Assessments & Medicals discussion

[Drivingtales]

Nobody knows the scoring criteria for the tests, you’ll just have to sit tight and wait for your results.

I know no one knows the pass scores... was hoping someone who passed to enhanced standard could tell me what question they got to?

 

[Unobrow]

I know no one knows the pass scores... was hoping someone who passed to enhanced standard could tell me what question they got to?

That’s pretty irrelevant as you don’t know how many of those they got correct.

As an example, when I went through the tests, I was getting around 11ish lines of Group Bourdon. Afterwards when we were on a break and talking about it, one chap proudly told us all he got through all the lines. However, we didn’t see him after that. I passed to enhanced for the record.

 

[SCDR_WMR]

Nobody knows the scoring criteria for the tests, you’ll just have to sit tight and wait for your results.

Accuracy is key. So if you believe you got near enough 100% and you got passed half way then you're likely good. I did it with TPE recently and finished it, but sat it previously and had 1 page left.

I've passed it 3 times in total fyi.

 

[juspassingby]

That’s pretty irrelevant as you don’t know how many of those they got correct.

As an example, when I went through the tests, I was getting around 11ish lines of Group Bourdon. Afterwards when we were on a break and talking about it, one chap proudly told us all he got through all the lines. However, we didn’t see him after that. I passed to enhanced for the record.

I'm guessing that's 11 lines in 2 minutes?

I've been practicing and I'm getting to around line 5 or 6 (sometimes 7) within 30 seconds. Mostly get them all right and sometimes miss one.
I am guessing 11 lines of accuracy would do the job?
Hoping that on the day i don't let pressure get to me.
I feel like these practice examples put a lot of pressure with the '30 seconds' rule.
.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 22 Jan 2026 ==

Accuracy is key. So if you believe you got near enough 100% and you got passed half way then you're likely good. I did it with TPE recently and finished it, but sat it previously and had 1 page left.

I've passed it 3 times in total fyi.

Passed the group bourdon 3 times?
Guessing they were all for different jobs? That's pretty impressive.

 

[Unobrow]

I'm guessing that's 11 lines in 2 minutes?

I've been practicing and I'm getting to around line 5 or 6 (sometimes 7) within 30 seconds. Mostly get them all right and sometimes miss one.
I am guessing 11 lines of accuracy would do the job?
Hoping that on the day i don't let pressure get to me.
I feel like these practice examples put a lot of pressure with the '30 seconds' rule.

Yes that was per page, set or however you’d describe it. I printed a load of sheets off from somewhere on the net, laminated them and spent a lot of time practicing this as it wasn’t my strong point. My 15yr old daughter was besting me at the start! I aimed for accuracy at a pace where I didn’t feel like I was starting to rush through, and ended up with a metronome pace by which time I felt comfortable. It obviously worked for me, but everyone is different. Example, I found the trio of beep tests quite easy to the point I first thought it can’t be just this, what am I missing? Others struggle with it. It’s the old 1% question, you either see it and get it, or it’s not the way you’re wired. The practice materials explain the tests well, it’s down to the individual to work out what works best for them in the approach to tackling them.

 

[juspassingby]

Yes that was per page, set or however you’d describe it. I printed a load of sheets off from somewhere on the net, laminated them and spent a lot of time practicing this as it wasn’t my strong point. My 15yr old daughter was besting me at the start! I aimed for accuracy at a pace where I didn’t feel like I was starting to rush through, and ended up with a metronome pace by which time I felt comfortable. It obviously worked for me, but everyone is different. Example, I found the trio of beep tests quite easy to the point I first thought it can’t be just this, what am I missing? Others struggle with it. It’s the old 1% question, you either see it and get it, or it’s not the way you’re wired. The practice materials explain the tests well, it’s down to the individual to work out what works best for them in the approach to tackling them.

I think everyone finds the group bourdon tricky as the 5's or 3's can sometimes look like 4's if doing it too fast but it is accuracy over speed so best to not go too fast or one is likely to make mistakes or miss out a 4.

I don't know what to expect for the beeps, heard some say they could count the beeps on their fingers then there's others who said the beeps go over 10 so can get confusing when counting on the fingers etc.

The one I am dreading is the passage followed by 18 questions, I just don't know why I struggle with those now. I did tons of these back at school/Uni and was so good at it, but now I seem to struggle to retain the information especially if it also has numbers.

 

[SCDR_WMR]

I'm guessing that's 11 lines in 2 minutes?

