Southeastern - Trainee Driver - Recruitment Discussion

[Brickz]

Up next month at Ashford only for the 3 computer tests. Had already passed the paper tests elsewhere. Feeling nervous about these, mostly the grey/black square one. Anyone know how dark the grey square is at Southeastern? Thanks

The colour difference between the grey and black are very clear to spot when it does change.

 

[LBG2HSG]

Up next month at Ashford only for the 3 computer tests. Had already passed the paper tests elsewhere. Feeling nervous about these, mostly the grey/black square one. Anyone know how dark the grey square is at Southeastern? Thanks

I did that last year, it's not as bad as you think. Although my test crashed half way through so I had to do it all over again but thankfully passed.
My best advice is don't hover your hand over the button as you may twitch or your arm will get tired and press it by mistake. Put your hand next to the button on stand by to press it when the box changes.
I personally counted each grey box until I got to a black one, pressed the button and then reset my counting after each press. Kept me engaged and focused.
Best of luck

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Jan 2026 ==

I also struggled with the puzzle one, perhaps would have done better if had more time but I suppose it’s all about speed. The other 2 not so bad, couple times my fingers were too quick. Didn’t know what to make of the feedback, didn’t sound bad but also didn’t sound great lol guess the only grace I can take is that it said no wrong or right answer. May just have to wait another 2 years for an update

What type of puzzles/tests were these? I cant see any descriptions in anyone's posts so hoping for more info if possible. I did Google Artic Shores and did and online demo test but it was ridiculously easy making me think it's wasn't like the real thing.

 

[I2026]

Up next month at Ashford only for the 3 computer tests. Had already passed the paper tests elsewhere. Feeling nervous about these, mostly the grey/black square one. Anyone know how dark the grey square is at Southeastern? Thanks

No point being nervous, it will be what it will be on the day. This test is about maintaining focus and dealing with monotony, but remaining vigilant enough to react when the screen changes. The change is visible and obvious but it is your reactions that may not be when you have been sat there for 15 minutes and your mind has wondered to what you are doing on the weekend etc.

 

[Carrot12345]

Thanks for the replies. I think my nerves about it come from reading soke
People saying it’s light grey so very obvious change and others stating it’s dark grey and close to black. Also heard of people pressing think it’s black when it’s grey. Think I may give the counting of the grey a go as one you stated to keep the mind occupied. Hopefully it’s goes quick the time.

Mental that one of yours crashed and had to re start, Jesus

I’ve passed all the other paper tests elsewhere before along with VSE & M7SJT. All enhanced so hopefully can do the same. Will have my MMI same day if I pass the 3 computer tests

 

[CFRAIL]

Thanks for the replies. I think my nerves about it come from reading soke
People saying it’s light grey so very obvious change and others stating it’s dark grey and close to black. Also heard of people pressing think it’s black when it’s grey. Think I may give the counting of the grey a go as one you stated to keep the mind occupied. Hopefully it’s goes quick the time.

Mental that one of yours crashed and had to re start, Jesus

I’ve passed all the other paper tests elsewhere before along with VSE & M7SJT. All enhanced so hopefully can do the same. Will have my MMI same day if I pass the 3 computer tests

Good luck!

They didn't do MMI on the same day for us and I was led to believe that they've stopped doing them on the same day, although it may be different if yours is just a partial day.

I wasn't too worried about the grey square one, as others have said it's obviously different. I was nervous for the 2 hand having previously failed it, but did fine this time around.

Let us know how you get on

 

[Carrot12345]

Good luck!

They didn't do MMI on the same day for us and I was led to believe that they've stopped doing them on the same day, although it may be different if yours is just a partial day.

I wasn't too worried about the grey square one, as others have said it's obviously different. I was nervous for the 2 hand having previously failed it, but did fine this time around.

Let us know how you get on

Did the you feel like the 30 minutes went fast? Any tips for it? Also the other 2 computer tests any tips? Have you done yours MMI yet? Yeah I got told if I pass the computer tests will also be doing my MMI same day. What depot have you applied for?

