Southeastern - Trainee Driver - Recruitment Discussion

RDJW18 · 29 Jul 2026

Hi guys, just after a little help. I’ve got my DMI coming up in a couple of weeks and just wondered I could get some info regarding it. In terms of knowing about SE how much info is required. Ive done quite a bit of research but I don’t know if I’m going overboard or not enough. Are we supposed to have actual route knowledge I.e point A to point B or just know the main stations served ? Lastly does anyone know where I can find a list of all their depots I can’t seem to find that anywhere.

Thanks in advance for any help.

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ollie_3D · 29 Jul 2026

RDJW18 said:
Hi guys, just after a little help. I’ve got my DMI coming up in a couple of weeks and just wondered I could get some info regarding it. In terms of knowing about SE how much info is required. Ive done quite a bit of research but I don’t know if I’m going overboard or not enough. Are we supposed to have actual route knowledge I.e point A to point B or just know the main stations served ? Lastly does anyone know where I can find a list of all their depots I can’t seem to find that anywhere.

Thanks in advance for any help.

From my experience, do as much research as you see fit, make sure you include the basic company information, what their policies are, their goals SE by numbers (which is found on their website) as well as the rolling stock they use. They don’t expect you to know all the routes etc at this stage, all they see really looking for is the London terminals so as long as you know them you’ll be alright. What they do expect you to know inside and out is the TPWS sheet that they give you so make sure it’s firmly in your head! From my experience they don’t ask you about their depots but just incase you need to know I BELIEVE their depots/driver operations areas are as follows:
Ashford,
Ramsgate,
Dover,
Faversham,
Gillingham,
Dartford,
Slade Green,
Grove Park,
Hastings,
Tonbridge,
Orpington,
Victoria and Charing Cross

(If I’ve missed any then please can others correct me!)

my final bit of advice would be to scan through this forum, it’s been massively helpful and people have spoken about their experiences and everyone’s been a massive help!
Best of luck!

Twin82 · 29 Jul 2026

ollie_3D said:
From my experience, do as much research as you see fit, make sure you include the basic company information, what their policies are, their goals SE by numbers (which is found on their website) as well as the rolling stock they use. They don’t expect you to know all the routes etc at this stage, all they see really looking for is the London terminals so as long as you know them you’ll be alright. What they do expect you to know inside and out is the TPWS sheet that they give you so make sure it’s firmly in your head! From my experience they don’t ask you about their depots but just incase you need to know I BELIEVE their depots/driver operations areas are as follows:
Ashford,
Ramsgate,
Dover,
Faversham,
Gillingham,
Dartford,
Slade Green,
Grove Park,
Hastings,
Tonbridge,
Orpington,
Victoria and Charing Cross

(If I’ve missed any then please can others correct me!)

my final bit of advice would be to scan through this forum, it’s been massively helpful and people have spoken about their experiences and everyone’s been a massive help!
Best of luck!

I was asked (not exactly word for word) if I knew any of the destinations we serve. It won't hurt to remember some of them. I'm glad I did actually remember a few as that question caught me off guard. good luck mate. What depot you're in for?

Lukeyp · 29 Jul 2026

For anyone that’s applied for Dartford, how long was the wait from passing the MMI to an invite for the DMI?

Cookie_Monster · 29 Jul 2026

Lukeyp said:
For anyone that’s applied for Dartford, how long was the wait from passing the MMI to an invite for the DMI?

Im in the same boat mate, passed MMI a month ago but no DMI date. I was able to find out my place in the queue as i asked at the interview and she got her laptop out and looked. Dartford I was 23rd in the queue. Hope that helps.

Lukeyp · 29 Jul 2026

Cookie_Monster said:
Im in the same boat mate, passed MMI a month ago but no DMI date. I was able to find out my place in the queue as i asked at the interview and she got her laptop out and looked. Dartford I was 23rd in the queue. Hope that helps.

23rd, damn! I imagine i’m much further down the list then, thanks for that mate. Have you considered Slade green or Orpington if your close enough? I may go down that route if it speeds it up abit

GemmaLouise · 30 Jul 2026

Twin82 said:
Thank you Gemma. I really appreciate it.

This forum has been nothing short of amazing.

