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Southeastern - Trainee Driver - Recruitment Discussion

Pintman

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13 Dec 2023
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The Pub
When I did my assessment day with SE recently they specifically said that the passes for the standard tests were valid with other TOCs for 5 years. This was before the VSE at the end of the day and the MMI wasn't done on the same day.
Surely that would be down to the policy of the TOC? What do Southeastern know about Thameslink recruitment, for example?
 
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jjjjjjonny

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16 Jul 2025
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When I did my assessment day with SE recently they specifically said that the passes for the standard tests were valid with other TOCs for 5 years. This was before the VSE at the end of the day and the MMI wasn't done on the same day.
Ah okay seems I've been misinformed then, good to know.
 

Gul

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15 Jul 2025
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Surely that would be down to the policy of the TOC? What do Southeastern know about Thameslink recruitment, for example?
If the other TOCs use the same OPC tests then they'll just look up the result on the database. I think different TOCs tend to have different enhanced tests, so VSE at one TOC might not be needed at another so you'd just sit the tests you haven't already done.
 

Twin82

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If the other TOCs use the same OPC tests then they'll just look up the result on the database. I think different TOCs tend to have different enhanced tests, so VSE at one TOC might not be needed at another so you'd just sit the tests you haven't already done.
That's exactly what I was saying.
 
Joined
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london
I found that the VSE practice material wasn't very helpful to be honest, but do it anyway.

The VSE is done on computer and is in 3 parts.
Part 1 is a circuit with various markers around it. You need to follow the marker around the circuit and watch for mistakes which include skipping, colour changes and moving backwards.
Part 2 is 2 columns of symbols. You need to work out if the symbols in both columns match and press a button to say yes or no. I believe the amount of symbols increases over time but can't remember 100%.
Part 3 is doing both at the same time.

I did the first 2 parts with zero mistakes. I made maybe 3 mistakes in part 3. Mostly because it is quite easy to get the yes & no buttons mixed up.
In the waiting area, I was sitting with a group of people who had done the assessment before me and they said they found it to be the most difficult assessment and found it easy to become flustered. I personally didn't agree with this, I actually got more flustered with the artic shores assessment.
Yes thank you this was very helpful
Have my vse assessment in June
How long did they take to get back to you once you did the vse assessment

And same!! Artic shores was very difficult for me for some reason
 

typicalalex1

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4 Jun 2023
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Kent
Yes thank you this was very helpful
Have my vse assessment in June
How long did they take to get back to you once you did the vse assessment

And same!! Artic shores was very difficult for me for some reason
The route I took isn't like most, as I did some assessments before this job advert even went live, for another position.
I did my VSE and MMI on the same day.
It was a couple of months before I was invited to DMI.
 

Chewie

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Hi everyone, I've got my DMI coming up next month and was wondering if someone would be willing to share their experience if they have had one already?
 

typicalalex1

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4 Jun 2023
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Hi everyone, I've got my DMI coming up next month and was wondering if someone would be willing to share their experience if they have had one already?
I'd spend some time going through this thread, there is a lot of information shared here already. But it will entirely depend on the depot and who is interviewing you.
But in short, spend time going through all of the material they send you and absorb as much information about the company as you can.
 

Chewie

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I'd spend some time going through this thread, there is a lot of information shared here already. But it will entirely depend on the depot and who is interviewing you.
But in short, spend time going through all of the material they send you and absorb as much information about the company as you can.
Thank you I have been doing a lot of revision on the company and TPWS, hopefully will all pay off. Got mine at Gillingham end on next month.
 

typicalalex1

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Thank you I have been doing a lot of revision on the company and TPWS, hopefully will all pay off. Got mine at Gillingham end on next month.
That's where I had mine as well. Make sure you learn the rolling stock, they asked me about it and I wish I knew more at the time.
If it is with Craig & Scott, you'll be fine. They put my nerves to rest instantly and had a good laugh throughout as well.
 

mickeyC

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14 Jun 2024
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That's where I had mine as well. Make sure you learn the rolling stock, they asked me about it and I wish I knew more at the time.
If it is with Craig & Scott, you'll be fine. They put my nerves to rest instantly and had a good laugh throughout as well.
Craig and Scott plus Harold from the ticket office did my DMi in January, I was so nervous but they put me at ease really quickly.
TPWS, Company info, rolling stock etc, just enjoy it and good luck.
 
