Questions for current drivers.

[Stigy]

I'll be double checking my TOC's policies. I'm sure there is an entry in the rule book but I cannot see anything in TW1 about electronic devices in the cab. Which section of the Rule Book is it in ?

Our policy is clear in that we are to use electronic devices in certain circumstances. That comes with being 90% electronic as a company I guess?

Try G1? It’s very vague, as with a lot of the rulebook though. As with a lot of things, I’ve found the same thing dotted in different sections of the rulebook, but nothing more specific than using a mobile to contact the signaller?

 

[ComUtoR]

As with a lot of things, I’ve found the same thing dotted in different sections of the rulebook, but nothing more specific than using a mobile to contact the signaller?

There is a lot of history behind mobile phone use in the cab. It used to be outright banned due to incidents. Then it came back, then more incidents, banned again, but now its back but with specific use. What also happened is that TOCs are required to have Electronic device / Mobile phone policies in place as part of their safety case.

The rule book states that you can use it from a 'Position of safety' and after GSMR or Lineside equipment. It also says that you cannot use 'communications equipment' if it will cause a distraction or affect safety.

My TOC policy is much more specific.

 

[Stigy]

There is a lot of history behind mobile phone use in the cab. It used to be outright banned due to incidents. Then it came back, then more incidents, banned again, but now its back but with specific use. What also happened is that TOCs are required to have Electronic device / Mobile phone policies in place as part of their safety case.

The rule book states that you can use it from a 'Position of safety' and after GSMR or Lineside equipment. It also says that you cannot use 'communications equipment' if it will cause a distraction or affect safety.

My TOC policy is much more specific.

I think in this day and age it’s mainly because we rely so heavily on electronic comms equipment, especially since companies are heading more and more towards paperless working.

 

[andyccfc]

Whats the policy on wearing smart watches, not to answer calls etc but simply just as a watch? Is there any trust instilled in the driver to use their common sense with these?

 

[Stigy]

Whats the policy on wearing smart watches, not to answer calls etc but simply just as a watch? Is there any trust instilled in the driver to use their common sense with these?

They’re classed the same as phones by my TOC and governed by the same policy. Even an older Fitbit which is hardly a smart watch, but because it’s capable of receiving notifications, it’s a no no. My Fitbit doesn’t receive notifications if my phone is off anyway, so it wouldn’t be a distraction.

 

[Tomnick]

“signal XXX, T + main aspect = P1B, 5 car max, caution mid platform signal”.

...

Anyone else who signs that location will probably immediately recognise it from the above lol.

It’s the only place I can think of where (if you get a ‘T’ at the next signal too, which is obviously no good if you’re meant to be stopping there!) you’ve got three main signals (which could be green, yellow, red) all within about the length of an 8 car train! That’s before you get started on the sea of dollies on the way in...

 

[43066]

It’s the only place I can think of where (if you get a ‘T’ at the next signal too, which is obviously no good if you’re meant to be stopping there!) you’ve got three main signals (which could be green, yellow, red) all within about the length of an 8 car train! That’s before you get started on the sea of dollies on the way in...

Top man .

I’m also not keen on the red that seems to hide behind the bridge parapet, and jumps out at you, when you leave on a single yellow on the centre road bi-di !!!

 

[KJ83]

While I have a few experienced drivers and railway staff here I was hoping to pick your brains some more.

I have my first psychometric testing coming up and obviously I'm a tad nervous. I signed up for one of those How2Become courses online and the stuff that on there to practice for the tests is worrying... I've done lots of research, I've read up on what test to expect but this online course has really thrown me with IQ tests, spelling tests, maths and stuff.

Can someone help clear some things up for me while I wait for the TOC to send me the practice material?

What exactly will the 2 days include?
Eg Day 1, Group Bourdon, TRP I and TRP II
Day 2 ....

i know theopc has some practice material, I was going to get some of that but what package are best to get?

DFFT, SCAAT, TRFS etc?

Thanks for any help guys! much appreciated

 

[dan4291]

While I have a few experienced drivers and railway staff here I was hoping to pick your brains some more.

I have my first psychometric testing coming up and obviously I'm a tad nervous. I signed up for one of those How2Become courses online and the stuff that on there to practice for the tests is worrying... I've done lots of research, I've read up on what test to expect but this online course has really thrown me with IQ tests, spelling tests, maths and stuff.

Can someone help clear some things up for me while I wait for the TOC to send me the practice material?

What exactly will the 2 days include?
Eg Day 1, Group Bourdon, TRP I and TRP II
Day 2 ....

i know theopc has some practice material, I was going to get some of that but what package are best to get?

DFFT, SCAAT, TRFS etc?

Thanks for any help guys! much appreciated

The first stage tests are the paper based tests: Group Bourdon, TRP Parts 1 and 2 and Tea-Occ. The second stage tests are computer based: WAFV, ATAVT and 2 Hand Coordination. If you pass those you'll do your MMI. When I did mine earlier in the year I got sent the RSSB practice material which gives you a good idea of what to expect.

 

[KJ83]

What does the MMI entail ?

 

[dan4291]

What does the MMI entail ?

It's a structured interview where you are asked competency based questions. Search MMI on this forum and you'll find lots of info on it.

 

[J4mes]

The first stage tests are the paper based tests: Group Bourdon, TRP Parts 1 and 2 and Tea-Occ. The second stage tests are computer based: WAFV, ATAVT and 2 Hand Coordination. If you pass those you'll do your MMI. When I did mine earlier in the year I got sent the RSSB practice material which gives you a good idea of what to expect.

When I did mine 1st and 2nd times it was all the same day but the 3rd time was all done in the same day. The hardest part is after the MMI when you’re waiting to find out if you passed or not.

Practise materials are ”ok” to a degree but better info seems available using google or searching on here. I know there’s dots tests on YouTube which are identical to the real thing for example.