Southeastern - Trainee Driver - Recruitment Discussion

[Temu31S]

Just curious i'm considering transtioning to train driver career even other roles before the asssements and tests. Whats the best way to increase my chance of reaching past the application stage. Thanks.

 

[RDJW18]

How many got through?

More people passed than failed today which was nice as a group. Even the assessors said it’s unheard of this many people passing in a group.

 

[loz221470087]

More people passed than failed today which was nice as a group. Even the assessors said it’s unheard of this many people passing in a group.

funnily enough I had my assessment last week, more passed than failed then too! I think 8 passed out of 14

 

[Twin82]

In my group. 12 out of about 18 people passed. Only 2 of us applied for the Charing X depot. Did you guys get people applying for Charing X in your groups? I hardly see anyone in the forum mentioning Charing X. Could that be a good thing for me?

 

[RDJW18]

In my group. 12 out of about 18 people passed. Only 2 of us applied for the Charing X depot. Did you guys get people applying for Charing X in your groups? I hardly see anyone in the forum mentioning Charing X. Could that be a good thing for me?

There was no one from Charing X in my group. Pretty much every depot bar Charing X.

 

[Brickz]

I am also waiting for CX, I emailed them in Feb just to chase things up.
They emailed back saying there are currently no vacancies at CX but as soon as there are they will be in touch do interviews.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 28 Apr 2026 ==


When applying for other toc did you have to retake any of the OPC assessments.
I have passed mine with Southeastern in October last year so wondering if I was to apply for other companies would they be valid.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 28 Apr 2026 ==


Well done, you must be so relieved after waiting so long.
Congratulations
I passed my assessments in October and still waiting for my DMI and that feels like forever.
How did you keep on top of your knowledge and revision etc, I'm finding it quite difficult as I have no clue how long I'll be waiting for my DMI.
I started off so well, reading about the company, printing out information, making flash cards. Now I've completely slowed down.
Feel a little bit lost

Only reason that you might need to re-take any is if your score on a test hasn't as high as what they have set for their own standard but it is quite possible that yours are high enough only way to find out is to apply and when comes to getting the OPC invite you can email them direct and ask the OPC will then check and let you know.

 

[Jam248]

Morning,
The MMI was surprisingly easy, one to one chat that lasted 30mins max and I was informed at the end that I had passed.
I’m pretty sure all the same questions are asked on paper, you get 15/20mins to fill out the form before being called in.

1. Give an example of a time which demonstrates you can be relied upon to do a job well, even when in the face of difficulties?
2. Give an example of a time when you had to do a task where it was important to not make a mistake.
3. Give an example of a time you have been required to follow strict rules and procedures?
4. Describe a situation where you have had to take control of a pressurised or emergency situation?
5. Give an example of a situation where you have had to really preserve to learn or achieve something?
6. Give an example of a task you have undertaken that you think is similar to a task within the train driver role

Hi got my MMI with GWR in June, thanks for this information. Was yours with GWR? Wondering if the 6 questions are the same regardless of the company as it does state it’s opc? How many interviewed you and did they ask any MMI 2 questions? I have my MMI 1 & 2 the same day. Thanks

 

[Twin82]

It’s been the same since 2013 (I think the year was). I got the exact questions for my MMI. Reading MickeyC and a few other guys posts really helped, so thank you all. And yes, they all use the same questions. Avanti is the only one that doesn’t use those questions. It’s part of the assessment pass, so the questions are standardized across the board. Hope that helps.

 

[Jam248]

It’s been the same since 2013 (I think the year was). I got the exact questions for my MMI. Reading MickeyC and a few other guys posts really helped, so thank you all. And yes, they all use the same questions. Avanti is the only one that doesn’t use those questions. It’s part of the assessment pass, so the questions are standardized across the board. Hope that helps.

Did you pass your MMI? I’m wondering why I got MMI 1 & 2 could you elaborate on the 2? If you’ve had the MMI? Thanks.

 

[Twin82]

Did you pass your MMI? I’m wondering why I got MMI 1 & 2 could you elaborate on the 2? If you’ve had the MMI? Thanks.

Yes I did. My emails mentioned nothing about MMI 1 and 2 though. I was told in the interview I passed and will get the confirmation email from her colleague later on. If I was to take a constructive guess, I would assume MMI 1 is the SJT that is carried out on the computer. And MMI 2 consists of the pre interview form and the interview itself, which was extremely relaxed in my experience. Was told beforehand it would last about 40 minutes.

