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LOROL Trainee Driver - medical advice

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ChkChkChk

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18 Jun 2016
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I'm fortunate enough to have just been told I passed my final interview and, as long as I pass the medical, I should be all set to start with them in September. Absolutely delighted, as you can imagine!

I can't think of any reason I might fail the medical, but I've never had one before. I'm not especially medically knowledgeable and right now by biggest worries are:

- I had laser eye surgery three years ago. All is fine with my eyes and in the final interview I was told it was very unlikely to be an issue, but I still can't help but be worried. I had an eye test recently and my vision was virtually 20/20, and the optometrist said my eyes looked perfectly healthy, albeit with some of the scar tissue you'd expect in any laser eye surgery patient.

- I've read a few things about poppy seeds causing a positive result on drugs tests, and I've been eating an amazing multi-seed bread for the past 18 months that I just learned has a ton of poppy seeds on it! I'm switching breads just in case.

- Drug/alcohol test - I've never had one. I'm not a drug user and I also rarely drink to excess. However I'm at Glastonbury for a full week prior to my medical (I volunteer there every year) so I'll be drinking unusually heavily by my standards during that week, and will be essentially surrounded by a haze of cannabis smoke for the whole week, despite not being a user myself.

From the research I've done I don't believe the above is likely to be an issue or cause a positive result in a drugs or alcohol test, but I was hoping someone with better knowledge than myself might be able to advise.

Much appreciated.

PS Despite this being my first forum post, throughout my application process I've made regular reference to this forum for info and advice, so thanks to everybody who regularly contributes. It really is an amazing resource
 
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saracen

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31 Jul 2012
Messages
101
Understandable to be a little nervous but you'll be fine.

1) As you've already made LOROL aware of your pre existing eye condition and your vision is near on 20/20 then it shouldn't be a problem. You may, however, be subject to more regular eyes tests/monitoring throughout your railway career to just monitor that it isn't getting any worse.

2) You'd have to eat a TON of poppy seeds within 24/48 hours of your test to get a false positive for opiates but for your peace of mind, avoid the multi seed bread 2 days prior. You hear scare stories but they're few a far between. A couple of slices of bread won't flag up.

3) The post Glastonbury booze will be well out of your system if you've a week to prepare for your medical. You won't test positive for cannabis either if it's just drifting in the air. You'd need to inhale or be in a contained environment surrounded by very heavy users to test positive via passive smoking.

All the best
 

ChkChkChk

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That's reassuring - thanks very much for getting back to me. Fingers crossed! I'm hoping that in a couple of weeks' time all boxes will be ticked and everything will be confirmed.

Thanks again!
 

Patters1983

Member
Joined
10 Jan 2016
Messages
44
Hey CHK,

Just wanted to ask you when did you apply for the trainee driver role? I've passed all the assessments and the MMI. I had to still do the line manager interview but got an email saying that they fulfilled their positions...did you do the line manager interview recently?

Thanks appreciate the response :)
And well done for getting so far!
 

LMS1990

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10 Jan 2016
Messages
5
Would anyone be able to clarify whether it's pretty straightforward? I have mine coming up too and can't help but feel slightly nervous lol.

Chkchkchk I take it you're on the September course for New Cross Gate? If so I'll see you then! Had my final interview on Friday and passed successfully too :D
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Hey CHK,

Just wanted to ask you when did you apply for the trainee driver role? I've passed all the assessments and the MMI. I had to still do the line manager interview but got an email saying that they fulfilled their positions...did you do the line manager interview recently?

Thanks appreciate the response :)
And well done for getting so far!

I dunno if it helps but I applied back in Dec/Jan and passed all assesments in Feb. They emailed over a week ago to say that they were interviewing for the final stage
 

Skoodle

Member
Joined
26 Apr 2010
Messages
358
Don't fret guys, the medical is usually easiest part of the process.

Another thing I would be cautious about is the loud music at Glastonbury affecting your hearing for the hearing test, you may want to keep that in check as much as possible.

Drugs and Alcohol, as long as you don't drink 24 hours before you'll be fine.

The vision shouldn't be an issue, they're a lot more relaxed about people who have already had laser surgery, just a grey area for drivers who get it whilst already on the job.

Just remember to declare absolutely everything that could explain a false positive. Poppy seeds, multivitamins, nicotine lozenges, if you've been eating it, tell them. Being completely honest at the medical will be a lot better for you in the long run! Even tell them that you were at Glastonbury volunteering so you are a little concerned. It's better to worry for nothing then be caught out.

What usually happens is if there is a false positive for whatever reason, it gets sent for further testing which will show up as being fine.

Well done to you both for getting this far and hopefully see you at NXG later this year!
 

saracen

Member
Joined
31 Jul 2012
Messages
101
Don't fret guys, the medical is usually easiest part of the process.

Another thing I would be cautious about is the loud music at Glastonbury affecting your hearing for the hearing test, you may want to keep that in check as much as possible.

That's a really good point ^^^ I use these particular ear plugs when I go to gigs or clubs. They also help me get a good nights kip after a night shift. Of course disposable ear plugs provided by your company are ok but these work well for me

https://www.amazon.co.uk/EarPeace-High-Fidelity-Hearing-Protection/dp/B00K18KSNA
 

Smiffy174

New Member
Joined
28 Jun 2016
Messages
2
Would anyone be able to clarify whether it's pretty straightforward? I have mine coming up too and can't help but feel slightly nervous lol.

Chkchkchk I take it you're on the September course for New Cross Gate? If so I'll see you then! Had my final interview on Friday and passed successfully too :D
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


I dunno if it helps but I applied back in Dec/Jan and passed all assesments in Feb. They emailed over a week ago to say that they were interviewing for the final stage

LMS1990 I have my managers interview with lorol for the September course I was just wondering what sort of questions they ask in the managers interview ? Thanks
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
New to this rail forums I was just wondering what sort of questions they ask in the managers interviews ? Thanks
 

LMS1990

Member
Joined
10 Jan 2016
Messages
5
Anyone have any idea how long they take to get back to you once the medical's done? Thanks
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
LMS1990 I have my managers interview with lorol for the September course I was just wondering what sort of questions they ask in the managers interview ? Thanks
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
New to this rail forums I was just wondering what sort of questions they ask in the managers interviews ? Thanks

Hi Smiffy174, I believe that the questions are tailored depending on how you answer the personality questionnaire. In mine they asked questions regarding leadership, taking ownership of things, challenging higher powers etc
 

Smiffy174

New Member
Joined
28 Jun 2016
Messages
2
Anyone have any idea how long they take to get back to you once the medical's done? Thanks
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


Hi Smiffy174, I believe that the questions are tailored depending on how you answer the personality questionnaire. In mine they asked questions regarding leadership, taking ownership of things, challenging higher powers etc

LMS1990 thanks. I have it tomorrow at 1.30pm so I'll see how I get on !
 
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