Michael Pitt
New Member
Good afternoon, I'm a new member currently looking for more advice on trainee train Driver.
Hi all I've just completed the mini scaat test for gtr and was wondering if successful what the next stage would be pls any advise would be greatly appreciatedWelcome to the forum! You can find everything you need to know by searching through this thread. Key point at this stage is to check websites of Train Operating Companies or Freight Operating Companies who have depots within an hour of your home daily. Then when you see a vacancy, apply straightaway. They often get taken off the website before the closing date as there are literally thousands of applicants.
Hi. Firstly, this thread is your first port of call if you have applied for a Train Driver position. Most, if not all information you would require is already here. You can use the search bar at the top, and then there is a drop down list where you can search either the whole site (everywhere), this forum or just the thread you are looking at at the time, such as this one ‘Becoming a Train Driver’. Hope this helps.Hi all I've just completed the mini scaat test for gtr and was wondering if successful what the next stage would be pls any advise would be greatly appreciated
Thanks for ur reply mate. Its for the trainee driver position. I've completed the online questionnaire and passed, then the mini scaat test last night so awaiting results. What would the next step be shud I b lucky enough to.priceed passed this stage. Any info is greatly appreciated. Many thanksHi. Firstly, this thread is your first port of call if you have applied for a Train Driver position. Most, if not all information you would require is already here. You can use the search bar at the top, and then there is a drop down list where you can search either the whole site (everywhere), this forum or just the thread you are looking at at the time, such as this one ‘Becoming a Train Driver’. Hope this helps.
Secondly, is this test for a driver role or guard?
Thank youWelcome to the forum! You can find everything you need to know by searching through this thread. Key point at this stage is to check websites of Train Operating Companies or Freight Operating Companies who have depots within an hour of your home daily. Then when you see a vacancy, apply straightaway. They often get taken off the website before the closing date as there are literally thousands of applicants.
In curious why lazer correction is a problem?All you need is basic maths and English (not qualifications). You need to be able to file a report, read a schedule card, you need to be physically able with good hearing and eyesight, no coloured blindness and preferably not had lazer eye treatment. Oh yeah, a basic knowledge of mechanics and a body mass index less than 33, over 5'2 and 6'6" or under.
The laser correction bemuses me. The risk with it is that it can damage your peripheral vision and thus lose it which is obviously bad for a vigilent Role. However that doesn’t happen most the time and why they’d just rule everyone out who has had it is beyond me. Pilots can have it and still fly, but they take the risk if it damages their peripherals of course.In curious why lazer correction is a problem?
I was under the impression it was because the surgery can wear off over time in general?The laser correction bemuses me. The risk with it is that it can damage your peripheral vision and thus lose it which is obviously bad for a vigilent Role. However that doesn’t happen most the time and why they’d just rule everyone out who has had it is beyond me. Pilots can have it and still fly, but they take the risk if it damages their peripherals of course.
Maybe as well, i don’t know much more about it other than what I was told in a previous life. Seems harsh either way to me, if it’s wears off why can’t you just have glasses handy for when that finally happens. Nearly all of our eyes are slowly deteriorating with age anyway, I will need to get my eyes done and get some glasses before the medical if I get that far. Not what they used to be.I was under the impression it was because the surgery can wear off over time in general?
Hi. Yeah I requested feedback twice, no reply. Rather frustrating but I’ve moved on, reset and back applying after tweaking my cv etc. You will probably get more help here on the forum anyway. Good luck with future application.Hi folks. First time poster, although been reading for a while.
First I wanted to say what a fabulous resource this forum has been. I haven't really asked questions as you knowledgeable people have answered pretty much everything I needed during my journey so far, so thank you.
Anyway, I applied to be a train driver way back in March last year and have been using this forum for guidance and advice. I managed to make it through to the test day and... failed. Absolutely gutted when the email came, of course, but I knew I failed the Cables and Dials test, which is odd as it was one I was initially most confident about. It was the first test due to other folks resitting that particular test and, well, I was simply too slow and cautious.
Now, I have asked the TOC for feedback, numerous times, as I'd like to know where I failed. Was it just that test - or others - as I'd of course welcome the opportunity to resit down the line. However, they won't respond to my emails (bar one where the senior HR person copied in the other and asked them to get me some feedback.)
I have been politely pestering, but am loathe to be a nuisance, especially as the industry is still attractive to me even if not in the position of a driver. It's quite frustrating as, of course, if I failed a number of the tests then I'd know it's time to hang up this particular hat, but I'm being left hanging.
Anyone else had trouble obtaining feedback? I'd welcome the advice.
