CrossCountry - Apprentice Train Driver - Multiple (19/09/23)

[JWS]

just checked my application and also says online testing, I'm in for Cambridge.

 

[Retro racer]

If you've already passed a recent psychometric does anyone know the procedure with cross country?

 

[ayaz2001]

im still application in progress, for Manchester.

 

[Theoffs]

Manchester - says online testing

 

[Ned21]

I passed the tests with Avanti, do I still have to do the online testing for this application?

 

[SCDR_WMR]

I passed the tests with Avanti, do I still have to do the online testing for this application?

Yes, this isn't the OPC testing phases

If you've already passed a recent psychometric does anyone know the procedure with cross country?

Will still do the online portion, but if you pass and have passed the relevant tests then you'll be on to DMI stage

 

[Kieranmcd]

Yes, this isn't the OPC testing phases


Will still do the online portion, but if you pass and have passed the relevant tests then you'll be on to DMI stage

Hi mate, this is my first application and I'm at the same stage. If it's not the OPC tests yet, do you know what they are? Cheers

 

[7819Hinton]

Hi mate, this is my first application and I'm at the same stage. If it's not the OPC tests yet, do you know what they are? Cheers

Based on most recent process, will most likely be the RAAT. (Rules acquisition and aptitude test) which is a multiple choice test, with a question about a passage of text.

 

[Ned21]

Will a fail affect my Avanti application?

 

[CheeseNoMayo]

Will a fail affect my Avanti application?

No it shouldn’t affect your avanti application as they’re not part of the OPC psychometrics. However, correct me if I’m wrong but I believe that Avanti use a CBI as part of their psychometrics standard where as XC use MMI so should you be successful at DMI you may be required to sit an MMI the results of which could affect your Avanti application.

 

[MidweekR]

In for Newcastle, portal states 'Online testing' but haven't heard anything as yet. Anyone else for Newcastle, have you had an email re tests?

 

[Ell300]

In for Newcastle, portal states 'Online testing' but haven't heard anything as yet. Anyone else for Newcastle, have you had an email re tests?

Yes, in for Newcastle too. Same as yours, portal states 'Online Testing'. Just a waiting game!

 

[kajojek3232]

The wait is completely normal, guys. In face, XC move quite quickly initially so don’t panic. We’ll hear back within a week or two. Then we’ll do the RAAT and then a DMI as XC do it the other way round. Patience.

 

[Kieranmcd]

Based on most recent process, will most likely be the RAAT. (Rules acquisition and aptitude test) which is a multiple choice test, with a question about a passage of text.

Thanks for the info. Any idea when the GBTest etc happen? Guessing that's after the RAAT but before the DMI

 

[kajojek3232]

Thanks for the info. Any idea when the GBTest etc happen? Guessing that's after the RAAT but before the DMI

No. XC do RAAT then DMI then OPC.

 

[Kieranmcd]

No. XC do RAAT then DMI then OPC.

Good to know thanks. One last question and I'll stop nipping your brain... might help someone else too. Say you pass the RAAT and the DMI, but fail the OPC. do you lose a "life"? Or you do only lose a life if you're unsuccessful at the DMI?

 

[GPR]

The only life you lose is when you don’t pass psychometrics at the OPC.

 

[LKS]

They advertised twice earlier in the year. They were looking for 5 drivers this year and next year maybe they already have enough.

I applied earlier in year but nothing on my online portal has changed since submitting

 

[JWS]

It’s interesting the order of testing, DMI before OPC. I guess the cost involved to get people to pass them then they use the results and jump to other TOCs?

Fortunately I have passed the tests 1 year ago with SE but not sure if they are the same tests at XC?!

 

[kajojek3232]

It’s interesting the order of testing, DMI before OPC. I guess the cost involved to get people to pass them then they use the results and jump to other TOCs?

Fortunately I have passed the tests 1 year ago with SE but not sure if they are the same tests at XC?!

What tests did you pass? XC use a national standard so if you passed any OPC tests in person they’ll be valid.

 

[JWS]

What tests did you pass? XC use a national standard so if you passed any OPC tests in person they’ll be valid.

Group bordon
TEA-OCC
ATAVT
Vigilance test
MMI

Only test I haven’t done was VSE I believe

I’m not sure what the tests are called when you had to memorise a passage of text about the train breaking system then you are asked 18 questions about it.

And also the 4dials blue to white and you prioritise them

So many Acronyms!!!!

 

[kajojek3232]

Group bordon
TEA-OCC
ATAVT
Vigilance test
MMI

Only test I haven’t done was VSE I believe

I’m not sure what the tests are called when you had to memorise a passage of text about the train breaking system then you are asked 18 questions about it.

And also the 4dials blue to white and you prioritise them

So many Acronyms!!!!

XC do not do VSE so you wouldn’t have to do them. I’ve done VSE as well for AWC but that’s irrelevant.

The questions you’re talking is called TRP 1 or 2 (can’t remember which one was which, not going to lie).

Did you make sure you’ve put in your application that you have those passes?

 

[JWS]

I did mention in my cover letter I had passed OPC already. Not sure if on the application if there was a drop down choice to say I had passed them already.

 

[ayaz2001]

Group bordon
TEA-OCC
ATAVT
Vigilance test
MMI

Only test I haven’t done was VSE I believe

I’m not sure what the tests are called when you had to memorise a passage of text about the train breaking system then you are asked 18 questions about it.

And also the 4dials blue to white and you prioritise them

So many Acronyms!!!!

oh so they dont do the two handed co-ordination or wafv test?

 

[J3053B]

oh so they dont do the two handed co-ordination or wafv test?

That’s part of vigilance - they are a standard part of psychometrics.

 

[ayaz2001]

i see

 

[Stigy]

Testing is still done with the OPC. TfW just run them in-house. They will take whatever your last scores were

SWR/T did/do them in house too (or used to at least..may have changed since becoming a FirstGroup TOC though). They used to only take passes up to 3 years old, so maybe the link here is those who did them in house generally don’t jse marks over 3 years? Digressing I know, but just got me thinking.

 

[SCDR_WMR]

SWR/T did/do them in house too (or used to at least..may have changed since becoming a FirstGroup TOC though). They used to only take passes up to 3 years old, so maybe the link here is those who did them in house generally don’t jse marks over 3 years? Digressing I know, but just got me thinking.

Funnily enough, I had to resit testing with TfW as they only take passes up to 2 years. I believe XC take up to 5 though

 

[12LDA28C]

Funnily enough, I had to resit testing with TfW as they only take passes up to 2 years. I believe XC take up to 5 though

OPC passes are valid for 5 years so TfW saying otherwise is rather strange.

 

[Stigy]

OPC passes are valid for 5 years so TfW saying otherwise is rather strange.

OPC passes are valid for 5 years, but each TOC/FOC has the right to accept them from between 1 and 5 years. The psychometrics are done on behalf of the TOC/FOC and they are OPC tests, whether the TOC etc does them in house or the OPC carry them out.

DB Cargo have been known to not accept passes at all, and insist all applicants take them regardless (assuming they get that far). I guess the OPC would rather it that way, as they charge a fee anyway?