Assessments & Medicals discussion

[Unobrow]

Literally this! I would call it street furniture

Street furniture would be street lights, bus shelters, fencing and the like. This is a sign for road traffic giving a mandatory instruction. Good luck with your ATAVT.

 

[Samsanbor]

Literally this! I would call it street furniture

Seems you are showing very little appreciation here after someone has taking time to give you honest advice to your question.

 

[greeny14888]

Literally this! I would call it street furniture

Not all railway signals are pole/post mounted, a high level of SPADs occur at ground position lights and shunting discs. Might go someway to explain why the roadsigns they use in the tests are not all the "obvious" ones

 

[Ridetherails]

It’s a sign that tells traffic on the road what to do. It’s a road sign

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 19 Mar 2025 ==

Simple question about OPC tests.

Am I correct in thinking as a new applicants you have effectively 3 lives, but this is across all TOC’s, even though a lot of TOCs don’t accept previous results?

If you sit tests and pass but then for another TOC you fail, does that override your passed result effectively meaning it’s a hard 3 life rule end of, not 3 life rule per TOC?

 

[Terry844]

If you sit tests and pass but then for another TOC you fail, does that override your passed result effectively meaning it’s a hard 3 life rule end of, not 3 life rule per TOC?

It’s a 3 life rule total and yes if you pass with one then fail with another it overrides your pass and is a life gone

 

[Ridetherails]

Thank you for clarifying.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 19 Mar 2025 ==

How does it work if you’re applying to multiple TOC’s and have assessments with a couple of them? Or is it a case of you have to put your eggs in one basket?

 

[Spincity]

Thank you for clarifying.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 19 Mar 2025 ==

How does it work if you’re applying to multiple TOC’s and have assessments with a couple of them? Or is it a case of you have to put your eggs in one basket?

Your test results go on a national data therefore the results will be used by all TOCs. So potentially you could pass or fail for all TOCs in one assessment. But lots depend if the TOCs are national/enhanced, what additional tests might be required, if do MMI or CBI. Too many unknowns, personally, who do you ideally want to work for, and attend an assessment for them.

 

[Ridetherails]

Thanks

I never heard back from my first choice but did from second choice. Sat the OPC tests 2 weeks ago ( not heard back since ) and now been invited to assessment centre for my first choice next week :/ hence my questions

 

[Spincity]

Thanks

I never heard back from my first choice but did from second choice. Sat the OPC tests 2 weeks ago ( not heard back since ) and now been invited to assessment centre for my first choice next week :/ hence my questions

As you sat the test only 2 weeks ago you won’t be able to sit the same tests for 1 year. Probably worth contacting the TOC before attending and confirming the situation. Which TOCs are you applying for?

 

[Ridetherails]

Sat tests with West Midland Trains and passed and been invited to interview in 2 weeks time. I’ve also been invited for assessments with Chiltern and CrossCountry next week also.

I know West Midlands and Chiltern are both Enhanced and CrossCountry is National.

Seems like an absolute minefield

 

[Spincity]

Sat tests with West Midland Trains and passed and been invited to interview in 2 weeks time. I’ve also been invited for assessments with Chiltern and CrossCountry next week also.

I know West Midlands and Chiltern are both Enhanced and CrossCountry is National.

Seems like an absolute minefield

it doesn’t look likely you’ll be able to attend any other assessment. It’s now to see if the TOCs invite you for an interview. You’ll get turned away if you attend another assessment

 

[nolypops83]

Sat tests with West Midland Trains and passed and been invited to interview in 2 weeks time. I’ve also been invited for assessments with Chiltern and CrossCountry next week also.

I know West Midlands and Chiltern are both Enhanced and CrossCountry is National.

Seems like an absolute minefield

You should probably contact XC and Chiltern and let them know. You don't need to do them again if you've already passed unless you didn't pass to their level of "enhanced" so for XC that shouldn't be an issue as they are national but for Chiltern you will need to check.

Edit - If you've failed you won't be able to resit for 1 year unfortunately.

