SWR - Trainee Driver - Recruitment Discussion

[DanTaylor]

Well done on getting to this stage.
I had my DMI in May last year. It was with two Driver Managers - one happened to be from the depot I'd applied, but I've heard it could be two randoms, just depends on availability.
They were very nice and chatty, but don't get drawn into being too relaxed and chatty yourself. Yes, they want to get to know you, but stay professional. Mine was 2 hours, so quite a grilling, but not as bad as the MMI! Best of luck

Nice one, appreciate the info

 

[Train Me Up]

I applied for Woking on 16/07 and still not heard back. So 6 weeks - is this normal?

 

[Twin82]

I applied for Woking on 16/07 and still not heard back. So 6 weeks - is this normal?

Have you done the online assessment? I applied for Waterloo and immediately got online assessment. Passed it and have been waiting since. If you only applied and haven’t heard anything, I think you should drop them an email. They are quite good when it comes to responding.

 

[Ducatichick]

I applied for Woking on 16/07 and still not heard back. So 6 weeks - is this normal?

When you say you applied-is this the initial application online? If so, yes absolutely normal. If this was for a talent pool position then you may well be waiting for many many months before you hear back. There are so many adverts that have gone out earlier than yours which still have yet to be assessed (mine included which I applied for in March). They only run tests on Mondays and Fridays and there are an awful lot of people applying. I'd recommend just practicing your group bourdon while you wait.

 

[Folkestonechap]

I applied for Woking on 16/07 and still not heard back. So 6 weeks - is this normal?

6 weeks is nothing, I waited almost 18 months from application to initial assessment day.

 

[dilwar04]

6 weeks is nothing, I waited almost 18 months from application to initial assessment day.

Wow that’s a long time. I applied at the end of April. By 10th May they invited me to do 1st part of the psychometric test. So 2-3 weeks for me. Part 2 they booked me in 2 weeks later for the computerised test. Then 3-4 weeks for the DMI. so far mine have been quite quick. But MMI might have be by the end of the year. Not sure when they’ll call me for it.

 

[Train Me Up]

That's interesting - thanks for the responses. I had previously applied for Guildford and passed the assessment so I don't think I need to do that again. I did notice they had only posted Woking a couple of weeks before so probably still going through the first batch.

 

[005leo]

Hello everyone, I've been given a DMI date for next month. Is there anybody who have recently passed their DMI for SWR and is willing to share some tips....)

 

[Avoidz]

Hello everyone, I've been given a DMI date for next month. Is there anybody who have recently passed their DMI for SWR and is willing to share some tips....)

Couple months ago but from what I remember it’s standard competency questions. Always use the STAR format when answering and give yourself plenty of time before interview to work or come up with answers before hand.

 

[005leo]

Couple months ago but from what I remember it’s standard competency questions. Always use the STAR format when answering and give yourself plenty of time before interview to work or come up with answers before hand.
Some of the questions I can remember being asked are as follows.
Tell me a time you helped solve a complex problem for a colleague?
Tell me a time you had to really concentrate at work?
Tell me a time you took responsibility for a mistake?
Tell me how you self improve both professionally and personally?
Hope this helps.

Thank you.... did they ask general questions about the TOC or about the depot you're applying for?

 

[Avoidz]

I am internal so they skipped all those questions for me and it was sometimes a chat and sometimes formal questions like the ones I listed above. Hope it goes well for you.

 

[driver3112]

Hi guys, I passed my DMI 4 months and still have not got any information regarding my MMI? I’m wondering is it normal to wait this long for a MMI date? I applied for the stains depot, if anyone knows what I should do please let me know because I’m thinking I’m not even in the talent pool anymore because it been that longed since I passed my DMI any information will help

 

[Avoidz]

Hi guys, I passed my DMI 4 months and still have not got any information regarding my MMI? I’m wondering is it normal to wait this long for a MMI date? I applied for the stains depot, if anyone knows what I should do please let me know because I’m thinking I’m not even in the talent pool anymore because it been that longed since I passed my DMI any information will help

You can give them a call they are usually very helpful when it comes to answering these questions. You also need to understand that you are on a list and there’s others ahead of you not to mention Staines depot usually takes a while as well.

 

[dilwar04]

Hi guys, I passed my DMI 4 months and still have not got any information regarding my MMI? I’m wondering is it normal to wait this long for a MMI date? I applied for the stains depot, if anyone knows what I should do please let me know because I’m thinking I’m not even in the talent pool anymore because it been that longed since I passed my DMI any information will help

I most likely are still in the queue. Give them a call for an update. But I passed my DMI JULY 27th so 1 month ago. They said I’ll have an MMI most likely end of the year DECEMBER or January early next year. So, 4 months isn’t long in these processes. Just keep urself busy, forget about it for a while and carry on until they tell you.

