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First Rail London - Trainee Driver - Recruitment Discussion

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EssexBound

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5 Jun 2026
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Reading through the posts, it seems odd to tell everyone on here exactly what the test involves, so they can go away and practice. Gives a bit of an unfair advantage I’d say.
 

tallFella

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21 Feb 2026
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Reading through the posts, it seems odd to tell everyone on here exactly what the test involves, so they can go away and practice. Gives a bit of an unfair advantage I’d say.
I second this thought, everyone asking what the test entails just go on the test and find out.

They’re designed to sift out suitable from unsuitable candidates, if you’re not fit for the role it is what it is.
 

genziu8181

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19 Oct 2020
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85
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London
Patience is a key. After doing SJT on Saturday around 11PM I did not get email until Monday. Whatever the outcome they will let you know for sure. I bet they have plenty applucations and tests to go through so everyone will find out with time.

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Hey ,anybody waiting for their DMI after completing stage 2 or just had their DMI?
Is it DMI or OPC first?
 
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ab96

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10 Oct 2025
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Essex
Hi guys, I’ve just completed the second assessment around 30mins ago and did not receive any email straight after it like other applicants have. Not sure why but fingers crossed I got through it successfully. Will update if I do.

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Hi guys, I’ve just completed the second assessment around 30mins ago and did not receive any email straight after it like other applicants have. Not sure why but fingers crossed I got through it successfully. Will update if I do.

Update - This is the email I just received now:

We’re pleased to let you know that you have successfully passed your recent online assessment(s).

Whilst we endeavour to progress everyone who passes their online assessment(s) to the next stage of the process, this is not always possible. When this is the case, all applications and assessment scores will be carefully reviewed and only those shortlisted will be progressed to the next stage.

When managing high volumes of applications, the review process can take up to a couple of weeks, so we kindly ask for your patience during this period. As soon as we have an outcome for you, you will be notified by email.




Kind regards,

First Rail London Resourcing
 
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NSEWonderer

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5 Dec 2020
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London
Reading through the posts, it seems odd to tell everyone on here exactly what the test involves, so they can go away and practice. Gives a bit of an unfair advantage I’d say.

I second this thought, everyone asking what the test entails just go on the test and find out.

They’re designed to sift out suitable from unsuitable candidates, if you’re not fit for the role it is what it is.

The irony is this very fourm by this logic would also be giving people enough pre preparation to go and practice vs those who haven't the luxury of such information.

There is a difference also in practicing specifically the actual tests vs mocks and then doing it in a timed condition. The recruiters are definitely aware of the fact people would help each other out here and clearly know theres such a thing as telling people what to expect and then them actually under pressure or timed conditions having the ability to do it.

Psychometrics again are the same, you can pre prep all you want but it comes down to the actual ability at the end of the day
 

loudmouth

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13 Nov 2018
Messages
48
The irony is this very fourm by this logic would also be giving people enough pre preparation to go and practice vs those who haven't the luxury of such information.

There is a difference also in practicing specifically the actual tests vs mocks and then doing it in a timed condition. The recruiters are definitely aware of the fact people would help each other out here and clearly know theres such a thing as telling people what to expect and then them actually under pressure or timed conditions having the ability to do it.

Psychometrics again are the same, you can pre prep all you want but it comes down to the actual ability at the end of the day
Completely agree
 

tallFella

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21 Feb 2026
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The irony is this very fourm by this logic would also be giving people enough pre preparation to go and practice vs those who haven't the luxury of such information.

There is a difference also in practicing specifically the actual tests vs mocks and then doing it in a timed condition. The recruiters are definitely aware of the fact people would help each other out here and clearly know theres such a thing as telling people what to expect and then them actually under pressure or timed conditions having the ability to do it.

Psychometrics again are the same, you can pre prep all you want but it comes down to the actual ability at the end of the day
In all fairness wanting to know what a test entails prior to attempting it is natural.

What position do you have in the rail industry if you don’t mind me asking?
 

james16

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11 Nov 2024
Messages
34
Location
ilford
I second this thought, everyone asking what the test entails just go on the test and find out.

They’re designed to sift out suitable from unsuitable candidates, if you’re not fit for the role it is what it is.
A bit jobs worth if you ask me lol this forum is exactly for that mate! Also every TOC is aware of forums helping people, it doesn’t mean you’ll definitely get through. Helping others is never a bad thing, have faith in yourself & may the best candidates win! We’re all here for the same reason..
 

