Driver tests

[plastictaffy]

Evening all.
My TOC have recently advertised for Trainee drivers, (internal only at present, no point checking their website because it's not there.....) and I happen to know a lady that gave me a heads-up on some of the tests that you're asked to do. I figure this has probably been asked already, but of all the tests on there, do we have to sit them all??
Is it a combination of the ones that they think are important??
Could it be different ones that they have devised themselves??

Some of the tests I looked at were dead easy, but some of them seemed really difficult to get my head round, and others made absolutely no sense. Problem is, I'm really worried about the ones I don't understand.
Do you have to do the Group Boredom test again if you are an internal applicant??
Also, I have seen stuff written about the "mythical" GLOP? test. What is it?

 

[red2005]

If this is the first time you've taken the tests then yes you will probably have to take them all......including group bourdon!

The glop test is a passage of writing entailing the workings of the train that puts sandite (glop) on the rail head to provide grip. You'll listen to a tape which reads out what's on a card in front of you and you'll also have the opportunity to make notes on what you are reading/ hearing.

They will then take the card away, remove your notes and give you a multiple choice question paper on what you have just read/ listened to.

I do believe that some freight companies have their own lil maths tests they like to put in ( not sure if toc's do it though, I think some toc's who work electric trains etc do like to keep the drivers fault finding test in there but I never had to do that with my toc.

I think they see them all as being important mate so you're best to turn up in the mindset that you'll have to do the lot, any less is a bonus!

If you're worried about any aspects of the tests tell them! You will probably get practice material aa week or so before anyway and anything you're unsure of on the day they will explain to you as much as they are allowed too!! They ain't there to make you fail remember!

Good luck

 

[plastictaffy]

Thanks Glenn. Application form is sent now, guess I'll just have to suck it and see. I kinda figured that as it's internal only at present, that gives me a much greater chance than if I was applying from externally. Time will tell the tale, no doubt.

 

[red2005]

I'm sure that you will be fine anyway mate when you get there just keep calm, listen carefully to the instructions they give you and you'll find they are pretty straight forward good luck mate

 

[plastictaffy]

Well, the closing date is tomorrow. Squeaky bum time. I think most of the Guards at my depot applied!!

 

[the sniper]

Was this just for Bletchley and/or 'darn sarf' depots?

 

[red2005]

You will find that mate!.....but just remember they might look at those guards and wipe half of them out as they don't see them as suitable due to sickness records etc!......don't even think of the numbers! The only number that should be considered is número uno lol

Good luck buddy

 

[rods1249]

http://group-bourdon-tool.software.informer.com/2.0/

Use the GB format. Print off 5 sheets at a time with the answers so you can check your results.
Your test is paper based and is 5 sheets.
You should aim to do 10 lines plus in 2mins on ALL sheets with minimum mistakes!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
This is a good post to read

http://www.railforums.co.uk/showpost.php?p=1594908&postcount=1

 

[plastictaffy]

Was this just for Bletchley and/or 'darn sarf' depots?

Bletchley only. There is a "nursery" link there, so that's where all new drivers start from. I'm after a transfer to Northampton, but if I get on as a driver, I'll have to stay at Bletchley for the foreseeable future. The only other depot south of BLY is Watford, but that's a Guard only depot. Northampton is a satellite of Bletchley, it's only a depot in it's own right for Guards.