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GWR - Trainee Train Driver - Recruitment Discussion

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superkk88

Member
Joined
1 Nov 2025
Messages
7
Location
hackney london
yeh was the same
Do you remember what the question was on training or how it was worded

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Do you remember what the question was on training or how it was worded
Sorry also the question around following a procedure was it safety procedure or just procedure in general.

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yeh was the same
Hope it went well btw, its such a hard industry to get into.
 

Mins

Member
Joined
14 Oct 2025
Messages
68
Location
London
Do you remember what the question was on training or how it was worded

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Sorry also the question around following a procedure was it safety procedure or just procedure in general.

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Hope it went well btw, its such a hard industry to get into.
Hi mate, sorry i cant remember exactly, however was something around the lines that Hamna mentioned - as i done 3 video interviews yesterday 2 for other industries, its a bit fuzzy
 

Hamna

Member
Joined
24 Apr 2023
Messages
76
Location
London
It was about safety procedures not just procedure. Hopefully you’ll done good in it
 

Chippychips

Member
Joined
14 Jan 2022
Messages
267
Location
London
Trying to figure out the training question and what they will
Ask based on training. Thats thrown me
To be fair, I think the person (@Hamna) who recollected their questions from memory has given you lot the advantage! As much as this is a community-style forum, most people don't share 'anything' so specific to give the advantage to their 'competition', as you're all fighting for the same role/s.
Better to take what you got a run, rather than try to find out more.
The idea of interview questions are to see what you can draw from memory/experience and communicate that somewhat spontaneously, not to recite a perfectly prepared answer in advance of knowing what you are going to be asked. In my opinion that's cheating.
The fact that someone said you get 2 attempts to record is more than enough to read, jot something down, and do again if need be.

You will be fine. Just trust in yourself and your experience mate.
 

LouMel

Member
Joined
16 Jun 2025
Messages
51
Location
Somerset
Hi. Not heard any more since an email to say application is with hiring manager, but I know I have to be patient. For those that have got through to the online interview, do they give you a few days to complete it? Anyone else put Westbury as their first choice? Be interested to hear how you are getting on in the Westbury and Bristol areas. TIA
 

Reactor Scram

Member
Joined
3 Feb 2024
Messages
122
Location
Bristol
I think the recent video interview invites were mainly Paddington and they were not a depot advertised in the October advert. Maybe Paddington was advertised earlier in the year.

I've not had any updates for Bristol since the hiring manager email.
 

officewalla

Member
Joined
22 Apr 2019
Messages
203
Location
South of England
Hi all,

I’ve just been invited for a video interview with GWR based at Heathrow.

I’ve already passed all assessments, including the MMI with Southeastern, so this stage should be slightly different from a standard MMI.

For anyone who’s been through the GWR process recently:

  • What kind of questions should I expect at the video interview stage?
  • Is it mainly behavioural/competency-based, or are there role-specific or safety questions too?
  • Any tips on what GWR seem to value most (teamwork, safety focus, customer service, etc.)?
  • Roughly how long does the interview last?
Any insights from recent candidates or current GWR drivers would be really appreciated.

Thanks in advance!
Do you mean Heathrow Express which is owned by First Group. GWR is also owned by FG.
 

FGW_DID

Established Member
Joined
23 Jun 2011
Messages
3,035
Location
81D & 81E
Do you mean Heathrow Express which is owned by First Group. GWR is also owned by FG.

Heathrow Express isn’t owned by First Group. GWR run the HX rail service on behalf of Heathrow Airport Limited. The trains are maintained and driven by GWR personnel
 

Nae.Nai

New Member
Joined
28 Jul 2020
Messages
2
Location
Birmingham
I've applied for the GWR Heathrow Express Trainee Train Driver role for Paddington. Completed the SJT , error check test and completed the video interview last night. I got a response saying video interviews are screened on a first completed first screened basis so now i'm waiting for a response. Anyone else in for Paddington?
 

Mins

Member
Joined
14 Oct 2025
Messages
68
Location
London
I've applied for the GWR Heathrow Express Trainee Train Driver role for Paddington. Completed the SJT , error check test and completed the video interview last night. I got a response saying video interviews are screened on a first completed first screened basis so now i'm waiting for a response. Anyone else in for Paddington?
yeh im at the same stage for Paddington - video interview completed Monday
 

BA11Eagle

Member
Joined
22 Mar 2023
Messages
40
Location
Wiltshire
Just for those who are currently going through the process, to fully understand how long the process can take, my journey to the talent pool below:

February 2024: Applied for the role (+initial tests).
August 2024: Application under review.
September 2024: Video Interview Stage.
Start of October 2024: Passed Video Interview.
April 2025: Invite to book assessment centre.
May 2025: Assessment Centre
End of May 2025: Passed Assessment Centre
July 2025: Invite to MMI.
August 2025: Sat MMI & passed.
September 2025: Invite to DMI.
October 2025: DMI + found out not long ago that I had made it to the Talent Pool.