I've been practicing and I'm getting to around line 5 or 6 (sometimes 7) within 30 seconds. Mostly get them all right and sometimes miss one.
I am guessing 11 lines of accuracy would do the job?
Hoping that on the day i don't let pressure get to me.
I feel like these practice examples put a lot of pressure with the '30 seconds' rule.
.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 22 Jan 2026 ==


Passed the group bourdon 3 times?
Guessing they were all for different jobs? That's pretty impressive.

Passed all testing to enhanced 3 times. Not done me any good as haven't been offered a job to this point

 

[juspassingby]

Passed all testing to enhanced 3 times. Not done me any good as haven't been offered a job to this point

which TOCs have you tried?
When you say enhanced, I'm guessing you got top marks in terms of accuracy and speed on ALL the tests?

 

[SCDR_WMR]

which TOCs have you tried?
When you say enhanced, I'm guessing you got top marks in terms of accuracy and speed on ALL the tests?

WMT in 2020
TfW in 2022 (only take tests up to 2 years)
TPE in 2025

Enhanced meaning either a higher pass mark than standard, or additional testing done.

I spoke to the OPC to confirm lives etc last year and they were very open with how highly I seem to score as I was wondering if I was only just meeting the pass score and maybe I missing out as others scored higher which they basically said they just give a pass/fail record based on the scoring each TOC give them so there is no table to scored for an assessment day etc.

I will keep going until I somehow get a job offer or lose my lives

 

[juspassingby]

WMT in 2020
TfW in 2022 (only take tests up to 2 years)
TPE in 2025

Enhanced meaning either a higher pass mark than standard, or additional testing done.

I spoke to the OPC to confirm lives etc last year and they were very open with how highly I seem to score as I was wondering if I was only just meeting the pass score and maybe I missing out as others scored higher which they basically said they just give a pass/fail record based on the scoring each TOC give them so there is no table to scored for an assessment day etc.

I will keep going until I somehow get a job offer or lose my lives

I always see TPE advertising, I'm surprised they haven't offered you a job with the high scores you're getting.

How do you sit the tests, with a TOC or privately? Usually if it's with a TOC, they recruit you once you've successfully passed the tests or at least they put you in a talent pool for the next start date available.

Keep trying, you'll get there soon.

 

[RiverDon]

The one I am dreading is the passage followed by 18 questions, I just don't know why I struggle with those now. I did tons of these back at school/Uni and was so good at it, but now I seem to struggle to retain the information especially if it also has numbers.

There's no easy or nice way to say this but if you struggle with that test then you'll find the driver training course very difficult.

 

[SCDR_WMR]

I always see TPE advertising, I'm surprised they haven't offered you a job with the high scores you're getting.

How do you sit the tests, with a TOC or privately? Usually if it's with a TOC, they recruit you once you've successfully passed the tests or at least they put you in a talent pool for the next start date available.

Keep trying, you'll get there soon.

Always with the TOCs.

That is also very much NOT the case. Passing the tests is just 1 part of the process. There is absolutely no guarantee of even a talent pool place just from passing psychometric testing.

For instance, a know that for the last recruitment drive at my depot, over 40 passed testing. 6 are in the talent pool awaiting start dates

 

[juspassingby]

There's no easy or nice way to say this but if you struggle with that test then you'll find the driver training course very difficult.

I've been practicing things like this followed by 18-25 questions.
I just need to know if the passage will be as complex as this or a bit easier. Maybe I'm overthinking it and expecting it to be harder than it really is?

Passage 1: Speed Reduction, Weight, and Gradient Interaction
When approaching a permanent speed restriction of 35 km/h, the driver must reduce speed from the normal line speed of 100 km/h so that the train is travelling at or below 35 km/h before the restriction commencement board.
For a passenger train weighing 360 tonnes, braking should begin no later than 950 metres before the restriction on level track. On a descending gradient of 1 in 90, this braking point must be increased by at least 150 metres.
In damp rail conditions, braking distance may increase by 25%, and drivers must allow an additional safety margin. If speed remains above 40 km/h within 300 metres of the restriction start, a higher brake step must be applied immediately.

Passage 2: Station Approach with Variable Conditions
When approaching a terminal station platform of 210 metres, a train travelling at 85 km/h must begin braking at a point no closer than 720 metres from the stopping marker under normal adhesion conditions.
If the train weight exceeds 400 tonnes, braking must commence at least 100 metres earlier. In low adhesion conditions caused by rain or leaf fall, braking distance may increase by 35%, and sharp brake applications must be avoided.
If the train has not reduced to 25 km/h by the final 120 metres of the platform approach, the driver must increase braking to ensure an accurate stop without overrunning.