 

[005leo]

I most likely are still in the queue. Give them a call for an update. But I passed my DMI JULY 27th so 1 month ago. They said I’ll have an MMI most likely end of the year DECEMBER or January early next year. So, 4 months isn’t long in these processes. Just keep urself busy, forget about it for a while and carry on until they tell you.

Hey, how was the DMI? Mine is booked for the next month.
It'll be great if you can give me some tips about the questions they asked and the atmosphere during the DMI...

 

[dilwar04]

Hey, how was the DMI? Mine is booked for the next month.
It'll be great if you can give me some tips about the questions they asked and the atmosphere during the DMI...

Not gonna lie to you. Mate. I was told the DMI. Is the hard part. The DMI was meant to take 1hr. I was booked in from 11am-12pm. I was there for about 35minutes and they told me the next day I passed.

If need help message me privately

 

[005leo]

Not gonna lie to you. Mate. I was told the DMI. Is the hard part. The DMI was meant to take 1hr. I was booked in from 11am-12pm. I was there for about 35minutes and they told me the next day I passed.

If need help message me privately

Already sent you a message (:

 

[dilwar04]

Hi everyone I’m waiting on MMI FROM SWR. I called them today and they said there’s been some movement on the waiting list and there’s around 10-20 people ahead of me. I don’t know if that’s a lot of people. It doesn’t feel like but if anyone can tell me how long it would take for 20 people. I applied for BOURNEMOUTH Depot.

 

[Waterlooville]

Yes that is a lot of people - that's 20 drivers to move on before you get a space. In comparison, some depots have one or two drivers that move on per year, although Bournemouth is one of the larger ones. I would be more concerned with how you are going to get to and from Bournemouth bearing in mind the distance you live from it.

 

[Bigfoot]

Hi everyone I’m waiting on MMI FROM SWR. I called them today and they said there’s been some movement on the waiting list and there’s around 10-20 people ahead of me. I don’t know if that’s a lot of people. It doesn’t feel like but if anyone can tell me how long it would take for 20 people. I applied for BOURNEMOUTH Depot.

Yes that is a lot of people - that's 20 drivers to move on before you get a space. In comparison, some depots have one or two drivers that move on per year, although Bournemouth is one of the larger ones. I would be more concerned with how you are going to get to and from Bournemouth bearing in mind the distance you live from it.

20 people waiting for an MMI doesn't mean that 20 people will pass it. I forget what the pass rate is but it is definitely not 100%

 

[Waterlooville]

I am not so sure, I know of a lot of people who have taken it and only 1/2 failures. I would say it is a pretty high pass rate.

 

[dilwar04]

Yes that is a lot of people - that's 20 drivers to move on before you get a space. In comparison, some depots have one or two drivers that move on per year, although Bournemouth is one of the larger ones. I would be more concerned with how you are going to get to and from Bournemouth bearing in mind the distance you live from it.

I’m planning on relocating to Bournemouth. I’m single. 22 years old. And nothing to lose

 

[Mrworldwide]

I’m planning on relocating to Bournemouth. I’m single. 22 years old. And nothing to lose

Hi mate I’ve tried to private message you, any chance you can get in touch

 

[Waterlooville]

4 SWR jobs up this afternoon for trainee drivers.

 

[Chippychips]

Thought I'd see a post for this but haven't.

SWR Recruiting for Waterloo, Farnham, Strawberry Hill, and Basingstoke. Closing date 27/09/2026 but will likely be pulled sooner so be quick!

https://careers.southwesternrailway...river-waterloo-waterloo-london-united-kingdom
https://careers.southwesternrailway...-driver-farnham-farnham-surrey-united-kingdom
https://careers.southwesternrailway...strawberry-hill-greater-london-united-kingdom
https://careers.southwesternrailway...ingstoke-basingstoke-hampshire-united-kingdom

Trainee Train Driver - Waterloo​

• 028212
• Waterloo
• Permanent - Full Time
• Closing on: Sep 27 2026
• On Train
• Safety Critical Role

