Assessments & Medicals discussion

[PeteBre]

Hi team

I am wanting to confirm if the multi modal interview is part of the assessment centre for the purpose of the horrible 'two attempts' policy? I hope not but believe that it is.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Mar 2025 ==

1) I passed almost all train driver assessments in September, then failed one in February.
The new standard gives candidates three attempts - if they didn't take any tests before December 2024.
I did, but I passed them!
Are there any ways that I could attempt to get a third go? This would seem fair.

2) I do not believe that I should have failed the interview test in February - is there an option to appeal, and if so, is it a formal process, or just sending an email request?

2) On a more philosophical note : what are the likely effects on me, or on others, or the environment if I were to fail twice ?
It seems to me to be a categorically unfair policy. I think that giving every candidate one attempt per 5 years would be fairer.
To be barred for life feels like being deemed 'terminally ill!'. Is the rule such as it is because it's testing your emergency-handling skills, and you might be permanently disabled or affected if a real event were to happen whilst you were in the job?

3) How do I make sure / do everything possible to ensure that I don't fail again?

4) I am also interested in the testing process to the extent that I would want to become a testing administrator. Does anyone know how to apply for that job?

I seen a job advertised for the OPC on LinkedIn a few days ago.

25k per annum

 

[Burrowl]

Hi the MMI is indeed part of assessments and is included in the 2 life rule. If you fail it you only have 1 more shot at it, like you said the new rule only applies to people that hadn’t sat 1 before December 24.

As for appealing I have no idea if that’s a thing you can do.

I have recently just sat and passed all assessments and currently waiting for a medical date atm. The tests aren’t made to be easy as everyone would pass them if that was the case. If you prep well enough and refer your answers to following rules & procedures and keeping safety in mind for the MMI you will be fine. Good communication and sticking to the STAR format also will help.

Thanks for your reply,

I "was failed" only on my verbal communication skills; I understand I passed all 6 questions. I used to be a contact centre agent and have excellent telephone manner, so it's a very odd result unless there was something else going on.
I believe I did follow the Situation Task Action Result format, though they tell me that I didn't.

How would I find out if the feedback they're giving is genuine? Is it best not to retake with the same company, and to go to a different TOC, if I do retake it ?

How do you think multi modal interview standards of verbal communication skills compare to those in other interviews, or roles?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Mar 2025 ==

If you retake the MMI, can you assume that it will be with a different interviewer from the first time?

 

[Ridetherails]

Hi team

I am wanting to confirm if the multi modal interview is part of the assessment centre for the purpose of the horrible 'two attempts' policy? I hope not but believe that it is.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Mar 2025 ==

1) I passed almost all train driver assessments in September, then failed one in February.
The new standard gives candidates three attempts - if they didn't take any tests before December 2024.
I did, but I passed them!
Are there any ways that I could attempt to get a third go? This would seem fair.

2) I do not believe that I should have failed the interview test in February - is there an option to appeal, and if so, is it a formal process, or just sending an email request?

2) On a more philosophical note : what are the likely effects on me, or on others, or the environment if I were to fail twice ?
It seems to me to be a categorically unfair policy. I think that giving every candidate one attempt per 5 years would be fairer.
To be barred for life feels like being deemed 'terminally ill!'. Is the rule such as it is because it's testing your emergency-handling skills, and you might be permanently disabled or affected if a real event were to happen whilst you were in the job?

3) How do I make sure / do everything possible to ensure that I don't fail again?

4) I am also interested in the testing process to the extent that I would want to become a testing administrator. Does anyone know how to apply for that job?

Point 1, it’s fails, although not 100% positive if you haven’t failed a test before dec 24 then 3 lives ( as opc confirmed to me the other day you can resit a test as many times as you want if you pass, but if you fail then there are rules of when and how many times it can be resat.

point 2 I totally agree with you.

The fact that every TOC has their own standard yet you can only fail 2 or 3 times over all tocs is insane.

With your cpl ( commercial
Pilots license ) if you fail 2 consecutive times you have a mandatory 3 month cool down before being able to take the test(s) again, but no limit how many times you can take the test.

If it was 3 lives per toc would be one thing or if all tocs accepted results on opc database etc…

Unfortunately though it is what it is. Maybe this will change in 2026 when everything becomes GBR???

 

[Samsanbor]

Hi team

I am wanting to confirm if the multi modal interview is part of the assessment centre for the purpose of the horrible 'two attempts' policy? I hope not but believe that it is.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Mar 2025 ==

1) I passed almost all train driver assessments in September, then failed one in February.
The new standard gives candidates three attempts - if they didn't take any tests before December 2024.
I did, but I passed them!
Are there any ways that I could attempt to get a third go? This would seem fair.

