Southeastern - Trainee Driver - Recruitment Discussion

[TrainBen04]

Company: Southeastern
Age: 22

Safe to say I highly underestimated the depot interview.

I just had it and, even after looking at the forums etc., I was unprepared for many of the questions. I wouldn’t say I was even close to acing it, and I have doubts about my progression, but I still have hope that I will move onto the next stage.

I aced all tests and interviews beforehand and was highly anticipated to pass by those who have interviewed me previously, but the pressure hit me like a meteor and I stumbled on my words, went blank at times and lost a lot of the information I had retained previously.

The worst part was talking about myself. I have only worked in part time hospitality jobs and I felt I had barely any skills that transferred over to the railway from those jobs, but I felt my skills that I had shown in my assessments may have pushed me through. I recited the TPWS system process near perfectly and iI hope that also helps me out.

I am one of three interviewed today, where I was told that there was only a singular interview that was taking place today by another member of staff and it overwhelmed me slightly.

I have hopes that, if I have failed, that I could retake it and perhaps even pass. It just hurts that this three year process may have been for nothing. It hurts even more that I have aspired to get this job for these three years and have had so much motivation to push through my terrible jobs hoping that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

 

[Brickz]

Company: Southeastern
Age: 22

Safe to say I highly underestimated the depot interview.

I just had it and, even after looking at the forums etc., I was unprepared for many of the questions. I wouldn’t say I was even close to acing it, and I have doubts about my progression, but I still have hope that I will move onto the next stage.

I aced all tests and interviews beforehand and was highly anticipated to pass by those who have interviewed me previously, but the pressure hit me like a meteor and I stumbled on my words, went blank at times and lost a lot of the information I had retained previously.

The worst part was talking about myself. I have only worked in part time hospitality jobs and I felt I had barely any skills that transferred over to the railway from those jobs, but I felt my skills that I had shown in my assessments may have pushed me through. I recited the TPWS system process near perfectly and iI hope that also helps me out.

I am one of three interviewed today, where I was told that there was only a singular interview that was taking place today by another member of staff and it overwhelmed me slightly.

I have hopes that, if I have failed, that I could retake it and perhaps even pass. It just hurts that this three year process may have been for nothing. It hurts even more that I have aspired to get this job for these three years and have had so much motivation to push through my terrible jobs hoping that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

If you have gained OPC passes then even if you fail the dmi it wouldn't have been for nothing, you can use the passes potentially at other toc/foc applications

 

[newbiewannabe]

Company: Southeastern
Age: 22

Safe to say I highly underestimated the depot interview.

I just had it and, even after looking at the forums etc., I was unprepared for many of the questions. I wouldn’t say I was even close to acing it, and I have doubts about my progression, but I still have hope that I will move onto the next stage.

I aced all tests and interviews beforehand and was highly anticipated to pass by those who have interviewed me previously, but the pressure hit me like a meteor and I stumbled on my words, went blank at times and lost a lot of the information I had retained previously.

The worst part was talking about myself. I have only worked in part time hospitality jobs and I felt I had barely any skills that transferred over to the railway from those jobs, but I felt my skills that I had shown in my assessments may have pushed me through. I recited the TPWS system process near perfectly and iI hope that also helps me out.

I am one of three interviewed today, where I was told that there was only a singular interview that was taking place today by another member of staff and it overwhelmed me slightly.

I have hopes that, if I have failed, that I could retake it and perhaps even pass. It just hurts that this three year process may have been for nothing. It hurts even more that I have aspired to get this job for these three years and have had so much motivation to push through my terrible jobs hoping that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

Good luck, I have my fingers crossed for you!

 

[loz221470087]

Hi all. I have my assessment day coming up, in the pdf assessment booklet it says the exercises we're likely to sit include a structured interview (MMI). I can see other comments about the MMI in this thread saying it happens on another day with SE, but has anyone had the MMI on the same day as the assessments (Group Bourdon etc)? I'm panicking as I'd like to prepare for the MMI quite thoroughly... but I fear that will increase my chances of failing the other assessments as the MMI prep will have eaten into the time I would have spent looking for "4 blobs" as quickly as possible!