 

[CFRAIL]

Did the you feel like the 30 minutes went fast? Any tips for it? Also the other 2 computer tests any tips? Have you done yours MMI yet? Yeah I got told if I pass the computer tests will also be doing my MMI same day. What depot have you applied for?

I think once you settle into it, it goes quite quickly and before you know it you're finished. You aren't required to wear headphones for it, but I did to enable me to get used to them for the other assessments and also to block out any distractions. Take your time with the practice (I did the practice twice).

With the image one I think they're looking for things you definitely saw, don't randomly guess, but concentrate and scan the image.

With the two hands, they're looking for accuracy and speed... You're allowed outside of the lines, they're looking to see how quickly you correct it and get back in the course. I went faster on the straight and slower on the corner sections. I set the volume loud enough to hear it, but not too loud for it to be a distraction. Hold the joysticks lower down (less sensitive) and again make the most of the practice.

I've not completed my MMI yet, just a waiting game but it depends on which depot you've applied for also.

I'm in the catchment for several depot's, but Faversham is my preference.

 

[I2026]

I think once you settle into it, it goes quite quickly and before you know it you're finished. You aren't required to wear headphones for it, but I did to enable me to get used to them for the other assessments and also to block out any distractions. Take your time with the practice (I did the practice twice).

With the image one I think they're looking for things you definitely saw, don't randomly guess, but concentrate and scan the image.

With the two hands, they're looking for accuracy and speed... You're allowed outside of the lines, they're looking to see how quickly you correct it and get back in the course. I went faster on the straight and slower on the corner sections. I set the volume loud enough to hear it, but not too loud for it to be a distraction. Hold the joysticks lower down (less sensitive) and again make the most of the practice.

I've not completed my MMI yet, just a waiting game but it depends on which depot you've applied for also.

I'm in the catchment for several depot's, but Faversham is my preference.

Sounds like you in the same position as me - I am in the application process for 3 depots and only have MMI left to do. The previous stages have all been done very quickly so it feels odd now that I am just in limbo. I am worried that it will just stall - illogical I know but I keep hearing you can get all the way to awaiting a call and formal offer only for it to never happen.

 

[CFRAIL]

Sounds like you in the same position as me - I am in the application process for 3 depots and only have MMI left to do. The previous stages have all been done very quickly so it feels odd now that I am just in limbo. I am worried that it will just stall - illogical I know but I keep hearing you can get all the way to awaiting a call and formal offer only for it to never happen.

I've certainly heard that, but the scores from the assessments are valid for 5 years, I'm fairly confident that I'll have a DMI/MMI way before then, I'm fairly sure they'll take place this year. Obviously some depot's have vacancies more frequently etc...

 

[mickeyC]

Up next month at Ashford only for the 3 computer tests. Had already passed the paper tests elsewhere. Feeling nervous about these, mostly the grey/black square one. Anyone know how dark the grey square is at Southeastern? Thanks

It’s a mid grey colour, I glanced away every so often to readjust my eyes and didn’t sit so close to the monitor.

When you have the 2 controllers and have to follow the pattern I held my controllers at the bottom end, they are very sensitive and lower down gave me better control, I didn’t go out the lines once.

Hope that helps you somewhat?

 

[Carrot12345]

It’s a mid grey colour, I glanced away every so often to readjust my eyes and didn’t sit so close to the monitor.

When you have the 2 controllers and have to follow the pattern I held my controllers at the bottom end, they are very sensitive and lower down gave me better control, I didn’t go out the lines once.

Hope that helps you somewhat?