2) I do not believe that I should have failed the interview test in February - is there an option to appeal, and if so, is it a formal process, or just sending an email request?

2) On a more philosophical note : what are the likely effects on me, or on others, or the environment if I were to fail twice ?
It seems to me to be a categorically unfair policy. I think that giving every candidate one attempt per 5 years would be fairer.
To be barred for life feels like being deemed 'terminally ill!'. Is the rule such as it is because it's testing your emergency-handling skills, and you might be permanently disabled or affected if a real event were to happen whilst you were in the job?

3) How do I make sure / do everything possible to ensure that I don't fail again?

4) I am also interested in the testing process to the extent that I would want to become a testing administrator. Does anyone know how to apply for that job?

Part of your post is not really clear:
How many times have you failed, it was 1 or 2?

When have you sat your very 1st attempt?

On what grounds would you like to make an appeal?

 

[elle1630]

Hi. I work as a train driver, and I've recently been losing weight trying to get myself healthy, I'm at a 5 stone natural loss, but, I've kinda reach a lull and I have been thinking about possibly taking a weight loss injection.

Doesn't anyone know if that's allowed as a train driver or is it a strict no. If it's likely to be a no, I wouldn't look into it more. But does anyone know if it's on the restricted list, would I still be able to work?

 

[Horizon22]

Hi. I work as a train driver, and I've recently been losing weight trying to get myself healthy, I'm at a 5 stone natural loss, but, I've kinda reach a lull and I have been thinking about possibly taking a weight loss injection.

Doesn't anyone know if that's allowed as a train driver or is it a strict no. If it's likely to be a no, I wouldn't look into it more. But does anyone know if it's on the restricted list, would I still be able to work?

It definitely sounds like something you should discuss with your TOC/FOCs Occupational Health provider before proceeding. Then you obviously know whether you can or not after that.

 

[Pintman]

If it was 3 lives per toc would be one thing or if all tocs accepted results on opc database etc…

Unfortunately though it is what it is. Maybe this will change in 2026 when everything becomes GBR???

It's unlikely to change again, having just been updated. The process is managed by the Rail Safety Standards Board (RSSB) so it would be down to them

Point 1, it’s fails, although not 100% positive if you haven’t failed a test before dec 24 then 3 lives ( as opc confirmed to me the other day you can resit a test as many times as you want if you pass, but if you fail then there are rules of when and how many times it can be resat.

If you first sat any tests before December 2024, you're on the old process and have 2 attempts. This applies regardless of whether or not you failed or passed

 

[nolypops83]

Hi. I work as a train driver, and I've recently been losing weight trying to get myself healthy, I'm at a 5 stone natural loss, but, I've kinda reach a lull and I have been thinking about possibly taking a weight loss injection.

Doesn't anyone know if that's allowed as a train driver or is it a strict no. If it's likely to be a no, I wouldn't look into it more. But does anyone know if it's on the restricted list, would I still be able to work?

You'd definitely need to get professional advice, but bare in mind the injection can have some nasty side effects (my friend used it for PCOS insulin resistance) including fatigue and needing to go to the toilet urgently, not exactly compatible with driving a train. Of course you could be totally fine and not get any side effects, but you won't know until you start and they can develop as you increase your dose. Congratulations on 5st weight loss, that's fantastic.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Mar 2025 ==

Hi team

I am wanting to confirm if the multi modal interview is part of the assessment centre for the purpose of the horrible 'two attempts' policy? I hope not but believe that it is.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Mar 2025 ==

1) I passed almost all train driver assessments in September, then failed one in February.
The new standard gives candidates three attempts - if they didn't take any tests before December 2024.
I did, but I passed them!
Are there any ways that I could attempt to get a third go? This would seem fair.

2) I do not believe that I should have failed the interview test in February - is there an option to appeal, and if so, is it a formal process, or just sending an email request?

2) On a more philosophical note : what are the likely effects on me, or on others, or the environment if I were to fail twice ?
It seems to me to be a categorically unfair policy. I think that giving every candidate one attempt per 5 years would be fairer.
To be barred for life feels like being deemed 'terminally ill!'. Is the rule such as it is because it's testing your emergency-handling skills, and you might be permanently disabled or affected if a real event were to happen whilst you were in the job?

3) How do I make sure / do everything possible to ensure that I don't fail again?

4) I am also interested in the testing process to the extent that I would want to become a testing administrator. Does anyone know how to apply for that job?