 

[mickeyC]

Hi all. I have my assessment day coming up, in the pdf assessment booklet it says the exercises we're likely to sit include a structured interview (MMI). I can see other comments about the MMI in this thread saying it happens on another day with SE, but has anyone had the MMI on the same day as the assessments (Group Bourdon etc)? I'm panicking as I'd like to prepare for the MMI quite thoroughly... but I fear that will increase my chances of failing the other assessments as the MMI prep will have eaten into the time I would have spent looking for "4 blobs" as quickly as possible!

So far reading this entire thread and having gone thru the process myself, nobody has done the MMi after the assessment day, you wouldn’t have enough time as the actual tests take up the entire day.

Good luck with the practicing.

 

[loz221470087]

So far reading this entire thread and having gone thru the process myself, nobody has done the MMi after the assessment day, you wouldn’t have enough time as the actual tests take up the entire day.

Good luck with the practicing.

cheers, yes that's what I've read... but there's still that chance (however small). I'll get back to looking for lower case u's

 

[newbiewannabe]

I’m not sure you can really prepare for the MMI as you don’t know what questions you’ll be asked, unlike the DMI as you’re given a rough idea, I was also told at the assessment centre when I did my assessments that there is no need to prepare for the MMI. Just focus on the practice. Good luck!!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 21 Apr 2026 ==

Anyone know a rough idea how long you’re in the talent pool for, after DMI & MMI before you actually start? if you’re not lucky enough to start straight away so to speak.

 

[Twotwo]

I’m not sure you can really prepare for the MMI as you don’t know what questions you’ll be asked, unlike the DMI as you’re given a rough idea, I was also told at the assessment centre when I did my assessments that there is no need to prepare for the MMI. Just focus on the practice. Good luck!!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 21 Apr 2026 ==

Anyone know a rough idea how long you’re in the talent pool for, after DMI & MMI before you actually start? if you’re not lucky enough to start straight away so to speak.

Wrong,

Everyone knows the 6 questions for the MMI. Its been posted here thousands of times. And im sure before you do the computer tests they even give you the 6 questions on a piece of a paper to fill out briefly. My assessment day was over 6 years ago so I can vaguely remember it.

 

[newbiewannabe]

Wrong,

Everyone knows the 6 questions for the MMI. It’s been posted here thousands of times. And im sure before you do the computer tests they even give you the 6 questions on a piece of a paper to fill out briefly. My assessment day was over 6 years ago so I can vaguely remember it.

Did you have the same 6 questions that have been posted here thousands of times?

 

[driver333]

I’m not sure you can really prepare for the MMI as you don’t know what questions you’ll be asked, unlike the DMI as you’re given a rough idea, I was also told at the assessment centre when I did my assessments that there is no need to prepare for the MMI. Just focus on the practice. Good luck!!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 21 Apr 2026 ==

Anyone know a rough idea how long you’re in that talent pool for after DMI & MMI before you actually start? if you’re not lucky enough to start straight away so to speak.

Wrong,

Everyone knows the 6 questions for the MMI. Its been posted here thousands of times. And im sure before you do the computer tests they even give you the 6 questions on a piece of a paper to fill out briefly. My assessment day was over 6 years ago so I can vaguely remember it.

thats exactly what I had. I had my 6 questions that I filled out on a form. And the MMI is pants anyway. It’s the DMI that matters really.

 

[Twotwo]

Did you have the same 6 questions that have been posted here thousands of times?

I did, its what helped me prepare.

 

[newbiewannabe]

I did, its what helped me prepare.

Brilliant! I thought they were different as the invite says the computer test is to determine exactly what questions you’ll be asked. Got my MMI on the 5th of may and already have the answers for those 6 questions.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 22 Apr 2026 ==

thats exactly what I had. I had my 6 questions that I filled out on a form. And the MMI is pants anyway. It’s the DMI that matters really.

I’ve passed the DMI, just MMI to go.

 

[Jam248]

Hi

 

[IndegoMouse]

best of luck to all who apply

 

[Jam248]

I did, its what helped me prepare.

What were those 6 questions? And how many take the interview for the MMI?

 

[Sotac464]

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

 

[jjjjjjonny]

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

I've been waiting about 9 months so far.