Passage 3: Long Gradient Control and Overspeed Management
On a continuous descending gradient of 1 in 75 extending for 3.2 kilometres, the maximum permitted speed is 70 km/h. Drivers should use staged service braking combined with dynamic braking where available.
A freight train weighing 1,450 tonnes may require brake application up to 600 metres earlier than a 300-tonne passenger train to maintain speed control.
If speed exceeds the permitted limit by 4 km/h for more than 8 seconds, the driver must increase the brake step. If speed exceeds the limit by 7 km/h at any point, emergency braking must be applied immediately.

Passage 4: Emergency Decision-Making with Distance:
If an obstruction is detected within 260 metres while travelling at speeds above 65 km/h, the driver must apply the emergency brake immediately.
At speeds between 45 km/h and 65 km/h, emergency braking is required if the obstruction is within 180 metres. Below 45 km/h, the driver may use service braking provided the stopping distance does not exceed 120 metres.
After any emergency stop, the driver must wait a minimum of 3 minutes for brake system stabilisation before contacting the signaller, unless there is an immediate safety risk.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Jan 2026 ==

Always with the TOCs.

That is also very much NOT the case. Passing the tests is just 1 part of the process. There is absolutely no guarantee of even a talent pool place just from passing psychometric testing.

For instance, a know that for the last recruitment drive at my depot, over 40 passed testing. 6 are in the talent pool awaiting start dates

Hmm.

Have you tried Northern? Or is that too far from you you live?
I know with companies like Avanti, passing thr test doesn't guarantee a job but from what I know, Northern usually recruit those who pass with them (providing that there's jobs). Currently I believe certain companies are VERY short on drivers and recruiting.

My sister in law started with Avanti not so long ago and I dont even know how and she only turned 21. I've applied many times with Avanti but never heard from them, same with TPE, they never even replied back.

 

[SCDR_WMR]

I hate to say the key there being 'she' but Avanti have been doing a lot of advertising for female drivers....

 

[RiverDon]

I've been practicing things like this followed by 18-25 questions.
I just need to know if the passage will be as complex as this or a bit easier. Maybe I'm overthinking it and expecting it to be harder than it really is?

The passage at my assessment center was about different colored lights and buttons in a train cab, what they're used for and when they're used. The passage was a lot longer than the examples you've given but I don't remember it having any numbers in it at all. It definitely wasn't as complicated as the example you've given with all the speeds etc...

I think if you could read a page from an instruction manual (maybe for a kitchen appliance or something?) and answer questions on it then you'd be ok.

 

[juspassingby]

The passage at my assessment center was about different colored lights and buttons in a train cab, what they're used for and when they're used. The passage was a lot longer than the examples you've given but I don't remember it having any numbers in it at all. It definitely wasn't as complicated as the example you've given with all the speeds etc...

I think if you could read a page from an instruction manual (maybe for a kitchen appliance or something?) and answer questions on it then you'd be ok.

Thank you for that. If there's no numbers (or few numbers) then it should be ok.

I'm guessing the assessment centre you sat your test at wasn't Northern's?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Jan 2026 ==

I hate to say the key there being 'she' but Avanti have been doing a lot of advertising for female drivers....

That makes sense seeing as the aviation and rail industry have been doing that a lot in the recent years.

 

[RiverDon]

Thank you for that. If there's no numbers (or few numbers) then it should be ok.

I'm guessing the assessment centre you sat your test at wasn't Northern's?

It wasn't for Northern, I think if it's the standard OPC tests then there are probably only a couple of similar text passages they use.

What I would say though is there there are lots of different speeds to remember as a driver and you'll probably be tested on air pressures etc... when you are learning about the trains you'll drive.

 

[haidox]

Medical questions..... Anyone had any issues with Blood Pressure through the recruitment process?

Just had my medical they've said for for duty but also said to go GP because my BP is a little on the high side 141/89.

Hoping it doesn't effect my recruitment process

My BP was higher than yours when I went for my medical and they said it's within the boundaries of whats required for a train driver. I passed the medical.

 

[agileflea63]

Hi guys,

Hoping someone can shed some light regarding medicals.

Had my medical for the trainee depot driver role 2 days ago, the lady said I passed the medical and they’ll be sending a certificate to GA. Only thing left was the urine drug test which they have to send off & said should take around a week for results. Anyone know how soon after completing the medical a contract was given? I received my provisional offer subject to DBS, Right to work & medical. All passed except for the drugs test which awaiting results.

