Assessments & Medicals discussion

[juspassingby]

Good morning all, I’ve been practising the Railprep tea-occ and nearly had heart failure attempting to do the simultaneous sound and ‘telephone directory’ part. Specific question I know but does anybody know the very rough frequency of the beeps. Every 1? 2? Seconds? I’m terrified, please put my little mind at ease! Thank you in advance and thanks for all the pointers in this thread, it’s incredibly helpful

The beeps come at you pretty quick, I'd say every second.
I wasn't expecting the beeping to be that quick but they do come at you pretty quick..

The test 10/11 people failed on in my session was the group bourdon, they got standard when they needed enhanced. A lot of people seem to fail on the group bourdon and pass the rest.
You'll do fine on the beep test if you count them on your fingers. There's only around 5 that go above 10, rest are under 10.

Good luck with it pal.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 Feb 2026 ==

They're probably every 1 second, if not slightly quicker. They don't play massive strings of tones though, there's maybe 15 at the very max. You get a few practice go's before you do the real thing. I found it helped to count the beeps out on my fingers. I didn't think it was too intense, once you've got used to the sound of the tone you're listening for you will settle into it.

Beat me to it

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 Feb 2026 ==

Has Anyone done an assessment day in the last week or two or anyone have one coming up in the next 3weeks? If you have done one in the last week or 2, please can you PM me.

* Just to clarify, I'm asking if anyone did Northern's assessment day which they sometimes do as an additional test followed by a DMi at the end.

 

[anderta]

The beeps come at you pretty quick, I'd say every second. I found it to be one of the easiest tasks. They give you a hint on how to do it by saying "Keep your hands under the table until the beeps are over" - Count the beeps on your fingers, this makes it so much easier. I can't remember if you count the low or high tones, but whichever they ask for just count on your fingers. For the part where you have to find the matching symbols - when the beeping starts just stop finding the symbols and concentrate on the beeps. Go back to finding symbols once the beeps stop, you get a few seconds to do them in between beeps.
I wasn't expecting the beeping to be that quick but they do come at you pretty quick..

The test 10/11 people failed on in my session was the group bourdon, they got standard when they needed enhanced. A lot of people seem to fail on the group bourdon and pass the rest.
You'll do fine on the beep test if you count them on your fingers. There's only around 5 that go above 10, rest are under 10.

Good luck with it pal.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 Feb 2026 ==


Beat me to it

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 Feb 2026 ==

Has Anyone done an assessment day in the last week or two or anyone have one coming up in the next 3weeks? If you have done one in the last week or 2, please can you PM me.

Thank you both very much, you’ve made me feel a lot more comfortable about it. I don’t know if either of you have had a go at the Railprep one but I literally couldn’t even get started looking at the sheet

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 Feb 2026 ==

They're probably every 1 second, if not slightly quicker. They don't play massive strings of tones though, there's maybe 15 at the very max. You get a few practice go's before you do the real thing. I found it helped to count the beeps out on my fingers. I didn't think it was too intense, once you've got used to the sound of the tone you're listening for you will settle into it.

Thank you so much!

 

[Penguin80]

How long you waited after your stage 2 and MMI to DMI

Sorry to hear this. I just wanted to ask a question about the photos that flash up briefly. Am I right in thinking they are all traffic related and each photo you know what you are looking for ... For example pedestrian, cars etc. did you find this hard

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 Feb 2026 ==

Sorry to hear this. I just wanted to ask a question about the photos that flash up briefly. Am I right in thinking they are all traffic related and each photo you know what you are looking for ... For example pedestrian, cars etc. did you find this hard

Sorry this was meant for the other person lol

 

[Pabl007]

Hi,

Can someone please tell me if the eyesight medical is similar to a test you would conduct at the Opticians with the letters board?

Thanks

I would say similar but slightly different with my TOC. I had to look through a binocular type device and say the smallest group of letters I could read then what color red or green was clearest and then there was a peripheral vision check. Then look at some paper text and read the smallest one I could. I passed to the standard without glasses ( I have a small reading prescription) but had mine and my prescription with me and done it with the glasses as well to the smallest sample.

 

[hawkster26]

Sorry to hear this. I just wanted to ask a question about the photos that flash up briefly. Am I right in thinking they are all traffic related and each photo you know what you are looking for ... For example pedestrian, cars etc. did you find this hard

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 Feb 2026 ==


Sorry this was meant for the

Anyone applied for GTR, I can guide you on the questions to expect at DMI and also has anyone gotten the offer to start at cricklewood ?

