Transport for Wales - Trainee Train Drivers

[JLyons]

Evening all, got my 2nd attempt coming up after failing on Atavt (traffic images) last time around. Still not 100% sure how far off I was due to the non feedback policy. Can anyone offer advice / tips to pass this test please?

The only advice I could offer is not to guess and only say what you see 100% as it sounds like this test is heavily marked down for wrong answers (rather than missed answers)

There is also software you can buy where you can practise the same test (just with different but similar traffic scenes) from traindriver info

 

[ThePeakNed]

Have you had a date yet?

Passed my assessments as well, just waiting for a DMI Date

Heard nothing as yet.

 

[Armourer79]

Shrewsbury people...

I won't start there until end of Jan but trying to figure the parking arrangement out ahead of time!

Where do people tend to park? Is there a secret gem out there? Do we get discounted rates?

Any hints / tips much appreciated!

 

[craigybagel]

Shrewsbury people...

I won't start there until end of Jan but trying to figure the parking arrangement out ahead of time!

Where do people tend to park? Is there a secret gem out there? Do we get discounted rates?

Any hints / tips much appreciated!

New starters at Shrewsbury have to use public car parks. Only discount is to buy a season ticket rather than pay the daily rate.

 

[Armourer79]

New starters at Shrewsbury have to use public car parks. Only discount is to buy a season ticket rather than pay the daily rate

Thanks mate,

I'm assuming the way you phrased it that there is a depot car park?

At what point can we use that, once signed off?

 

[craigybagel]

Thanks mate,

I'm assuming the way you phrased it that there is a depot car park?

At what point can we use that, once signed off?

There is indeed, but it's owned by WMR and full to capacity and new TfW staff at Shrewsbury haven't been able to use it for years. Existing staff were allowed to continue using it after the cut off point - I'm not sure if when they retire or otherwise leave the depot their spaces go to TfW staff on a waiting list or if the plan is just to eventually phase out all TfW staff from there entirely.

 

[Armourer79]

There is indeed, but it's owned by WMR and full to capacity and new TfW staff at Shrewsbury haven't been able to use it for years. Existing staff were allowed to continue using it after the cut off point - I'm not sure if when they retire or otherwise leave the depot their spaces go to TfW staff on a waiting list or if the plan is just to eventually phase out all TfW staff from there entirely.

Ok gotcha! Appreciate the info as always! I'll look into parking on someone's drive via the app or it seems tbf that the annual season ticket is even cheaper than that @ £480

 

[Goosey]

Cardiff one is a talent pool but still worth applying

Hi new on here applied on the 30th Aug and received an email saying on the 21st Sep saying I’ve been shortlisted what’s usually the lead time from here on? (Cardiff depot) thanks in advance

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Hi all,

To those that applied for the most recent Trainee Driver roles (Cardiff).. Is anyone still waiting to hear back? I’ve heard of people having both successful and rejection emails already, but I’m still yet to have a reply. Fully appreciate that some have waited months for a yes/no as I’ve read through nearly all of this thread in the last few weeks. I’ve accepted that it could take a long time but I’m annoying myself refreshing emails pretty much hourly . Trying to work out, if possible, how they process applications and how many have had replies.

Hi new on here applied on the 30th Aug and received an email saying on the 21st Sep saying I’ve been shortlisted what’s usually the lead time from here on? (Cardiff depot) thanks in advance

 

[NSEWonderer]

Hi new on here applied on the 30th Aug and received an email saying on the 21st Sep saying I’ve been shortlisted what’s usually the lead time from here on? (Cardiff depot) thanks in advance

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 Sep 2023 ==


Hi new on here applied on the 30th Aug and received an email saying on the 21st Sep saying I’ve been shortlisted what’s usually the lead time from here on? (Cardiff depot) thanks in advance

Wouldn't know mate but I wouldn't try put a time frame on it as it basically can be anytime from now till infinity as when they're ready they'll contact and things will move at a quicker pace. Railway is notoriously know for the lag times.

 

[RyanC87]

Hi new on here applied on the 30th Aug and received an email saying on the 21st Sep saying I’ve been shortlisted what’s usually the lead time from here on? (Cardiff depot) thanks in advance

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 Sep 2023 ==


Hi new on here applied on the 30th Aug and received an email saying on the 21st Sep saying I’ve been shortlisted what’s usually the lead time from here on? (Cardiff depot) thanks in advance

Can be anything mate. They've just started a round of tests, so next email inviting you to an assessment day will be soon. However you have to be quick as they go very fast.

 

[Goosey]

Thank you for the heads up

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 Sep 2023 ==

Wouldn't know mate but I wouldn't try put a time frame on it as it basically can be anytime from now till infinity as when they're ready they'll contact and things will move at a quicker pace. Railway is notoriously know for the lag times.