 

[haidox]

Hi guys,

Hoping someone can shed some light regarding medicals.

Had my medical for the trainee depot driver role 2 days ago, the lady said I passed the medical and they’ll be sending a certificate to GA. Only thing left was the urine drug test which they have to send off & said should take around a week for results. Anyone know how soon after completing the medical a contract was given? I received my provisional offer subject to DBS, Right to work & medical. All passed except for the drugs test which awaiting results.

That's strange that they need to send off the urine sample to get the results. I was told around 5 -10 mins after giving them a urine sample that everything with the sample was fine. I was told at the end of my medical that I had passed it and that they would be sending my results to Northern. I waited around a week and didn't hear anything back from Northern regarding a final contract. The deadline for handing in my notice period and giving my current employer the full 3 months notice period was only a couple of days away and so I rang Northern and told them that I was told by the medics that I had passed but had not received any confirmation from Northern. The next day I received a "congratulations" email from Northern with my final contract.

 

[agileflea63]

My BP was higher than yours when I went for my medical and they said it's within the boundaries of whats required for a train driver. I passed the medical.

That's strange that they need to send off the urine sample to get the results. I was told around 5 -10 mins after giving them a urine sample that everything with the sample was fine. I was told at the end of my medical that I had passed it and that they would be sending my results to Northern. I waited around a week and didn't hear anything back from Northern regarding a final contract. The deadline for handing in my notice period and giving my current employer the full 3 months notice period was only a couple of days away and so I rang Northern and told them that I was told by the medics that I had passed but had not received any confirmation from Northern. The next day I received a "congratulations" email from Northern with my final contract.

Yeah for Greater Anglia the lady literally gave me a urine cup, peed inside of it and she showed me every step of the way to seal it, she poured 2 samples into 2 containers, put some sticker on them, and then put it in the bag, she made sure I saw everything just incase.

When I asked them how long it will take they said around next week, but not sure when Greater Anglia will send the contract.

Waiting is so daunting!

 

[juspassingby]

Can anyone give any advice on if the TRP1b test contains many numbers / dates? I have been practicing quite a few which AI have generated for me but they have not given many passages with numbers. Tia

When ai generates the passage just ask it to 'add times, dates, speed and platforms' and it'll do that

 

[benpaulbaker]

I've passed the assessment day and am just about to go to interview for trainee driver. I'm currently just shy of 18st and about 5,11, so BMI just over 35. Played rugby and weight train sporadically so I'm stocky fat and relatively fit, not just fat. I'm worried if I get through the interview that my BMI might be my undoing, despite being more than fit enough.
Is there a firm max, or is it open to their judgement of the individual?
...if its firm, then how long do I likely have after interview to lose some weight?

 

[haidox]

I've passed the assessment day and am just about to go to interview for trainee driver. I'm currently just shy of 18st and about 5,11, so BMI just over 35. Played rugby and weight train sporadically so I'm stocky fat and relatively fit, not just fat. I'm worried if I get through the interview that my BMI might be my undoing, despite being more than fit enough.
Is there a firm max, or is it open to their judgement of the individual?
...if its firm, then how long do I likely have after interview to lose some weight?

My BMI was 38 when I went in for my medical, they didn't say anything and I passed the medical.

 

[Psalms3418]

My BMI was 38 when I went in for my medical, they didn't say anything and I passed the medical.

How long ago was this?

I’m interested because I’m in the same boat as @benpaulbaker
I’m 6ft, also about 18st. Played a lot of sport growing up and cycle from time to time but I would also say I’m ’stocky’, not fat. My bmi is 32.8.

I’ve seen people say the bmi cutoff is 33. From your experience would you say it’s subject to the medical official own discretion?

 

[mr_ixolite]

Bmi is such a poor measure to use, it really doesn't take different body types into consideration, I've always been in the "overweight" category yet I have a physical job, train at the gym and regularly cycle 20 miles, the only time in my adult life I ever had an "ideal" bmi was when I dropped to 11 stone after I spent an entire year not being able to keep any food down due to an illness and even my wife, normally a mild mannered woman, told me I look, and I quote, "f###ing awful"

 

[I2026]

I've been practicing things like this followed by 18-25 questions.
I just need to know if the passage will be as complex as this or a bit easier. Maybe I'm overthinking it and expecting it to be harder than it really is?