Hi mate, cheers for the info. Hopefully will be all good. Just gotta lock in for 30 mins. Will take the tips on board. Oh that’s decent you never went out the lines. Hear everyone does. Hopefully all the years of playing PlayStation pays off. Guessing pass the 3 computer tests then little break then will do MMI. Desperate for this change of career now. Currently a London black taxi driver and have friends and cousins who drive for southeastern and southern

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Jan 2026 ==

I think once you settle into it, it goes quite quickly and before you know it you're finished. You aren't required to wear headphones for it, but I did to enable me to get used to them for the other assessments and also to block out any distractions. Take your time with the practice (I did the practice twice).

With the image one I think they're looking for things you definitely saw, don't randomly guess, but concentrate and scan the image.

With the two hands, they're looking for accuracy and speed... You're allowed outside of the lines, they're looking to see how quickly you correct it and get back in the course. I went faster on the straight and slower on the corner sections. I set the volume loud enough to hear it, but not too loud for it to be a distraction. Hold the joysticks lower down (less sensitive) and again make the most of the practice.

I've not completed my MMI yet, just a waiting game but it depends on which depot you've applied for also.

I'm in the catchment for several depot's, but Faversham is my preference.

Ok will wear the headphones like you said to block some outside noise out and use to wearing them.

Noted, only what I saw, no guesses. Do you remember how many pictures there was? And would you say it’s a second on each one?

Ok will make sure practice with joysticks low down. Fingers crossed I can pass the 3 and have then pass the MMI same day!!

Ok little further out in Kent than me. I did apply for Grove Park but if all goes well will let them know Orpington and dartford are good also. Fingers crossed. Waiting for next month to come

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Jan 2026 ==

Anyone who has had there MMI recently at SE remember the questions they was asked? Thanks

 

[newbiewannabe]

Hi mate, cheers for the info. Hopefully will be all good. Just gotta lock in for 30 mins. Will take the tips on board. Oh that’s decent you never went out the lines. Hear everyone does. Hopefully all the years of playing PlayStation pays off. Guessing pass the 3 computer tests then little break then will do MMI. Desperate for this change of career now. Currently a London black taxi driver and have friends and cousins who drive for southeastern and southern

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Jan 2026 ==


Ok will wear the headphones like you said to block some outside noise out and use to wearing them.

Noted, only what I saw, no guesses. Do you remember how many pictures there was? And would you say it’s a second on each one?

Ok will make sure practice with joysticks low down. Fingers crossed I can pass the 3 and have then pass the MMI same day!!

Ok little further out in Kent than me. I did apply for Grove Park but if all goes well will let them know Orpington and dartford are good also. Fingers crossed. Waiting for next month to come

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Jan 2026 ==

Anyone who has had there MMI recently at SE remember the questions they was asked? Thanks

If you’ve been a cab driver for years you should be fine, I’m kind of in the same boat. Been a private hire driver for 23 years and desperate for a career change. The qualities and skills you’ve picked up as a cabbie will help you, memory, concentration, reactions etc. you should be fine. Stay calm and don’t have too much coffee as I did!! Still managed to pass though! I’ve also applied for Grove Park.

 

[CFRAIL]

Hi mate, cheers for the info. Hopefully will be all good. Just gotta lock in for 30 mins. Will take the tips on board. Oh that’s decent you never went out the lines. Hear everyone does. Hopefully all the years of playing PlayStation pays off. Guessing pass the 3 computer tests then little break then will do MMI. Desperate for this change of career now. Currently a London black taxi driver and have friends and cousins who drive for southeastern and southern

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Jan 2026 ==


Ok will wear the headphones like you said to block some outside noise out and use to wearing them.

Noted, only what I saw, no guesses. Do you remember how many pictures there was? And would you say it’s a second on each one?

Ok will make sure practice with joysticks low down. Fingers crossed I can pass the 3 and have then pass the MMI same day!!

Ok little further out in Kent than me. I did apply for Grove Park but if all goes well will let them know Orpington and dartford are good also. Fingers crossed. Waiting for next month to come

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Jan 2026 ==

Anyone who has had there MMI recently at SE remember the questions they was asked? Thanks

Morning,

I believe there were around 20 images and each one was on the screen for around 1 second. The list of things to look for doesn't change though, so you should get used to searching for the things required.

