I did ishiara color test vision , I have never realized , but it seems that I have some problems with the identification of green . Since I'm really considering go for an application in tube driver, does anyone know if this test faliure means thas you're automaticaly out ?
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ishiara color vision test
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mtbox
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Have you had your eyes checked properly by an optician, as it will only cost you a tenner or so. Don't go off a computer test as the colours can be out, you need to do the proper test which the optician will do.
Unfortunately if you are colour blind, you would not be able to work as a train driver.
For now...
There are many levels of colourblindness. TfL is working with RSSB to re-look at this whole area meaning someone who is slightly colour deficient may be able to work in a safety critical role in the future.
The RSSB states a company can accept any test results, but most (TOCs) prefer the awful ishihara because it's easy and cheap. The test is actually the worst to use for this type of industry.
Airline pilots take the Ishiara test. If it's a fail, they can request the City University test, which is more appropriate and learns where the colours become confusing for the user, so can give an extremely accurate reading of the level of colour deficiency. If they pass the CU test, it's considered a pass.
So in short, currently, a person may be able to fly a plane with ever growing numbers of seats, yet they cannot wave a train away from a platform. Completely crazy!
Does that "plane with ever growing numbers of seats" rely on you being able to differentiate between red and green to stop it crashing into another vehicle?
So your post is relevant how exactly! :roll:
Zoidberg
Established Member
Are there not traffic light things controlling taxing traffic?
But I think the point was about the newer test being able to say how well one can differentiate between colours, rather than the current can/can't test.
ralphchadkirk
Established Member
Given that the difference between red, white, green and yellow amongst others is hugely important when landing (as well as coloured dials and displays) I'd say it's quite relevant!
Smudge.Smith
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Look here for a previous discussion. http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=104809&highlight=ishihara
Not only will you learn something about this antiquated test, you will also gain a valuable insight into some of the personalities that post on this forum.
Not only will you learn something about this antiquated test, you will also gain a valuable insight into some of the personalities that post on this forum.
Zoidberg
Established Member
Thanks, I hadn't realised that this topic had been aired previously, and so colourfully, too.
Interesting thread with some who have passed the test and now making significant money being condescended by someone who failed the test.
Or something
Smudge.Smith
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Interesting thread with some who have passed the test and now making significant money being condescended by someone who failed the test.
Or something
I'm not sure how this is relevant to the topic.
IMHO the condescension came from those who changed the topic into "I can pass a test and you can't" scenario and didn't offer the OP anything constructive with regards to his question.
You will see from my previous post that I can and have passed the Isharaha plate test on previous occasions, thus proving that I have 'normal' colour vision based on the validity of the test. This would imply to me that on the day in question when I 'failed', either the test was flawed or the opticians professional opinion was flawed. I have yet to find an optician that can tell me catagorically which colours I 'cannot' see.
TBH, if anyone asks me what colours I can't see I'll just say I don't know... I've never seen them
Your words.
You've gone on to 'better' things apparently so why not let it go?
Let the OP sit the test and let them deal with the results
Smudge.Smith
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Your words.
You've gone on to 'better' things apparently so why not let it go?
Let the OP sit the test and let them deal with the results
Not my words... I'm just paraphrasing what the optician told me.
I don't know what 'better' things I have gone onto or what I need to 'let go'. What I do know is that I have had three good careers all of which required 'normal' colour vision.
Yes let the OP sit the test.... Isn't that what I was saying in the previous thread? Let's suspend disbelief for a second and assume the OP PASSES everything and is offered a job as a train driver. Doesn't that then prove my point that the Ishihara test is flawed, as by his own admission, he has failed the test previously. In fact I might even apply myself just to prove the point...
If you hadn't failed the eye test you'd be on your way to a fourth great career.
But you did and you're not - probably not intentional but everything you've posted (in either thread) has a tinge of sour grapes and that is why you need to let go.
Move on.
This forum is full of (probably perfectly capable would-be drivers) who have unfortunately fell at any number of hurdles - their cry of 'flawed testing' is common.
Don't join them
On a slightly more serious note - if you really want a place on the footplate, try again.
It might prove your point but, even more importantly, it will lead onto a great career with excellent earning potential (if you choose the right company), brilliant pension and annual leave that shocks even school teachers.
As way of encouragement, I know several qualified drivers who, after decades in the seat and with many medicals passed without issue, went on to fail the ishihara test.
All within a few days of each other and all at the same practise.
After several concerned calls from managers it was found that the 'plates' had been left on a window sill in baking heat during summer months and had faded!
New equipment = 100% pass.
But you did and you're not - probably not intentional but everything you've posted (in either thread) has a tinge of sour grapes and that is why you need to let go.
Move on.
This forum is full of (probably perfectly capable would-be drivers) who have unfortunately fell at any number of hurdles - their cry of 'flawed testing' is common.
Don't join them
On a slightly more serious note - if you really want a place on the footplate, try again.