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london
For those who did their VSE with southeastern. Are there any materials that could be helpful or any advise. I did the practice material they gave but I know it’s going to be computer based. I have mine later in June. Any advice would be really helpful
 

CFRAIL

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17 May 2019
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335
For those who did their VSE with southeastern. Are there any materials that could be helpful or any advise. I did the practice material they gave but I know it’s going to be computer based. I have mine later in June. Any advice would be really helpful
I didn't look at any of the practice material for VSE, the VSE on the day took me by surprise but passed it. Don't get flustered by the errors, try to keep your composure and remember the primary task.
 

mickeyC

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14 Jun 2024
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For those who did their VSE with southeastern. Are there any materials that could be helpful or any advise. I did the practice material they gave but I know it’s going to be computer based. I have mine later in June. Any advice would be really helpful
I don’t think it’s something you can really practice.
Remember to read the instructions carefully (very carefully) and don’t panic, remain calm and carry on if you make a mistake.
I made quite a few mistakes but still passed
 

Chewie

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That's where I had mine as well. Make sure you learn the rolling stock, they asked me about it and I wish I knew more at the time.
If it is with Craig & Scott, you'll be fine. They put my nerves to rest instantly and had a good laugh throughout as well.
Thank you and to mickeyC, this has put me right at ease as they are the two who i have my interview with. I will just make sure to revise all of those points as much as possible much appreciated!
 

NeoNeko

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27 Aug 2024
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Thank you and to mickeyC, this has put me right at ease as they are the two who i have my interview with. I will just make sure to revise all of those points as much as possible much appreciated!

I would also say make sure you know the technical sheet that they give you to learn ahead of the interview inside out - I learnt mine (TPWS) word-for-word, but also made sure I understood it.

Edited to add I just saw you've been doing that already, so you're definitely on the right track :)
 

Sotac464

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15 Feb 2017
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167
I would also say make sure you know the technical sheet that they give you to learn ahead of the interview inside out - I learnt mine (TPWS) word-for-word, but also made sure I understood it.

Edited to add I just saw you've been doing that already, so you're definitely on the right track :)

How do they interview over the TPWS sheet? Do they ask you to recite it or ask you questions on it?

Thank you.
 

mickeyC

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14 Jun 2024
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kent
How do they interview over the TPWS sheet? Do they ask you to recite it or ask you questions on it?

Thank you.
I was asked to recite it back to the interviewers, they basically said “Did you receive the TPWS sheet” I said yes and they said “tell me about it”
As I’ve said before, now I’m on the driver course, the TPWS sheet is a breeze to remember compared to what I’ve got to digest each day for assessments.
 

Sotac464

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15 Feb 2017
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167
I was asked to recite it back to the interviewers, they basically said “Did you receive the TPWS sheet” I said yes and they said “tell me about it”
As I’ve said before, now I’m on the driver course, the TPWS sheet is a breeze to remember compared to what I’ve got to digest each day for assessments.
Thanks Mickey ive got my MMI on Wednesday so I need to get through that first of all, if i do its DMI next Monday. So that gives me 4 days to hammer it home. Sounds like the course is intense but hopefully enjoyable.
 

NeoNeko

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How do they interview over the TPWS sheet? Do they ask you to recite it or ask you questions on it?

Thank you.

It was the same for me as Mickey, they asked me to just recite it, and then asked me a couple of questions afterwards :)
 

Sotac464

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15 Feb 2017
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167
Congratulations! How did you find the MMI and any advice?
It was easy because I had done my prep, the woman made me feel really relaxed, I had to do a 21 question SJT beforehand that goes towards the MMI.

Stay relaxed give good examples, make sure they are real examples, focus on what you did and how you react, stay calm speak slowly, if prompted when they question you, dont rush you are allowed to think, above all they are there to help.

Safety, safety, safety.
 

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