OPC results

[Railroader22]

If you take tests through OPC and pass, are those OPC test results valid for another TOC?
For example: Did assessment with GWR for conductor and passed assessments. Job then got pulled but my results are valid for 3 years. Now been invited to SWR assessments (OPC) for guard and two of the tests are the same ones I’ve already passed.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[Stigy]

If you take tests through OPC and pass, are those OPC test results valid for another TOC?
For example: Did assessment with GWR for conductor and passed assessments. Job then got pulled but my results are valid for 3 years. Now been invited to SWR assessments (OPC) for guard and two of the tests are the same ones I’ve already passed.

Any help is appreciated.

Yes, although some TOCs insist gig retake them anyway. I know that’s the case for Trainee Drivers anyway. SWR do their own assessments or always used to, so that might have a bearing on it?

 

[DunfordBridge]

If you take tests through OPC and pass, are those OPC test results valid for another TOC?
For example: Did assessment with GWR for conductor and passed assessments. Job then got pulled but my results are valid for 3 years. Now been invited to SWR assessments (OPC) for guard and two of the tests are the same ones I’ve already passed.

Any help is appreciated.

I have taken the driver tests with Transpennine this year and SWR seem to be happy with the results so I have not been instructed to retake them.

Which tests are the same between GWR and SWR for the role of guard? I am guessing RAAT and maybe one other test. SWR as far as I know use the SCAAT test for concentration rather than Group Bourdon, maybe down to nature of the role where you have to concentrate on different things all at the same time, for example, keeping track of the route whilst dealing with customers.

 

[PickleTree]

Yes, although some TOCs insist gig retake them anyway. I know that’s the case for Trainee Drivers anyway. SWR do their own assessments or always used to, so that might have a bearing on it?

This was always the case but as @DunfordBridge said the OPC assessments I sat for Freightliner are acceptable for SWR I am just waiting for a DMI date from them now.

 

[Railroader22]

I have taken the driver tests with Transpennine this year and SWR seem to be happy with the results so I have not been instructed to retake them.

Which tests are the same between GWR and SWR for the role of guard? I am guessing RAAT and maybe one other test. SWR as far as I know use the SCAAT test for concentration rather than Group Bourdon, maybe down to nature of the role where you have to concentrate on different things all at the same time, for example, keeping track of the route whilst dealing with customers.

It’s the SCAAT and the RAAT which are the same.

Update: SWR said I have to retake the assessment Center as they were previously taken for a different TOC.

 

[DunfordBridge]

Maybe because only two of the tests are common between GWR and SWR so you would definitely have to do the other tests staged by SWR, not entirely sure about the RAAT and SCAAT.

There is less variation for driver testing as it is more standardised across the UK rail industry. Maybe the odd operator might throw in the DFFT as an extra??

 

[Stigy]

Maybe because only two of the tests are common between GWR and SWR so you would definitely have to do the other tests staged by SWR, not entirely sure about the RAAT and SCAAT.

There is less variation for driver testing as it is more standardised across the UK rail industry. Maybe the odd operator might throw in the DFFT as an extra??

The DFFT is an enhanced only test so will be used by all operators who test to that standard I believe.

 

[DunfordBridge]

The DFFT is an enhanced only test so will be used by all operators who test to that standard I believe.

I think Transpennine Express might be the exception to the general rule now. I think they used to use the DFFT but I certainly did not take it earlier this year with Transpennine. Probably one of the few assessments that I have never taken.

 

[A460009]

What does the DFFT involve? Is this the dials test

 

[PickleTree]

What does the DFFT involve? Is this the dials test

It is the Driver Fault Finding Test.

The test consists of 20 diagrams of a typical train system. For each diagram you are also presented with the display panel showing different instruments and dials for that particular train, some technical information about the train and a fault finder guide.

The fault finder guide contains information about what to do once you have identified a fault as well as the order of priority for solving faults. You have to use all of this information to decide which faults to solve, (you only have time to solve the top two faults). You must then identify a code for solving the fault and any other action that may be required to solve the fault.

I actually really enjoyed this test.

 

[Wroyal]

It is the Driver Fault Finding Test.

The test consists of 20 diagrams of a typical train system. For each diagram you are also presented with the display panel showing different instruments and dials for that particular train, some technical information about the train and a fault finder guide.

The fault finder guide contains information about what to do once you have identified a fault as well as the order of priority for solving faults. You have to use all of this information to decide which faults to solve, (you only have time to solve the top two faults). You must then identify a code for solving the fault and any other action that may be required to solve the fault.

I actually really enjoyed this test.

Hello,

To understand DFFT in visualising way, would someone please draw and share few example questions similar to actual test? so people like me can understand the pattern of the test and mentally prepare for it.

Kind Regards:

 

[TheGoldfish]

Hello,

To understand DFFT in visualising way, would someone please draw and share few example questions similar to actual test? so people like me can understand the pattern of the test and mentally prepare for it.

Kind Regards:

You’ll receive practice material from the OPC so you can work through some examples before the assessment day

 

[Wroyal]

You’ll receive practice material from the OPC so you can work through some examples before the assessment day

Yes sure. I meant other than OPC provide usually their one very basic. Any advise in regards to VTL (Vienna Test System) please?

 

[TheGoldfish]

Yes sure. I meant other than OPC provide usually their one very basic. Any advise in regards to VTL (Vienna Test System) please?

I found the test stuff very similar to the actual test .. the only difference being where you prioritise the faults over each other ... you also have 2 parts of the train which have their own priorities over each other so it just adds another layer when putting it all in order .... from memory there were about 25 questions to answer in 20 minutes ... I only managed to get to #9 and still passed so I guess accuracy is key ..not speed.

