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Trainee driver assessment

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RMB

Member
Joined
12 Feb 2021
Messages
5
Location
Essex
Hi all

I’m brand new to the railway industry/this site and have an assessment coming up for a trainee driver position. I’m definitely “bricking it”. I’m also still learning/navigating this site...

Any handy tips or pointers for an assessment which is less than 2 weeks away now? I’m practising loads, using the pack I was provided with and using books and software too.

I’m worried about the image memory test (ATAVT) and the TRP-test 1 (I’m not the fastest reader - please correct me if I’ve got any of the above tests terminology wrong)

I’d be grateful for as much help as I can get.

Thanks very much
 
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L401CJF

Established Member
Joined
16 Oct 2019
Messages
1,442
Location
Wirral
Hi all

I’m brand new to the railway industry/this site and have an assessment coming up for a trainee driver position. I’m definitely “bricking it”. I’m also still learning/navigating this site...

Any handy tips or pointers for an assessment which is less than 2 weeks away now? I’m practising loads, using the pack I was provided with and using books and software too.

I’m worried about the image memory test (ATAVT) and the TRP-test 1 (I’m not the fastest reader - please correct me if I’ve got any of the above tests terminology wrong)

I’d be grateful for as much help as I can get.

Thanks very much
The image test was definitely the hardest for me, it seemed to blink up for next to no time at all, I thought Jesus not passing this! I passed it though. Just prepare the best you can with the pack you have, that was my method. I believe the idea behind the tests is you can either do them or you can't, just use what you have, and do the best you can!

If you've not done the paper tests yet, definitely look at the group bourdon tool pinned on this forum, huge help, and to be honest was probably my favourite of the tests.

Good luck!
 

RMB

Member
Joined
12 Feb 2021
Messages
5
Location
Essex
The image test was definitely the hardest for me, it seemed to blink up for next to no time at all, I thought Jesus not passing this! I passed it though. Just prepare the best you can with the pack you have, that was my method. I believe the idea behind the tests is you can either do them or you can't, just use what you have, and do the best you can!

If you've not done the paper tests yet, definitely look at the group bourdon tool pinned on this forum, huge help, and to be honest was probably my favourite of the tests.

Good luck!
Hi LJ401CJF

Thanks for your reply. It’s a great help getting some information and I guess reassurance too.

I hope the image test won’t be as bad as I’m making it out to be. Did you do the trp-test 1, what was that like? I’m quite worried about that one

I am however amazed at how much I’m picking up since my invite only 7 days ago!

Thanks for the heads up on the group bourdon test. Thankfully I’ve got a book with loads of them in so I’m fitting in practise sessions 2-3 times a day where I can.

Thanks very much for your help. I’ll be needing all the luck I can get
 

L401CJF

Established Member
Joined
16 Oct 2019
Messages
1,442
Location
Wirral
Hi LJ401CJF

Thanks for your reply. It’s a great help getting some information and I guess reassurance too.

I hope the image test won’t be as bad as I’m making it out to be. Did you do the trp-test 1, what was that like? I’m quite worried about that one

I am however amazed at how much I’m picking up since my invite only 7 days ago!

Thanks for the heads up on the group bourdon test. Thankfully I’ve got a book with loads of them in so I’m fitting in practise sessions 2-3 times a day where I can.

Thanks very much for your help. I’ll be needing all the luck I can get
Yes I did the TRP test, I didn't find it too bad. Just memorise as best you can. I also did the fault finding test and although there were loads of questions I only completed about 7 of them, it was still enough to pass. I believe in the tests they want accuracy over speed, so you could complete every question with mistakes and fail, but complete a fraction of the questions with no mistakes and pass. So work through at a steady pace and make sure they're correct rather than rush to the finish. Hope this helps!
 

PickleTree

Member
Joined
10 Jan 2020
Messages
340
Location
Hampshire
The TRP test isn't that bad on the day, you just have to choose the best way to memorise the information either by taking notes or by listening very carefully. Ultimately even if you make notes they are removed prior to the test, I think you will surprise yourself with how much you remember. The ATAVT test is tough, my biggest bit of advice is to stick to your initial thought and dont question yourself too much. Also make the most of you being in control of moving onto the next image, only click through when you are ready. Are you completing the paper and computer based tests in one day do you know? Mine were split up into 2 separate sessions, paper based first and then computer if you pass the paper stuff.
 

RMB

Member
Joined
12 Feb 2021
Messages
5
Location
Essex
Yes I did the TRP test, I didn't find it too bad. Just memorise as best you can. I also did the fault finding test and although there were loads of questions I only completed about 7 of them, it was still enough to pass. I believe in the tests they want accuracy over speed, so you could complete every question with mistakes and fail, but complete a fraction of the questions with no mistakes and pass. So work through at a steady pace and make sure they're correct rather than rush to the finish. Hope this helps!
Thanks again for the reply. I’ll do my best to memorise as best I can.