Trust the process, don’t think about the time it takes, it’s worth it. The job itself needs the commitment shown in the application process so stick to it.

Some people will help but also understand that it’s a competitive position and you won’t find everything out on here (the video interview gives you plenty of time to think about your answer).

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==

Just for those who are currently going through the process, to fully understand how long the process can take, my journey to the talent pool below:

February 2024: Applied for the role (+initial tests).
August 2024: Application under review.
September 2024: Video Interview Stage.
Start of October 2024: Passed Video Interview.
April 2025: Invite to book assessment centre.
May 2025: Assessment Centre
End of May 2025: Passed Assessment Centre
July 2025: Invite to MMI.
August 2025: Sat MMI & passed.
September 2025: Invite to DMI.
October 2025: DMI + found out not long ago that I had made it to the Talent Pool.

Trust the process, don’t think about the time it takes, it’s worth it. The job itself needs the commitment shown in the application process so stick to it.

Some people will help but also understand that it’s a competitive position and you won’t find everything out on here (the video interview gives you plenty of time to think about your answer).
and just to reference, I applied for a role at Westbury in 2023, thought about it everyday from March till the July driving myself crazy to then be told I didn’t get to the video interview stage.

Fast forward to now and I’m waiting for a start date - my main advice is, apply, leave it alone till you know you’re on to the next stage and then throw yourself into it!

I never thought I’d be in this position and after following the above this time round it puts you at ease to fully apply yourself at each stage!

Good luck to all!! :)
 

halfajob

Member
Joined
23 Jun 2025
Messages
37
Location
West Country
As someone who went through this process I completely agree with you. I remember going into my DMI and thinking this is the last hurdle of many as this was a marathon not a sprint.

Please remember though they aren't after excitable bunnies. They want people who are safety conscious, have very high standards and able to work on their own. It is hard work especially learning the rules parts if youre external! Even the ex guards on my course struggled at some point.

I wish you all luck!
Just for those who are currently going through the process, to fully understand how long the process can take, my journey to the talent pool below:

February 2024: Applied for the role (+initial tests).
August 2024: Application under review.
September 2024: Video Interview Stage.
Start of October 2024: Passed Video Interview.
April 2025: Invite to book assessment centre.
May 2025: Assessment Centre
End of May 2025: Passed Assessment Centre
July 2025: Invite to MMI.
August 2025: Sat MMI & passed.
September 2025: Invite to DMI.
October 2025: DMI + found out not long ago that I had made it to the Talent Pool.

Trust the process, don’t think about the time it takes, it’s worth it. The job itself needs the commitment shown in the application process so stick to it.

Some people will help but also understand that it’s a competitive position and you won’t find everything out on here (the video interview gives you plenty of time to think about your answer).

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==


and just to reference, I applied for a role at Westbury in 2023, thought about it everyday from March till the July driving myself crazy to then be told I didn’t get to the video interview stage.

Fast forward to now and I’m waiting for a start date - my main advice is, apply, leave it alone till you know you’re on to the next stage and then throw yourself into it!

I never thought I’d be in this position and after following the above this time round it puts you at ease to fully apply yourself at each stage!

Good luck to all!! :)
 

vc99

Member
Joined
17 May 2025
Messages
86
Location
warminster
Just for those who are currently going through the process, to fully understand how long the process can take, my journey to the talent pool below:

February 2024: Applied for the role (+initial tests).
August 2024: Application under review.
September 2024: Video Interview Stage.
Start of October 2024: Passed Video Interview.
April 2025: Invite to book assessment centre.
May 2025: Assessment Centre
End of May 2025: Passed Assessment Centre
July 2025: Invite to MMI.
August 2025: Sat MMI & passed.
September 2025: Invite to DMI.
October 2025: DMI + found out not long ago that I had made it to the Talent Pool.

Trust the process, don’t think about the time it takes, it’s worth it. The job itself needs the commitment shown in the application process so stick to it.

Some people will help but also understand that it’s a competitive position and you won’t find everything out on here (the video interview gives you plenty of time to think about your answer).

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==


and just to reference, I applied for a role at Westbury in 2023, thought about it everyday from March till the July driving myself crazy to then be told I didn’t get to the video interview stage.

Fast forward to now and I’m waiting for a start date - my main advice is, apply, leave it alone till you know you’re on to the next stage and then throw yourself into it!

I never thought I’d be in this position and after following the above this time round it puts you at ease to fully apply yourself at each stage!

