DRS Stowmarket

[Groggy]

Hi
I am considering applying for DRS in Stowmarket but as a current driver up north I don't know much about the work and the depot . Any advice on the contracts they have etc?

Thanks.

 

[G136GREYHOUND]

Do you know DRS make you re-sit the psycho test, even if you are a qualified driver ?

If you fail, your original is still valid though - I checked with ASLEF first !

 

[Groggy]

no i didnt mate.
when i got email off them it said i would have in interview and rules questions....nothing about the test again?

 

[G136GREYHOUND]

when I decided to try for DRS there were 5 drivers with me at Gresty Lane and they made us all re-sit the psycho test, in a room, like when I first started !

This was about 8 years ago, at interview they asked me more rules questions than a rules exam and there is an enhanced security check due to the flask side of it.

Also they said that a driver spends half the year driving, and have as a trainman/trainwomen - so do your research for the current situation before you leap

 

[Groggy]

when I decided to try for DRS there were 5 drivers with me at Gresty Lane and they made us all re-sit the psycho test, in a room, like when I first started !

This was about 8 years ago, at interview they asked me more rules questions than a rules exam and there is an enhanced security check due to the flask side of it.

Also they said that a driver spends half the year driving, and have as a trainman/trainwomen - so do your research for the current situation before you leap

cheers for that info g136grehound......i was hoping someone on here may work at stowmarket and give me a better idea. if its still like that i will certainly re consider.

 

[G136GREYHOUND]

My pleasure, happy to help

Caveat is this WAS some time ago, so check the latest position. I didn't take the job myself

 

[grumblingalong]

Stow seem to have a pretty mixed bag of work, obviously a lot of RHTT work in Autumn, eyre quite often pass on my trains up to Crewe to pick something up, also seen them at the controls of charters locally. Not 100% sure obviously as I'm not based there!

 

[Groggy]

ok thanks grumbalinalong...what kind of traction?

 

[grumblingalong]

ok thanks grumbalinalong...what kind of traction?

Formerly 47s, now mainly 57s on RHTT and charter work. I assume also 66s as they used a 66 set for RHTT for a week or so this year. Again that's honestly just what I've seen sat in the depot!

 

[Groggy]

ok cheers pal

 

[Dazza3732]

Am I right in thinking if you fail the test you do not get the job, even though your last test was a pass and is still current?

 

[Groggy]

it makes a bit of a mockery of being a qualified driver really....

 

[G136GREYHOUND]

Am I right in thinking if you fail the test you do not get the job, even though your last test was a pass and is still current?

I was told at Gresty lane before I re-sat the psycho, that if I failed it, there would be no further progression with the application.

To my utter amazement I passed, although a couple didn't

and I agree entirely, a qualified driver is a qualified driver surely ? 45 minutes or 45 years, what difference does it make, it's only traction and routes that some will have and some won't

 

[red2005]

it makes a bit of a mockery of being a qualified driver really....

Exactly, How qualified do they actually see you as being if they make you do all this rubbish again?

Don't get me wrong yes i know it is the driver applying, It's their policy and no one is forcing them to yadda yadda yadda, But considering that A- you've probably been driving trains on the national network the day before and B- you're already just as qualified as their existing drivers it just seems a bit weird and unnecessary.

 

[Groggy]

Anyone else know what other contracts they have?