 

[Ridetherails]

Just heard back from XC, they said I just need to provide proof of my pass on the day of assessment and if there’s an additional ones I need to do I would just sit them that day.

If I can’t provide proof I’ll have to resit all of them.

As I thought this information was held by the OPC on a national database, how do I go about getting this proof to show them?

Thanks so much for all the help and advise from everyone

 

[nolypops83]

Just heard back from XC, they said I just need to provide proof of my pass on the day of assessment and if there’s an additional ones I need to do I would just sit them that day.

If I can’t provide proof I’ll have to resit all of them.

As I thought this information was held by the OPC on a national database, how do I go about getting this proof to show them?

Thanks so much for all the help and advise from everyone

Sorry, I noticed on the other message that you passed. Congratulations. The OPC advise that the info belongs to your TOC but its available on a national database, so XC should be able to check. Odd that they said you'd have to resit them without proof?

https://www.theopc.co.uk/files/Train%20Driver%20Assessment%20Centre%20Guide%20V2.pdf

 

[12LDA28C]

Thank you for clarifying.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 19 Mar 2025 ==

How does it work if you’re applying to multiple TOC’s and have assessments with a couple of them? Or is it a case of you have to put your eggs in one basket?

The OPC recommends that you don't apply to multiple TOCs. You should complete the process for one TOC first before starting an application for another. It's only a 'minefield' if you don't follow this advice and apply to multiple TOCs concurrently as you appear to have done.

Out of interest, which TOCs do not accept previous OPC test results from another TOC, if they're still valid?

 

[Ridetherails]

Totally agree.

I applied for a talent pool position first ( which I sat and passed tests with ) then an actual full time position with a different toc got advertised ( and hence applied as talent pool is an uncertainty on an actual Job offer )

Just had a very informative chat with someone from OPC and looks like there was an overlap of my results being put into the database and being invited by another toc to assessment. They suggested taking my emails from my other toc showing my progress through and after taking the tests as proof. Worst case I can resit them as I passed, but the new results would overwrite my existing ones and hence could jeopardise the talent pool application if I fail or below their required standard.

On the plus side, the new toc have said to attend with proof and if they are happy I have passed the tests already to their standard ( opc said to encourage them to recheck the database also ) I won’t have to resit the tests but progress to next stage.

 

[Spincity]

Totally agree.

I applied for a talent pool position first ( which I sat and passed tests with ) then an actual full time position with a different toc got advertised ( and hence applied as talent pool is an uncertainty on an actual Job offer )

Just had a very informative chat with someone from OPC and looks like there was an overlap of my results being put into the database and being invited by another toc to assessment. They suggested taking my emails from my other toc showing my progress through and after taking the tests as proof. Worst case I can resit them as I passed, but the new results would overwrite my existing ones and hence could jeopardise the talent pool application if I fail or below their required standard.

On the plus side, the new toc have said to attend with proof and if they are happy I have passed the tests already to their standard ( opc said to encourage them to recheck the database also ) I won’t have to resit the tests but progress to next stage.

You won’t be an able to resit them. You can only sit the tests once every year.

If you resit the test, those results become your current results across the industry, if you resit and fail them you end all your applications for 1 year for all TOCs and you will be out of all talent pools.

You need to be very careful. But it’s the TOC who will confirm.

No one is going to give you an email to take to another TOC and it doesn’t look very professional asking for a TOC to help you get a job with another TOC.

 

[nolypops83]

You won’t be an able to resit them. You can only sit the tests once every year.

If you resit the test, those results become your current results across the industry, if you resit and fail them you end all your applications for 1 year for all TOCs and you will be out of all talent pools.

You need to be very careful. But it’s the TOC who will confirm.

No one is going to give you an email to take to another TOC and it doesn’t look very professional asking for a TOC to help you get a job with another TOC.

Does that not make up your 2 attempts? It’s a bit convoluted but I definitely wouldn’t be taking them again if I’d already passed, not for any TOC.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 21 Mar 2025 ==

The OPC recommends that you don't apply to multiple TOCs. You should complete the process for one TOC first before starting an application for another. It's only a 'minefield' if you don't follow this advice and apply to multiple TOCs concurrently as you appear to have done.