Thank you for the response

 

[deanboy7]

As mentioned above, could be any time from now but rest assured they'll get back to you

 

[Goosey]

As mentioned above, could be any time from now but rest assured they'll get back to you

Thank you

 

[Louishunt]

Hi, I’ve been looking on TFW’s vacancy site now for the last 6 months and I’ve not seen any adverts for trainee driver jobs. Is it on the main vacancy site? Or do they advertise somewhere else? Thanks

 

[RyanC87]

Hi, I’ve been looking on TFW’s vacancy site now for the last 6 months and I’ve not seen any adverts for trainee driver jobs. Is it on the main vacancy site? Or do they advertise somewhere else? Thanks

Main page. You just missed the last lot. Keep an eye on here as people usually post when up.
You can also sign up for alerts, however they are hit and miss on when it alerts you.
Probably March or April next lot

 

[Louishunt]

Main page. You just missed the last lot. Keep an eye on here as people usually post when up.
You can also sign up for alerts, however they are hit and miss on when it alerts you.
Probably March or April next lot

Thanks, no way gutted. Do they advertise for all depots at the same time?

 

[JoshuaPrice]

When were the latest jobs advertised? I’ve got my email alerts set but didn’t get anything unfortunately.

 

[kie1an]

The last advert was around about 30th August and that was for Cardiff based trainee drivers

 

[Kaytay87]

I just missed it too - my friend sent me the link and by the time I got home from work it had closed

 

[Logger79]

I just missed it too - my friend sent me the link and by the time I got home from work it had closed

Have you got the questions for the application?

 

[Kaytay87]

Have you got the questions for the application?

Unfortunately not, do you?

 

[BOMPO83]

Got an email today been shortlisted. 2nd time lucky hopefully

 

[Goosey]

I’ve just passed stage 1 and 2 and the mmi (within the last 3 months)

What you listed is what it is on the day.

If successful in applying for an assessment (reply to the email within 5 minutes- as they fill up within 10 max) then you will be given a practice booklet.

As for the group bourdon test. The practice paper you are provided is all letters. The test itself utilises the dots. A quick search online and you can get copies of these easily.

Honestly I found it all quite comfortable. I practiced the group bourdon and then I found some videos on YouTube about the stage 2 and practiced those probably for 30 minutes in total. It isn’t difficult and if you can concentrate and pay attention then you will pass. -

How long after you’ve emailed back do they usually let you know of the confirmation date?

 

[kie1an]

I’ve just passed stage 1 and 2 and the mmi (within the last 3 months)

What you listed is what it is on the day.

If successful in applying for an assessment (reply to the email within 5 minutes- as they fill up within 10 max) then you will be given a practice booklet.

As for the group bourdon test. The practice paper you are provided is all letters. The test itself utilises the dots. A quick search online and you can get copies of these easily.

Honestly I found it all quite comfortable. I practiced the group bourdon and then I found some videos on YouTube about the stage 2 and practiced those probably for 30 minutes in total. It isn’t difficult and if you can concentrate and pay attention then you will pass. -

You were pretty spot on with the comment about replying quickly to the assessment slots. I replied just 20 minutes after receiving an email yesterday which I thought was quick however got an email today to say that I was too late and they had already been taken up!

Now awaiting the next slot dates that are available.

 

[ThePeakNed]

Has anyone had DMI at Shrewsbury this week?

 

[mtb]

Has anyone had DMI at Shrewsbury this week?

Yeah had mine weds.

Think I fluffed it up. Waffled a lot. Came away thinking of all the things I should have said.

Was a nice relaxing interview mind.

 

[ThePeakNed]

Yeah had mine weds.

Think I fluffed it up. Waffled a lot. Came away thinking of all the things I should have said.

Was a nice relaxing interview mind.

How've you gotten on?

It's good news for me, now sat in the talent pool!

 

[mtb]

How've you gotten on?

It's good news for me, now sat in the talent pool!

I'm also in the pool which surprised me. The whole process has surprised me after many years of applying and getting nowhere!
Should have more faith in myself.

Well done. Little tipple tonight to celebrate.

Hopefully get a date soon.

Oliver

 

[ThePeakNed]

I'm also in the pool which surprised me. The whole process has surprised me after many years of applying and getting nowhere!
Should have more faith in myself.

Well done. Little tipple tonight to celebrate.

Hopefully get a date soon.

Oliver

They mentioned there are 4 spaces on a course in February, so we'll see.

First time applying for TfW, but the second time I've had to do the psychometrics. That side of the process was the same as my first attempt.

It'll beat depot driving!

 

[mtb]

They mentioned there are 4 spaces on a course in February, so we'll see.

First time applying for TfW, but the second time I've had to do the psychometrics. That side of the process was the same as my first attempt.

It'll beat depot driving!

I'm a nurse. I can't face another 27 years of NHS work. Broken after 18.
Fingers crossed for Feb.