Good luck with it all.

 

[I2026]

Morning,

I believe there were around 20 images and each one was on the screen for around 1 second. The list of things to look for doesn't change though, so you should get used to searching for the things required.

Good luck with it all.

I had around 18 images in total and I think I was doing the actual test for around 5 mins max. Its nowhere near as bad when you are doing it, if you look at Youtube you will see the actual test for around 3 mins on a video. The grey peugeout came up exactly as seen in that video for me. It was like for like.

 

[Carrot12345]

I had around 18 images in total and I think I was doing the actual test for around 5 mins max. Its nowhere near as bad when you are doing it, if you look at Youtube you will see the actual test for around 3 mins on a video. The grey peugeout came up exactly as seen in that video for me. It was like for like.

Thank you, will check YouTube out. Will practice it!!! Waiting game now for the day

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Jan 2026 ==

Morning,

I believe there were around 20 images and each one was on the screen for around 1 second. The list of things to look for doesn't change though, so you should get used to searching for the things required.

Good luck with it all.

Ok thank you, hopefully will be all good. Passed all the other stuff and VSE & M7SJT all enhanced so fingers crossed will be alright with this.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Jan 2026 ==

If you’ve been a cab driver for years you should be fine, I’m kind of in the same boat. Been a private hire driver for 23 years and desperate for a career change. The qualities and skills you’ve picked up as a cabbie will help you, memory, concentration, reactions etc. you should be fine. Stay calm and don’t have too much coffee as I did!! Still managed to pass though! I’ve also applied for Grove Park.

Yeah I feel like the study, concentration and everything that goes with the job I’m perfect for. Just gotta get passed these last few tests. All things being well. Haha will stay clear of the coffee. Have you had your MMI yet?

 

[I2026]

I worked with someone when I was a traffic officer who left the Met after 20 years odd and became a black cabbie. Apparently he detests it! And all the ones I see look proper miserable, a few of them take delight in cutting me up on my pushbike along the albert embankment on a regular basis!

 

[forgetmyname69]

So that's DMI done now the excruciating wait to hear from recruitment weather I've passed of not this feeling in my guts now worse than waiting for the DMI itself

 

[Carrot12345]

I worked with someone when I was a traffic officer who left the Met after 20 years odd and became a black cabbie. Apparently he detests it! And all the ones I see look proper miserable, a few of them take delight in cutting me up on my pushbike along the albert embankment on a regular basis!

Haha yeah feels like it’s a bit of a seasonal job now. When it’s good, best job in the world but then days are becoming less and less.

Yeah bikes and taxis are the best of friends

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Jan 2026 ==

So that's DMI done now the excruciating wait to hear from recruitment weather I've passed of not this feeling in my guts now worse than waiting for the DMI itself

Nice!! What depot was it for? What questions did they ask? Good luck

 

[newbiewannabe]

Thank you, will check YouTube out. Will practice it!!! Waiting game now for the day

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Jan 2026 ==


Ok thank you, hopefully will be all good. Passed all the other stuff and VSE & M7SJT all enhanced so fingers crossed will be alright with this.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Jan 2026 ==


Yeah I feel like the study, concentration and everything that goes with the job I’m perfect for. Just gotta get passed these last few tests. All things being well. Haha will stay clear of the coffee. Have you had your MMI yet?

Not had the MMI yet, passed assessments in September and still waiting. Somebody on hear said they’re doing interviews the other way round now. I had to do the arctic shores assessments last week and somebody on here suggested you have to do this prior to your DMI. I’ve given up trying to work out the process or order they do things so just sitting tight and preparing. Southeastern emailed me in December and said they have new courses starting from April onwards and are in the process of arranging interviews with their driver managers. Make of that what you will good luck, I’m sure you’ll be fine.