Out of interest, which TOCs do not accept previous OPC test results from another TOC, if they're still valid?

To be fair, I applied to Avanti West Coast in 2023 and I’m still waiting to do the next stage of the tests. That was my first application and for all I know it could come to nothing. They haven’t responded to any of my emails either so I’m applying with other TOCs. What else can I do other than keep going?

 

[Spincity]

Does that not make up your 2 attempts? It’s a bit convoluted but I definitely wouldn’t be taking them again if I’d already passed, not for any TOC.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 21 Mar 2025 ==


To be fair, I applied to Avanti West Coast in 2023 and I’m still waiting to do the next stage of the tests. That was my first application and for all I know it could come to nothing. They haven’t responded to any of my emails either so I’m applying with other TOCs. What else can I do other than keep going?

It’s not 2 (or now changed to 3) attempts. It’s unsuccessful attempts. So if passed process and then resit later and fail, that 1 unsuccessful attempt. Still have 1 or 2 lives left.

But agree why take them again when in the bank.

 

[micky075]

Hi,

I wanted to pick someone’s brains. I’ve got the job at southeastern as a train conductor for Ramsgate depot. Looks like starting in September / October time. I have to do a medical. I have ADHD and for this I am on a controlled drug which I’ll declare at my medical. I don’t think this would be an issue since the medication makes me more focused and concentrated.

How would this work if I wanted to become a train driver? Would they assess me at the time to see if I’m eligible for the role or would they automatically say no?.

Just looking at options as I’d like to work my way up the chain so to speak.

Thanks

 

[Samsanbor]

Hi,

I wanted to pick someone’s brains. I’ve got the job at southeastern as a train conductor for Ramsgate depot. Looks like starting in September / October time. I have to do a medical. I have ADHD and for this I am on a controlled drug which I’ll declare at my medical. I don’t think this would be an issue since the medication makes me more focused and concentrated.

How would this work if I wanted to become a train driver? Would they assess me at the time to see if I’m eligible for the role or would they automatically say no?.

Just looking at options as I’d like to work my way up the chain so to speak.

Thanks

You need first of all to be successful at the psychometric tests and interviews. After that you will do the medical assessment, only at that stage they can tell of any health related concerns.

Generally speaking If your medical for the conductor role will be fine you shouldn't have any problems for a driver role, unless any changes of your circumstances obviously, reason why they will medical assess you close to the start date.

 

[kilozulu]

I have my 2nd assessment day coming up soon so trying to practice the computer tests.

I have downloaded the practice software from Trainee Train Driver but seem to be struggling with the ATAVT section of this. Does anyone have recommendations on how to improve on this or tips that they found helped them?

Also any pointers for the SJE would be appreciated!

 

[calgriffin96]

Hi All, I'm currently helping my Mum with her application for a Service Delivery Assistant with GWR in Exeter, this has been a job she has been thinking about for a long time.
Looking for any advice with assessments, what to expect and any practice materials.

Any help would be appreciated,

Thanks in advance!

 

[PeteBre]

I have my 2nd assessment day coming up soon so trying to practice the computer tests.

I have downloaded the practice software from Trainee Train Driver but seem to be struggling with the ATAVT section of this. Does anyone have recommendations on how to improve on this or tips that they found helped them?

Also any pointers for the SJE would be appreciated!

Morning, congratulations on passing your 1st assessment day.

I’ve recently passed the 2nd assessment, and ATAVT was my worry to be honest. The WAFV and the 2 hand co-ordination are difficult to practice and you either get it or you don’t.

I suggest to carry on practicing as this should help, but also ease with nerves etc.

I think there were around 15-20 images. And I wasn’t sure I got them all correct, but you can only answer what you see.

After these tests, you’re told if you made it through to the MMI (OPC in Watford) in the afternoon - if not, you get to go home.

Although nerves will be present right up to the time you arrive, the staff will soon put you at ease and explain everything. They want you to pass.

Hope everything goes well and all the best.