NSEWonderer

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5 Dec 2020
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London
In all fairness wanting to know what a test entails prior to attempting it is natural.

What position do you have in the rail industry if you don’t mind me asking?
Train Driver

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have faith in yourself & may the best candidates win! We’re all here for the same reason..
Thia is what it tell anyone I know doing assessments. Don't be afraid to talk about tips or practice material even on the day of in person tests.

If you believe in your ability then you'll have no fear in sharing tips and tricks of what you can if asked or prompted. After all majority of us all would have learnt these from someone else, not just ourselves.
 
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Lewis5949

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8 Nov 2019
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101
Location
London
Reading through the posts, it seems odd to tell everyone on here exactly what the test involves, so they can go away and practice. Gives a bit of an unfair advantage I’d say.
That's exactly why I kept quiet - I'm all for helping each other but if I gave someone advice and then they passed and I didn't, I'd be pissed

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Look what also came out today...

 

DA1

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22 May 2017
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444
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England
Look what also came out today...

Been out for a couple of weeks. I applied a few months ago when it was arriva and start end of the year.
 

Lewis5949

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8 Nov 2019
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101
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London
Been out for a couple of weeks. I applied a few months ago when it was arriva and start end of the year.

I haven't seen it any time I have looked, but it's probably like a lot of First Group jobs where it gets un and republished multiple times. It happened with Croydon Tram Driver 4 times over a week. The Trainee one this thread is for disappeared and reappeared at least 3 times too. Looks like they like to close when receiving enough applicants, but when realising many of them are a bit crap after sifting, they reopen to get to the quota again. My guess anyway.
 

tallFella

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21 Feb 2026
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Could say the same to you lol with your unnecessary comment about people shouldn’t get help lol too jobs worth!!
Exactly where did I say that people shouldn’t get help?

You’ve twisted what I’ve said, all I’ve done is encouraged people to get on with the test instead of waiting for others to tell them what to do.

Looks like you’ve got a bit too much time on your hands though.
 

v16ull

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30 May 2026
Messages
35
Location
Mitcham, Surrey
Does an online assessment failure with First Rail impact applications to GWR during the six-month cooldown period?
I imagine it depends on the TOC but I know some stipulate that to be eligible to apply, you must not have applied for a trainee driver role in the last 6 months. I wouldn’t assume the worst though as the hiring manager email doesn’t say if you’ve passed or failed
 

v16ull

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Joined
30 May 2026
Messages
35
Location
Mitcham, Surrey
I’ve had the with the hiring manager email today. My guess is that everyone will get that and the next thing will be notification of whether we’ve made it to shortlisting/ OPC or not progressing. Good luck everyone!
 

genziu8181

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Joined
19 Oct 2020
Messages
85
Location
London
I’ve had the with the hiring manager email today. My guess is that everyone will get that and the next thing will be notification of whether we’ve made it to shortlisting/ OPC or not progressing. Good luck everyone!
That's my thought... I expect they had some benchmark for just pass and then choose ones with highest marks
 

itsreco

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6 Jun 2026
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27
Location
New Cross
That's my thought... I expect they had some benchmark for just pass and then choose ones with highest marks
its more about your CV/how close you are to the depot, the assessments are just a filter but it plays a minor part. That’s what I’ve been told, correct me if I’m wrong.
 

tallFella

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21 Feb 2026
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There was another TOC which used this exact error checking test as part of there initial sift.

From my experience I got over 30 and pretty sure I got them all right and made it through to the next stage. When I met some of the others a couple people said they didn’t get more than 30 but were sure they got each error checking perfect.

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its more about your CV/how close you are to the depot, the assessments are just a filter but it plays a minor part. That’s what I’ve been told, correct me if I’m wrong.
I think how close you are to the depot is one of the first things they look at, it’s easy to turn applications away if you don’t meet those basic requirements.
 

genziu8181

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19 Oct 2020
Messages
85
Location
London
its more about your CV/how close you are to the depot, the assessments are just a filter but it plays a minor part. That’s what I’ve been told, correct me if I’m wrong.
I do not think it does makes a difference for them if you live 15min or 45min from depot as long as you are within requirements. From another TOC under First Group I believe they looked at results as these people are more likely to pass OPC assessment
 

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