Passage 1: Speed Reduction, Weight, and Gradient Interaction
When approaching a permanent speed restriction of 35 km/h, the driver must reduce speed from the normal line speed of 100 km/h so that the train is travelling at or below 35 km/h before the restriction commencement board.
For a passenger train weighing 360 tonnes, braking should begin no later than 950 metres before the restriction on level track. On a descending gradient of 1 in 90, this braking point must be increased by at least 150 metres.
In damp rail conditions, braking distance may increase by 25%, and drivers must allow an additional safety margin. If speed remains above 40 km/h within 300 metres of the restriction start, a higher brake step must be applied immediately.

Passage 2: Station Approach with Variable Conditions
When approaching a terminal station platform of 210 metres, a train travelling at 85 km/h must begin braking at a point no closer than 720 metres from the stopping marker under normal adhesion conditions.
If the train weight exceeds 400 tonnes, braking must commence at least 100 metres earlier. In low adhesion conditions caused by rain or leaf fall, braking distance may increase by 35%, and sharp brake applications must be avoided.
If the train has not reduced to 25 km/h by the final 120 metres of the platform approach, the driver must increase braking to ensure an accurate stop without overrunning.

Passage 3: Long Gradient Control and Overspeed Management
On a continuous descending gradient of 1 in 75 extending for 3.2 kilometres, the maximum permitted speed is 70 km/h. Drivers should use staged service braking combined with dynamic braking where available.
A freight train weighing 1,450 tonnes may require brake application up to 600 metres earlier than a 300-tonne passenger train to maintain speed control.
If speed exceeds the permitted limit by 4 km/h for more than 8 seconds, the driver must increase the brake step. If speed exceeds the limit by 7 km/h at any point, emergency braking must be applied immediately.

Passage 4: Emergency Decision-Making with Distance:
If an obstruction is detected within 260 metres while travelling at speeds above 65 km/h, the driver must apply the emergency brake immediately.
At speeds between 45 km/h and 65 km/h, emergency braking is required if the obstruction is within 180 metres. Below 45 km/h, the driver may use service braking provided the stopping distance does not exceed 120 metres.
After any emergency stop, the driver must wait a minimum of 3 minutes for brake system stabilisation before contacting the signaller, unless there is an immediate safety risk.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Jan 2026 ==


Hmm.

Have you tried Northern? Or is that too far from you you live?
I know with companies like Avanti, passing thr test doesn't guarantee a job but from what I know, Northern usually recruit those who pass with them (providing that there's jobs). Currently I believe certain companies are VERY short on drivers and recruiting.

My sister in law started with Avanti not so long ago and I dont even know how and she only turned 21. I've applied many times with Avanti but never heard from them, same with TPE, they never even replied back.

Too much numerical complexity.

The passage is much simpler and has differing detail on colours, numbers and general information. It isn't a maths test. It also have sequencing, mine was about the brake system on a train. It went into detail about how they work, where and when to apply them, colours on a display screen and speeds. And also an the emergency brake system and how it operates. You can make notes. It really isn't that tricky. I don't think I got stuck on a single question as it is all quite basic.

 

[juspassingby]

Too much numerical complexity.

The passage is much simpler and has differing detail on colours, numbers and general information. It isn't a maths test. It also have sequencing, mine was about the brake system on a train. It went into detail about how they work, where and when to apply them, colours on a display screen and speeds. And also an the emergency brake system and how it operates. You can make notes. It really isn't that tricky. I don't think I got stuck on a single question as it is all quite basic.

Thank you for the helpful info

 

[haidox]

How long ago was this?

I’m interested because I’m in the same boat as @benpaulbaker
I’m 6ft, also about 18st. Played a lot of sport growing up and cycle from time to time but I would also say I’m ’stocky’, not fat. My bmi is 32.8.

I’ve seen people say the bmi cutoff is 33. From your experience would you say it’s subject to the medical official own discretion?

I had my medical in October 2025 and I start my training in February. I'm 5'9" and weigh just over 18 stones and my BMI was around 38 at the medical. I was also worried that I would fail because I had also read online the BMI needs to be below 33. I have no other medical issues. The doctor didn't even mention my weight and just said everything was within the required limits to be a train driver. My current job (which I left last Friday) was as a tram driver so the 2 roles are fairly similar.

 

[SCDR_WMR]

BMI is considered at medical stage but it is not in itself a blocker to employment. Hearing and sight, plus cardiogram are the key things they are looking at.

They may ask you about weight fluctuations, as that can affect concentration and alertness, but if you medical history is nothing to worry about, neither is your BMI.