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LNER - Trainee/Apprentice Train Driver - Recruitment Discussion

Psalms3418

Member
Joined
17 Dec 2025
Messages
31
Location
London
Was fortunate enough to have passed the DMI for Kings Cross, Psychometric tests are next up, booked in for early March up in Doncaster.

During the interview (Early Feb) they said they had around 24 people they were interviewing, if I recall correctly, but as previously mentioned by some they are doing them in batches so this may have already changed since.

If successful at all stages they were talking about potential courses in April & June but they were very clear they aren't confirmed as of yet.

Wishing everybody the best of luck!
That’s great news, congratulations!
Hoping you get through psychometrics with flying colours!

I heard the same about a potential April course if slots aren’t already filled by the end of the application process.

Having already completed my psychometric tests with another TOC to enhanced standard, I’m hoping it’s enough to also cover LNER’s.
 
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justbehappy29

Member
Joined
21 Apr 2025
Messages
8
Location
United Kingdom
Was fortunate enough to have passed the DMI for Kings Cross, Psychometric tests are next up, booked in for early March up in Doncaster.

During the interview (Early Feb) they said they had around 24 people they were interviewing, if I recall correctly, but as previously mentioned by some they are doing them in batches so this may have already changed since.

If successful at all stages they were talking about potential courses in April & June but they were very clear they aren't confirmed as of yet.

Wishing everybody the best of luck!
CONGRATS !!! and do you mind me asking what was the DMI like and questions and also does anybody else know what was asked in the DMI?
 

Neatro

Member
Joined
30 May 2018
Messages
536
Location
Birmingham
That’s great news, congratulations!
Hoping you get through psychometrics with flying colours!

I heard the same about a potential April course if slots aren’t already filled by the end of the application process.

Having already completed my psychometric tests with another TOC to enhanced standard, I’m hoping it’s enough to also cover LNER’s.
Keep in mind enhanced standard doesn't exist. There's national and then what each toc wants above that.
 

hendo1995

Member
Joined
11 Jan 2026
Messages
25
Location
Edinburgh
I was trying to he optimistic about hearing back for Edinburgh but considering people are already passing physc tests it’s not looking great :lol:
 

Mihigo26

Member
Joined
10 Feb 2025
Messages
66
Location
Edinburgh
I mean they are obviously doing it in batches and the e-mail said to wait 6 months. I've moved on again. CrossCountry with their stupidly hard sift process and LNER with their horrendous batch processing of applicants. Hardly making me want to work with either of them.
 

Psalms3418

Member
Joined
17 Dec 2025
Messages
31
Location
London
Just heard back from DMI, unfortunately I wasn’t successful.

Good luck to everyone else on their application!
 

Chaz15

Member
Joined
18 Jun 2018
Messages
93
Just heard back from DMI, unfortunately I wasn’t successful.

Good luck to everyone else on their application!
Sorry to hear that, you've obviously done well to get to that stage and just didn't go your way on the day.

It's experience for the next time, all the best.
 

daniel97

Member
Joined
15 Sep 2017
Messages
17
Location
United Kingdom
Heard back from my DMI and whilst I passed the DMI, they've placed me in a 6-month talent pool rather than progressing me to psychometrics at this stage, as they must have just had a much higher number than anticipated of people passing. I was told by one of the guys doing the interviews that there was no specific number they're looking for, and that if you pass the DMI then you move on to psychometrics, so looks to have been a change to that process. Best of luck to all who have tests coming up, and hope I'm able to get them booked in soon!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==

Hi all hope everyone enjoying their day, I have question how long is the DMI and how many questions do they ask?
It was about an hour for me and they asked 6 questions. I'll be honest though I do not remember what I was asked so unable to help on that front if you wanted to know :( I think the only one I can confidently remember is 'describe a time when you made an error' or words to that effect. It's not a catch out question either, they're looking to see how you respond to your own mistakes
 

Liam Brown

New Member
Joined
21 Jan 2026
Messages
3
Location
Edinburgh
Any one else on hold for edinburgh, heard anything yet?
What do you mean by on hold? Last I heard was the generic email which states they get through the applications in batches and that they'd hold the interview videos for 6 months.

Have you had other communication from them?
 

Swoosh2121

Member
Joined
10 Jan 2026
Messages
21
Location
edinburgh
What i'm going to say is chinese whispers, take it as you wish. Pal of mine who works for LNER told me there is a handful of spots for this position (less than 5) and over 10,000 applied. Spots are filled apparently. Hopefully we will be consdered for the next batch of positions
 

Arussoco

Member
Joined
6 Apr 2024
Messages
73
Location
Edinburgh
What i'm going to say is chinese whispers, take it as you wish. Pal of mine who works for LNER told me there is a handful of spots for this position (less than 5) and over 10,000 applied. Spots are filled apparently. Hopefully we will be consdered for the next batch of positions
Yeah that's what i heard too , Start dates are in April
 

Hamna

Member
Joined
24 Apr 2023
Messages
76
Location
London
Hey everyone I didn’t heard anything back from LNER from video interview for king’s cross gate depot is there anyone on same boat
 

lee1234

Member
Joined
23 Dec 2025
Messages
16
Location
Lee SE12
Sadly yes. Did the video interview for Kings Cross too and then heard nothing until I received this holding email on 2nd March. I guess they filled their quota of trainees for this round so they placed the other candidates into a holding pool for 6 months, and then after that they'll drop the applications. If someone at LNER has the time it would be nice to get some feedback on the interview even if they don't progress my application.

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TJ123

Member
Joined
25 Feb 2017
Messages
68
Yeah I have heard there was a course for Edinburgh at the end of April, I also hear that there is a course for Edinburgh drivers in August as well, anyone for the August course?
 

Dee12321

Member
Joined
22 Jan 2026
Messages
10
Location
London
I just got a rejection email from LNER for the Kings Cross role. Been waiting for a response since the video interview. Disappointing, but it is what it is. Good luck peeps
 

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lee1234

Member
Joined
23 Dec 2025
Messages
16
Location
Lee SE12
I just got a rejection email from LNER for the Kings Cross role. Been waiting for a response since the video interview. Disappointing, but it is what it is. Good luck peeps
Sorry to hear that - I got the exact same email rejection at 11:57 this morning - I wonder if they are doing a mass rejection of candidates today.
 

Dee12321

Member
Joined
22 Jan 2026
Messages
10
Location
London
Likewise. I think they have sent out mass rejections. Got mine the same time as you and I think they said there were 10k applicants.
Sorry to hear that - I got the exact same email rejection at 11:57 this morning - I wonder if they are doing a mass rejection of candidates today.
 

RDJW18

Member
Joined
10 Dec 2025
Messages
37
Location
Kent
Sorry to hear that - I got the exact same email rejection at 11:57 this morning - I wonder if they are doing a mass rejection of candidates today.
I to got a rejection email at the same time. Looks like it’s a mass rejection thing. Gutted.
 

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