GWR - Trainee Train Driver - Recruitment Discussion

[Gordon93]

Hi,

That's valuable information. I am on the same boat with you, if I know anything, I will also share it with you guys.

Thanks for the update, much appreciated.

Good luck BA11

 

[PlayedRex]

Not heard anything yet, passed the DMI in Exeter in June.

Ah fair, I passed mine in July. There doesn’t seem to be many of us on here so I was trying find some more of us so we can find out when they start allocating start dates.

 

[Colly103]

Always chuck your name in the hat though, worst they can say is no

Thanks for the replies I will give it a try!

 

[officewalla]

The job description couldn't be clearer. You must live within 60 minutes travelling time and not rely on public transport. This is NON NEGOTIABLE (my capitals).

 

[Colly103]

The job description couldn't be clearer. You must live within 60 minutes travelling time and not rely on public transport. This is NON NEGOTIABLE (my capitals).

Yeah, thanks for the reply. Thankfully that is no longer a problem as I have secured a new place to live in the area via my current job. Applied and fingers crossed!

 

[Ddaggs]

anyone in for paddington?

passed back in june and still not heard anything, just wondering if anyone else is in the same boat?

 

[N3598]

Had my DMI almost 2 Wednesdays ago and when asked they said that for Parkway courses November was full and they were of the understanding that the February course was also full.

Still yet to hear if I was successful in my DMI but can’t imagine there will be any courses until the middle of 2026 towards the start of 2027 (I believe there were approx 12 people in the talent pool).

Interesting! I've been in the pool for parkway since mid April and I've not heard anything yet. Out of curiosity, the info regarding how many people are in the pool, did that come from someone at GWR or is it your best guess?

Good luck regarding the DMI!

 

[vc99]

Does anyone know of any courses for gwr coming up from may onwards? The November and feb/March is full. So presuming it could be June or September maybe?

 

[skywatcher]

Hi all,

I have my DMI for GWR in two weeks and wondered if there was any advice on the questions asked. I have searched this forum high and low and can't really find anything on this. Any help would be appreciated.

And good luck with all your applications and training,

Cheers

 

[EZ2636]

Does anyone know of any courses for gwr coming up from may onwards? The November and feb/March is full. So presuming it could be June or September maybe?

How reliable is your source for that info?

 

[TC12]

Did anyone apply to the most recent advertisements? I've heard they do online assessments? Can anyone elaborate on what you need to do and how long it takes to hear how you've done?

 

[officewalla]

The only people who know how many are in the pool for each depot are the HR hiring managers. For some reason, talent pool information is treated like a state secret. At the depots, the managers get told how many trainees to expect in the future but this number can also fluctuate based upon demand. So for example depot X gets told to prepare for 12 trainees for 2026, then the number of drivers retiring is reduced then that 12 will also reduce. The recruitment situation is dynamic to say the least and talent pools can be exhausted very quickly if demand is high or stagnate if there is no movement in the current driver numbers.

 

[Reactor Scram]

I've applied. Two tests. The first one a situational judgement exercise. No time limit. Was invited to do it straight after application submission.

Second was the error checking test. 10 min time limit. Got nowhere near finishing it. Invited to that straight after I'd finished the SJE.

In terms of how long to hear. No idea. Previously I've been rejected a day or two after the advert closes so I'm going with no news is good news if I don't get rejected this time.

 

[TC12]

Thanks for the reply. Completed the SJT a few hours ago and haven’t had the invite for the error checking test. I assume it’s as I haven’t met the required standard in the SJT. Ahh well. Best of luck to all who replies.

 

[Nino94]

The video interview from what I remember, they ask you the question (on screen) and you have a minute or so to think of an answer before it starts recording - you do get a chance to redo it to give you more thinking time if needed or if you mess up.
The questions I managed to think of answers on the spot so don't worry too much, give it your best shot!

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


It's you and the computer, not a real person

Can you remember roughly what the questions were? Ive successfully completed a full recruitment process for a trainee driver with another TOC, but due to complications with referencing, the role waa withdrawn right before i was meant to start my training, so im starting again with another company, just want to be prepared as best i can for GWR interviews.

 

[RollingStockw]

Trainee train driver role at Heathrow Express

Saw this on Heathrow careers website. Good luck to those who apply!