 

[mickeyC]

So that's DMI done now the excruciating wait to hear from recruitment weather I've passed of not this feeling in my guts now worse than waiting for the DMI itself

How did you find it, mines next Tuesday

What was the questions like

 

[CFRAIL]

Not had the MMI yet, passed assessments in September and still waiting. Somebody on hear said they’re doing interviews the other way round now. I had to do the arctic shores assessments last week and somebody on here suggested you have to do this prior to your DMI. I’ve given up trying to work out the process or order they do things so just sitting tight and preparing. Southeastern emailed me in December and said they have new courses starting from April onwards and are in the process of arranging interviews with their driver managers. Make of that what you will good luck, I’m sure you’ll be fine.

When I was there for assessments, she said that there's no set order with regards MMI/DMI, she said it depended on depot. I think depot's with vacancies sooner generally have DMI first.

 

[newbiewannabe]

So that's DMI done now the excruciating wait to hear from recruitment weather I've passed of not this feeling in my guts now worse than waiting for the DMI itself

Good luck! How did you find the DMI?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Jan 2026 ==

When I was there for assessments, she said that there's no set order with regards MMI/DMI, she said it depended on depot. I think depot's with vacancies sooner generally have DMI first.

Ah i see, now to me she said my MMI should be within 4 weeks….. that was back in September and I’m still waiting!

 

[mickeyC]

Good luck! How did you find the DMI?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Jan 2026 ==


Ah i see, now to me she said my MMI should be within 4 weeks….. that was back in September and I’m still waiting!

After we passed the assessment day at Ashford in November we was also told that DMi and MMi could be in any order.
Logically MMi should be first so that it dwindles down numbers before DMi, no good a driver manager liking you and then fail MMi?
Strange

 

[Carrot12345]

Anyone remember the questions they was asked for MMI? Cheers

 

[forgetmyname69]

How did you find it, mines next Tuesday

What was the questions like

My biggest advice to you buddy is research, research, research.... Driver depos, 7 main London terminals, geographical knowledge of the network. If your clued up on AWS touch on that with the TPWS info sheet earns brownie points but stick to basics don't want to go down a rabbit hole.

Research the values and they expect you to know all three of these and all the competency questions are all based on their values and give examples of XYZ.

 

[I2026]

In contrast I did all that for mine and wasn't asked a single thing about any of it. All I had other than some basic competence questions were tell us about you. Id spent weeks learning the above and didn't get to utter a word of it.

 

[Carrot12345]

was you both going for the same depot? Guessing each manager has there own way of conducting the interviews

 

[I2026]

was you both going for the same depot? Guessing each manager has there own way of conducting the interviews

Mine was SWR so different TOC. I have never heard of arctic shores either

 

[forgetmyname69]

was you both going for the same depot? Guessing each manager has there own way of conducting the interviews

Mines Hastings. But yea by all accounts seems to vary from manager to manager. The three guys interviewing me where very much to the letter of the law in terms of the structure of the interview. Lovely chaps tho. Just now debating how long I have to wait to find out result

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 15 Jan 2026 ==

Got the call today folks he only went and passed the DMI!!! Just medical (which will be in Feb shouldn't be an issue) then I'll be on board!!!!

Enrolled in the course starting in Ashford on April 27th, absolutely buzzing is an understatement!!! Anyone else starting on this course?

 

[Ash0110]

Mines Hastings. But yea by all accounts seems to vary from manager to manager. The three guys interviewing me where very much to the letter of the law in terms of the structure of the interview. Lovely chaps tho. Just now debating how long I have to wait to find out result

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 15 Jan 2026 ==

Got the call today folks he only went and passed the DMI!!! Just medical (which will be in Feb shouldn't be an issue) then I'll be on board!!!!

Enrolled in the course starting in Ashford on April 27th, absolutely buzzing is an understatement!!! Anyone else starting on this course?

Congratulations!!! All the best and well done for getting through it all

Hopefully some more of us on the thread aren’t too far behind you