Hello everyone,,, I am new to the forum so please be kind.
Can I ask a question please.
Can you pay to do the train driver psychometric test myself if I choose, and if so who do you contact for further information such as cost, location, availability ect.
My train of thought is if I did this myself and if successful to the standard needed by the TOC then I would only need to pass the DMI and medical.
Many Thanks in advance.
RCG or OPC are the only two providers of private psychometrics that I know of. Price at RCG, who are based in Stockport, £500 - £600 and professionally run. I did my private tests few months back via RCG so can recommend them. Last time I spoke with OPC, their private tests were on hold in order to prioritise TOC tests, but they were contemplating restarting them
Privately acquired psychometrics are an emotive subject, as you'll find out for yourself if you research some of the historical threads on this forum lol
As said above, you still need to pass the initial sift which will likely involve additional testing and aptitude tests, perhaps telephone interviews etc. Passing your TD psychometrics won't entitle you to the job. However, there are multiple examples on this forum of applicants that do, as you speculated, go straight through to the DMI stage, once they've negotiated the application and pre-psychometric stage
IMO it also demonstrates to a perspective employer that you're serious about the job, given your personal investment. That might be the difference in a highly competitive application process
The downside, once you're at the DMI stage, you're back in the pot along with all the other applicants who passed their psychometrics. If their application was considered better, they get a better test score and outgun you at interview, they will rightly so sit above you in the pecking order. Nothing is guaranteed
Also worth noting, your scores will sit on the RSSB database for 5 years. However, some TOC's will make you resit them after 24 / 36 months
I did it to see whether I would pass or fail. I'm glad to say I passed my tests and I'm now in the process of applying for another non-driving job with a TOC, emboldened by the fact I have what it takes to pass the tests when I eventually apply for trainee TD internally. This makes it very much a less of a gamble and gives me the confidence to walk away from my current job
Good luck and wish you the best