GWR - Trainee Train Driver - Recruitment Discussion

[Chippychips]

In case this helps anyone (especially the HEX applicants). My mate had his DMI at Paddington today.
From what he told me, his interview was typical of what you'd expect (I.e. questions on what they know about the company, questions on rules/procedures etc)

He said the told him the Feb 26 course still has places left for HEX applicants, as they do a full rules course with other GWR depots (usually 2-4 positions on the course per depot to make up approx 10).

No defined number of positions. Its a rolling/talent pool system, where excess numbers will be held.

Approx 9 months including driving hours to qualify as a HEX driver (dunno about other GWR depots).

Feb, ~May, ~September courses planned.

Thats pretty much it...

**Update** he got offered the position today via phone call for HEX Paddington. Was offered a spot on Feb 2026 course but he has a holiday booked for end of Feb so he had to decline. They put him in the pool/list for the next course after which should likely be ~May 2026.

 

[Wyvernforged]

Anyone starting on the 5th January 2026?

 

[LouMel]

Hi. Thanks to those of you who responded to my last question about wait times between completing online interview and hearing whether you got through. Pleased to say I got an email yesterday morning, a week later, to say I was successful and they need to do some checks to see if I've failed the assessment tests before. It'll be my first time, so assuming I'll eventually get an invite to the test centre. I'm now looking to get some practice resources. Anyone able to recommend any that are specific to GWR? TIA!

 

[PlayedRex]

Hi. Thanks to those of you who responded to my last question about wait times between completing online interview and hearing whether you got through. Pleased to say I got an email yesterday morning, a week later, to say I was successful and they need to do some checks to see if I've failed the assessment tests before. It'll be my first time, so assuming I'll eventually get an invite to the test centre. I'm now looking to get some practice resources. Anyone able to recommend any that are specific to GWR? TIA!

You’ll get a whole practice pack through once you book your date for your assessment date from GWR. That’ll cover most of it, then read up about the MMI on here and I’d recommend printing out some practice sheets for the group bourdon test. There are threads for assessment day tips and what to expect on here as well.

 

[BarneyGumble]

In case this helps anyone (especially the HEX applicants). My mate had his DMI at Paddington today.
From what he told me, his interview was typical of what you'd expect (I.e. questions on what they know about the company, questions on rules/procedures etc)

He said the told him the Feb 26 course still has places left for HEX applicants, as they do a full rules course with other GWR depots (usually 2-4 positions on the course per depot to make up approx 10).

No defined number of positions. Its a rolling/talent pool system, where excess numbers will be held.

Approx 9 months including driving hours to qualify as a HEX driver (dunno about other GWR depots).

Feb, ~May, ~September courses planned.

Thats pretty much it...

**Update** he got offered the position today via phone call for HEX Paddington. Was offered a spot on Feb 2026 course but he has a holiday booked for end of Feb so he had to decline. They put him in the pool/list for the next course after which should likely be ~May 2026.

I'm hoping this means we should expect more openings soon..

 

[kuklakolduna3]

I've just been offered a start date of Feb 16th based in Reading - I was also told they have a coursed planned for April/May too

Hey. I saw this question been already asked. But could you please tell when did you have your DMI?

 

[Frenchy7119]

Hi. Thanks to those of you who responded to my last question about wait times between completing online interview and hearing whether you got through. Pleased to say I got an email yesterday morning, a week later, to say I was successful and they need to do some checks to see if I've failed the assessment tests before. It'll be my first time, so assuming I'll eventually get an invite to the test centre. I'm now looking to get some practice resources. Anyone able to recommend any that are specific to GWR? TIA!

Hi had my email today as well waiting on back checked did some test for train manager last year so not sure if they count hopefully will be offered an assessment date early next year! Gd luck to you too

 

[LouMel]

You’ll get a whole practice pack through once you book your date for your assessment date from GWR. That’ll cover most of it, then read up about the MMI on here and I’d recommend printing out some practice sheets for the group bourdon test. There are threads for assessment day tips and what to expect on here as well.

Thanks lots. I'm going to order some practice GB tests...

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Dec 2025 ==

Hi had my email today as well waiting on back checked did some test for train manager last year so not sure if they count hopefully will be offered an assessment date early next year! Gd luck to you too

Congrats. Good luck!

 

[Brickz]

Thanks lots. I'm going to order some practice GB tests...

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 12 Dec 2025 ==


Congrats. Good luck!

If you download the programme off here there is a print button on it so you can just print a bunch out yourself. The programme is also free.

