Train Driver Psychometric Assessment review

[Stigy]

This popped up on the ORR’s Twitter feed today. I guess this probably isn’t going to spell a complete rethink of the Train Driver Psychometric Assessments, but it’s quite interesting, especially reading there will be an independent appeals process for candidates.

 

[Horizon22]

Here's a link to the article: https://www.orr.gov.uk/search-news/...r-provision-train-driver-psychometric-testing

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has today accepted a set of commitments offered by the Railway Assessment Centre Forum (RACF) that will open the body to non-members, reducing restrictions on entry to the market and promote value for money by giving train companies more choice.

The new set of commitments also addresses ORR’s competition concerns around the availability of psychometric testing for train drivers.

In Britain, around 4,000 train drivers undergo psychometric assessments every year.

Testing ensures driver competence in areas such as the ability to concentrate, hand coordination skills and behavioural preferences, which are critical to the safe operation of a train.

The new commitments include:

• Objective, transparent, publicly available membership rules;
• An application process that does not require applicants to unnecessarily provide commercially sensitive information;
• Set timescales and processes for the appointment of mentors; and
• An appeal process that allows a rejected applicant a right to appeal to an independent barrister.

ORR opened its investigation in March 2021 into RACF membership after being concerned that certain aspects of RACF’s rules were restricting competition concerning the provision of train driver psychometric assessments.

The detailed document can be found here

 

[YingYing]

Interesting. I wonder if this will lead to more companies bringing the testing in-house like I know DB Cargo do.

 

[Horizon22]

It is interesting to note that only the following TOCs were in the RACF

Govia Thameslink Railway Limited, Northern Trains Limited (Northern Rail), First MTR South Western Trains Limited (South Western Railway), Abellio East Anglia Limited (Greater Anglia Rail), West Midlands Trains Limited, Scotrail Railways Limited, First Greater Western Limited (Great Western Railway), South Eastern Railway Limited;

 

[choochoochoo]

If there is the introduction of an appeals process, then doesn't that put those who've not used up their 2 lives at an advantage over those who have (and couldn't appeal). Will it mean a reset of the 2 lives ?

-Edit: On reading the points below, my question no longer applies.

 

[ComUtoR]

especially reading there will be an independent appeals process for candidates.

I think you may have read that wrong. The right to appeal isn't for candidates who have sat a Train Drivers assessment, its for a company who's membership is rejected. At least that's how I've read it.

 

[Stigy]

I think you may have read that wrong. The right to appeal isn't for candidates who have sat a Train Drivers assessment, its for a company who's membership is rejected. At least that's how I've read it.

I’ve re-read it and I think you’re probably right.

 

[niggill617@gma]

This popped up on the ORR’s Twitter feed today. I guess this probably isn’t going to spell a complete rethink of the Train Driver Psychometric Assessments, but it’s quite interesting, especially reading there will be an independent appeals process for candidates.

I wonder how many graduates, that have worked hard through higher education, have been thwarted by psychometric tests, regards their chosen career at post graduate employment interview?

Do Occupational Psychologists have to pass such tests before being appointed? If so how many attempts?

At 62 I can still look at a standard number plate, look away pause and remember it. I can't do the same with 8.33 VHF radio frequencies, need the knee pad and grease pencil; better still already know it. Does the Group Bourdon test really prove one can maintain concentration for hours on end when knackered.

Refer to the attachment. Mandy Hickson proved them wrong to her credit. To some degree at least are psychometric tests the "Mismeasure of Man" (mankind) (book by Stephen Jay Gould).