First Group Trainee Train Drivers

[Picklebutton]

Pretty sure they don't take rush hour into account - after all, it's unlikely all that many shifts will be 9-5.

For info, some TOCs do. SWR take heavy traffic into account. They perform a check from your home postcode to the depot for both a shift outside of rush hour, and a shift that will involve some travel during peak times. If a round trip is greater than 1.5 hours, you’re out of the frame straight away.

 

[tiptoptaff]

Hey all!

Was wondering if anyone knows how GWR (or, really, any TOC) determines the 60-minute distance rule. I live part way between two depots (classed as different regions with GWR, sadly) so I applied to the one I prefer most, but it also happens to be the farther one. Google maps puts me at around 50 minutes driving time, but I am not sure what they mean by "typical traffic conditions;" Factor in rush hour and I'm most definitely outside the 60-minute range.

Hoping to not be disqualified on something minor like this; in which case perhaps it might be best to withdraw my application and apply to the closer depot? (unless there is reason to believe it leaves a poor mark if I withdraw an application).

Thanks for any help/advice on this!

Google maps AND rail travel if they think you'll use it, based on where you live.

 

[MostlyHarmless]

For info, some TOCs do. SWR take heavy traffic into account. They perform a check from your home postcode to the depot for both a shift outside of rush hour, and a shift that will involve some travel during peak times. If a round trip is greater than 1.5 hours, you’re out of the frame straight away.

I can confirm this for SWR but they will accept relocates if you can prove your new address

 

[Ebee]

I'm gonna ask again. For the second online assessment will a laptop touchpad do or is it best to use a proper mouse?

 

[MostlyHarmless]

I'm gonna ask again. For the second online assessment will a laptop touchpad do or is it best to use a proper mouse?

Whoa... keep your hair on!

Either will work but a mouse is always better in my opinion, and I used one when I did my assessments

 

[Omar]

I'm gonna ask again. For the second online assessment will a laptop touchpad do or is it best to use a proper mouse?

I just done my test, touchpad should be ok but I also recommend a mouse. All the best mate.

 

[Ebee]

Whoa... keep your hair on!

Either will work but a mouse is always better in my opinion, and I used one when I did my assessments

Thank you! I was stressing because I wanted to get it over and done with. Thanks again

 

[Ebee]

I just done my test, touchpad should be ok but I also recommend a mouse. All the best mate.

Thanks. All done seemed a bit too easy

 

[Omar]

Thanks. All done seemed a bit too easy

I actually enjoyed it, much easier compared to OPC VSE assessment which was a nightmare.

 

[C.T.P.]

I actually enjoyed it, much easier compared to OPC VSE assessment which was a nightmare.

Sorry for the perceived sarcasm, I hoped it helped... Out of curiosity, how long did it take you to complete the test?

 

[MostlyHarmless]

Thanks. All done seemed a bit too easy

If they were the same as the ones I've done (twice in a month ) they weren't too bad

 

[Unknockable]

Being rejected wouldn't affect your ability to apply for another TOC

That’s good to know then, what about my location? ‘60 minutes of the job location based on normal traffic conditions

Hey all!

Was wondering if anyone knows how GWR (or, really, any TOC) determines the 60-minute distance rule. I live part way between two depots (classed as different regions with GWR, sadly) so I applied to the one I prefer most, but it also happens to be the farther one. Google maps puts me at around 50 minutes driving time, but I am not sure what they mean by "typical traffic conditions;" Factor in rush hour and I'm most definitely outside the 60-minute range.

Hoping to not be disqualified on something minor like this; in which case perhaps it might be best to withdraw my application and apply to the closer depot? (unless there is reason to believe it leaves a poor mark if I withdraw an application).

Thanks for any help/advice on this!

I’m in the same position. I am definitely outside the 60 minute rule during rush hour so I’m going to have to skip applying to this this vacancy

 

[Omar]

Sorry for the perceived sarcasm, I hoped it helped... Out of curiosity, how long did it take you to complete the test?

It's alright mate, I was just stressed and parnoid lol, I thought I done it in 3 minutes because the timer had 2 minutes remaining just before I clicked finish. In the end it stated I done it 5 minutes.

 

[jad]

For info, some TOCs do. SWR take heavy traffic into account. They perform a check from your home postcode to the depot for both a shift outside of rush hour, and a shift that will involve some travel during peak times. If a round trip is greater than 1.5 hours, you’re out of the frame straight away.

Useful info - thanks!
Any ideas if it might be perceived poorly to withdraw an application and apply to a different depot?

 

[Goingloco]

Hi,

Does anyone know how long the OPC test passes last for, is it 5 years??

Thanks in advance.......

 

[PaulBusDriver]

Does anybody know for sure that First still test to the National standard?

 

[Indy3995]

Does anybody know for sure that First still test to the National standard?

Yes, it's standard not enhanced

 

[Indy3995]

And....has anyone applied for the Penzance Pool? I'm waiting in the one from last time and have been since I passed all tests and both interviews back in Aug.

 

[Picklebutton]

I can confirm this for SWR but they will accept relocates if you can prove your new address

Yes, they expect you to have taken up suitable residence by the time you start the course.

 

[Picklebutton]

Useful info - thanks!
Any ideas if it might be perceived poorly to withdraw an application and apply to a different depot?

Leave the application you have in already, and just apply for the other depot as well. If you’re successful in being offered a position at one of them, they will automatically withdraw any other depot applications which are still live.

 

[Stigy]

Hi,

Does anyone know how long the OPC test passes last for, is it 5 years??

Thanks in advance.......

It’s not the OPC who determine that, it’s the TOC/FOC themselves. GWR allow 5-years apparently (I asked the other day in this thread).

Bear in mind also that not all compnaiesbusebthe OPC, some do their own, in house.

 

[C.T.P.]

It's alright mate, I was just stressed and parnoid lol, I thought I done it in 3 minutes because the timer had 2 minutes remaining just before I clicked finish. In the end it stated I done it 5 minutes.

Well done!

 

[utternoob]

anyone know the training salary ?

and one the aslef site which one does first group fall under ?

 

[Jonnyboy84]

anyone know the training salary ?

and one the aslef site which one does first group fall under ?

Think the training salary is either 21 or 24g can't remember which.

 

[Gooner18]

Think the training salary is either 21 or 24g can't remember which.

I would Imagine it’s more than that ?

 

[tiptoptaff]

I would Imagine it’s more than that ?

27ish.

But imagine all you like, several TOCs have training salaries in the low to mid 20s

 

[Boid]

I did my SJT earlier today. How long till you hear back for the numerical test? I thought it would be shortly after. Since I haven't is it safe to say I failed the SJT?

 

[tiptoptaff]

anyone know the training salary ?

and one the aslef site which one does first group fall under ?

GWR - although the ASLEF site is now out of date.

 

[baz962]

GWR - although the ASLEF site is now out of date.

All throughout my training , the askedaslef site was quoting trainee rate as 26k , despite it being 29k

 

[Lmc1976]

I did my SJT earlier today. How long till you hear back for the numerical test? I thought it would be shortly after. Since I haven't is it safe to say I failed the SJT?

I got an email invite for the numerical test about 8 hrs after doing the SJT, doing yours on a weekend though could possibly slow the process so you might have to wait until tomorrow.