OPC Tests - Technical issues

[Newbydo]

Hi all, I'm a first time poster (been reading the forums for a while) and am hoping someone might be able to give some advice based on previous experiences/ knowledge on the OPC testing system. Apologies that the post is a little long winded.

Following a job application (company to remain nameless) I was asked to complete VSE, M7SJT and driver personality Questionnaire online tests through OPC. After completing the M7SJT test it just wouldn't save, the internet line was fine, all my other devices worked perfectly, it just didn't want to connect with their server. Eventually it marked the test as Not Finished. After contacting OPC this morning I was told sorry, nothing we can do, come back in 6 months. The other tests were completed as normal.

I contacted the TOC this morning to inform them but don't expect anything positive to come from it.
My main query is, assuming the other tests are satisfactory, does this count as one of my 2 fails? Does anyone know anyone else who has had similar issues and did they get their two chances again, as surely a technical error shouldn't count as a fail, regardless as to whether you have to wait 6 months again?

I'm asking as I really don't know where I stand with this now.

 

[DunfordBridge]

What you have described really is not good. I think if I ever do these tests, I shall press F12 on the browser prior to submission, bring up the network tab on the debugger and see what kind of response I get from the server. Hopefully, a code 200 or similar.

At a very rough guess, I would say the results do not count as a loss of one of your lives but they told you to try again in six months. I am not sure if the six months applies to doing the tests themselves, or whether the six month is with that particular operator for whom the tests were been hosted. There are a fair few operators who do not use those tests and I cannot see the six months applying to those operator.

Be interesting to know how you get on with the TOC. If the response is not favourable, I would be inclined to give them a wide berth.

 

[dubscottie]

I did several OPC tests for a driver's job with Irish Rail. We did not do that test at home but there are time limits. You also need to follow the instructions.

Did you hit the back button on your browser? Those tests have a back button on the screen to use.

If you do it on the browser to go back to change something it may invalidate that part of the test.

 

[Newbydo]

I did everything as Per the instructions and finished the test 7 mins early. When I tried to save it said there was a connection error and to try saving again. There was nothing wrong with my internet, so I spent the next 10 mins trying to solve the issue with usual trouble shooting but with no success. Eventually it said your test could not save, please contact the administrator (So there must have been some sort of connection to change the screen).

The next morning I called OPC who said sorry, there's nothing we can do as it has to be done in one sitting. I asked if there were another set of questions as surely this isn't the first time something like this has happened, but was told these were the only 25 questions they have. I also asked if there was any possibility my answers to the test might somehow be held on their server, but they couldn't answer this.

The TOC was sympathetic but said it was an industry standard so they had to follow OPC rules and if the tests are sent back as unsuccessful they will be unable to progress the application.