Hello, I’m at the DMI stage for GTR it would be great to get this information from you. I was told Cricklewood or St Albans on the phone today

 

[Drivingtales]

I'm reaching out because I feel abit crap...
I started as a guard for WMT nearly 4 years ago... when I had my medical they said my hearing wasn't great... and got a doctor to check my hearing test results. He signed me off as ok, as the test showed i was just inside the limit for deterioration.
I have passed all assessments and interview for a trainee driver and am now waiting for a medical.
I am terrified I will fail the hearing part for the driving. I have put so much effort in.
I can hear fine but just very very low tones are a struggle. I dont struggle with any conversations, phones, train alarms etc.

Does anyone know what the chances of being accepted to drive with a hearing aid? Is it worth getting one before the medical? I personally dont feel like i need one, but i dont know what the standards or rules are for someone with a slight hearing issue.
There are drivers with hearing aids at WMT but they are already established. Where would i stand as a newbie? Would i be totally ruled out??
Ive passed all my tests to enhanced and just feel very low thinking I might fail at the last hurdle and this is my dream to be a driver.
Anyone with any proper info please get in touch.

 

[Madisuperstar]

Hello, I’m at the DMI stage for GTR it would be great to get this information from you. I was told Cricklewood or St Albans on the phone today

Anyone applied for GTR, I can guide you on the questions to expect at DMI and also has anyone gotten the offer to start at cricklewood ?

Hi I appreciate please if you can share questions to DMI I am waiting for my date to DMI

 

[MultiTracker23]

I'm reaching out because I feel abit crap...
I started as a guard for WMT nearly 4 years ago... when I had my medical they said my hearing wasn't great... and got a doctor to check my hearing test results. He signed me off as ok, as the test showed i was just inside the limit for deterioration.
I have passed all assessments and interview for a trainee driver and am now waiting for a medical.
I am terrified I will fail the hearing part for the driving. I have put so much effort in.
I can hear fine but just very very low tones are a struggle. I dont struggle with any conversations, phones, train alarms etc.

Does anyone know what the chances of being accepted to drive with a hearing aid? Is it worth getting one before the medical? I personally dont feel like i need one, but i dont know what the standards or rules are for someone with a slight hearing issue.
There are drivers with hearing aids at WMT but they are already established. Where would i stand as a newbie? Would i be totally ruled out??
Ive passed all my tests to enhanced and just feel very low thinking I might fail at the last hurdle and this is my dream to be a driver.
Anyone with any proper info please get in touch.

On my driver training course we had someone with a hearing aid. Got told the one the NHS provide is good enough to just get by but the company would provide them with a better one for driving.

It seems to be possible to have a hearing aid and still be cleared for driving even as a trainee. I wouldn’t worry about it too much, the railway is a lot more forgiving in those aspects than it used to be.

 

[Drivingtales]

On my driver training course we had someone with a hearing aid. Got told the one the NHS provide is good enough to just get by but the company would provide them with a better one for driving.

It seems to be possible to have a hearing aid and still be cleared for driving even as a trainee. I wouldn’t worry about it too much, the railway is a lot more forgiving in those aspects than it used to be.

I dont know if its worth getting a hearing aid or 2 but I dont want to jeopodise anything... but also dont want to fail the hearing test... I feel damn right sad... on low tones I am moderate loss but high tones I am mild.... medical company wont tell me anything before I have medical... so I feel abit stuck...

 

[McReadie]

I'm reaching out because I feel abit crap...
I started as a guard for WMT nearly 4 years ago... when I had my medical they said my hearing wasn't great... and got a doctor to check my hearing test results. He signed me off as ok, as the test showed i was just inside the limit for deterioration.
I have passed all assessments and interview for a trainee driver and am now waiting for a medical.
I am terrified I will fail the hearing part for the driving. I have put so much effort in.
I can hear fine but just very very low tones are a struggle. I dont struggle with any conversations, phones, train alarms etc.

Does anyone know what the chances of being accepted to drive with a hearing aid? Is it worth getting one before the medical? I personally dont feel like i need one, but i dont know what the standards or rules are for someone with a slight hearing issue.
There are drivers with hearing aids at WMT but they are already established. Where would i stand as a newbie? Would i be totally ruled out??
Ive passed all my tests to enhanced and just feel very low thinking I might fail at the last hurdle and this is my dream to be a driver.
Anyone with any proper info please get in touch.

If you were at entry level - then that might be a problem, but you are already with the company carrying out safety critical duties in another role. I believe you will be fine. If drivers are already working using hearing aids then there is already precedent and the union should back you.

