So we are all in the same boat! I wouldn’t hold your breath on getting a response they have hundreds going through the testing phase so the focus is ensuring everybody is equipped with practice information opposed to under equipped (The person who responded to my email just a few hours ago said this its not my opinion). I used my intuitive and emailed someone from arriva I previously use to liaise with she informed me OPC are the ones who manage the testing and the ones on your allocated booked day will tell you the tests you have to do (if any).
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Arriva Rail London - Trainee Driver - New Cross Gate / Willesden (19/06/23)
- Thread starter greatkingrat
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DontPlayBoxing
Member
So hold on, are you suggesting that people can turn up on the day and have no tests to do?
What 4 tests did they send you ? Group bourdon -tea-occ -DFFT and SJT?
I'm on the same boat.
I haven't heard back since providing my personal details... However I did pass to enhance level last year.
Just wondering if we will hear back once everyone passes and we are then at the same stage? Not really sure what's happening.
Fingers crossed!
Young Wendy
Member
That's my gut instinct too, that once everyone has done the assessments then they'll reassess and start organising DMIs.
Not knowing what's going on is tough! Hopefully those of us that have already passed will be updated soon.
Just a reminder for everyone that Enhanced Standard vary between the TOCs. For some it's a higher pass mark on some of the National Standard tests, for some will be additional tests. And even then, the same enhanced test may have different pass mark between the TOCs.
ARL's enhanced standard is three additional tests, that being in addition to the National Standard tests.
These additional tests are DFFT, M7SJT and VSE.
ARL's enhanced standard is three additional tests, that being in addition to the National Standard tests.
These additional tests are DFFT, M7SJT and VSE.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Member
Is anyone else still waiting to see if they passed the VSE assessment? I completed mine on Tuesday last week and haven’t had any confirmation as to whether I passed or failed. 
yeah but logic tells me the likeliness is will have at least one test to do. I feel if we had no test to do the opc would have been alerted on the database system
so in other words stay prepared so we don’t have to get prepared
yeah spot on
richiejenks
Member
Will do mate. Good luck.
I understand this, but I feel the communication is poor.contacted OPC they said I need to contact ARL and ARL saying on the day OPC will let me know that’s nonsense. When I dealt with another TOC they was able to notify me no fuss what tests I’ll be doing
That was also the case in ARL before, but it seems that new person in charge of recruitment is very new to this business.
How can you prepare for tests that you don’t know you’re taking until the day of arriving the assessment centre ? Unless you prepare for all of them (what ever is sent in the email ) which can be counterproductive as you may not have to sit them all
I mean... on the other hand, driver's job is to be trained for all possible scenarios including those you'll never even come across in your life, maintain the knowledge and skill at high standards at all times. You never know what you're gonna face just around the corner.
And at The OPC they test your skills, not your knowledge. If you've got the skills they're looking for, you'll be fine with the tests.
Also, really, you can keep the track of the tests you passed already yourself. This forum has already explained in much detail what tests are involved and which are to National Standard - if you passed them already, you passed them. If you failed any, you're gonna resit them.
But even by your theory that’s a “qualified” driver not candidates applying to acquire the training to be a fully equipped driver. I just think it’s poor communication. But I’ve accepted it, it’s fine.
Exactly! Doesn’t allow you to maximise your performance which is unfair for candidates who have gone through the process. Nothing is beneficial focusing your efforts on tests you won’t be doing. Counterproductive indeed.
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lufulujadot@ao
Member
Just randomly checking! What happens if you didn't pass the VSE test, would they still email you to let you know? Because since i did my VSE on 17th i am still yet to hear from them. Any ideas
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Member
Yes just received my email a few hours ago!!
Good luck to everyone that is moving on to the first stage assessment.Does anyone know of any good training materials in preparation for the first stage assessment with the OPC? Thanks
Rellybelli
Member
Congrats!!!Yes just received my email a few hours ago!!
Does anyone know of any good training materials in preparation for the first stage assessment with the OPC? Thanks
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Member
Thank you
I completed the online test on 18th July.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Member
I completed mine on Tuesday 18/07 and got an email today for the stage 1 assessment.
Congratulations well done . Good luck. What date/dates did you get if you had a choice ?
There were several dates available throughout the month of August only.
Do you mind letting me know the last date in august? I’m in the same boat as those that haven’t heard anything since responding to confirming your details email . I assume it’s because I’ve previously passed so possibly won’t get a response till after this stage or the next stage once everyone has completed their assessments. So I’m just trying to get a rough idea when I may possibly get a reply/update. Thanks
Rellybelli
Member
For me the last date to choose from was approx. 23rd x
plantprince
Member
I also haven't had an OPC link sent to me yet. Last correspondence was 6th July. The only OPC test I've ever done was a SJT just under 2 years ago. I'm hoping to hear something soon. No response to my follow up email yet and when I tried to call the phone number listed in the footer of the email it was switched off ☹️