*Please note that we are assembling a talent pool for the Trainee Train Driver position, as the selection process is extensive, and an immediate start is not guaranteed.
Who are we?
South Western Railway (SWR) operates over 1,500 services each weekday across the network and employs more than 5,000 people. We provide easy and convenient mobility, connecting people and communities in South West London, southern counties of England, and the Isle of Wight.
Join our team and help us continue to bring people together to get the most out of life.
What is it like to be a train driver?
Becoming a train driver at SWR is the start of a rewarding and fulfilling career. You'll sit at the front of our trains and see the world coming towards you, knowing you're a vital part of what makes SWR great.
You'll be taking customers to work, meetings with friends and family, to the beach, historic landmarks and major sporting and entertainment events. You'll also be getting our customers home again safely knowing that you have played an invaluable role in bringing people together to get the most out of life. You'll collaborate with colleagues at all levels to be the team everyone trusts to connect the people and places that matter.
You'll end each day proud, knowing you are part of a fantastic team, working together with care and commitment to make every journey, every day, easy and reliable.
Who needs a 9 – 5 anyway?
Our drivers commit to a varying shift pattern over 24 hours, 7 days a week to keep our services running, so you'll need to be disciplined, punctual, reliable and ready to go at any time of the day! As this role is safety critical, you'll need to be able to get to your depot within a maximum of 60 minutes commute time. Drivers work an average 35 hours over 4 days a week, however, during training you will work 40.5 hours over 5 days a week.
What does it take to be a train driver?
Here at SWR we pride ourselves on the diversity and the versatility of our colleagues. You don't need to have qualifications or prior knowledge of the rail industry to be a great driver, but you do need the dedication, drive, and interpersonal skills to be your very best self every single day.
At SWR our drivers:

• Take the initiative, coming up with well-reasoned, informed solutions to help deliver the best service for our customers
• Lead by example, carrying SWR values close to their heart and never walking past a problem.
• Work well with others, forging strong professional bonds with colleagues from all backgrounds.
• Evaluate their own behaviours, constantly seeking to succeed and improve.
• Keep themselves up to date with rule changes, operational and business updates.

What do we offer?
We provide an exceptional training programme, designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience to help you become a great driver. Much of the training is delivered at our training facility in Basingstoke, but you will undertake hands on training at your local depot.
At SWR we are committed to the progression and development of all colleagues. As part of this, from day one, you'll be working towards a Level 3 Train Driver Apprenticeship, which is delivered by our Operations Training team and partner training provider.
We offer a competitive salary, with Trainee drivers starting on £37,865 per annum plus applicable regional allowances. Our training duration is approximately 14 – 18 months, during which time your salary will rise in increments as you reach key milestones in your learning objectives. The salary for a fully productive driver is £79,604 per annum plus applicable allowances.
We also provide fantastic travel concessions for you and your family, a generous reward and recognition scheme, brilliant opportunities to progress within the company and much more.
The Reward
In return we offer a competitive salary and a variety of valuable benefits, including:

• Free duty and leisure travel on SWR services for employees
• Free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants (criteria dependent)
• 75% discount on many other train operating companies
• Full training and support with development
• Excellent pension scheme

We all belong at SWR. Our vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all colleagues, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment.
We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, religion, and disability. We maintain a zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent.
We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive.
If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below. We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.
https://exceptionalindividuals.com/neurodiversity/
https://www.healthassured.org/blog/neurodiversity/

 

[Twin82]

Thought I'd see a post for this but haven't.

SWR Recruiting for Waterloo, Farnham, Strawberry Hill, and Basingstoke. Closing date 27/09/2026 but will likely be pulled sooner so be quick!

https://careers.southwesternrailway...river-waterloo-waterloo-london-united-kingdom
https://careers.southwesternrailway...-driver-farnham-farnham-surrey-united-kingdom
https://careers.southwesternrailway...strawberry-hill-greater-london-united-kingdom
https://careers.southwesternrailway...ingstoke-basingstoke-hampshire-united-kingdom

Probably closed now for Waterloo

 

[005leo]

Hello guys, what are the odds of passing DMI for SWR?

 

[Ahmed]

Hello guys, what are the odds of passing DMI for SWR?

As much as ur prepared to be honest. I wouldnt think abt odds just be ur best.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Sep 2026 ==

It actually closed as the link wont even go past the registration phase

 

[Twin82]

I was lucky enough to catch the previous vacancy posting. Done the STJ and was told I met the minimum threshold or something along that line. Still haven’t heard from them and now a new vacancy has opened and closed. Wonder what would happen if I was to apply for the one that just closed although I have a pending application open.

 

[traindriva]

Hi guys, has anyone applied to yesterday's applications and done the tests?