Think we just need a bit of clarity here.

Which tests did you take in September?
Which ones have you failed?
Was it all with the same TOC?

You started the process in Sept before the rules changed so it's 2 and done I'm afraid.

If you passed all the computer and paper tests in September, then failed the MMI then that should just be one strike, but I think you need to be a bit more specific.

The terminally ill example might be stretching it a bit far. Sure it's disappointing, but nothing like the devastation one would feel receiving a terminal diagnosis.

 

[Samsanbor]

It's unlikely to change again, having just been updated. The process is managed by the Rail Safety Standards Board (RSSB) so it would be down to them

If you first sat any tests before December 2024, you're on the old process and have 2 attempts. This applies regardless of whether or not you failed or passed

The 2 lives rule (before 7 December 24) and the 3 lives rule (after 7 December 24) is regarding "failed attempts".
Until you fail all your lives are there no matter the number of attempts.

 

[Pintman]

The 2 lives rule (before 7 December 24) and the 3 lives rule (after 7 December 24) is regarding "failed attempts".
Until you fail all your lives are there no matter the number of attempts.

Maybe "lives" would make more sense in my original comment. If you first sat any tests before December 2024, you're on the old process and have 2 "lives". This applies regardless of whether or not you failed or passed

 

[3436mill]

Hi there,
I have got a position as trainee driver with chiltern and I was just wondering what the medical process is like??
Thanks in advanced

 

[Samsanbor]

Maybe "lives" would make more sense in my original comment. If you first sat any tests before December 2024, you're on the old process and have 2 "lives". This applies regardless of whether or not you failed or passed

I'm not sure I'm following this, sorry.

Imagine someone (who is in the old process of 2 "lives" for example) and is successful, goes in the pool but doesn't get a job, psychometrics expired after 5 years and no job.
The candidate reapplies again, is successful again, goes in a pool but again doesn't get a job after 5 years of waiting.

Can the candidate reapply again in your view?

 

[Pintman]

I'm not sure I'm following this, sorry.

Imagine someone (who is in the old process of 2 "lives" for example) and is successful, goes in the pool but doesn't get a job, psychometrics expired after 5 years and no job.
The candidate reapplies again, is successful again, goes in a pool but again doesn't get a job after 5 years of waiting.

Can the candidate reapply again in your view?

Yes, because they have only been successful and therefore not lost any "lives".

If a candidate first sat and passed all tests and MMI before December 2024, they are on the old 2 "lives" process. If those results expire and upon resitting they fail, they only have 1 attempt remaining because they first sat the assessments before the 3rd life was brought in.

If they then attempt again and fail, that will be it, because they have had 2 failed attempts and therefore have no lives remaining

 

[Samsanbor]

Yes, because they have only been successful and therefore not lost any "lives".

If a candidate first sat and passed all tests and MMI before December 2024, they are on the old 2 "lives" process. If those results expire and upon resitting they fail, they only have 1 attempt remaining because they first sat the assessments before the 3rd life was brought in.

If they then attempt again and fail, that will be it, because they have had 2 failed attempts and therefore have no lives remaining

Thank you!
Your clarification is spot on, unfortunately the way you worded your previous messages saying "weather or not you failed or passed" was putting me in doubts for the way I was reading it as I was (and still) sure about the RSSB rule.
Your contribution is much appreciated!

 

[Spincity]

Hi team

I am wanting to confirm if the multi modal interview is part of the assessment centre for the purpose of the horrible 'two attempts' policy? I hope not but believe that it is.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Mar 2025 ==

1) I passed almost all train driver assessments in September, then failed one in February.
The new standard gives candidates three attempts - if they didn't take any tests before December 2024.
I did, but I passed them!
Are there any ways that I could attempt to get a third go? This would seem fair.

2) I do not believe that I should have failed the interview test in February - is there an option to appeal, and if so, is it a formal process, or just sending an email request?

2) On a more philosophical note : what are the likely effects on me, or on others, or the environment if I were to fail twice ?
It seems to me to be a categorically unfair policy. I think that giving every candidate one attempt per 5 years would be fairer.
To be barred for life feels like being deemed 'terminally ill!'. Is the rule such as it is because it's testing your emergency-handling skills, and you might be permanently disabled or affected if a real event were to happen whilst you were in the job?

3) How do I make sure / do everything possible to ensure that I don't fail again?