My experience was very similar in how I felt. I didn't sleep at all and was asked if I would like to reschedule which I kindly said no to. I hope it all went well for you. How did you find it? Who conducted your interview? Jemma conducted mine. She put my nerves at ease. They are very good at helping the interviewees to relax. I was told in my interview they I passed.

I was told the same thing that CX and Vic have regular vacancies and ask if I wouldn't mind if I was placed in Vic pool instead of Grove Park, which I was really happy about. My 2 ideal depots. You will be fine. Courses for this year are fill so there might be a chance we will be on the same course.

Thanks again Gemma. I am really proud of myself. Not a lot of people get to the stages we got to. So it's a big achievement.

When you're up for you dmi, make sure to research the company properly, know SE by numbers, rolling stock, London terminals, some of the destinations we serve, have a good reason as to why you want to be a train driver and why SE. Look into a day in the life of a train driver. Prepare answers for the question bank they send you and lastly, mKe sure to ask smart questions at the end of interview. Dress smart and get there early. You'll have to get a security pass if you have your interview at Vic. And smile. Be yourself.

Good luck Gemz and hope to see you on the course

Good morning

So I had already prepared all my answers weeks before but I know I missed stuff out, thankfully as I used the star method and got the main bulk if my answers it was okay.

She was nodding and smiling throughout my interview. She barely asked me any follow up or probe questions, maybe for 2 of my answers She asked me a follow up question, which made me feel like I must have covered everything.

At the end without saying it in so many words she indicated that I had passed but said she would email me in a few hours. Then I received an email no more than an hour later to say I had been successful

I have been researching all of those things about southeastern but now I really need to get down to it properly.

Can't get this far and then fumble at the last hurdle.

Thankyou so much, I'm so glad that I found out about this forum. It really has been a huge help.

We may well be on the same course, I'm hoping to get an email around September (from what she said) to invite me for my DMI

I'm sooooooooo excited I can't believe we are almost at the finish line.

Sotac464 · 30 Jul 2026

GemmaLouise said:
Good morning

So I had already prepared all my answers weeks before but I know I missed stuff out, thankfully as I used the star method and got the main bulk if my answers it was okay.

She was nodding and smiling throughout my interview. She barely asked me any follow up or probe questions, maybe for 2 of my answers She asked me a follow up question, which made me feel like I must have covered everything.

At the end without saying it in so many words she indicated that I had passed but said she would email me in a few hours. Then I received an email no more than an hour later to say I had been successful

I have been researching all of those things about southeastern but now I really need to get down to it properly.

Can't get this far and then fumble at the last hurdle.

Thankyou so much, I'm so glad that I found out about this forum. It really has been a huge help.

We may well be on the same course, I'm hoping to get an email around September (from what she said) to invite me for my DMI

I'm sooooooooo excited I can't believe we are almost at the finish line.

That's brilliant well done, need any help let me know.

Twin82 · 30 Jul 2026

GemmaLouise said:
Good morning

So I had already prepared all my answers weeks before but I know I missed stuff out, thankfully as I used the star method and got the main bulk if my answers it was okay.

She was nodding and smiling throughout my interview. She barely asked me any follow up or probe questions, maybe for 2 of my answers She asked me a follow up question, which made me feel like I must have covered everything.

At the end without saying it in so many words she indicated that I had passed but said she would email me in a few hours. Then I received an email no more than an hour later to say I had been successful

I have been researching all of those things about southeastern but now I really need to get down to it properly.

Can't get this far and then fumble at the last hurdle.

Thankyou so much, I'm so glad that I found out about this forum. It really has been a huge help.

We may well be on the same course, I'm hoping to get an email around September (from what she said) to invite me for my DMI

I'm sooooooooo excited I can't believe we are almost at the finish line.

Congratulations!! I know we you would do it. I remember speaking to you and you said you had a bit of experience with interviews, or something along that line. If I can do it, you definitely can do it. I do believe our profession gives us a real chance with answering the star based questions.

What was your interviewers name? I've got a feeling it was Jemma. She brought the nerves right down. Was that the same for you? Sounded similar to mine. I was told in my interview that I passed as well and that I was an ideal candidate. The fact you weren't probed alot could mean you had enough info in your answers. Will you be in for Vic and CX like myself?