About the TRP test 1, in the book I have, the example text is almost an A4 page of text to read and digest for 3 minutes (making notes) and then answer the questions after. Is it really like this on the day with almost an A4 sheet of text to take info from?

That makes complete sense with the fault finding being more accurate than speed.

Thanks for the handy tips, it really is so useful
 

PickleTree

Member
Joined
10 Jan 2020
Messages
340
Location
Hampshire
Thanks again for the reply. I’ll do my best to memorise as best I can.

About the TRP test 1, in the book I have, the example text is almost an A4 page of text to read and digest for 3 minutes (making notes) and then answer the questions after. Is it really like this on the day with almost an A4 sheet of text to take info from?

That makes complete sense with the fault finding being more accurate than speed.

Thanks for the handy tips, it really is so useful
With my TRP test you had a sheet to read but they also played an audio of exactly the same thing. I found it easier to listen to the audio and make some notes of the important bits rather than reading the text, but you have to do whatever way you find works for you.
 

RMB

Member
Joined
12 Feb 2021
Messages
5
Location
Essex
The TRP test isn't that bad on the day, you just have to choose the best way to memorise the information either by taking notes or by listening very carefully. Ultimately even if you make notes they are removed prior to the test, I think you will surprise yourself with how much you remember. The ATAVT test is tough, my biggest bit of advice is to stick to your initial thought and dont question yourself too much. Also make the most of you being in control of moving onto the next image, only click through when you are ready. Are you completing the paper and computer based tests in one day do you know? Mine were split up into 2 separate sessions, paper based first and then computer if you pass the paper stuff.
Hi PickleTree

Thanks for your post. Do you mind telling me, for the TRP test, is it audio you listen to and read text before answering the questions? I think I have may have misread one or the other.

Thanks re the ATAVT test. Go with your gut and initial instinct right. That’s a really handy tip about being in control with moving on, thanks for that.

According to the email it’s all sat in one day. There’s no breakdown as to how that’s carried out unfortunately
 

PickleTree

Member
Joined
10 Jan 2020
Messages
340
Location
Hampshire
Hi PickleTree

Thanks for your post. Do you mind telling me, for the TRP test, is it audio you listen to and read text before answering the questions? I think I have may have misread one or the other.

Thanks re the ATAVT test. Go with your gut and initial instinct right. That’s a really handy tip about being in control with moving on, thanks for that.

According to the email it’s all sat in one day. There’s no breakdown as to how that’s carried out unfortunately
From memory they play an audio CD of exactly the same text sheet that you will have in front of you so you have the choice to read along or to just listen to the audio and make notes. Which ever way you find easiest to memorize information I would suggest. Who have you applied with?
 

RMB

Member
Joined
12 Feb 2021
Messages
5
Location
Essex
From memory they play an audio CD of exactly the same text sheet that you will have in front of you so you have the choice to read along or to just listen to the audio and make notes. Which ever way you find easiest to memorize information I would suggest. Who have you applied with?
Thanks for sharing this. It’s helping out just knowing what to expect. Can you remember how long the audio/text is read out for?

I’ve applied to c2c
 

BobbiMac421

Member
Joined
7 Feb 2021
Messages
9
Location
Chichester
Got my assessment centre tomorrow! Having a last minute re-read of all the paperwork, got my ‘right to work’ documents ready and my journey planned. Anyone got any last minute advice? Wish me luck
 

L401CJF

Established Member
Joined
16 Oct 2019
Messages
1,442
Location
Wirral
Got my assessment centre tomorrow! Having a last minute re-read of all the paperwork, got my ‘right to work’ documents ready and my journey planned. Anyone got any last minute advice? Wish me luck
Don't forget to take proof of nat insurance number be it the card, or a wageslip with it printed on etc.
 

PickleTree

Member
Joined
10 Jan 2020
Messages
340
Location
Hampshire
Got my assessment centre tomorrow! Having a last minute re-read of all the paperwork, got my ‘right to work’ documents ready and my journey planned. Anyone got any last minute advice? Wish me luck
Not sure where you are going for the assessments but if you are going to the OPC in Watford get there early as it isn’t the easiest place to find even on a map!
 

dzdoris

Member
Joined
29 Sep 2020
Messages
111
Location
Solihull
Got my assessment centre tomorrow! Having a last minute re-read of all the paperwork, got my ‘right to work’ documents ready and my journey planned. Anyone got any last minute advice? Wish me luck
Good luck! Got mine a week tomorrow! Exciting times :D
 

BobbiMac421

Member
Joined
7 Feb 2021
Messages
9
Location
Chichester
Not sure where you are going for the assessments but if you are going to the OPC in Watford get there early as it isn’t the easiest place to find even on a map!
Thanks, I’m actually East Croydon bound- Go Ahead House, for Southern. Looks to be just a minute or 2 from the station so fingers crossed I’ll find it ok! Useful tip for others to see though!