Trainee Train Driver in Heathrow Airport | Careers Site

View details and apply for this Trainee Train Driver vacancy in Heathrow Airport. Great Western Railway's Heathrow Express driver role is a premium Heathrow service, for those passionate about customer service, who love to drive the most up to date trains using modern in-cab sign...

www.heathrowacademy.co.uk

Great Western Railway's Heathrow Express driver role is a premium Heathrow service, for those passionate about customer service, who love to drive the most up to date trains using modern in-cab signalling.

GWR's Train Drivers play a crucial role in setting a new standard for rail which is focused on creating a relaxed, fast, efficient, and fun experience for our passengers. In addition to driving GWR's customers between Paddington and Heathrow airport, you will be giving amazing customer service, while following the correct procedures and working with colleagues to ensure GWR's services runs efficiently.

The Trainee Driver programme requires hard work, a commitment to an intensive period of training and exceptional attention to detail but offers a rewarding career with the opportunity to be part of the changing future of travel.

There will be assessments throughout your training period, both practical and academic, which will give you all the tools and support you need to progress through to a Qualified Driver.

About You​

GWR are looking for applicants who are:

• Safety focused
• Able to concentrate for long periods of time
• Able to follow strict instructions/procedures
• Have a passion for delivering great service

If you have the above, this could be the career for you!

No specific previous experience is required, GWR have colleagues that have successfully progressed through their trainee programme that have joined us from many different backgrounds. Most importantly it's about your ability to deliver great service, commitment to an intensive training programme, communication and team working skills.

Do you want the best seat in the train? Drive your career forward with GWR's HEX Trainee Driver role? This could be your window for a new career!

There are a few essentials to consider before applying:

• Are you over 21 years of age? This is a requirement to be accepted on to the programme.
• Do you live within 60 minutes commuting distance of Paddington Station? For safety reasons you must live within this maximum commuting time to the job location and be able to arrive for a variety of shifts, including weekends and nights which will have varying start and finish times.
• If successful any offer of employment is subject to a full driver medical which includes passing hearing, sight, and colour vision tests (using the Ishihara plates)
• GWR will perform psychometric test history checks on all candidates who pass shortisting/video interview, there is a RSSB standard that governs this.

 

[tjdav22]

Just typical interview questions so make sure you know why you want the job, how are you suitable to it, what are you like with rules and procedures, what are the responsibilities of a train driver, how do you cope with shift work and similar questions to MMI regarding examples of a time you’ve done this etc. Obviously you don’t get a chance to write down answers etc and they won’t ask extra questions about it so you have to say everything.

Make sure you research company (stats and facts like founder, how many stations etc).

Just do some prep and have examples of situations you’ve been in (pressure, emergency, safety critical etc) and you’ll smash it.

Most importantly always tie in everything with SAFETY.

Best of luck!

Just wanted to say thank you for the advice, it was much appreciated. Unfortunately I didn't pass my DMI this time around. Felt like it went great and wasn't anything else I could have contributed.
Guess I'll ask for feedback and try again if positions are going in 6 months time.

 

[bas32]

Just wanted to say thank you for the advice, it was much appreciated. Unfortunately I didn't pass my DMI this time around. Felt like it went great and wasn't anything else I could have contributed.
Guess I'll ask for feedback and try again if positions are going in 6 months time.

Glad to have helped but gutted that you failed! Try in 6 months again and I’m sure you will pass especially after hearing feedback. Quite a quick response if you had the DMI this week!

 

[tjdav22]

Glad to have helped but gutted that you failed! Try in 6 months again and I’m sure you will pass especially after hearing feedback. Quite a quick response if you had the DMI this week!

Just taking away the fact I passed everything and can re apply after 6 months, but also other TOC's.

Odd comment came up in the interview though, they mentioned they've taken on a handful of qualified drivers which are to my knowledge leap frogging the whole process. So I hope you guys in the pool get processed into training slots quickly

 

[bas32]

Just taking away the fact I passed everything and can re apply after 6 months, but also other TOC's.

Odd comment came up in the interview though, they mentioned they've taken on a handful of qualified drivers which are to my knowledge leap frogging the whole process. So I hope you guys in the pool get processed into training slots quickly

That’s very interesting. Hopefully it doesn’t have an effect on how soon we start. Did they tell you anything about when you might have expected to start if successful?