Keep on researching. Better to be overprepared. You will be sent a TPWS Sheet. Make sure you know it word for word. You won't fumble. I got faith in you.

You're welcome Gemz I am also grateful for this forum. There's some amazing people on there that really went above and beyond to help out.

It would be nice if we're on the same course. The timeline does sound like we will be as there are no more courses for this year.

Well done again! We're almost there Gemz! I was told at work I can give a weeks notice. Check with your workplace if that's the case for you. If you got any questions, feel free to ask and I'll do my best to help out. Congrats again!

Cookie_Monster · 30 Jul 2026

Lukeyp said:
23rd, damn! I imagine i’m much further down the list then, thanks for that mate. Have you considered Slade green or Orpington if your close enough? I may go down that route if it speeds it up abit

I got put on Orpington list as well and I'm 7th in the queue for there but its less busy turn over wise than Dartford they said. Seems a few of us might be in the same intake if DMIs go out around September.

Chewie · 30 Jul 2026

If anyone would like to share, I was wondering how long were people given before their DMI was booked? For example i was given about 1.5 months before my interview, have people had longer or less time to prepare?

Twin82 · 30 Jul 2026

I guess it varies. If you’re talking from invite to the actual day, I had 3-4 dates to choose from. Earliest date was a week after getting the invite and the latest day (which I always took just as to give me more time to prepare), was 4 weeks. I wouldn’t of know. At the time but during my dmi, I was told there was 1 place left on the August course and it’s now taken. I’m guessing as I was the 2nd person to be interviewed that day out of 3, the 1st person must of passed and was given that place. Now I’m waiting for courses for next year. I guess there are some benefits to accepting the earliest slots. I know someone who had their dmi 4 days after their MMI. Maybe that was a one off, I don’t know. Start your research on the company I would say.

Folkestonechap · 30 Jul 2026

Had my MMI in January, had DMI in late May. Had about 3 weeks notice.

ollie_3D · 30 Jul 2026

Chewie said:
If anyone would like to share, I was wondering how long were people given before their DMI was booked? For example i was given about 1.5 months before my interview, have people had longer or less time to prepare?

I was contacted just under 2 weeks before my DMI, I picked one of the earliest dates I could as I was very eager to get it done. That being said there were more dates roughly a week later so it really depends on when you want it I guess.

Chewie · 30 Jul 2026

Twin82 said:
I guess it varies. If you’re talking from invite to the actual day, I had 3-4 dates to choose from. Earliest date was a week after getting the invite and the latest day (which I always took just as to give me more time to prepare), was 4 weeks. I wouldn’t of know. At the time but during my dmi, I was told there was 1 place left on the August course and it’s now taken. I’m guessing as I was the 2nd person to be interviewed that day out of 3, the 1st person must of passed and was given that place. Now I’m waiting for courses for next year. I guess there are some benefits to accepting the earliest slots. I know someone who had their dmi 4 days after their MMI. Maybe that was a one off, I don’t know. Start your research on the company I would say.

I've got mine tomorrow lol, I was just wondering how long people had to prepare for it but I've been revising lots so hopefully it all pays off tomorrow.

Folkestonechap · 30 Jul 2026

Chewie said:
I've got mine tomorrow lol, I was just wondering how long people had to prepare for it but I've been revising lots so hopefully it all pays off tomorrow.

Learn TPWS sheet inside out. I can still quote it months later it's so ingrained in my head!

Twin82 · 30 Jul 2026

Chewie said:
I've got mine tomorrow lol, I was just wondering how long people had to prepare for it but I've been revising lots so hopefully it all pays off tomorrow.

Oh!! Lol. Best of luck tomorrow. Yep. Get that TPWS in your head. Likewise, I still know it word for word. And brush up on your company knowledge. Lots of useful info in this thread. Let us know how you’re getting on.

Chewie · 31 Jul 2026

Got the call a couple of hours later saying I've passed! Thank you to everyone on this and I'm just over the moon, what a great career ahead of me. Wishing everyone the best of luck going through this journey!

Twin82 · 31 Jul 2026

Chewie said:
Got the call a couple of hours later saying I've passed! Thank you to everyone on this and I'm just over the moon, what a great career ahead of me. Wishing everyone the best of luck going through this journey!