 

[hawkster26]

Good luck tomorrow, I was fortunate to do both paper and computer tests all in one day, MMI was a month later and gave me time to prep.

Tests and MMI passed

 

[mickeyC]

Tests and MMI passed

great news

 

[Drivingtales]

If you were at entry level - then that might be a problem, but you are already with the company carrying out safety critical duties in another role. I believe you will be fine. If drivers are already working using hearing aids then there is already precedent and the union should back you.

Thanks for replying... thats give me a little bit of ease on my mind

 

[Drivingtales]

Any train drivers on Mounjaro?

Is it allowed? Obviously would be declared

 

[Bletchleyite]

Any train drivers on Mounjaro?

Is it allowed? Obviously would be declared

Beware (as someone who has used it) that it can cause serious fatigue in some people.

 

[Profkay]

I sat for my stage 2 today at opc and was told i failed the WAFV and the ATAVT, which I'm very much surprised because I find those two to be the easiest of all the tests I sat. I don't know if I missed out on any instructions with those two as I was out for coffee and came in with everyone already seated. As far as I'm concerned I didn't miss any dark box, I always pressed the green button when the grey turned black. Really surprised I failed that in particular, can't tell what exactly i didnt do right.

Any advice from anyone with experience? And do I have to wait 6months or 1year before I can resit/reapply?
Thanks in advance

Congratulations @whitby26

 

[Olivine]

Any train drivers on Mounjaro?

Is it allowed? Obviously would be declared

No, unlikely to be of any interest to any occupational health department. Go ahead and declare it but unless tired or other outward symptoms, no concerns.

 

[NSEWonderer]

Any train drivers on Mounjaro?

Is it allowed? Obviously would be declared

Seems to be on the increase from what I've seen at TOCs.

 

[Drivingtales]

Beware (as someone who has used it) that it can cause serious fatigue in some people.

Ive been on it 8 months and no fatigue for me

 

[Madisuperstar]

Hi all

looking for a bit of advice regarding the next stage of my process , i have passed the paper tests & the DMI interview . I have my computer tests coming up in a couple of weeks at atrium court . I was wondering if the MMI interview is still a part of the recruitment process or has it been removed ? Does it happen on the day of the computer tests ? Or do you come back again if you pass the computer assessments ? seen a few differing posts so just looking for clarification so i can prepare accurately , thanks in advance

Hi there please can you give me some tips on DMI and also which TOC you went for

 

[Moonraker007]

Hello. I have recently been successful in my application to Northern as a trainee train driver. I have my assessment day coming up in the next couple of weeks and a face to face interview, should I pass the assessment.

Has anyone been through this process recently with Northern and can advise what the process was? What questions are likely to come up on the interview?

Thank you!

Unless you are internal and are applying don’t waste your time. I got cut after the first 2 tasks, recruiters were not even watching our table and a lad on there was getting stressed and because he couldn’t work out the task. He works at northern ticket office and surprise surprise he got through along with other conductors,signallers and staff that currently work for northern

 

[mld]

Unless you are internal and are applying don’t waste your time. I got cut after the first 2 tasks, recruiters were not even watching our table and a lad on there was getting stressed and because he couldn’t work out the task. He works at northern ticket office and surprise surprise he got through along with other conductors,signallers and staff that currently work for northern

Sounds like someone is a little bit bitter?
My experience of the assessment day was positive, the people that needed to be cut got cut. It’s a difficult job to get into and if you didn’t make it past the first two assessments I’d suggest it’s not the job for you.

 

[Moonraker007]

Sounds like someone is a little bit bitter?
My experience of the assessment day was positive, the people that needed to be cut got cut. It’s a difficult job to get into and if you didn’t make it past the first two assessments I’d suggest it’s not the job for you.

Not bitter at all. But when the train driver is all about remaining calm under pressure and someone on your table is clearly stressed at the smallest thing then where is the fairness in that. Same thing with the Lego he slammed his pieces down at the end of the task as it broke apart and still goes through. But he’s a signalman for northern and knew 2 of the recruitment team. All I wanted was a for chance and don’t believe I got that. But like you say maybe it’s not for me

 

[juspassingby]

Sounds like someone is a little bit bitter?
My experience of the assessment day was positive, the people that needed to be cut got cut. It’s a difficult job to get into and if you didn’t make it past the first two assessments I’d suggest it’s not the job for you.