 

[Reactor Scram]

https://careers.firstgroup.co.uk/jo...-kingdom-oxford-oxfordshire-reading-berkshire

Paddington
Reading
Oxford

Advert closes 22 Dec 25

 

[BarneyGumble]

Applied, that error checking test threw me off guard a little. I got nowhere near the 50 mark but I imagine they have absolutely no expectation of you reaching that unless you have godlike speed.

 

[Frenchy7119]

Yea go correct answers not number

 

[Mins]

https://careers.firstgroup.co.uk/jo...-kingdom-oxford-oxfordshire-reading-berkshire

Paddington
Reading
Oxford

Advert closes 22 Dec 25

can i also apply for this if i applied for GWR - Heathrow express? at Paddington (I have been given an assessment date)

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Dec 2025 ==

can i also apply for this if i applied for GWR - Heathrow express? at Paddington (I have been given an assessment date)

so i tried applying and states i cannot apply as i have applied for a similar role.

 

[Suley91]

Hats in the ring for this too, yeah same mate probs only done like 20 odd myself so, Feel like I got them all right - fingers crossed!

Applied, that error checking test threw me off guard a little. I got nowhere near the 50 mark but I imagine they have absolutely no expectation of you reaching that unless you have godlike speed.

 

[BarneyGumble]

Hats in the ring for this too, yeah same mate probs only done like 20 odd myself so, Feel like I got them all right - fingers crossed!

i'm hoping we are all good, its just a little nerve wrecking not knowing where we stand haha

 

[Rollingheavy]

Good evening all,

Can anyone tell me roughly what shift pattern a GWR driver would likely encounter at Fratton please? Will this be 4 days on with 5 off subject to Sunday's?

Thank you for your time!

 

[JT97]

Good evening all,

Can anyone tell me roughly what shift pattern a GWR driver would likely encounter at Fratton please? Will this be 4 days on with 5 off subject to Sunday's?

Thank you for your time!

It’s normally a week of earlies then a week of lates with a long weekend every 3 weeks. Earliest book on is 4:00 and latest book on is 20:00.
During the week there’s 3 Cardiff jobs, most job are up to Bristol.

There’s no links at the depot as it’s small but newly qualified drivers will only sign form Portsmouth to Bristol and learn Cardiff and diversion route later on.

 

[NSEWonderer]

Friend of mine managed to storm thru with 32, Even somehow with 45ish seconds of it freezing due to their laptop.

Other pal only managed 17-18 and got and email to say they didn't make it thru.

Both were 100% sure they got all they answered right. So if my pal with the 32 done makes it through I assume the cutoff for correct answers will lay at 20-25.

 

[user1234567]

Hi all
Just wanted to message as a word of warning for anyone due to sit a medical, I’m probably easily identifiable to GWR messaging this however the intention of my message is for someone else not to be caught in the same position I was in.

Please make sure your BMI is within the requirements of 3 3

My story is that from passing my DMI to getting a medical date I dropped 10kg (always been a chunky fella) however was about 5kg short by the time the medical came. I was failed on the basis of being over the BMI .

I had previously scoured these forums and the general consensus seemed to be if it was within “sensible” then you’d get the wagging finger but otherwise be okay. That wasn’t the case, I am totally devastated by it having gone through all the other stages to fail on something that I could have directly controlled the outcome of. So please don’t get caught out.

I would be interested to hear if anyone else has had this experience or indeed the opposite in that they were outside the guidelines but still got through.

Gutted. Don’t be like me!

 

[BarneyGumble]

Hi all
Just wanted to message as a word of warning for anyone due to sit a medical, I’m probably easily identifiable to GWR messaging this however the intention of my message is for someone else not to be caught in the same position I was in.

Please make sure your BMI is within the requirements of 3 3

My story is that from passing my DMI to getting a medical date I dropped 10kg (always been a chunky fella) however was about 5kg short by the time the medical came. I was failed on the basis of being over the BMI .

I had previously scoured these forums and the general consensus seemed to be if it was within “sensible” then you’d get the wagging finger but otherwise be okay. That wasn’t the case, I am totally devastated by it having gone through all the other stages to fail on something that I could have directly controlled the outcome of. So please don’t get caught out.

I would be interested to hear if anyone else has had this experience or indeed the opposite in that they were outside the guidelines but still got through.

Gutted. Don’t be like me!

Bloody hell I'm sorry to hear mate, GWR must be seriously strict because, with all due respect, I've seen drivers at other TOCs who are well beyond that. Where do you stand with them? Are you not allowed a period of losing it? At least you've passed all your tests which makes any future application far, far easier.

 

[user1234567]

Bloody hell I'm sorry to hear mate, GWR must be seriously strict because, with all due respect, I've seen drivers at other TOCs who are well beyond that. Where do you stand with them? Are you not allowed a period of losing it? At least you've passed all your tests which makes any future application far, far easier.