I also think, having the interview at Southeastern is a plus, as it’s conducted by people who work for Southeastern and not directly from OPC. This is my opinion though. The SE staff wants you to pass. They are very professional and have the gift of getting the best out of you. They have a way of making you feel very relaxed as I was a bag of nerves, but felt comfortable in the interview. I believe you will be ok. You got this.

 

[Jam248]

I ap

Yes I did. My emails mentioned nothing about MMI 1 and 2 though. I was told in the interview I passed and will get the confirmation email from her colleague later on. If I was to take a constructive guess, I would assume MMI 1 is the SJT that is carried out on the computer. And MMI 2 consists of the pre interview form and the interview itself, which was extremely relaxed in my experience. Was told beforehand it would last about 40 minutes.

I also think, having the interview at Southeastern is a plus, as it’s conducted by people who work for Southeastern and not directly from OPC. This is my opinion though. The SE staff wants you to pass. They are very professional and have the gift of getting the best out of you. They have a way of making you feel very relaxed as I was a bag of nerves, but felt comfortable in the interview. I believe you will be ok. You got this.

I appreciate your kind words, I have already passed the assessment day with GWR which consisted of computerised tests and the SJE. This assessment states I will fill out a CDF and a PIF then on to a MMI 1 approx 1 hours then a MMI 2 which is a further hour. So unsure wether it’s structured differently with GWR, confusing if I’m honest as I’m unsure how to prepare for the MMI 2

 

[Ellwill]

I also think, having the interview at Southeastern is a plus, as it’s conducted by people who work for Southeastern and not directly from OPC. This is my opinion though. The SE staff wants you to pass. They are very professional and have the gift of getting the best out of you. They have a way of making you feel very relaxed as I was a bag of nerves, but felt comfortable in the interview. I believe you will be ok. You got this.

Can also vouch for how good the SE team at Tonbridge is, they have a real knack for helping you feel at ease and will provide genuine encouragement to get your foot in the door any way you can if they think you're a good fit for the company.

 

[Twin82]

GWR

I was told from a good source that they are all the same. In that case, I think you should prepare answers for all 6 questions.

 

[mickeyC]

It’s been the same since 2013 (I think the year was). I got the exact questions for my MMI. Reading MickeyC and a few other guys posts really helped, so thank you all. And yes, they all use the same questions. Avanti is the only one that doesn’t use those questions. It’s part of the assessment pass, so the questions are standardized across the board. Hope that helps.

glad I can assist.

 

[Twin82]

glad I can assist.

How is your journey going mate? I believe you're in training now started in April right? I was locked in to your conversation with a few other people that got on the April course as well. Enjoying it so far?

I was told at my mmi that there will be a course running in June,but I would not be getting my dmi for that course as they aillprioritise the people that have already had interviews for that particular course dste. I would be looking around the end of this year, going into next year.

If it's not too much to ask, could you tell me about your dmi experience, and things you suggest me doing to prepare for it? Can't believe I'm one step away from a place on the course! Please and thanks.

 

[mickeyC]

How is your journey going mate? I believe you're in training now started in April right? I was locked in to your conversation with a few other people that got on the April course as well. Enjoying it so far?

I was told at my mmi that there will be a course running in June,but I would not be getting my dmi for that course as they aillprioritise the people that have already had interviews for that particular course dste. I would be looking around the end of this year, going into next year.

If it's not too much to ask, could you tell me about your dmi experience, and things you suggest me doing to prepare for it? Can't believe I'm one step away from a place on the course! Please and thanks.

Only been on the course a week, it’s going to be a difficult few months ahead with revision and tests but I’m looking forward to it.
The guys I’m with and trainers are a good bunch.
My DMI was actually really good, it’s a lot like a standard interview/chat, they’ll want you to know lots about the company, so polish up on history and current projects, any info they send prior to your DMI will outline expectations.

 

[RDJW18]

Only been on the course a week, it’s going to be a difficult few months ahead with revision and tests but I’m looking forward to it.
The guys I’m with and trainers are a good bunch.
My DMI was actually really good, it’s a lot like a standard interview/chat, they’ll want you to know lots about the company, so polish up on history and current projects, any info they send prior to your DMI will outline expectations.

Hi mate, just a quick one. How long was you waiting post assessments pass for MMI and DMI ?

 

[mickeyC]

Hi mate, just a quick one. How long was you waiting post assessments pass for MMI and DMI ?

Ashford assessments Nov 2025
DMI booked for Jan 20th 2026
Medical and MMI back to back Feb 9th and 10th.
Offer of employment 13th Feb.