 

[Wroyal]

I found the test stuff very similar to the actual test .. the only difference being where you prioritise the faults over each other ... you also have 2 parts of the train which have their own priorities over each other so it just adds another layer when putting it all in order .... from memory there were about 25 questions to answer in 20 minutes ... I only managed to get to #9 and still passed so I guess accuracy is key ..not speed.

Thanks

 

[Mman1500]

It is the Driver Fault Finding Test.

The test consists of 20 diagrams of a typical train system. For each diagram you are also presented with the display panel showing different instruments and dials for that particular train, some technical information about the train and a fault finder guide.

The fault finder guide contains information about what to do once you have identified a fault as well as the order of priority for solving faults. You have to use all of this information to decide which faults to solve, (you only have time to solve the top two faults). You must then identify a code for solving the fault and any other action that may be required to solve the fault.

I actually really enjoyed this test.

Did you find writing the explanation took up a lot of time?
In the practice material the explanation examples seem quite lengthy and I feel like they will take up a lot of time.

 

[TheGoldfish]

Did you find writing the explanation took up a lot of time?
In the practice material the explanation examples seem quite lengthy and I feel like they will take up a lot of time.

From memory On the test there was a table of codes for each type of fault and a template fault finder form for each question... you simply found the fault looked up the 4 digit code and entered it onto the form in the right box

 

[Wroyal]

From memory On the test there was a table of codes for each type of fault and a template fault finder form for each question... you simply found the fault looked up the 4 digit code and entered it onto the form in the right box

Appreciate your response.

It is the Driver Fault Finding Test.

The test consists of 20 diagrams of a typical train system. For each diagram you are also presented with the display panel showing different instruments and dials for that particular train, some technical information about the train and a fault finder guide.

The fault finder guide contains information about what to do once you have identified a fault as well as the order of priority for solving faults. You have to use all of this information to decide which faults to solve, (you only have time to solve the top two faults). You must then identify a code for solving the fault and any other action that may be required to solve the fault.

I actually really enjoyed this test.

Appreciate your response.

 

[Mman1500]

From memory On the test there was a table of codes for each type of fault and a template fault finder form for each question... you simply found the fault looked up the 4 digit code and entered it onto the form in the right box

Thanks for the response. I’m going through the practice material trying to identify areas I might need more practice and I feel having to jot down 3 or 4 sentences to explain the faults might take up a lot or time.
I don’t seen anyone talking about this aspect of the DFFT so maybe it’s changed.

Thanks.

 

[PickleTree]

Thanks for the response. I’m going through the practice material trying to identify areas I might need more practice and I feel having to jot down 3 or 4 sentences to explain the faults might take up a lot or time.
I don’t seen anyone talking about this aspect of the DFFT so maybe it’s changed.

Thanks.

As others have said during the DFFT you do not need to write sentences, it is all about understanding the priorities by fault type and using that logic to find the fault code. From memory you write down a code which consists of 4 letters. The practice material from the OPC is pretty much spot on so practice that as much as you can.

 

[Mman1500]

As others have said during the DFFT you do not need to write sentences, it is all about understanding the priorities by fault type and using that logic to find the fault code. From memory you write down a code which consists of 4 letters. The practice material from the OPC is pretty much spot on so practice that as much as you can.

Thanks for the clarification. The Fault finding is one thing which I think I won’t have too much problem with, it’s just the whole time aspect and how that plays on your nerves. Having to write down the explanation at the end I think is completely underrated within this 15 minute test. But as no one ever mentions it, it must not be as bigger issues as I’m predicting.

 

[SJN]

I don’t think even in the practise material I had to write sentences down. It was all just find the correct code and write it in the box.

 

[LCC106]

Pretty sure SJN is right. Why do you think you need to write any sentences?

 

[PickleTree]

Pretty sure SJN is right. Why do you think you need to write any sentences?

I agree, there was one test included in the practice material I got sent from the OPC originally that asked me to write a paragraph about what I saw in a cartoon type story board capturing important information but I never actually sat this test as part of any of my assessments. I am sure the DFFT was just working out the faults and selecting the correct codes etc.

 

[Mman1500]

Pretty sure SJN is right. Why do you think you need to write any sentences?

Do you know what. It’s all about paying attention. My bad. In the practice material they write a short sentence explaining the faults and I thought we had to do this. But I was wrong. Thanks guys . And excuse my oversight. I think I’m just trying to hard.

 

[SJN]

Do you know what. It’s all about paying attention. My bad. In the practice material they write a short sentence explaining the faults and I thought we had to do this. But I was wrong. Thanks guys . And excuse my oversight. I think I’m just trying to hard.

Don’t worry. The first time I looked at that I thought I’d never understand it. Then I read the instructions properly abd started to practise and it all fell into place.

 

[PickleTree]

Do you know what. It’s all about paying attention. My bad. In the practice material they write a short sentence explaining the faults and I thought we had to do this. But I was wrong. Thanks guys . And excuse my oversight. I think I’m just trying to hard.

@Mman1500 one crucial bit of advice I can give is to make sure you are well prepared but that you aren't indeed trying too hard and putting too much pressure on yourself, otherwise you will never relax enough to allow you the opportunity to complete the tests to the best of your ability. Good luck.

 

[LCC106]

You realised now and that's the important part! Make sure you read all instructions carefully.

 

[PickleTree]

You realised now and that's the important part! Make sure you read all instructions carefully.

Can't reinforce this point enough, you get ample opportunity to ask about anything you aren't sure of before the test starts so make the most of that if you are even a little bit unsure.

 

[Mman1500]

Thanks guys. I’ve actually passed all of the assessments to enhance level except for the DFFT & VSE which are only required at some Toc’s. Now I understand the concept of the DFFT minus the need to provide a writtern explanation (what was I thinking). Can you imagine me doing that looool.
i‘m sure I’ll be fine.