Nah it’s game over unfortunately despite my begging

 

[bas32]

Nah it’s game over unfortunately despite my begging

Really sorry to hear about this pal. Have you contacted recruitment directly since to have a discussion about anything that can be done? Do you need to re apply and start from scratch now in the future? That is heartbreaking mate genuinely gutted for you.

 

[user1234567]

Really sorry to hear about this pal. Have you contacted recruitment directly since to have a discussion about anything that can be done? Do you need to re apply and start from scratch now in the future? That is heartbreaking mate genuinely gutted for you.

Nothing can be done. Do not pass go, do not collect £200.

Have to now wait for new vacancies, lord only knows when that will be. Annoying thing is I am close to having lost the weight they asked me to lose already, but nobody is seemingly listening to me

 

[Chippychips]

Nothing can be done. Do not pass go, do not collect £200.

Have to now wait for new vacancies, lord only knows when that will be. Annoying thing is I am close to having lost the weight they asked me to lose already, but nobody is seemingly listening to me

https://careers.firstgroup.co.uk/jo...-kingdom-oxford-oxfordshire-reading-berkshire

Paddington
Reading
Oxford

Advert closes 22 Dec 25

Do you think its worth applying for one of the recent campaigns? Depending if you first applied 6 months+ ago.
But this time just make sure you do what you need to do by the time the medical comes up?

I have to say though, I've never heard of someone failing in BMI... ECG... yes. Hearing... yes. But this is a first for me.

 

[Mins]

Nothing can be done. Do not pass go, do not collect £200.

Have to now wait for new vacancies, lord only knows when that will be. Annoying thing is I am close to having lost the weight they asked me to lose already, but nobody is seemingly listening to me

ahh mate im gutted for you! sorry it had to be like that - they should actually give you another deadline for medical and see if you where able to hit the target! man gutted!

now thinking about medical - have a a problem for the past 20 years whereby my ECG is always out of range and have had soo many scans of my heart and others over the past 20 years. The scans of my heart and other are all normal so no issues in that terms (all clear from Specialists), but if my ECG comes back abnormal while doing this medical then i assume i will be rejected!

i am still to go to the 1st assessment center in February and then 'IF' i get through then all the struggle and wait for months/years to get a medical and be rejected!

 

[BarneyGumble]

Nothing can be done. Do not pass go, do not collect £200.

Have to now wait for new vacancies, lord only knows when that will be. Annoying thing is I am close to having lost the weight they asked me to lose already, but nobody is seemingly listening to me

Honestly from my perspective this is incredibly harsh. But to give you a bit of hope mate the amount of drivers retiring soon is going to skyrocket, you already passed everything and the government is going to supposedly put more pressure to expand driver rosters across the board. You might not be waiting long at all.

I’m rooting for you.

 

[Ddaggs]

Honestly from my perspective this is incredibly harsh. But to give you a bit of hope mate the amount of drivers retiring soon is going to skyrocket, you already passed everything and the government is going to supposedly put more pressure to expand driver rosters across the board. You might not be waiting long at all.

I’m rooting for you.

what do you mean expand driver rosters? make them work more hours?

 

[BarneyGumble]

what do you mean expand driver rosters? make them work more hours?

Ah sorry, I just mean for TOCs to expand how many drivers they have to avoid relying on overtime and causing delays

 

[PlayedRex]

Hi all
Just wanted to message as a word of warning for anyone due to sit a medical, I’m probably easily identifiable to GWR messaging this however the intention of my message is for someone else not to be caught in the same position I was in.

Please make sure your BMI is within the requirements of 3 3

My story is that from passing my DMI to getting a medical date I dropped 10kg (always been a chunky fella) however was about 5kg short by the time the medical came. I was failed on the basis of being over the BMI .

I had previously scoured these forums and the general consensus seemed to be if it was within “sensible” then you’d get the wagging finger but otherwise be okay. That wasn’t the case, I am totally devastated by it having gone through all the other stages to fail on something that I could have directly controlled the outcome of. So please don’t get caught out.

I would be interested to hear if anyone else has had this experience or indeed the opposite in that they were outside the guidelines but still got through.

Gutted. Don’t be like me!

Wow I’m shocked to hear that. I had my medical with GWR a couple of weeks ago with a BMI of 42 (unfortunately I’m built like a strongman, even with no body fat I still have a BMI of 31!) The doctor I saw that day said whilst they have a guideline of 35, it’s not a requirement so he couldn’t fail me on that alone. Sorry to hear recruitment can’t help you either, which depot did you have your medical at?

 

[NSEWonderer]

Being failed on BMI is pretty poor. Its super outdated. I barely have any fat on myself, quite tall and I'd say decent build, mostly running etc and it classes me overweight.