Assessments & Medicals discussion

[Georgiahope1]

I think that depends on the TOC/FOC you applied to. Have you taken the tests with the same company?

The company is Northern Trains and yes it both with the same company the first attempt and the re-sit and it is the OCU Psychometrics test board they follow I think

 

[WblDanny]

You should only have to resit what you’ve failed, I only had to resit the one test I failed with Northern

 

[Twotwo]

Seems like you've failed twice so that would be your 2 attempts. Unless I'm wrong......

 

[Georgiahope1]

You should only have to resit what you’ve failed, I only had to resit the one test I failed with Northern

Thank you for your response, this was my understanding aswell!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 7 Apr 2025 ==

Seems like you've failed twice so that would be your 2 attempts. Unless I'm wrong......

sorry I may have worded it wrong, i meant to say my first attempt was with Northern and my re-sit is too (haven't yet done my re-sit)

 

[Twotwo]

Thank you for your response, this was my understanding aswell!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 7 Apr 2025 ==


sorry I may have worded it wrong, i meant to say my first attempt was with Northern and my re-sit is too (haven't yet done my re-sit)

Tbf I don't know how it works. But as you failed two tests I think this could count as 2 fails? Unless they count the 2 fails as the first attempt as it was done on the same day? But most certainly if you failed both on 2 separate occasions that would be your 2 attempts.

 

[nolypops83]

The company is Northern Trains and yes it both with the same company the first attempt and the re-sit and it is the OCU Psychometrics test board they follow I think

Yes, I'm in the same boat with Northern (failed the 2 hand coord test) and they said I would only have to resit this one. Best of luck with it!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 7 Apr 2025 ==

Tbf I don't know how it works. But as you failed two tests I think this could count as 2 fails? Unless they count the 2 fails as the first attempt as it was done on the same day? But most certainly if you failed both on 2 separate occasions that would be your 2 attempts.

I think it's two separate occasions, although when I took mine with Northern they only let you take the computer tests if you passed the paper ones.

 

[Georgiahope1]

Yes, I'm in the same boat with Northern (failed the 2 hand coord test) and they said I would only have to resit this one. Best of luck with it!

oh great thanks, That's good to know we only have to re-sit the failed ones! You too good luck!

 

[nolypops83]

oh great thanks, That's good to know we only have to re-sit the failed ones! You too good luck!

Thanks! I've been waiting for a group interview date since December so it's slow going. I have a date booked for the psychometrics but with Lumo and I'm just waiting to find out which ones I need to do. Not sure if I should risk re-doing them all if I don't have to, but no idea how long I'll have to wait for a date from Northern, and there's no guarantee I'll get through to the tests anyway.

 

[cazza0811]

I have just been called to attempt my re-sit for the Psychometrics Test for Train driving.

I previously failed the Group Bourdon and the 2 Hand coordination Test... obviously if I pass these I then go through to the interview.

I am just wondering if I will definitely just be expected to re-sit the two tests I failed? I have read various responses where some people have said they was expected to re-sit the whole sector of the test again so just wanted clarity!

Also if anyone has any tips that would be hugely appreciated!

Did you do like an assessment day before getting to this stage or? I’ve completed psychometrics but have to attend an activity day/DMI in a few weeks.
Northern usually do that first and then send people to psychometrics I believe.

 

[Georgiahope1]

Did you do like an assessment day before getting to this stage or? I’ve completed psychometrics but have to attend an activity day/DMI in a few weeks.
Northern usually do that first and then send people to psychometrics I believe.

Yes I have already done my assessment day, then got offered a conditional job if I went onto pass the psychometrics

 

[nolypops83]

Yes I have already done my assessment day, then got offered a conditional job if I went onto pass the psychometrics

I've just had it confirmed from HR at Lumo that I only need to resit the 2 hand coordination test and do the MMI. Have you been doing any practice? I used the group bourdon tool on here which was really useful and I passed, but there isn't really much you can do for the 2 hand test. I got feedback from the person who was doing the tests (less speed, more accuracy) but it's been nearly 2 years since I had a go. Someone told me it was just like gaming on a PS5 which I do a fair bit of, but I thought it was totally different as the sticks don't rotate 360 degrees. I was trying to make the ball move in one smooth line, but I guess I need to go bit by bit if that makes sense, especially on the curve.

 

[Georgiahope1]

I've just had it confirmed from HR at Lumo that I only need to resit the 2 hand coordination test and do the MMI. Have you been doing any practice? I used the group bourdon tool on here which was really useful and I passed, but there isn't really much you can do for the 2 hand test. I got feedback from the person who was doing the tests (less speed, more accuracy) but it's been nearly 2 years since I had a go. Someone told me it was just like gaming on a PS5 which I do a fair bit of, but I thought it was totally different as the sticks don't rotate 360 degrees. I was trying to make the ball move in one smooth line, but I guess I need to go bit by bit if that makes sense, especially on the curve.