 

[micky075]

You need first of all to be successful at the psychometric tests and interviews. After that you will do the medical assessment, only at that stage they can tell of any health related concerns.

Generally speaking If your medical for the conductor role will be fine you shouldn't have any problems for a driver role, unless any changes of your circumstances obviously, reason why they will medical assess you close to the start date.

Thank you. I passed the tests and interview. Now just waiting for the medical. What’s it like and what do I expect? Would anyone know how long I have to wait for the medical if I’m supposed to start in September / October?

 

[kilozulu]

Morning, congratulations on passing your 1st assessment day.

I’ve recently passed the 2nd assessment, and ATAVT was my worry to be honest. The WAFV and the 2 hand co-ordination are difficult to practice and you either get it or you don’t.

I suggest to carry on practicing as this should help, but also ease with nerves etc.

I think there were around 15-20 images. And I wasn’t sure I got them all correct, but you can only answer what you see.

After these tests, you’re told if you made it through to the MMI (OPC in Watford) in the afternoon - if not, you get to go home.

Although nerves will be present right up to the time you arrive, the staff will soon put you at ease and explain everything. They want you to pass.

Hope everything goes well and all the best.

Thanks! Yes they were very good during the 1st assessment day at helping to calm any nerves and put you at ease.

I will be practicing several times a day until my assessments. Is there any tips you had that helped you pass this section?

 

[PeteBre]

Thanks! Yes they were very good during the 1st assessment day at helping to calm any nerves and put you at ease.

I will be practicing several times a day until my assessments. Is there any tips you had that helped you pass this section?

Not really, I briefly looked at what to expect. I thought if I can do it, I’ll be able to do it.

I was VERY nervous before the day, more or less talking myself out of it.

My main concern was the MMI! I kept going over and over potential questions for days before the day. Practice didn’t ease my nerves (but that’s just me, especially when the reward could be great).
I based my 6 questions on my current role, only to be told to change 3 of my answers during the interview as the topics had already been covered in the previous answers.
I tried to think on my feet but ended up using hypothetical scenarios. I tried to keep with the STAR strategy, but it was difficult with the anticipated interruptions.

Practice, but relax, be yourself and smash it.

 

[Samsanbor]

Thank you. I passed the tests and interview. Now just waiting for the medical. What’s it like and what do I expect? Would anyone know how long I have to wait for the medical if I’m supposed to start in September / October?

Regarding what to expect from the medical this is covered in detail on this thread, if you use the search tab it will bring all the discussions related to the topic.

Regarding the waiting time this is a bit difficult to give you an answer.
I would guess is still early just now considering start date will be in September/October so maybe in the next few months.

 

[warspite74]

Hi all, does anyone know if you can apply and would be considered if you are on anti depressant medication? Specifically fluoxetine.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Mar 2025 ==

Hi all, does anyone know if you can apply and would be considered if you are on anti depressant medication? Specifically fluoxetine.

I should clarify, if I could apply to become a driver.

 

[Burrowl]

Hi team

I am wanting to confirm if the multi modal interview is part of the assessment centre for the purpose of the horrible 'two attempts' policy? I hope not but believe that it is.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Mar 2025 ==

1) I passed almost all train driver assessments in September, then failed one in February.
The new standard gives candidates three attempts - if they didn't take any tests before December 2024.
I did, but I passed them!
Are there any ways that I could attempt to get a third go? This would seem fair.

2) I do not believe that I should have failed the interview test in February - is there an option to appeal, and if so, is it a formal process, or just sending an email request?

2) On a more philosophical note : what are the likely effects on me, or on others, or the environment if I were to fail twice ?
It seems to me to be a categorically unfair policy. I think that giving every candidate one attempt per 5 years would be fairer.
To be barred for life feels like being deemed 'terminally ill!'. Is the rule such as it is because it's testing your emergency-handling skills, and you might be permanently disabled or affected if a real event were to happen whilst you were in the job?

3) How do I make sure / do everything possible to ensure that I don't fail again?

4) I am also interested in the testing process to the extent that I would want to become a testing administrator. Does anyone know how to apply for that job?