Height worries!

[Char93]

Hi guys,

So I have passed the first three assessments and have been invited to the Assessment centre for the tests and interview!
my problem is, I am a bit short! And worried this will affect my chances. There was no mention of height in the application stage and I didn’t have to disclose.
I am a 5ft 1 woman going for trainee train driver with Southern Rail (GTR)
I read that some places you should be over 5ft2 and now panicking

 

[SecretSquirrel]

You'll be fine I think. I know a couple femail drivers for GTR around that height

 

[Char93]

You'll be fine I think. I know a couple femail drivers for GTR around that height

Oh phew I do hope so thank you for your quick response.
I am really looking forward to attending the assessment day, so many different tests and assessments to prepare for! In only a week Proud I have got this far to be honest!

 

[SecretSquirrel]

Wow that's really quick notice. Surprising how quickly this current drive is moving! Need anything help, drop me a message, still remember all the tests, more or less

 

[Char93]

Wow that's really quick notice. Surprising how quickly this current drive is moving! Need anything help, drop me a message, still remember all the tests, more or less

Ah thank you that would be great. If only I could figure out how to send a message haha!

 

[Stigy]

Some companies do stipulate a minimum of 5’2” but to be honest I can’t see it being rigorously enforced. Plus, being female, you’re also from an under represented group....

 

[tiptoptaff]

Some companies do stipulate a minimum of 5’2” but to be honest I can’t see it being rigorously enforced. Plus, being female, you’re also from an under represented group....

If they enforced the 5'2" rule you'd never have made it

 

[4F89]

More a problem being too tall to get inside a cab. So long as you can climb up and down from ballast, see over the desk, should be fine.

 

[RPOMan]

There’s a male driver where I work who is of similar height, I wouldn’t worry.

 

[TheVicLine]

If they haven't asked at the application stage then I would guess that there are no restrictions.

 

[LCC106]

I've seen in the RSSB documentation recently that it recommends 5'2 to 6'2 but it isn't mandatory! And I know a lot of drivers over 6'2!

 

[Trainrave]

If I remember correctly, @Twotwo posted in a different thread that they were “5ft0” and that it wasn’t an issue for their TOC, so hopefully you won’t have any problems!

 

[Muse29]

Hang upside down for a an hour or two every day and you'll grow an inch or two....

Only kidding, I don't have any knowledge but would have thought you'll be fine. Nothing you can do about it either (in the kindest sense) so I'd say if you can drive a car then all will be well.

 

[Twotwo]

If I remember correctly, @Twotwo posted in a different thread that they were “5ft0” and that it wasn’t an issue for their TOC, so hopefully you won’t have any problems!

Haha, this is correct. They never asked me about my height and it was never an issue but my BMI on the other hand...

 

[LCC106]

If your BMI isn't a problem when you start on the railway that's soon rectified when you get out and about!

 

[Char93]

Thank you everyone for your kind replies!! I’ve got my Assessment day on Friday and haven’t had time to practise. Stupidly I booked it for a week after I was accepted. Didn’t realise others book weeks or even months in advance. I have printed off a thousand group bourdons to go through and the booklet tomorrow as Mum is babysitting my 4mo tomorrow and Friday so I can go!

 

[Muse29]

Thank you everyone for your kind replies!! I’ve got my Assessment day on Friday and haven’t had time to practise. Stupidly I booked it for a week after I was accepted. Didn’t realise others book weeks or even months in advance. I have printed off a thousand group bourdons to go through and the booklet tomorrow as Mum is babysitting my 4mo tomorrow and Friday so I can go!

Good luck with the assessment centre. I have a second assessment day booked for a week on Friday! The first was before Xmas - it's nerve-wracking of course and the best advice I can give is just to remain calm. It's easy to work yourself up when you're sat there but just remember to take a few deep breaths if you're feeling stressed and that will do the world of good.

Is it just the Group bourdon? I assume there are other tests?

 

[class321]

Is a tape measure accurate to measure height?

 

[dzdoris]

Is a tape measure accurate to measure height?

I'm not sure why it wouldn't be. It would use the same scale as all other measuring devices surely?

 

[class321]

I'm not sure why it wouldn't be. It would use the same scale as all other measuring devices surely?

I noticed measuring by using a ruler and marking at various points is much more accurate than a tape measure as the tape measure bends in certain areas.

 

[dzdoris]

I noticed measuring by using a ruler and marking at various points is much more accurate than a tape measure as the tape measure bends in certain areas.

At your medical they'll use a height chart where you stand against a kinda pole with measurements. Might be worthwhile making a mark on the wall and measuring with the tape measure?

 

[class321]

At your medical they'll use a height chart where you stand against a kinda pole with measurements. Might be worthwhile making a mark on the wall and measuring with the tape measure?

Just measured my height right now (18:02 on 06/05/2021)
Tape measure = 170.6cm
Ruler = 171cm

 

[dzdoris]

Just measured my height right now (18:02 on 06/05/2021)
Tape measure = 170.6cm
Ruler = 171cm

What height do you need to be? There's only 0.4cm difference which I wouldn't consider a significant difference.

 

[class321]

What height do you need to be? There's only 0.4cm difference which I wouldn't consider a significant difference.

6'2 would be great, but sadly, I am Indian and it is rare to see 6'2 Indians. For some reason in the morning I'm 172 cm but at night 170cm

 

[Need2]

6'2 would be great, but sadly, I am Indian and it is rare to see 6'2 Indians. For some reason in the morning I'm 172 cm but at night 170cm

Why do you think that is?
Think about it. (Although a 2cm change is quite a bit)

 

[baz962]

6'2 would be great, but sadly, I am Indian and it is rare to see 6'2 Indians. For some reason in the morning I'm 172 cm but at night 170cm

Happens to everyone. You have weight pushing down all day , so you shrink. And while sleeping you don't.

 

[class321]

Happens to everyone. You have weight pushing down all day , so you shrink. And while sleeping you don't.

I see, so what would be my true height, 170cm or 172cm?

 

[baz962]

I see, so what would be my true height, 170cm or 172cm?

Now that I am not sure about. I would think 172

 

[class321]

Why do you think that is?
Think about it. (Although a 2cm change is quite a bit)

Spine compresses due to gravity.
It makes a difference

 

[MidlandsChap]

Some companies do stipulate a minimum of 5’2” but to be honest I can’t see it being rigorously enforced. Plus, being female, you’re also from an under represented group....

In practice what difference might this make to how the application is processed?