CrossCountry - Apprentice Train Driver - Recruitment Discussion

[softquaser]

I spoke to Andy on Thursday. He said that the Sept course is for ‘Birmingham and North’, but it wasn’t confirmed exact numbers for which depots.
I’m in the talent pool for Bristol, so it’s a keep waiting for me.

I don't suppose it was mentioned when the next talent pools are? Got the impression that the 2025 influx has now finished.

 

[JH-OB]

Sorry, what do you mean by 2025 Influx?

 

[callumreecepl]

I've been practicing Spatial Reasoning tests online. I've done 2 and scored 68% both times.

 

[softquaser]

Sorry, what do you mean by 2025 Influx?

Sorry I mean the 2025 courses. There were courses in January, March, June and September for this year. Wasn't sure if they mentioned these would be the same dates for next year too.

 

[JH-OB]

Yeah, he he said the next course would now be January, but they are planning on notifying people a lot sooner rather than waiting to leave it to the last 2-3 months.

 

[tiptoptaff]

Just completed my assessment. That spatial reasoning was dreadful!

Here's hoping it's collectively fried all of us and brings the pass mark down

 

[Jordan1991]

Just completed my assessment. That spatial reasoning was dreadful!

Here's hoping it's collectively fried all of us and brings the pass mark down

How many did you manage mate? At least everyone is saying the same haha

 

[tiptoptaff]

How many did you manage mate? At least everyone is saying the same haha

All 22 - but accuracy wise I'm only confident on I'd say 15 of them! And even that might be flattering myself

 

[Jordan1991]

All 22 - but accuracy wise I'm only confident on I'd say 15 of them! And even that might be flattering myself

It’s a tough one knowing whether to go for quality or quantity! Good luck

 

[tiptoptaff]

It’s a tough one knowing whether to go for quality or quantity! Good luck

A mix of both - it says in the instructions points will be deducted for unfinished questions! I didn't try and rush anything, but if I looked at one for more than 45seocnds and had no idea, I gave it my best guess and moved on!

Good luck mate!

 

[Jordan1991]

A mix of both - it says in the instructions points will be deducted for unfinished questions! I didn't try and rush anything, but if I looked at one for more than 45seocnds and had no idea, I gave it my best guess and moved on!

Good luck mate!

Just managed 21 out of 22 because I didn’t click the finish button in time so I don’t know if that logged or not. Hope I wasn’t penalised too much for missing one!

 

[sabanda]

Just managed 21 out of 22 because I didn’t click the finish button in time so I don’t know if that logged or not. Hope I wasn’t penalised too much for missing one!

Exactly the same thing happened to me - which was a shame as 22 was one of the nicer ones I had!

 

[Jordan1991]

Much the same here -

Exactly the same thing happened to me - which was a shame as 22 was one of the nicer ones I had!

I think 21/22 is respectable enough providing the rest went well.. who knows

 

[Jozef995]

For those of you who have been in the cross country recruitment process before. Do you know what comes after the online SHL test?

 

[callumreecepl]

For those who don't mind me asking, how is everyone finding the Spatial Reasoning test? I haven't attempted it yet.

 

[Reactor Scram]

If it's the same as what I did then:

DMI first.

1st test centre visit:
1. Group Bourdon (dots)
2. Comprehension test - read info, retain it then complete questions on the text.
3. Reasoning - a set of rules and apply them to the task. Aka cables and dials.
4. Listening to and counting beeps whilst looking for info in a directory. Aka test of everyday attention.

2nd test centre visit:
1. 30 mins on the computer watching the square flash - vigilance test.
2. Picture memory test on computer.
3. 2 hand control test on computer.
4. MMI

Hope this helps and good luck.

This ⏫️

For those of you who have been in the cross country recruitment process before. Do you know what comes after the online SHL test?

 

[Flatcap1825]

For those who don't mind me asking, how is everyone finding the Spatial Reasoning test? I haven't attempted it yet.

Spatial reasoning wasn’t pleasant at all

 

[timmy827]

I’ve done the personality and spatial reasoning tests today. Spatial reasoning was…interesting.

Does anyone know how long it’ll take to find out if we’re going to progress? If not successful, do we find out at all?

 

[sktt25]

I applied in September 2023, I sat online tests in October. Did not hear whether not I had passed until I got a phone call invite to a DMI in mid January 2024 and had the interview at the start of February.

 

[timmy827]

Eurgh - thanks!

 

[sabanda]

I was hoping we might know shortly after the second group have sat their tests (presumably they will have done so by Friday) - guess not!

 

[timmy827]

I was hoping we might know shortly after the second group have sat their tests (presumably they will have done so by Friday) - guess not!

Suppose it depends how much of a hurry they’re in. Although the training isn’t until 26-7 so could be a while.

Out of interest, what do you mean by the second group?

 

[sabanda]

Out of interest, what do you mean by the second group?

Given that some of us on here were sent the link to the assessments on Wednesday, but the advert didn't close until Friday, I assume that there are now two sets of candidates, given that they would surely also have been given 7 days to complete the assessments?

 

[timmy827]

Given that some of us on here were sent the link to the assessments on Wednesday, but the advert didn't close until Friday, I assume that there are now two sets of candidates, given that they would surely also have been given 7 days to complete the assessments?

Good call. Would love to have a crystal ball.

 

[sabanda]

Good call. Would love to have a crystal ball.

Me too!

 

[bair26]

I've been practicing Spatial Reasoning tests online. I've done 2 and scored 68% both times.

Do you have a link/recco for spatial reasoning practice tests?

 

[LouMel]

Hi all. I'm new to the forum. Finding it so useful. Applied for the XC Arriva apprenticeship based in Bristol and have been sent invite to complete 2 online assessment tests. I've been practicing for the spatial reasoning one but I just wondered if anyone knew what the other 'assessment' lasting 20 minutes is about? Difficult to prep for it if you don't know what their focus is. Very grateful for and info! Thanks lots!

 

[tiptoptaff]

Hi all. I'm new to the forum. Finding it so useful. Applied for the XC Arriva apprenticeship based in Bristol and have been sent invite to complete 2 online assessment tests. I've been practicing for the spatial reasoning one but I just wondered if anyone knew what the other 'assessment' lasting 20 minutes is about? Difficult to prep for it if you don't know what their focus is. Very grateful for and info! Thanks lots!

It's a personality test. You can't really prep for it.

 

[LouMel]

It's a personality test. You can't really prep for it.

Thank you so much!!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 16 Jun 2025 ==

It looks like they may ask over 100 questions for the personality test but you only have 20 minutes. What happens if you run out of time? Thanks again

 

[tiptoptaff]

Thank you so much!!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 16 Jun 2025 ==

It looks like they may ask over 100 questions for the personality test but you only have 20 minutes. What happens if you run out of time? Thanks again

It wasn't timed