Oh good, hopefully it is the same with Northern! I was the opposite to you I had very good accuracy but was not fast enough. I have also heard people say the same about gaming! I am hoping as we have done it before we now know what to expect, I think before I was the same as you I was expecting a full rotation of the sticks and it through me off!

 

[DMckduck]

Any tips for the 2hand test? Is it very sensitive and does holding at the base of the joysticks reduce this?

Got computer tests next and struggling to find ways to actually practice for them.

 

[D3WY]

Any tips for the 2hand test? Is it very sensitive and does holding at the base of the joysticks reduce this?

Got computer tests next and struggling to find ways to actually practice for them.

I found holding them lower down helps. And again it's accuracy over speed. I went out a few times, I'm pretty sure you're expected to go outside the lines a few times, I think they want to see you stay calm and bring it back.

Accuracy over speed. Don't rush.

Practice wise they will tell you how to practice, and im sure you will get some practice materials to practice with (that use similar techniques)

 

[TheRecruit]

Hi there,

I’ve been invited to an assessment day for a Train Conductor role. I was just wondering what will likely be involved? I am also slightly concerned as I have some colourblindness and I have a diagnosis of bipolar but I have been stable for a while without medication. I think I read that the colourblindness is tested through lantern tests now? I don’t know if that’s correct though so can anyone clarify? I have a lot more success with that than the Ishisara test

 

[jmccallion93]

Has anyone that has passed all assessments and then a medical been put in a trainee train driver talent pool post medical assessment or is there usually a job offer after this, specifically with Scotrail?

I have tried searching and seen people with other TOCs given an offer and start date pending medical, so trying to establish likely next stage and do they only schedule your medical when a job offer is available if you pass?

I’m in the same boat, done medical just over 6 weeks ago and eventually got word back I had passed and would be in touch in due course with a start date.

 

[NeoNeko]

Any tips for the 2hand test? Is it very sensitive and does holding at the base of the joysticks reduce this?

Got computer tests next and struggling to find ways to actually practice for them.

You can find the shape they use for the test online, if you haven't had a look yet. Also, just in case you're not aware, when you let go of the joysticks, the dot springs back to the centre of the screen, so you first have to get it to the start position, and then drive it around the course from there, starting with the sticks in that same position, which makes it a little trickier. Holding them lower down definitely helps with sensitivity. What other computer test are you doing?

 

[Pintman]

You can find the shape they use for the test online, if you haven't had a look yet. Also, just in case you're not aware, when you let go of the joysticks, the dot springs back to the centre of the screen, so you first have to get it to the start position, and then drive it around the course from there, starting with the sticks in that same position, which makes it a little trickier. Holding them lower down definitely helps with sensitivity. What other computer test are you doing?

Where can you find it online?

 

[Georgiahope1]

I found holding them lower down helps. And again it's accuracy over speed. I went out a few times, I'm pretty sure you're expected to go outside the lines a few times, I think they want to see you stay calm and bring it back.

Accuracy over speed. Don't rush.

Practice wise they will tell you how to practice, and im sure you will get some practice materials to practice with (that use similar techniques)

I agree with this but make sure you are not too slow as I failed because I was too slow, my accuracy was good but just too slow so I think it is a balance of both!

 

[cazza0811]

I found holding them lower down helps. And again it's accuracy over speed. I went out a few times, I'm pretty sure you're expected to go outside the lines a few times, I think they want to see you stay calm and bring it back.

Accuracy over speed. Don't rush.

Practice wise they will tell you how to practice, and im sure you will get some practice materials to practice with (that use similar techniques)

Thats right yeah but just make sure you’re quick at the same time. This is the test I failed initially for TPE before having to resit it. I failed because whilst I was accurate I was just a little too slow.

As with all the tests it’s about finding a balance

 

[Horizon22]

Hi there,

I’ve been invited to an assessment day for a Train Conductor role. I was just wondering what will likely be involved? I am also slightly concerned as I have some colourblindness and I have a diagnosis of bipolar but I have been stable for a while without medication. I think I read that the colourblindness is tested through lantern tests now? I don’t know if that’s correct though so can anyone clarify? I have a lot more success with that than the Ishisara test

For the colourblindness yes they have updated guidance (or are in the process of doing so) to come away from just Ishisara. I don’t think we’ve had any feedback yet on how that has gone though for anyone as it used to be a black and white pass/fail, so would be good to know.

 

[Snowman84]

Hi All, Looking for a little help

I managed to fail the Tea-Occ in Feb (gutted) so unable to try again until next year. Passed everything else with no issues

As it was only the 3rd part I failed on, can someone who has recently completed the test remind me of how many sets of tone you need to count while searching the phonebook? The whole day is a bit of a blur to be honest so would be good to know for next time round. Obviously I will need to re-sit all parts of this test

Also if it was more than one set of tones, is it possible to continue searching the phonebook in between?