Many congratulations to you mate! Are on a course now? If so, when if your start date?

Chewie · 31 Jul 2026

Twin82 said:
Many congratulations to you mate! Are on a course now? If so, when if your start date?

Thank you! I've got my medical on 13th August and as long as i pass that i will be starting on the 5th October.

Twin82 · 31 Jul 2026

Wow! I was told no rush for my medical. And all the spaces for this year are filled. I don’t mind the wait. It gives me a chance to put in some overtime and save a bit so the drop in pay won’t be a big shock to the system. Good luck with the medical. Ahh silly me!! Just remembered it’s depot dependent. What depot are you up for again? Dartford?

Chewie · 1 Aug 2026

Twin82 said:
Wow! I was told no rush for my medical. And all the spaces for this year are filled. I don’t mind the wait. It gives me a chance to put in some overtime and save a bit so the drop in pay won’t be a big shock to the system. Good luck with the medical. Ahh silly me!! Just remembered it’s depot dependent. What depot are you up for again? Dartford?

No I'm up for Gillingham, they said to me it was the last spot for gillingham on the October course so glad i managed to squeeze in, but yeah i get what you mean i was expecting to be waiting till next year but has come around quick. At least you have passed everything mate and got time to save and prepare for it.

Twin82 · 1 Aug 2026

Chewie said:
No I'm up for Gillingham, they said to me it was the last spot for gillingham on the October course so glad i managed to squeeze in, but yeah i get what you mean i was expecting to be waiting till next year but has come around quick. At least you have passed everything mate and got time to save and prepare for it.

Ok thought it would be at a different depot to mine. You were very lucky to get the last spot. Hope the medical goes well. Yea that’s right mate, the hard work is done and that’s exactly what I told myself. Use this time to save, relax and prepare for what’s to come.

Chewie · 1 Aug 2026

Twin82 said:
Ok thought it would be at a different depot to mine. You were very lucky to get the last spot. Hope the medical goes well. Yea that’s right mate, the hard work is done and that’s exactly what I told myself. Use this time to save, relax and prepare for what’s to come.

Oh yes i was lucky, they had another spot for the start of September but got a holiday booked in the middle of September so luckily they had a spot for October. Thank you I'm sure i will keep in touch again but all the best mate!

Twin82 · 1 Aug 2026

Chewie said:
Oh yes i was lucky, they had another spot for the start of September but got a holiday booked in the middle of September so luckily they had a spot for October. Thank you I'm sure i will keep in touch again but all the best mate!

The stars are aligning for you mate. You’re welcome and hope it’s good news when you do your medical.

mickeyC · 1 Aug 2026

Chewie said:
Oh yes i was lucky, they had another spot for the start of September but got a holiday booked in the middle of September so luckily they had a spot for October. Thank you I'm sure i will keep in touch again but all the best mate!

Good luck with your course Chewie, I start with my DI in a couple of weeks at Gillingham, hopefully see you around Gills after Xmas.

ollie_3D · 2 Aug 2026

mickeyC said:
Good luck with your course Chewie, I start with my DI in a couple of weeks at Gillingham, hopefully see you around Gills after Xmas.

Best of luck mate, I bet that’s going to feel so surreal being behind the controls for the first time haha, how are you finding traction?

Twin82 · 2 Aug 2026

mickeyC said:
Good luck with your course Chewie, I start with my DI in a couple of weeks at Gillingham, hopefully see you around Gills after Xmas.

Best of luck mate. Exciting times ahead. Let us know how it’s going when the time comes.

mickeyC · 2 Aug 2026

ollie_3D said:
Best of luck mate, I bet that’s going to feel so surreal being behind the controls for the first time haha, how are you finding traction?

Cheers @ollie_3D
Yeah, it’ll feel surreal. The only time I’ve been behind the actual controls is when performing a personal brake test for the traction assessment.
Traction is pretty good, much easier than the rules and regs part, still lots to remember with all the systems our trains run, but the teaching process is top notch.

Chewie · 2 Aug 2026

@mickeyC How long does the class room course go on for is it around 6 months? and yes hopefully might see you around Gillingham!

Southeastern - Trainee Driver - Recruitment Discussion

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