Southeastern - Trainee Driver - Recruitment Discussion

[Az87]

Moderator note: This thread has been updated from July 2025 to discuss any new adverts for Southeastern trainee drivers going forward.

This just went up today: https://jobs.southeasternrailway.co.uk/jobs/job/Trainee-Train-Driver/2293 / https://careers.southeasternrailway.co.uk/members/modules/job/detail.php?record=2293

It says there are 170 positions and it is for all depots.

 

[NSEWonderer]

This just went up today: https://jobs.southeasternrailway.co.uk/jobs/job/Trainee-Train-Driver/2293

It says there are 170 positions and it is for all depots.

170 is a lot dang. Worth it for those trying to get in. They do have a very good training team from what I've seen and heard from Pals who've recently went with them.

 

[Horizon22]

This just went up today: https://jobs.southeasternrailway.co.uk/jobs/job/Trainee-Train-Driver/2293

It says there are 170 positions and it is for all depots.

Where did you read 170? I see that nowhere in the advert.

 

[Railee]

This just went up today: https://jobs.southeasternrailway.co.uk/jobs/job/Trainee-Train-Driver/2293

It says there are 170 positions and it is for all depots.

Interesting that they're advertising again. I applied in February and haven't heard anything, although wasn't expecting to until later this year.

Perhaps looking to keep their candidate pipeline full?

 

[Az87]

Where did you read 170? I see that nowhere in the advert.

It is visible now when you view it on mobile, earlier it wasn't visible to see this information on mobile.

Interesting that they're advertising again. I applied in February and haven't heard anything, although wasn't expecting to until later this year.

Perhaps looking to keep their candidate pipeline full?

I applied 3 weeks ago for Ashford and got an email 2 hours after applying saying they are prioritising applicants in the areas they are actively recruiting for but they are trying to send everyone to assessment as quickly as possible. The advert I applied to got taken down shortly after I applied.

Last week I saw a news article stating they are going on a big recruitment drive this summer and then this appeared today.

Due to my previous experience with the process I'm prepared to wait a year or 2 before anything happens if it happens sooner then it's a bonus.

 

[PK96]

I have applied.. I also applied for the previous advert they put up a couple of months ago I think it was. Yet to hear back!

 

[Horizon22]

It is visible now when you view it on mobile, earlier it wasn't visible to see this information on mobile.

I cannot see this on desktop or mobile - again where is it on the advert?

 

[Az87]

I cannot see this on desktop or mobile - again where is it on the advert?

I just checked and the link I posted above doesn't show it, but this link does: https://careers.southeasternrailway.co.uk/members/modules/job/detail.php?record=2293

 

[Horizon22]

I just checked and the link I posted above doesn't show it, but this link does: https://careers.southeasternrailway.co.uk/members/modules/job/detail.php?record=2293

So it does. Certainly a lot!

 

[NSEWonderer]

170 is pretty nuts, reminds me of when the Elizabeth Line needed drivers but that was due to being new.

 

[Jake90]

170 positions

Wow that's a lot of new drivers. Everyone in this thread could potentially be successful. I tried to send off the absolute best application I could, so I hope it works out. Looking for a position at Dartford, or maybe Gillingham. Good luck, guys!

 

[Leoleo1833]

This time around the had no sjt on the initial application

 

[NSEWonderer]

This time around the had no sjt on the initial application

I think they'll send it after most likely. Even with 170 vaccancies I'd assume some level of sifting is needed.

 

[AWB2000]

I’ve applied for a trainee train driver job at my local station. Just don’t want to get my hopes up on the chances of getting it. Has anyone else had success like this or do they seem to be easier for internal employees to get? Also what is the process after submitting application?

 

[Az87]

I actually believe it is easier for externals to get chosen from my personal experience. I applied 3 times as an internal, passed the assessment 3 times and always failed at the DMI. I left Southeastern and went into teaching. I applied as an external last month for trainee train driver.

The process after submitting is usually they check you are a suitable candidate from your initial application (screening process), they send you to do the assessment in Tonbridge and then you have a DMI. The length of times between each part varies. When I applied last month they let me know within 2 hours I had passed the screening process and I need to wait for the assessment so learning to be patient with the process is important.

 

[Leoleo1833]

Did anyone heard back from them?

 

[NSEWonderer]

Assessments from what I see are being handed out. A pal of mine received the first one which is a M7SJT, an online assessment on the OPC website with link and login specfic to candidate.

 

[AWB2000]

I was emailed a M7SJT which I’ve completed. Waiting to hear back from this

 

[Railee]

Me too. Completed M7SJT yesterday.

 

[typicalalex1]

Also completed the M7SJT yesterday, received the invite on the 10th.

 

[TobiasMoonsky]

I have recently attempted M7SJT but did not manage all of it. Result back could be after the closing date of the job application.

 

[theasdf]

I applied on 7 June and had the invite/did the M7SJT yesterday. I suppose it’s now time to wait.

 

[Kofi90]

Also completed the M7SJT yesterday, received the invite on the 10th.

What kind of questions do they ask please?

 

[Railee]

What kind of questions do they ask please?

When you get the invitation it has a link to some test questions on the OPC website. The links to the test site are unique for each candidate. There are 25 questions and you have 70 minutes to complete.

 

[typicalalex1]

What kind of questions do they ask please?

It isn't competency based questions, it just designed to see how you would react in certain situations. It isn't something you can revise or prepare for but you do get a practice question.

 

[JudeCaraccio44]

My Application got through! Did the M7SJT on the 12/06! Just awaiting to hear back! Fingers Crossed, good luck to all that did it!

 

[sharief]

Hi guys.. ive just done my M7SJT.. didnt manage to finish it all as timer run out. Anyone got any ideas on how they mark this or what the process is. Think i was on 19 out of 25 when it timed out.

Also do they let you resit it even if you pay yourself for the test?

Should i contact southeastern ?

Any help would be appreciated

 

[NSEWonderer]

It's a sifting test, no one knows the pass mark nor what they're looking specifically for in the grading.

You'd not be able to pay to sit it again especially as it's not one of the actual Assessment Center Psychometric Tests.

SE will contact you with the result when ready.

Hi guys.. ive just done my M7SJT.. didnt manage to finish it all as timer run out. Anyone got any ideas on how they mark this or what the process is. Think i was on 19 out of 25 when it timed out.

Also do they let you resit it even if you pay yourself for the test?

Should i contact southeastern ?

Any help would be appreciated

 

[theasdf]

Just had an email from Southeastern.

Test results will be reviewed after 30th June 2024 and we will update you on the outcome as soon as possible after this date.

 

[sharief]

It's a sifting test, no one knows the pass mark nor what they're looking specifically for in the grading.

You'd not be able to pay to sit it again especially as it's not one of the actual Assessment Center Psychometric Tests.

SE will contact you with the result when ready.

Does anyone know if its even possible to pass without completing all 25 questions ? Really worried about this and not sure what to do