Hope this makes sense and thanks for any help

 

[DMckduck]

Hi All, Looking for a little help

I managed to fail the Tea-Occ in Feb (gutted) so unable to try again until next year. Passed everything else with no issues

As it was only the 3rd part I failed on, can someone who has recently completed the test remind me of how many sets of tone you need to count while searching the phonebook? The whole day is a bit of a blur to be honest so would be good to know for next time round. Obviously I will need to re-sit all parts of this test

Also if it was more than one set of tones, is it possible to continue searching the phonebook in between?

Hope this makes sense and thanks for any help

From what i remember you had to search thr phone book for the double symbols only in part 1. Part 2 was low tones only and part 3 combined searching for double symbols and low tones only.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 10 Apr 2025 ==

You can find the shape they use for the test online, if you haven't had a look yet. Also, just in case you're not aware, when you let go of the joysticks, the dot springs back to the centre of the screen, so you first have to get it to the start position, and then drive it around the course from there, starting with the sticks in that same position, which makes it a little trickier. Holding them lower down definitely helps with sensitivity. What other computer test are you doing?

Thanks! Defo makes me feel comfortable knowing what to expect as can't really replicate the test in any form.

Also have to do the WAFV (which is always looking for the same 5 criteria, am I right?)

ATAVT, with this I thought splitting the box into four and focusing on 1 quarter at a time to avoid disorientation may work?

 

[NeoNeko]

Where can you find it online?

I found it shown in an online video demonstrating the controller that is used for the tests, as well as in a post here. Search for Schufried two-hand coordination test

Thanks! Defo makes me feel comfortable knowing what to expect as can't really replicate the test in any form.

Also have to do the WAFV (which is always looking for the same 5 criteria, am I right?)

ATAVT, with this I thought splitting the box into four and focusing on 1 quarter at a time to avoid disorientation may work?

The TOC I applied with sent practice materials, with shapes that you could print out and draw using both hands at the same time - do you have something similar? I also ramped up my gaming and bought a couple of racing games where I could use the left and right thumbsticks for braking/acceleration on one and steering on the other, just to help get used to that sort of coordination.

WAFV (the flashing grey square) - I found this as a video on YouTube and just watched the whole thing, practicing tapping with my finger when the square changed colour. Sitting through the whole thing is also a good way of seeing how your eyes and brain behave during it, and then you can figure out what techniques you can use to remain focused.

ATAVT (the traffic photos) is the same five criteria for each photo.

 

[D3WY]

I agree with this but make sure you are not too slow as I failed because I was too slow, my accuracy was good but just too slow so I think it is a balance of both!

Fair comment I did try to go quickish buy concentrated more.on keeping it in as much as poss and if I went out just got back, steadied myself and carried on. This was probably the worst test of the whole lot for me. Just because of how sensitive the joysticks are.

 

[PeteBre]

Evening,

I’ve got a medical in the next few days and I’m getting worried.

It’s with WMT.

I have a BMI of around 36 (I know, very high) - but I’ve been trying to lose weight, 17kg in 12 months.

I have type 2 diabetes, which is regulated with Metformin, and my levels have dropped nicely over this last year.

I’m mobile, and can walk 10k.

Just looking for advice if anyone has had a Medical recently?

Thanks

 

[Brick79]

Hi All, Looking for a little help

I managed to fail the Tea-Occ in Feb (gutted) so unable to try again until next year. Passed everything else with no issues

As it was only the 3rd part I failed on, can someone who has recently completed the test remind me of how many sets of tone you need to count while searching the phonebook? The whole day is a bit of a blur to be honest so would be good to know for next time round. Obviously I will need to re-sit all parts of this test

Also if it was more than one set of tones, is it possible to continue searching the phonebook in between?

Hope this makes sense and thanks for any help

As someone's already said it is only 1 tone in the 3rd part. I read on here someone mentioned counting the tones on your fingers whilst searching the phone book and I think it's solid advice makes it a lot easier

 

[nolypops83]

As someone's already said it is only 1 tone in the 3rd part. I read on here someone mentioned counting the tones on your fingers whilst searching the phone book and I think it's solid advice makes it a lot easier

I think they were asking how many sets of tones there are. So if memory serves there were maybe 5 or so sets, with gaps of a few seconds in between the sets, so you could use the gaps to focus on circling the symbols. It's just low tones in the 3rd part I think. It's been a while!

 

[crt-crt]

Do TOC’s have their own MMI pass criteria? For example, if you passed an MMI with Chiltern can you use the same MMI pass with West Midlands Trains or Great Western etc? Or do TOC’s have their own standards for MMI. This is something I’ve always not been 100% on. To simplify is an OPC MMI pass for train driving universal to all TOC’s/FOC’s? Cheers

 

[subh9940]

Hi all, I have assessment for RO2 at SWR, I will be grateful if anyone guide me what kind of assessment based on ?