
Location
Bournemouth
Hi everyone,

I have an upcoming SWR Trainee Train Driver interview.

I’m not sure whether this is a DMI or MMI. The email I received just says that the interview is at the SWR Recruitment centre and it doesn’t specify whether it is a DMI or MMI.

Has anyone recently been through the SWR process and can confirm which interview this is likely to be?

Thanks!
 

Str1k3r

Member
Joined
28 Apr 2026
Messages
18
Location
Bournemouth
Passed DMI, I await the MMI date.

Seems to be the same 6 questions for everyone but just worded differently between companies?

Is there a SJT before it for SWR? Or is it your given the 6 questions and your write down some answers then talk about them in the interview?
Hi! Congratulations for passing DMI! Could you please give me details on how it was? I have mine next week and will much appreciate it for any details! Thanks!
 

TrainEnthusia

Member
Joined
19 Apr 2026
Messages
14
Location
Southampton
Hi! Congratulations for passing DMI! Could you please give me details on how it was? I have mine next week and will much appreciate it for any details! Thanks!
Thanks. It was quite relaxed, they seemed to be there to get a feel for the person. But I suppose it depends on the interviewers you get on the day. I had two ex depot managers.

Most of the questions are a "tell us a time when you have had to deal with...." they are worded a bit awkwardly so dont be scared to ask them to repeat them again, I certainly did. I cant recall the questions themselves. They all kinda of blur together. Something along the lines of "tell us about a time where you had to challenge someone being racially inappropriate or abusive"

You feel pressure to answer immediately, but have the questions repeated, take a few sips of water you have brought with you and that buys you some time to think.

Good luck!
 
Last edited:

Twin82

Member
Joined
24 Mar 2026
Messages
295
Location
Wandsworth Road
TOC's can alter tests with permission yes but they do all comply to the RSSB. It doesn't mean they're all exactly the same. SWR test in house and don't use the OPC test material for the written part. It was however as you described-one tone and you counted them all while scanning the phonebook simultaneously (on the final part of the TEA-OCC).

There is SO much useful advise out there sometimes it's really difficult to be sure it's all applicable to your specific TOC.
Oh right! I wasn’t aware TOC’s could tweak the tests. Thanks for clarifying that. I thought all the testing was the same but some TOC’s may include an extra test. I didn’t do the test called the written communication test, nor that assessment day individual and group test that EMR included as part of their testing.

There is a lot of info which I am truly grateful for.
 

Str1k3r

Member
Joined
28 Apr 2026
Messages
18
Location
Bournemouth
Thanks. It was quite relaxed, they seemed to be there to get a feel for the person. But I suppose it depends on the interviewers you get on the day. I had two ex depot managers.

Most of the questions are a "tell us a time when you have had to deal with...." they are worded a bit awkwardly so dont be scared to ask them to repeat them again, I certainly did. I cant recall the questions themselves. They all kinda of blur together. Something along the lines of "tell us about a time where you had to challenge someone being racially inappropriate or abusive"

You feel pressure to answer immediately, but have the questions repeated, take a few sips of water you have brought with you and that buys you some time to think.

Good luck!
Thanks! And this was dmi interview after you passed psychometrics? I have an interview next week but the email they gave me it doesn't mention if is dmi or mmi....it just mentions recruitment team? I passed my psychometrics in june
 

TrainEnthusia

Member
Joined
19 Apr 2026
Messages
14
Location
Southampton
Thanks! And this was dmi interview after you passed psychometrics? I have an interview next week but the email they gave me it doesn't mention if is dmi or mmi....it just mentions recruitment team? I passed my psychometrics in june
Yes the email just said an interview. But when it is the MMI im led to beleive it will state MMI. So if it doesnt then must be DMI.

Its the 3rd stage. After the two assessment days.
 

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