I understand where Moonraker007 is coming from. It’s a safety-critical role, and part of the assessment is about how well someone handles pressure. If a person was clearly showing frustration or stress during a group task, it’s natural for people to wonder how they still progressed.

On top of that, I believe they said they wouldn’t be giving any feedback, which is quite unusual. That lack of feedback makes the process feel even less clear and can naturally raise more questions.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 27 Feb 2026 ==

Not bitter at all. But when the train driver is all about remaining calm under pressure and someone on your table is clearly stressed at the smallest thing then where is the fairness in that. Same thing with the Lego he slammed his pieces down at the end of the task as it broke apart and still goes through. But he’s a signalman for northern and knew 2 of the recruitment team. All I wanted was a for chance and don’t believe I got that. But like you say maybe it’s not for me

I’m not saying that’s what happened here, but I’ve seen favouritism at work myself. In the past, it affected me, and I had to make a formal complaint to get it sorted and I had a strong case.
Don’t let it get you down. Keep applying and stay focused. It’s not about how many times you get knocked down, it’s about getting back up and fighting for your place - You didn’t fail.

A friend of mine didn’t get a chance from a TOC either, so he did his psychometric tests privately and eventually became a train driver. He’s been successful in the role for 7 years now. Don’t give up, you can still make it.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 27 Feb 2026 ==

Tests and MMI passed

Congrats! Was this with Great Northern? What’s your next step? Wishing you all the best, hopefully you pass the next stage, whatever that may be!

 

[hawkster26]

I understand where Moonraker007 is coming from. It’s a safety-critical role, and part of the assessment is about how well someone handles pressure. If a person was clearly showing frustration or stress during a group task, it’s natural for people to wonder how they still progressed.

On top of that, I believe they said they wouldn’t be giving any feedback, which is quite unusual. That lack of feedback makes the process feel even less clear and can naturally raise more questions.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 27 Feb 2026 ==




I’m not saying that’s what happened here, but I’ve seen favouritism at work myself. In the past, it affected me, and I had to make a formal complaint to get it sorted and I had a strong case.
Don’t let it get you down. Keep applying and stay focused. It’s not about how many times you get knocked down, it’s about getting back up and fighting for your place - You didn’t fail.

A friend of mine didn’t get a chance from a TOC either, so he did his psychometric tests privately and eventually became a train driver. He’s been successful in the role for 7 years now. Don’t give up, you can still make it.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 27 Feb 2026 ==


Congrats! Was this with Great Northern? What’s your next step? Wishing you all the best, hopefully you pass the next stage, whatever that may be!

DMI is my next step. On the phone they said Cricklewood or St Albans so that’s Thameslink

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 27 Feb 2026 ==

I start on 23rd March for Cricklewood

How was your DMI ? I have that next for Cricklewood/st albums

 

[mr92]

Anyone got any tips for the photo memory test? An how long does the image flash up for

 

[hawkster26]

Anyone got any tips for the photo memory test? An how long does the image flash up for

Just try and take in as much info as possible. The image will flash up for 1 second.

You will have the answers

Motor vehicle
Motorbike/moped/bicycle
Pedestrian
Traffic sign
Traffic light

 

[juspassingby]

Anyone got any tips for the photo memory test? An how long does the image flash up for

The best tip I received before taking the test came from a driver I met the night before my test. She told me to concentrate on the little things, especially traffic lights and road signs.

Larger objects like cars, buses, lorries, and motorbikes are easy to spot in the picture, so your main focus should be on the smaller details and pedestrians.

As mentioned above, you'll be looking out for:

- Road signs
- Traffic lights
- Pedestrians
- Cyclists
- Motor vehicles

Smaller objects are harder to notice, while larger ones are usually obvious. If you focus on spotting the small details first, you’re less likely to miss anything out.

 

[cwww]

Hey everyone,

I had my OPC MMI yesterday and when it came to the final question 6, a time you’ve had to do a role similar to that of a train driver he didn’t accept the example I’d written, so instead he asked me to give an example of a role I believe is similar to that of a train driver which I was able to. Just worried because it was basically a completely different question and overthinking if this is going to affect the outcome. Has anyone had a similar situation happen before?

 

[mickeyC]

Hey everyone,

I had my OPC MMI yesterday and when it came to the final question 6, a time you’ve had to do a role similar to that of a train driver he didn’t accept the example I’d written, so instead he asked me to give an example of a role I believe is similar to that of a train driver which I was able to. Just worried because it was basically a completely different question and overthinking if this is going to affect the outcome. Has anyone had a similar situation happen before?

What example did you write down first?