• Our new ticketing site is now live! Using either this or the original site (both powered by TrainSplit) helps support the running of the forum with every ticket purchase! Find out more and ask any questions/give us feedback in this thread!

Southeastern - Trainee Driver - Recruitment Discussion

RDJW18

Member
Joined
10 Dec 2025
Messages
37
Location
Kent
Hi All, just after any advice or knowledge on the process from any of you. I’m a June 24 applicant. I’ve heard absolutely nothing back until last week where I got sent an Artic Shores assessment which I completed yesterday. Does the fact I’ve been sent the artic shores mean I’m probably going to get invited for an assessment centre soon or is it still an as and when waiting game ? Thanks in advance
 
Sponsor Post - registered members do not see these adverts; click here to register, or click here to log in
R

RailUK Forums

newbiewannabe

Member
Joined
10 Jul 2024
Messages
157
Location
London
Hi All, just after any advice or knowledge on the process from any of you. I’m a June 24 applicant. I’ve heard absolutely nothing back until last week where I got sent an Artic Shores assessment which I completed yesterday. Does the fact I’ve been sent the artic shores mean I’m probably going to get invited for an assessment centre soon or is it still an as and when waiting game ? Thanks in advance
I’m also a June 24 applicant, I passed my assessments in September last year and was sent the arctic shores 5 weeks ago to complete and heard nothing since. Nobody knows the process and timescales of the recruitment process, it’s just a waiting game.
 
Joined
18 Feb 2025
Messages
19
Location
Hastings
No way, that’s my depot.
I’m so puzzled how this allocation system works.
When I had my DMi in January, I was informed at the end that they had another 6 people to interview.

Think it really varies from depo to depo, I know my depo has I think they said 13 new rota lines going in this year in summer so they'll be recruiting. But it's also dependant on people leaving/retirement and everything. Must be a nightmare to plan for because your almost predicting what space and opportunities the depo will have in 2 years essentially.
 

mickeyC

Member
Joined
14 Jun 2024
Messages
173
Location
kent
How was the MMI what type of questions where you asked ?
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
 

typicalalex1

Member
Joined
4 Jun 2023
Messages
45
Location
Kent
No way, that’s my depot.
I’m so puzzled how this allocation system works.
When I had my DMi in January, I was informed at the end that they had another 6 people to interview.
I only did my MMI this year, so I would have missed the cut off for the round of interviews you attended.
 

whitby26

Member
Joined
20 Jan 2026
Messages
90
Location
iver
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
I’m praying to the heavens I get the same questions as I got something for all of those questions
 

typicalalex1

Member
Joined
4 Jun 2023
Messages
45
Location
Kent
I’m praying to the heavens I get the same questions as I got something for all of those questions
I got those questions too, though do prepare for other scenarios just in case.
I also agree that the MMI was on the easier side, nothing like what is mentioned all over this forum.
I was in and out within 20-30 minutes.
 

jcs82

New Member
Joined
20 Feb 2026
Messages
2
Location
Ramsgate
I am currently waiting for my interview date at my station. Does anybody know what I should be researching and what I need to know in advance of the interview to prepare please? Thankyou
 

mickeyC

Member
Joined
14 Jun 2024
Messages
173
Location
kent
I am currently waiting for my interview date at my station. Does anybody know what I should be researching and what I need to know in advance of the interview to prepare please? Thankyou
You’ll get sent info once you have a DMI booked, research southeastern company info, values, routes, anything you feel is relevant to making you stand out from the crowd.
Start from page 1 of this thread and read all the messages, lots of info is already shared.
As plenty have mentioned before, you could be waiting months or even years for a DMI depending on recruitment needs for your chosen depot.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==
 
Last edited:
Joined
5 Jun 2025
Messages
48
Location
london
Seems it’s just a waiting game again then for us.

At this point I’m sure names are just pulled out of a hat for the next stage from what I’m reading lol
The amount of times I’ve applied I hope my name is in that hat multiple times!!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==

I am currently waiting for my interview date at my station. Does anybody know what I should be researching and what I need to know in advance of the interview to prepare please? Thankyou
They also ask questions like they did in the MMI (scenario questions) GOODLUCK!!
 

mickeyC

Member
Joined
14 Jun 2024
Messages
173
Location
kent
Had my depot interview for Grove Park Depot yesterday. Fingers crossed.

New class starts 1st June.
What’s your notice period at your current employment.
You’ve still got time to get in the April course if it’s 4 weeks notice.

I had my DMi, medical, MMI and job offer all in a 3 week window.
 

CFRAIL

Member
Joined
17 May 2019
Messages
336
What’s your notice period at your current employment.
You’ve still got time to get in the April course if it’s 4 weeks notice.

I had my DMi, medical, MMI and job offer all in a 3 week window.
I guess it depends if that course is full or not? Plus availability of instructors at the end of the course. From speaking with others, I may have an extended wait at my preferred depot.
 

Pablo 45

Member
Joined
17 Apr 2025
Messages
42
Location
London
I guess it depends if that course is full or not? Plus availability of instructors at the end of the course. From speaking with others, I may have an extended wait at my preferred depot.
Hi,
Same here. Been told realistic will join July course . Just want to start now hahahah
 

jjjjjjonny

Member
Joined
16 Jul 2025
Messages
72
Location
South East
Anyone on here passed the assessments but still waiting on mmi/dmi etc for Dartford?
I'm still waiting for Oprington.

DMI passed! I start my apprenticeship in June (pending medical of course)! I AM THE HAPPIEST PERSON ON THE PLANET! <:D Thanks to everyone on this thread for the hints and tips. Huge career change and I cannot WAIT to get started!

Congrats!
 

Top