4) I am also interested in the testing process to the extent that I would want to become a testing

Thanks for your reply,

I "was failed" only on my verbal communication skills; I understand I passed all 6 questions. I used to be a contact centre agent and have excellent telephone manner, so it's a very odd result unless there was something else going on.
I believe I did follow the Situation Task Action Result format, though they tell me that I didn't.

How would I find out if the feedback they're giving is genuine? Is it best not to retake with the same company, and to go to a different TOC, if I do retake it ?

How do you think multi modal interview standards of verbal communication skills compare to those in other interviews, or roles?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Mar 2025 ==

If you retake the MMI, can you assume that it will be with a different interviewer from the first time?

Sorry on an earlier post you said you failed on verbal comms, you said you asked for reasonable adjustments. What reasonable adjustments did you want? I’m confused is your complaint you didn’t get reasonable adjustment's or because you have Asperger’s and may have answered the questions in an unusual way.

And why would the feedback not be genuine?

 

[Pintman]

Hi team

I am wanting to confirm if the multi modal interview is part of the assessment centre for the purpose of the horrible 'two attempts' policy? I hope not but believe that it is.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Mar 2025 ==

1) I passed almost all train driver assessments in September, then failed one in February.
The new standard gives candidates three attempts - if they didn't take any tests before December 2024.
I did, but I passed them!
Are there any ways that I could attempt to get a third go? This would seem fair.

2) I do not believe that I should have failed the interview test in February - is there an option to appeal, and if so, is it a formal process, or just sending an email request?

2) On a more philosophical note : what are the likely effects on me, or on others, or the environment if I were to fail twice ?
It seems to me to be a categorically unfair policy. I think that giving every candidate one attempt per 5 years would be fairer.
To be barred for life feels like being deemed 'terminally ill!'. Is the rule such as it is because it's testing your emergency-handling skills, and you might be permanently disabled or affected if a real event were to happen whilst you were in the job?

3) How do I make sure / do everything possible to ensure that I don't fail again?

4) I am also interested in the testing process to the extent that I would want to become a testing administrator. Does anyone know how to apply for that job?

You've described the testing process as "horrible" and "categorically unfair" and yet you say you want to administer it. I'm not sure that makes a lot of sense?

 

[gracefultracks]

Hi team

I am wanting to confirm if the multi modal interview is part of the assessment centre for the purpose of the horrible 'two attempts' policy? I hope not but believe that it is.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Mar 2025 ==

1) I passed almost all train driver assessments in September, then failed one in February.
The new standard gives candidates three attempts - if they didn't take any tests before December 2024.
I did, but I passed them!
Are there any ways that I could attempt to get a third go? This would seem fair.

2) I do not believe that I should have failed the interview test in February - is there an option to appeal, and if so, is it a formal process, or just sending an email request?

2) On a more philosophical note : what are the likely effects on me, or on others, or the environment if I were to fail twice ?
It seems to me to be a categorically unfair policy. I think that giving every candidate one attempt per 5 years would be fairer.
To be barred for life feels like being deemed 'terminally ill!'. Is the rule such as it is because it's testing your emergency-handling skills, and you might be permanently disabled or affected if a real event were to happen whilst you were in the job?

3) How do I make sure / do everything possible to ensure that I don't fail again?

4) I am also interested in the testing process to the extent that I would want to become a testing administrator. Does anyone know how to apply for that job?

Sorry to hear that you were unsuccessful. When it comes to verbal communication I guess we'll never truly know what it is they're looking for. With regards to your 4th point, I doubt you'd be able to become a poacher turned gamekeeper if you get my drift.

 

[kgartland87]

Hello,

Following an application for a trainee Train driver with Northern rail I have been selected for a group assessment day in April. Is anyone able to confirm that this will not include psychometric tests and will be more collaborative group working to problem solve and if so is anyone willing to share any recent scenario's they have been given?

Thank You

 

[cazza0811]

Hey,

It’s not so much a group assessment with a scenario but more a group of activities with I think a group task included. I don’t really know much more. I can tell you for sure that it doesn’t include psychometrics. They’re done on a different day if you get past this stage.

 

[Yzerman]

No psychometric tests
There’s a group question work together to work out the answer
2x cab view video challenges

 

[cazza0811]

sounds good!

 

[Tcastle15]

It’s a 3 life rule total and yes if you pass with one then fail with another it overrides your pass and is a life gone

Hi there,

Sorry to jump on this convo. If I could also ask for some clarity? In my case I have taken the OPC tests twice(for two separate TOC’s) failing the DFFT twice but during the second assessment day I passed the stage 2 computer tests which were mandatory to be taken along with stage 1 (all other than the MMI which I have never taken). I am now booked in to take the VSE and MMI on the same day(both tests I have never taken at the OPC test centre). Will this be my last and final attempt at all tests before I either pass or completely exiled from retaking any OPC tests, according to the rules?