 

[GemmaLouise]

Hello GemmaLouise. Ive got a feeling you're the Gemma I sat beside when I did my assessments in October. Were you sitting at the back of the room? I was at the left corner at the back, facing the assessor. We were the only 2 candidates out of the 13 that passed that day (which is a lot going off some of the posts I've read on here), that applied for the Charing X depot.

My cousin works at your workplace, asked if he knew you but he doesn't. To answer your question, yes you can, and you should apply to other companies. To my knowledge, most will use your assessment pass, whist some will require you to do an extra test. Eg southern. Hope this helps.

I did do my assessments in October and was actually sitting at the back too, however there were quite a few people that passed that day so not sure if I am the same Gemma haha. Unless you meant we were the only 2 for Charing x that passed?
I really just want to get my interview done. Feel like I'm on hold at the minute with everything.
I'm definitely going to have a look for other vacancies then.
I did apply for arriva the same time I applied for southeastern but I'm in their talent pool too.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 May 2026 ==

Only reason that you might need to re-take any is if your score on a test hasn't as high as what they have set for their own standard but it is quite possible that yours are high enough only way to find out is to apply and when comes to getting the OPC invite you can email them direct and ask the OPC will then check and let you know.

Okay thankyou, that makes sense.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 May 2026 ==

Hi guys, passed my assessment last week, anyone know a timeline for how long before I do the MMI?

I passed my assessments October last year. Still haven't had my DMI or MMI.
I've read some people have had a really quick turn around and some have waited 2 years. Nobody knows how it works, you just have to be patient and try and do some revision.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 May 2026 ==

I have just read something on Arriva Rail. It says that if you do another OPC enhanced assessment you could risk your 'pass' mark.
Does this mean that even though I've passed with Southeastern, if I don't pass with another company then my pass mark will be invalid?

 

[Twin82]

Sure, if I am the same Gemma haha. Unless you meant we were

It definitely was you sitting beside me at the assessment centre in October. That's how I knew you were sitting at the back. I was sitting to the left of you in the corner. And yes, we were the only 2 that applied to Charing X. And yes around 13 of us passed that day. Bus driving background like mine, right? Lol. My cousin works at your depot.

I was lucky to send an enquiry e-mail, querying about a holiday I planned to take. To my surprise, the response was an invitation for mmi. We were told we were having the DMI first right? On the day the interviewer said pretty much it's not set in stone which interview they conducted first. I was happy to have the mmi though as I now have the full pass that is valid for 5 years.

After the interview, initially I applied for the Charing x/Grove Park vacancy. She asked if I would be ok with her changing it to Victoria instead of Grove Park, which was perfect for me.

I've applied to a few other TOCs. GWR, GTR, Arriva and LNER, for which I didn't get past the online assessments. Kept stumbling on the STJ, but I think I know now why I've been failing them. Arrival totally didn't have a clue about the spatial reasoning test. If they should post vacancies after June, I will reapply for them all. Keep following up on your DMI invite every so often.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 May 2026 ==

mark.

assessment

even

I did do my assessments in October and was actually sitting at the back too, however there were quite a few people that passed that day so not sure if I am the same Gemma haha. Unless you meant we were the only 2 for Charing x that passed?
I really just want to get my interview done. Feel like I'm on hold at the minute with everything.
I'm definitely going to have a look for other vacancies then.
I did apply for arriva the same time I applied for southeastern but I'm in their talent pool too.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 May 2026 ==


Okay thankyou, that makes sense.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 May 2026 ==


I passed my assessments October last year. Still haven't had my DMI or MMI.
I've read some people have had a really quick turn around and some have waited 2 years. Nobody knows how it works, you just have to be patient and try and do some revision.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 May 2026 ==

I have just read something on Arriva Rail. It says that if you do another OPC enhanced assessment you could risk your 'pass' mark.
Does this mean that even though I've passed with Southeastern, if I don't pass with another company then my pass mark will be invalid?

In regards to the Ariva assessment, I believe that attachment you posted is accurate. The thing is, the enhanced pass is not 1 fit for all.. Some TOC’s may use an extra test, like the VSE for Southeastern, or the DFFT for GTR. Others may require a higher mark on a specific test. And some may require a higher mark across all the tests, like Arriva. So from my understanding, sitting the tests with arriva, which you already done with SE, failing them would risk your pass. I don't think it applies to the VSE as that test isn't a part of the standard syllabus.

