Depot Driver

[Redskins17]

Hi All

I'm new on here but have been reading a lot over the past few weeks and must say I've found lots of interesting and really helpful information so thanks a lot for that, it's been invaluable.

I've got an assessment day coming up for SWT for a Depot Driver role. I just wanted to ask about the assessment day and to see if the assessment for Depot Driver is the same as Trainee Train Driver? Just want to be as prepared as possible and was wondering about whether to expect the Group Bourdon dot test etc?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[ExMover]

Each TOC is different in how they recruit trainee drivers. Some, but not many, use the Depot Driver role as the feeder for mainline drivers and therefore, the Depot Drivers are full mainline rules qualified. EMT is one and, as it is a sister company to SWT (both owned by Stagecoach), they might use the same process. I would ask if I were you. If the job doesn't involve leaving the depot and driving on Network Rail metals, then you won't be trained to full mainline rules. Hope that helps

 

[Urobach]

Hi All

I'm new on here but have been reading a lot over the past few weeks and must say I've found lots of interesting and really helpful information so thanks a lot for that, it's been invaluable.

I've got an assessment day coming up for SWT for a Depot Driver role. I just wanted to ask about the assessment day and to see if the assessment for Depot Driver is the same as Trainee Train Driver? Just want to be as prepared as possible and was wondering about whether to expect the Group Bourdon dot test etc?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

It's the same assessment process for a trainee train driver yes, so expect all the sane tests and interviews

 

[Urobach]

Each TOC is different in how they recruit trainee drivers. Some, but not many, use the Depot Driver role as the feeder for mainline drivers and therefore, the Depot Drivers are full mainline rules qualified. EMT is one and, as it is a sister company to SWT (both owned by Stagecoach), they might use the same process. I would ask if I were you. If the job doesn't involve leaving the depot and driving on Network Rail metals, then you won't be trained to full mainline rules. Hope that helps

Not completely true, EMT have only very recently started training depot drivers to full mainline rules. Depot Drivers did not used to be trained on absolute block working or level crossings for example.

 

[Redskins17]

Thanks guys that's really helpful. I've got all the practice information and test examples so I'm going to revise my backside off this week. One question about the dots test - and apologies if this has been covered somewhere else already - in terms of omissions, when I've practiced online I've had a lot of omissions. First attempt was 33! I wasn't going particularly fast but I did notice that I would go past a group of 4 then notice and go back and highlight it. Would that count as an omission, because I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have missed 33! If I have then I'm in big trouble...

Thanks again in advance for any replies

 

[donpoku]

Keep practicing better on paper like the real test, 33 is too much aim for 0-5.

 

[stjimmy87]

Depot driver role is something I am aiming for more than a mainline role. Went for it last time at EMT hoping to do better next time. Does anyone know if it is compulsory to then go on to mainline or if you like it can you stay on depot?

 

[ExMover]

Not completely true, EMT have only very recently started training depot drivers to full mainline rules. Depot Drivers did not used to be trained on absolute block working or level crossings for example.

Correct, full rules has only been taught since Jan 16 and has continued for 3 courses so far.

 

[ExMover]

With the Dots test, I was told it was quality, not quantity that was important. Try going as slow as you need to make no mistakes, then keep repeating and you will slowly get quicker. It's certainly not about finishing. I didn't even get halfway down each page in the actual test, but I got an enhanced pass??????

 

[ExMover]

And yes, you can stay on the depot as long as you like. The problem is that most people want to go mainline as quick as they can so a driver who wants to stay is quite valuable to company as it strengthens the experience base.

 

[stjimmy87]

And yes, you can stay on the depot as long as you like. The problem is that most people want to go mainline as quick as they can so a driver who wants to stay is quite valuable to company as it strengthens the experience base.

That would suit me as I do not wish to work with the general public anymore! Aside from getting the train from the station I'm guessing there wouldn't be much interaction with the public? Heres hoping there are some jobs coming up at EMT soon.

 

[ExMover]

That would suit me as I do not wish to work with the general public anymore! Aside from getting the train from the station I'm guessing there wouldn't be much interaction with the public? Heres hoping there are some jobs coming up at EMT soon.

It's rumoured there will some more recruitment soon so keep your eyes open. In some ways, because you walk into and out of either Derby or Nottingham station wearing a hi-vis quite frequently, you can sometimes find yourself dealing with the public more than a mainline driver, which is not what I expected. If you are lucky enough to get to interview, I wouldn't mention that you don't wish to work with the public as EMT is quite strong in believing that customer service is everyone's responsibility.

 

[stjimmy87]

It's rumoured there will some more recruitment soon so keep your eyes open. In some ways, because you walk into and out of either Derby or Nottingham station wearing a hi-vis quite frequently, you can sometimes find yourself dealing with the public more than a mainline driver, which is not what I expected. If you are lucky enough to get to interview, I wouldn't mention that you don't wish to work with the public as EMT is quite strong in believing that customer service is everyone's responsibility.

Haha will defiantly not mention it, I don't hate the public, just had some negative experiences in my current job recently. I had an interview for the role last year but due to a combination of being nervous and generally not talking enough about the role I was going for I was unsuccessful. Think I was talking more about mainline (never had feedback even though I asked them ). Most worrying thing for me is that after getting that far and passing the tests I will not even get past the application stage this time.

 

[JonnyH]

It's rumoured there will some more recruitment soon so keep your eyes open. In some ways, because you walk into and out of either Derby or Nottingham station wearing a hi-vis quite frequently, you can sometimes find yourself dealing with the public more than a mainline driver, which is not what I expected. If you are lucky enough to get to interview, I wouldn't mention that you don't wish to work with the public as EMT is quite strong in believing that customer service is everyone's responsibility.

Hi guys, depot driver at EMT is what I am also hoping to get to. I've heard conflicting things recently about their recruitment! I just keep checking their website regularly and keeping my fingers crossed!