 

[Sotac464]

I've been waiting about 9 months so far.

Wow.

 

[newbiewannabe]

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

I passed my assessments last September, had my DMI the week before last and my MMI is next Tuesday. I’ve realised it’s pointless trying to work out the dates of when your next stages might be. Earlier this year I spoke to one person who has already gone through all the stages and is on the course, another that had their DMI. Both applied a year after me and both were for my chosen depot.

 

[Sotac464]

I passed my assessments last September, had my DMI the week before last and my MMI is next Tuesday. I’ve realised it’s pointless trying to work out the dates of when your next stages might be. Earlier this year I spoke to one person who has already gone through all the stages and is on the course, another that had their DMI. Both applied a year after me and both were for my chosen depot.

Thank you, I was going to start practicing for my MMI interview, but I like having a date I can work towards, thats when I'm at my best, I'll wait until I get offered a date. Good luck with MMI, if you've passed DMI, sounds like you're in.

 

[newbiewannabe]

Thank you, I was going to start practicing for my MMI interview, but I like having a date I can work towards, thats when I'm at my best, I'll wait until I get offered a date. Good luck with MMI, if you've passed DMI, sounds like you're in.

Thank you, you’ve got the right idea. I found it’s best to start preparing and revising when you actually have a date others wise you just end up getting frustrated waiting when you’ve put in the work for the actual day and it doesn’t arrive any time soon so to speak. Good luck!!!

 

[RDJW18]

Does anyone have their assessment day tomorrow ? I'm nervous as hell, Practicing like mad.

 

[mickeyC]

Does anyone have their assessment day tomorrow ? I'm nervous as hell, Practicing like mad.

The team at Ashford are really friendly and do their upmost to help you settle in and relax.
It’s a busy day but do try and relax, bring snacks/food as you’ll have small breaks between tests.
Good luck

 

[RDJW18]

The team at Ashford are really friendly and do their upmost to help you settle in and relax.
It’s a busy day but do try and relax, bring snacks/food as you’ll have small breaks between tests.
Good luck

Thank you man really appreciate that. Need all the luck I can get. Is it a full on 6 hour day if fully successful?

 

[GemmaLouise]

Has anyone heard anything regarding positions at charing cross?

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 ==

Im 35 and had same issue but the whole time I've just been applying for any toc/foc that I'm within the travel distance and now due to start in April with another company. All my in person OPC stuff has been done via other toc and foc, I've had all my passes including the MMI since July last year which southeastern knew as I updated them as and when I passed the assessments but still no sign of a DMI. I'm also within the travel distance to three of there depots.
You're best off applying for all that your within distance too as then gives you the more options.

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 ==

Just had a phone call to say I passed my DMI, I’m over the moon just the MMI to go. Unfortunately, there are no vacancies at my depot at the moment so it looks like more waiting.

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

 

[mickeyC]

Thank you man really appreciate that. Need all the luck I can get. Is it a full on 6 hour day if fully successful?

Yeah, about 6hrs
The longer you’re there, the better your chances.
Coffee/tea facilities are free in the break area.

 

[Twin82]

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.

 

[newbiewannabe]

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

Thank you, that’s exactly what I did. As soon as I passed the assessments I started revising and memorising info thinking the interview was just around the corner. I then put it to the back of my mind a bit when I realised it wasn’t going to be any time soon. But every now and then I would go back over it to see how much I had retained and surprised myself. When I actually got the invite I ramped it up again just to make sure it was imprinted on my brain. Also memorised the tpws sheet word for word. In the actual day of my DMI I did stumble my words a few times but they could tell I’d done my research. I found the interview very relaxed and we had a good laugh. My interview was on a Wednesday and they said they had more people to see that day and the following day and I would know by the Friday or Monday if I had passed. Within two hours, I got the phone call from recruitment to say that I had passed. I was over the moon! My only advice is just do your research keep it fresh in your memory and just be yourself on the day as I think they also look for someone who is relaxed and calm. Good luck I’m sure you’ll be fine!

 

[RDJW18]

Well done to everyone that passed today. Was certainly a difficult and intense day !!

 

[Sotac464]

Well done to everyone that passed today. Was certainly a difficult and intense day !!

How many got through?