It might prove your point but, even more importantly, it will lead onto a great career with excellent earning potential (if you choose the right company), brilliant pension and annual leave that shocks even school teachers.
As way of encouragement, I know several qualified drivers who, after decades in the seat and with many medicals passed without issue, went on to fail the ishihara test.
All within a few days of each other and all at the same practise.
After several concerned calls from managers it was found that the 'plates' had been left on a window sill in baking heat during summer months and had faded!
New equipment = 100% pass.
Smudge.Smith
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If I hadn't failed the test I would have had only two great careers
(assuming I stayed with BR) but I didn't - so I moved on (It was 30 years ago).There is no 'sour grapes' at all and I'm sorry if it comes across that way. I responded to a post based on personal experience and the 'chain of events' has bought us here. I just feel that the test is antiquated (it is a 100 years old) and (IMHO) flawed and there are newer, better and more relevant 'job related' tests that could be used and stop 'branding' people as 'colour blind' when clearly they are not. Certain personalities chose to disagree without qualifying their argument. That is their right - but not very helpful.
Once again, I believe this thread has run it's course and the OP can make an informed judgement whether he should apply (and risk potential disappointment), or not bother wasting his time (as he has evidential proof from an optician that he is indeed colour 'deficient' based on a diagnostic test such as Farnsworth and not a screening test as is Ishihara, or he should apply (regardless of a previous 'screening test having told him he can't tell the difference between red and green) and go on to achieve his ambitions.
You will all be pleased to hear that is all I have to say on the matter
hock:You will all be pleased to hear that is all I have to say on the matter
That's called moving on.
Pleased we finally have a consensus.
Zoidberg
Established Member
That's called moving on.
Pleased we finally have a consensus.
More like you are claiiming a pyrrhic victory.
A test capable of discerning degrees of colour blindness must must be better than one which says Yes you are, No you are not.
greatkingrat
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Train companies have plenty of applicants to choose from and can afford to be picky.
Maybe some people who fail the Ishihara test could have become good train drivers, but equally some people who failed the Group Bourdon or any other test could have become good train drivers.
Maybe some people who fail the Ishihara test could have become good train drivers, but equally some people who failed the Group Bourdon or any other test could have become good train drivers.
Aircraft have red anti collision lights on the left wing and green ones on the right so YES a pilot is relied upon to be able to tell the difference !
I'm claiming nothing - but thanks for making me read your 'contribution' three times before I realised it was actually written in English
As for your second sentence,err, better for who?
Those who failed the test so question the test procedure?
Well, yes lol
TOCs and FOCs (and the RSSB) aren't interested in 'grades of failure' - a simple yes or no suits them, is cheap and takes less time.
Perhaps you need to move on too?
Using a flawed century old method of testing colour vision isn't comparable to a skill required for the role.
Not passing the Ishihara test doesn't mean you can't do the job. Yet not being able to concentrate for long periods of time, I would suggest, would mean that you would struggle to fulfil the role.
The problem is the railway companies have always done it that way, because there are large amounts of people looking for work. This isn't an excuse not to have better testing methods in place.
Islineclear3_1
Established Member
What is the sensitivity and specificity of the Ishihara test please?
ralphchadkirk
Established Member
On this subject i recently went through a phone interview and online tests with a well known Toc. Having passed these i have been offered the opportunity to attend an assessment centre. I have read this site with interest and as a result paid for the ishihara test at my local optician. Being in my 30s I wasn't aware of having any colour deficiencies. With the ishihara test I was a resounding fail.
I emailed the Toc and informed them that I was withdrawing my application for the reasons above. HR phoned me and encouraged me to attend the tests and await the results of any official medical should I be successful.
My questions would be:
1 should I keep my application withdrawn? It is a lot of effort for a likely fail.
2 are corrective lenses ever allowed? These seem quite popular in America but i understand are less effective at night.
I would imagine due to the popularity of roles and the number of suitable candidates that don't have issues I should withdraw and corrections aren't allowed.
Thanks
I emailed the Toc and informed them that I was withdrawing my application for the reasons above. HR phoned me and encouraged me to attend the tests and await the results of any official medical should I be successful.
My questions would be:
1 should I keep my application withdrawn? It is a lot of effort for a likely fail.
2 are corrective lenses ever allowed? These seem quite popular in America but i understand are less effective at night.
I would imagine due to the popularity of roles and the number of suitable candidates that don't have issues I should withdraw and corrections aren't allowed.
Thanks
mtbox
Member
I think the best thing to do is pay and go for another eye test at a different Optician, tell them why you are there and see what result that brings.
If that also ends in a definate fail, it's probably best to withdraw your application, it is stressful enough without the constant worry you would have should you progress through the process to the last stage, the medical.
The railway group standards simply state your colour vision should be normal. The ishihara test is very good at highlighting red/green deficiency, which is what the railway is most interested in.
Correcting glasses are not allowed.
Good luck!
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