 

[RDJW18]

Ashford assessments Nov 2025
DMI booked for Jan 20th 2026
Medical and MMI back to back Feb 9th and 10th.
Offer of employment 13th Feb.

That’s not too bad. Relatively quick turn around all things considered

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 May 2026 ==

I did do my assessments in October and was actually sitting at the back too, however there were quite a few people that passed that day so not sure if I am the same Gemma haha. Unless you meant we were the only 2 for Charing x that passed?
I really just want to get my interview done. Feel like I'm on hold at the minute with everything.
I'm definitely going to have a look for other vacancies then.
I did apply for arriva the same time I applied for southeastern but I'm in their talent pool too.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 May 2026 ==


Okay thankyou, that makes sense.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 May 2026 ==


I passed my assessments October last year. Still haven't had my DMI or MMI.
I've read some people have had a really quick turn around and some have waited 2 years. Nobody knows how it works, you just have to be patient and try and do some revision.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 May 2026 ==

I have just read something on Arriva Rail. It says that if you do another OPC enhanced assessment you could risk your 'pass' mark.
Does this mean that even though I've passed with Southeastern, if I don't pass with another company then my pass mark will be invalid?

I’m in the same boat regarding the risking of the pass. I’m due to attend an assessment centre with Arriva next month. But in all honesty I think I’m going to pull out of it. I don’t really want to risk my pass if I’m being honest, I’d rather just stick with SE and hopefully get through all the process with them.

 

[GemmaLouise]

That’s not too bad. Relatively quick turn around all things considered

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 May 2026 ==


I’m in the same boat regarding the risking of the pass. I’m due to attend an assessment centre with Arriva next month. But in all honesty I think I’m going to pull out of it. I don’t really want to risk my pass if I’m being honest, I’d rather just stick with SE and hopefully get through all the process with them.

To be honest I wouldn't risk it. I'd rather wait. If I were to fail my DMI then I would but hopefully that doesn't happen.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 6 May 2026 ==

It definitely was you sitting beside me at the assessment centre in October. That's how I knew you were sitting at the back. I was sitting to the left of you in the corner. And yes, we were the only 2 that applied to Charing X. And yes around 13 of us passed that day. Bus driving background like mine, right? Lol. My cousin works at your depot.

I was lucky to send an enquiry e-mail, querying about a holiday I planned to take. To my surprise, the response was an invitation for mmi. We were told we were having the DMI first right? On the day the interviewer said pretty much it's not set in stone which interview they conducted first. I was happy to have the mmi though as I now have the full pass that is valid for 5 years.

After the interview, initially I applied for the Charing x/Grove Park vacancy. She asked if I would be ok with her changing it to Victoria instead of Grove Park, which was perfect for me.

I've applied to a few other TOCs. GWR, GTR, Arriva and LNER, for which I didn't get past the online assessments. Kept stumbling on the STJ, but I think I know now why I've been failing them. Arrival totally didn't have a clue about the spatial reasoning test. If they should post vacancies after June, I will reapply for them all. Keep following up on your DMI invite every so often.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 May 2026 ==





In regards to the Ariva assessment, I believe that attachment you posted is accurate. The thing is, the enhanced pass is not 1 fit for all.. Some TOC’s may use an extra test, like the VSE for Southeastern, or the DFFT for GTR. Others may require a higher mark on a specific test. And some may require a higher mark across all the tests, like Arriva. So from my understanding, sitting the tests with arriva, which you already done with SE, failing them would risk your pass. I don't think it applies to the VSE as that test isn't a part of the standard syllabus.

Ah yes i do remember you.
Well done for passing your MMI only the DMI to go for you now.
They did say our DMI would be 1st yes, but I've read so many posts and so many different variations to the order in which they do the tests. Some people even had the assessments in Ashford before they had the Arctic shores tests online.
They asked me about Victoria too and I said I'd be happy to be considered for either charing cross or Victoria as they are both practically the same journey from where I live.
Such a dilemma with what to do in regards to applying for other tocs. I'd be kicking myself if I lost my pass mark. Part of me just thinks it's best to wait it out.
Good luck when you do get your interview.

 

[newbiewannabe]

Had my MMI yesterday and passed now I just have my medical in a couple of weeks with no potential start date, was told I have to wait for a vacancy at my depot. Anybody else in the same boat?