Hi. Yeah I requested feedback twice, no reply. Rather frustrating but I’ve moved on, reset and back applying after tweaking my cv etc. You will probably get more help here on the forum anyway. Good luck with future application.
Welcome to the forum! I suspect it may well be a case of the recruitment team being so rushed off their feet. They may be short staffed due to the pandemic, the sheer number of applicants to wade through even at the first stage is immense and what with arranging assessment dates, notifying successful and unsuccessful candidates as well as arranging medicals etc. (not sure if this is all done by the same team) you can then understand why they may not have got back to you. Don’t let it deter you! Hope you get the job next time around!
Hi folks. First time poster, although been reading for a while.
First I wanted to say what a fabulous resource this forum has been. I haven't really asked questions as you knowledgeable people have answered pretty much everything I needed during my journey so far, so thank you.
Anyway, I applied to be a train driver way back in March last year and have been using this forum for guidance and advice. I managed to make it through to the test day and... failed. Absolutely gutted when the email came, of course, but I knew I failed the Cables and Dials test, which is odd as it was one I was initially most confident about. It was the first test due to other folks resitting that particular test and, well, I was simply too slow and cautious.
Now, I have asked the TOC for feedback, numerous times, as I'd like to know where I failed. Was it just that test - or others - as I'd of course welcome the opportunity to resit down the line. However, they won't respond to my emails (bar one where the senior HR person copied in the other and asked them to get me some feedback.)
I have been politely pestering, but am loathe to be a nuisance, especially as the industry is still attractive to me even if not in the position of a driver. It's quite frustrating as, of course, if I failed a number of the tests then I'd know it's time to hang up this particular hat, but I'm being left hanging.
Anyone else had trouble obtaining feedback? I'd welcome the advice.
Cheers for the reply. I've passed my tests and it was just curiosity more then anything to see if it was to enhanced standard.
Didn't want to email HR for the results as I know they're busy plus don't want then thinking I'm looking at going elsewhere and losing my spot in the talent pool.
Didn't even think of being able to pass on info to other candidates so makes sense.
Thanks again.
Thank you, Dan. I appreciate your help!Sorry to hear your news. Absolutely don’t let it deter you. Loads of people on here report failing 1st attempt and how they go on to storm the 2nd. Deep breath, regroup and smash it next time which I’m sure you will.
Regarding the results, I passed my tests a couple weeks back and wanted to know my scores on the day but the testing team would only divulge an enhanced score at GB. They were quite forthcoming in saying that if I knew my other scores, I might be able to pass on info to other candidates.
At the very least, you just want to know which tests you passed and which you failed. There was a guy in our group who had to redo GLOP, was told by his TOC (he’s an existing railway employee) within weeks of failing which tests he’d passed and failed. Then had to wait the 6 months.
I say give it a few weeks and send another email. Just be friendly, nice and polite. Explain you are very keen to know how you did and intend on retakes. Look for a recruitment tel number on the careers pages. Some TOC’s have telephone numbers and can direct you through to personnel re applications.
If the HR person has passed on the enquiry asking for feedback to be sent, this needs to be honoured and suggests they are willing, else the request would have been flatly declined.
Only other suggestion is to email into the RSSB direct since the results of your test will be added to their national database. I have no clue as to whether they will tell you anything, but it might be worth a shot if you are being ignored by the TOC
Be tenacious. It proves you’re serious about the job
Good luck
It’s about working effectively but accurately, so definitely not intended to complete. If you completed it and got 70% correct, you’d ‘probably’ fail. If you completed 70% of it however, and got 100% correct, you’d probably pass.I’ve just done my OPC paper tests and feel it could have gone either way, get results next week. My main concern is that I didn’t complete the pink sheet all the way down for part 3 of the tea occ directory test. Is it necessary to complete it or is being accurate enough?
Thanks for your reply Stigy, it’s much appreciated. It’s roughly 70% that I got through actually, we shall see.It’s about working effectively but accurately, so definitely not intended to complete. If you completed it and got 70% correct, you’d ‘probably’ fail. If you completed 70% of it however, and got 100% correct, you’d probably pass.
Hiya what area do you want advice on bud? Application, OPC tests, the training it’s self, a specific TOC/FOC, the job it’s self? Lots of helpful people on here.Good evening, I'm a new member currently looking for some advice on trainee train Driver. Thanks
No, commercial pilots can't have it as it is not permitted by the CAA despite their own medical department recommending it.The laser correction bemuses me. The risk with it is that it can damage your peripheral vision and thus lose it which is obviously bad for a vigilent Role. However that doesn’t happen most the time and why they’d just rule everyone out who has had it is beyond me. Pilots can have it and still fly, but they take the risk if it damages their peripherals of course.