Good luck! Got mine a week tomorrow! Exciting times :D
Thanks! Best of luck to you too!! Which TOC have you applied to?
 

Luckyflames

Member
Joined
12 Feb 2021
Messages
284
Location
Kent
Thanks, I’m actually East Croydon bound- Go Ahead House, for Southern. Looks to be just a minute or 2 from the station so fingers crossed I’ll find it ok! Useful tip for others to see though!


Thanks! Best of luck to you too!! Which TOC have you applied to?
Hi. How did you go ? Hope it went well. Also could I ask how long after passing the mini scaat online was it until your assessment day please ?
 

Mattydo

Member
Joined
27 Mar 2020
Messages
215
Hi. How did you go ? Hope it went well. Also could I ask how long after passing the mini scaat online was it until your assessment day please ?
You’ll find that varies widely. I was put into an application pool for driver actually after applying for a different role back at the end of May 2020 (which goes to show you that your CV is just as important as your assessments, every part of your application needs to be right). Online tests shortly afterwards


Anyway, assessments were held 7 months later in December. Interviews in January and all being well I’m due to start in March.

By railway standards that is pretty quick and is partially a result of being on their books at the right time I am sure.

The current situation probably means timelines are even more likely to fluctuate.

Resist the temptation to put your own timeline on the process. I still have active applications “waiting for assessments” since last year. I initially got excited at every application progressing but quickly realised that may not mean it will progress tomorrow. Or next week or next month. It could be one day out of the blue they finally call and offer you an assessment centre or dmi etc.

The feeling of signing a contract at the end makes it worthwhile though so sit tight and you’ll be fine.
 
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L401CJF

Established Member
Joined
16 Oct 2019
Messages
1,442
Location
Wirral
You’ll find that varies widely. I was put into an application pool for driver actually after applying for a different role back at the end of May 2020 (which goes to show you that your CV is just as important as your assessments, every part of your application needs to be right). Online tests shortly afterwards


Anyway, assessments were in December. Interviews in January and all being well I’m due to start in March.

By railway standards of that is pretty quick and is partially a result of being on their books at the right time I am sure.

The current situation probably means timelines are even more likely to fluctuate.

Resist the temptation to put your own timeline on the process. I still have active applications “waiting for assessments” since last year. I initially got excited at every application progressing but quickly realised that may not mean it will progress tomorrow. Or next week or next month. It could be one day out of the blue they finally call and offer you an assessment centre or dmi etc.

The feeling of signing a contract at the end makes it worthwhile though so sit tight and you’ll be fine.
I second this. I applied for a trainee position in 2019, passed all the assessments etc but didn't get the job and was placed on file for 12 months. 12 months came and went so thought never mind. Had an email off them last week saying as I've sat the assessments already there are some potential vacancies coming up and would I like to apply ahead of the queue.

Happy days!
 

QPRFCuk

Member
Joined
21 Feb 2021
Messages
12
Location
West London
Hi all

I’m brand new to the railway industry/this site and have an assessment coming up for a trainee driver position. I’m definitely “bricking it”. I’m also still learning/navigating this site...

Any handy tips or pointers for an assessment which is less than 2 weeks away now? I’m practising loads, using the pack I was provided with and using books and software too.

I’m worried about the image memory test (ATAVT) and the TRP-test 1 (I’m not the fastest reader - please correct me if I’ve got any of the above tests terminology wrong)

I’d be grateful for as much help as I can get.

Thanks very much
Have you had your assessment yet? How did you get on?
 

Spaniard

Member
Joined
13 Mar 2021
Messages
22
Location
Borehamwood
Has anyone had their assessments recently just got the nod for the assessment centre after bricking it for a few days after I completed my mini scaat
 

Milo2785

New Member
Joined
22 Mar 2021
Messages
2
Location
n9 7ap
Hi All

I'm just wondering if anyone can help me with some advice.

I have my second try at the train driver role however my previous test passed to a high enough standard but i failed the mmi because i wasn't descriptive enough.

My new assessment has been held back by a year because of the pandemic however the previous results have now lapsed past the 5 year mark, when they would have been valid if not for the pandemic, is there any precedent for this? can tocs still use the previous results so i would only have to sit the mmi again?
 
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