 

[Twin82]

To be honest I wouldn't risk it. I'd rather wait. If I were to fail my DMI then I would but hopefully that doesn't happen.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 6 May 2026 ==


Ah yes i do remember you.
Well done for passing your MMI only the DMI to go for you now.
They did say our DMI would be 1st yes, but I've read so many posts and so many different variations to the order in which they do the tests. Some people even had the assessments in Ashford before they had the Arctic shores tests online.
They asked me about Victoria too and I said I'd be happy to be considered for either charing cross or Victoria as they are both practically the same journey from where I live.
Such a dilemma with what to do in regards to applying for other tocs. I'd be kicking myself if I lost my pass mark. Part of me just thinks it's best to wait it out.
Good luck when you do get your interview.

Dunno how I overlooked this. Thanks Gem.

Yes they surely did say DMI before MMI. AND YES, it was confirmed that the order could change. As someone as advised, keep checking in with them regularly. I think I got really lucky getting mine as I only emailed to enquire if it's advisable taking holiday before getting a date for interview and they responded with an invitation. Maybe that's a new thing where they were calling people back to do the arctic shores assessment as it was their new way to do the online assessment and I guess it's a requirement now. Used to be the M7SJT. Ok, they asked you about Vixtoria as well. When did they ask you bc I was asked at my MMI? You should apply for other toc’s should there be vacancy postings. Give yourself more options.
Thanks again Gem. I hope your interview will come sooner than later.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 6 May 2026 ==

To be honest I wouldn't risk it. I'd rather wait. If I were to fail my DMI then I would but hopefully that doesn't happen.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 6 May 2026 ==


Ah yes i do remember you.
Well done for passing your MMI only the DMI to go for you now.
They did say our DMI would be 1st yes, but I've read so many posts and so many different variations to the order in which they do the tests. Some people even had the assessments in Ashford before they had the Arctic shores tests online.
They asked me about Victoria too and I said I'd be happy to be considered for either charing cross or Victoria as they are both practically the same journey from where I live.
Such a dilemma with what to do in regards to applying for other tocs. I'd be kicking myself if I lost my pass mark. Part of me just thinks it's best to wait it out.
Good luck when you do get your interview.

Oh yea. Just to add, in terms of risking your pass, you just have to be strategic about it. From my understanding, you will be ok applying to TOC’s that accept passes on national standard, eg SWR and GWR. You will also be ok with TOC’s that uses an extra assessment, bearing in mind the extra assessment isn't a part of the standard testing. So failing the extra test, eg VSE for SE or the DFFT for GTR, you would still have your pass. I was told if would not affect your enhanced pass with SE should you fail the DFFT with GTR. However, TOC’s such as Arriva, LNER, etc, may require a higHer score on the paper test and computer test, risking your pass. In that case, I wouldn't risk my pass with them.

 

[Gul]

Had my MMI yesterday and passed now I just have my medical in a couple of weeks with no potential start date, was told I have to wait for a vacancy at my depot. Anybody else in the same boat?

Congrats on the MMI. Hopefully you get a start date soon, but knowing all the interviews are out of the way must be a relief.

 

[newbiewannabe]

Congrats on the MMI. Hopefully you get a start date soon, but knowing all the interviews are out of the way must be a relief.

Cheers mate, huge relief! It’s been a 2 year journey and when I first applied in June 24 I didn’t think I stood a chance! To come this far and get through has blown me away. I’m over the moon!

 

[mickeyC]

Cheers mate, huge relief! It’s been a 2 year journey and when I first applied in June 24 I didn’t think I stood a chance! To come this far and get through has blown me away. I’m over the moon!

Congrats

 

[newbiewannabe]

Congrats

Cheers mate

 

[Chibi_robo]

Had my MMI yesterday and passed now I just have my medical in a couple of weeks with no potential start date, was told I have to wait for a vacancy at my depot. Anybody else in the same boat?

Yes, same here. June 24 applicant. I passed everything, all interviews and assessments, passed the medical mid April and told I'm in the talent pool. Literally waiting for a start date but no idea. Can't book summer holiday with the kids etc, very frustrating. Did they give you any indication of how long the wait would be?

 

[Ellwill]

Yes, same here. June 24 applicant. I passed everything, all interviews and assessments, passed the medical mid April and told I'm in the talent pool. Literally waiting for a start date but no idea. Can't book summer holiday with the kids etc, very frustrating. Did they give you any indication of how long the wait would be?

For talent pool they tend not to. The only information you can possibly get would be the number of people in the pool but you'd need to ask for it via FOI request. I'm not sure whether it's as bad for driving positions but for station staff I've been waiting 16 months now with little to no further updates...