 

[Spincity]

You've described the testing process as "horrible" and "categorically unfair" and yet you say you want to administer it. I'm not sure that makes a lot of sense?

Hi there,

Sorry to jump on this convo. If I could also ask for some clarity? In my case I have taken the OPC tests twice(for two separate TOC’s) failing the DFFT twice but during the second assessment day I passed the stage 2 computer tests which were mandatory to be taken along with stage 1 (all other than the MMI which I have never taken). I am now booked in to take the VSE and MMI on the same day(both tests I have never taken at the OPC test centre). Will this be my last and final attempt at all tests before I either pass or completely exiled from retaking any OPC tests, according to the rules?

As you sat the process failing DFFT twice that means any TOC that uses the DFFT you’ll not be able to have any further attempt. However the DFFT is not part of the national process so TOCs that don’t use it, you are still potentially on your 1st attempt. If reading correctly, applying to a national TOC you are on your 1st attempt as it doesn’t seem you’ve failed the national process, if applying to an enhanced company (not using DFFT) you could also still have both lives remaining but would depend on the cutoff scores they use. But in you case, it possible seems you are on your 1st attempt, just doing the bits required for the TOC. Good luck, hopefully you’ll pass, and not have to worry about the lives left

 

[Twotwo]

Hi. I work as a train driver, and I've recently been losing weight trying to get myself healthy, I'm at a 5 stone natural loss, but, I've kinda reach a lull and I have been thinking about possibly taking a weight loss injection.

Doesn't anyone know if that's allowed as a train driver or is it a strict no. If it's likely to be a no, I wouldn't look into it more. But does anyone know if it's on the restricted list, would I still be able to work?

I'm on it and OH was fine with it. Best to email them or a lom so they can look into it. The only advice they gave me was to take it on days I was off incase of any potentional side effects.

 

[Tcastle15]

As you sat the process failing DFFT twice that means any TOC that uses the DFFT you’ll not be able to have any further attempt. However the DFFT is not part of the national process so TOCs that don’t use it, you are still potentially on your 1st attempt. If reading correctly, applying to a national TOC you are on your 1st attempt as it doesn’t seem you’ve failed the national process, if applying to an enhanced company (not using DFFT) you could also still have both lives remaining but would depend on the cutoff scores they use. But in you case, it possible seems you are on your 1st attempt, just doing the bits required for the TOC. Good luck, hopefully you’ll pass, and not have to worry about the lives left

Thank you.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 26 Mar 2025 ==

As you sat the process failing DFFT twice that means any TOC that uses the DFFT you’ll not be able to have any further attempt. However the DFFT is not part of the national process so TOCs that don’t use it, you are still potentially on your 1st attempt. If reading correctly, applying to a national TOC you are on your 1st attempt as it doesn’t seem you’ve failed the national process, if applying to an enhanced company (not using DFFT) you could also still have both lives remaining but would depend on the cutoff scores they use. But in you case, it possible seems you are on your 1st attempt, just doing the bits required for the TOC. Good luck, hopefully you’ll pass, and not have to worry about the lives left

 

[HHowe]

My son is looking for a job as a gateline assistant. Is there anywhere he can practice (for free) the literacy and in particular, the numeracy tests?

 

[PeteBre]

Morning,

If someone were to complete and pass all relevant OPC tests, including the MMI, would this allow them to apply to any TOC (providing they meet their testing standards). And if so, would they go straight to the Managers interview, after the initial sift?

Also, if someone were to fail a medical on something that they could change (weight, blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes) - Do they drop out of the running, or would they get a medical retest?

Is it possible to pay for and complete the OPC tests funded by yourself?

Many thanks.

 

[Pintman]

If someone were to complete and pass all relevant OPC tests, including the MMI, would this allow them to apply to any TOC (providing they meet their testing standards)

This would depend on the TOCs retest policy. They can insist that you resit everything, if they want to. That person would need to contact the TOC they're applying to and ask them.

 

[PeteBre]

This would depend on the TOCs retest policy. They can insist that you resit everything, if they want to. That person would need to contact the TOC they're applying to and ask them.

Thanks Benji, so, passing all of the assessments for one TOC doesn’t open doors for every TOC.

It’s a shame that they all don’t agree on one process, but hey ho

 

[Ducatist4]

You can pay and take them yourself but why risk loosing a life if there is no job to go with it?