Good luck to all!! :)
Great stuff, how long is your work notice?
Take it your applying for westbury,
 

BA11Eagle

Member
Joined
22 Mar 2023
Messages
40
Location
Wiltshire
As someone who went through this process I completely agree with you. I remember going into my DMI and thinking this is the last hurdle of many as this was a marathon not a sprint.

Please remember though they aren't after excitable bunnies. They want people who are safety conscious, have very high standards and able to work on their own. It is hard work especially learning the rules parts if youre external! Even the ex guards on my course struggled at some point.

I wish you all luck!
Couldn’t agree anymore to this response!

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Great stuff, how long is your work notice?
Take it your applying for westbury,
My notice period is 1 week - I do however worry that I won’t be invited on to a course till late next year as I have a 2 week holiday at the end of June and also my wedding/best man’s wedding in September & October so I’m sure they’ll postpone any possible start date.

No it’s for Bristol Parkway.
 

erer245

Member
Joined
8 May 2025
Messages
34
Location
weston
Anyone who's been offered the role. I passed medical near 3 weeks ago now and am yet to be offered a contract. Is this normal? Start date 5th Jan and patiently waiting now.
 

PlayedRex

Member
Joined
12 Jun 2025
Messages
67
Location
Exeter
For anyone in the talent pool at Exeter, just had my conditional offer today for a start date in February so they are moving through the talent pool. I passed my DMI in July.
 

bas32

Member
Joined
31 Aug 2025
Messages
44
Location
Swansea
Just had my offer for Swansea as well, start date in February so we must be on the same course!
For anyone in the talent pool at Exeter, just had my conditional offer today for a start date in February so they are moving through the talent pool. I passed my DMI in July.
 

PlayedRex

Member
Joined
12 Jun 2025
Messages
67
Location
Exeter
Just had my offer for Swansea as well, start date in February so we must be on the same course!
I figured you’d be up closer to Swansea as I think most of my training is Exeter and Plymouth which would be a lot of travel for you
 

bas32

Member
Joined
31 Aug 2025
Messages
44
Location
Swansea
I figured you’d be up closer to Swansea as I think most of my training is Exeter and Plymouth which would be a lot of travel for you
Ah that makes sense. The training for Swansea takes place in Bristol and Swindon so thought everyone would go there.
 

PlayedRex

Member
Joined
12 Jun 2025
Messages
67
Location
Exeter
Ah that makes sense. The training for Swansea takes place in Bristol and Swindon so thought everyone would go there.
I’ll probably see you on my induction as I know that’ll be taking place in Swindon! I’ll definitely be staying overnight as it’s 3 hours each way for me…
 

kuklakolduna3

Member
Joined
27 Jul 2025
Messages
19
Location
Reading
For anyone in the talent pool at Exeter, just had my conditional offer today for a start date in February so they are moving through the talent pool. I passed my DMI in July.
Hello. I’m currently in the process to become a trainee TD for Reading. Just passed my MMI. If you don’t mind me asking, and since we are at very different locations, could you please tell me what sort of questions should i expect on my DMI? Will be it more about GWR itself or pretty much same as we had on MMI?

I’ll be much appreciated your help.
I have no one else to ask and get so nervous

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I’d be very appreciative if anyone who passed the DMI could give me just a rough understanding what type of questions gonna be asked on DMI
 

PlayedRex

Member
Joined
12 Jun 2025
Messages
67
Location
Exeter
Hello. I’m currently in the process to become a trainee TD for Reading. Just passed my MMI. If you don’t mind me asking, and since we are at very different locations, could you please tell me what sort of questions should i expect on my DMI? Will be it more about GWR itself or pretty much same as we had on MMI?

I’ll be much appreciated your help.
I have no one else to ask and get so nervous

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I’d be very appreciative if anyone who passed the DMI could give me just a rough understanding what type of questions gonna be asked on DMI
It was a lot less intense than the MMI, the driver managers at ESD were very friendly and helped me relax quickly. From what I remember the questions were fairly similar to MMI ones although a bit more GWR based, going through their values, asking why you wanted to work there, why you wanted to be a train driver etc. My memory is similar to an MMI as there are some competency/safety based questions but they also want to get to know you at the same time.
 

traineeyh

Member
Joined
5 Oct 2025
Messages
38
Location
london
Got a response today to say that I have passed my video interview and am now waiting for them to complete psychometric history checking.
Same mate, I’ve completed all my assessments within the past month with south eastern, so I guess I’m waiting for a driver manger interview.
 

Ell1809

Member
Joined
7 Oct 2025
Messages
16
Location
London
Same mate, I’ve completed all my assessments within the past month with south eastern, so I guess I’m waiting for a driver manger interview.
That’s brilliant mate, I have completed stage 1 assessments with Chiltern and passed. So not sure what will come back from the checks. Good luck if you get an interview!!
 

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