 

[vc99]

How reliable is your source for that info?

Well let's just say i have my ear to the ground... but as you know someone already on the course dont they know anything further?

 

[tjdav22]

That’s very interesting. Hopefully it doesn’t have an effect on how soon we start. Did they tell you anything about when you might have expected to start if successful?

Jan Feb March is full, maybe some in April he wasn't sure. Said potentially mid way through next year. But the recruitment comment for qualified drivers really threw my perception off.

I know someone who's 95% of the way through training and waiting to pass out and he's been leap fogged by qualified drivers already.

 

[traineeyh]

Heathrow Train Driver Role – Advice?

Hi all,

I’ve recently applied for the Heathrow Train Driver position with GWR. I’ve already completed all my train driver assessments, including the MMI interview, and have passed them. I’m just wondering:

• Can I expect GWR to accept my existing results, or will I need to retake any assessments?
• Has anyone been through this role before? How does the training look in practice?
• How does the pay, holidays, and overall process work for this role?

Any insights or experiences would be really helpful. Thanks in advance!

 

[Unobrow]

Heathrow Train Driver Role – Advice?

Hi all,

I’ve recently applied for the Heathrow Train Driver position with GWR. I’ve already completed all my train driver assessments, including the MMI interview, and have passed them. I’m just wondering:

• Can I expect GWR to accept my existing results, or will I need to retake any assessments?
• Has anyone been through this role before? How does the training look in practice?
• How does the pay, holidays, and overall process work for this role?

Any insights or experiences would be really helpful. Thanks in advance!

Your previous results will depend on if they’re up to the standard this company accepts. It seems from previous answers they may be run separately to GWR, but I can’t confirm that. They’ll look at your previous results if you’re fortunate enough to get to that stage.

I‘d assume the training will follow the general route that just about most other companies follow. 3-4 months of rules, traction training, then off to dot for practical handling.

 

[LouMel]

Hi. I have just successfully completed the SJT. Is it data checking next? Thank so much

 

[traineeyh]

Your previous results will depend on if they’re up to the standard this company accepts. It seems from previous answers they may be run separately to GWR, but I can’t confirm that. They’ll look at your previous results if you’re fortunate enough to get to that stage.

I‘d assume the training will follow the general route that just about most other companies follow. 3-4 months of rules, traction training, then off to dot for practical handling.

Thanks for the response. They accepted my application and forwarded me to Gwr via link, so I guess it is the same company.

 

[Reactor Scram]

Hi. I have just successfully completed the SJT. Is it data checking next? Thank so much

I've applied. Two tests. The first one a situational judgement exercise. No time limit. Was invited to do it straight after application submission.

Second was the error checking test. 10 min time limit. Got nowhere near finishing it. Invited to that straight after I'd finished the SJE.

In terms of how long to hear. No idea. Previously I've been rejected a day or two after the advert closes so I'm going with no news is good news if I don't get rejected this time.

☝️

 

[1725RJ]

Hi, I’ve just completed the two online assessments with GWR for Trainee Train Driver.

The first one claimed to take around 15-20 minutes but it actually took me 50 due to taking my time. Is this something they’ll penalise against?

The second online test I didn’t complete as it timed out after 10 minutes.

Any idea when they advise if you’ve been successful please?

Best wishes

 

[Reactor Scram]

I've applied. Two tests. The first one a situational judgement exercise. No time limit. Was invited to do it straight after application submission. Unsure whether you are penalised if you take your time - probably not.

Second was the error checking test. 10 min time limit. Got nowhere near finishing it. Invited to that straight after I'd finished the SJE.

In terms of how long to hear. No idea. Previously I've been rejected a day or two after the advert closes so I'm going with no news is good news if I don't get rejected this time. Advert closes today 20 Oct. Good luck.

 

[1725RJ]

I've applied. Two tests. The first one a situational judgement exercise. No time limit. Was invited to do it straight after application submission. Unsure whether you are penalised if you take your time - probably not.

Second was the error checking test. 10 min time limit. Got nowhere near finishing it. Invited to that straight after I'd finished the SJE.

In terms of how long to hear. No idea. Previously I've been rejected a day or two after the advert closes so I'm going with no news is good news if I don't get rejected this time. Advert closes today 20 Oct. Good luck.

Best of luck to you too! Fingers crossed