Southeastern - Trainee Driver - All Depots (03/06/24)

[driver333]

Thanks mate, any other tips for the DMI

When I did my DMI, they literally sat there with a copy of the sheet as I reeled off word for word the TPWS information pack and they highlighted each section I said thus afterwords could see exactly how much of the information I had accurately retained.

 

[sharief]

Hi guys.. ive just done my M7SJT.. didnt manage to finish it all as timer run out. Anyone got any ideas on how they mark this or what the process is. Think i was on 19 out of 25 when it timed out.

Also do they let you resit it even if you pay yourself for the test?

Should i contact southeastern ?

Any help would be appreciated

Hi guys, i ended up passing this test and got through to the next stage. Its been 6 months and still not heard anything, was wondering how everyone else is getting on ? Cheers

Hi all,

Been offered a trainee driver role! Anyone else heard back and offered a place on the April course?

Hi, i got an email in june 2024 saying im through to the next stage but im still waiting, how long did you have to wait and have you heard of anyone else thats got through too ? Cheers

 

[newbiewannabe]

Hi guys, i ended up passing this test and got through to the next stage. Its been 6 months and still not heard anything, was wondering how everyone else is getting on ? Cheers


Hi, i got an email in june 2024 saying im through to the next stage but im still waiting, how long did you have to wait and have you heard of anyone else thats got through too ? Cheers

I applied 14th June last year, passed M7SJT and I’m still waiting for assessment date. Received an email in October saying they had 15k applicants and I’m in the last 5k and my date could be next week or up to a year.

 

[joeknight02]

Hi, i got an email in june 2024 saying im through to the next stage but im still waiting, how long did you have to wait and have you heard of anyone else thats got through too ? Cheers

Hey mate. Mine was pretty quick compared to some of the others I’ve seen here. Applied 15th September. Had the M7SJT 3 days later, then 2 weeks after was invited to assessment day which I did on 15th nov. Took 5 weeks to be invited to DMI which was 3 weeks to prepare for on 13th Jan.

So start to finish the process was just under 4 months, and my medical is booked for next week.

 

[NeoNeko]

Just received my test centre invite! I got my test results at the beginning of October, and have just booked my test for February - was expecting a much longer wait, so feeling very lucky, as well as excited and nervous!

 

[asrut10]

Anyone had a DMI recently with southeastern? Just wondering how it went and what sort of questions they asked?

 

[Lurch_UK]

Applied for Driver at Southeastern Trains.
November I did all the tests, few days ago I did the MMI - Managed to pass it ALL!!
Got asked which depot(s) I'd like to work from, Picked: Dover Priory, Faversham & Ramsgate.
I've been told thats in now just a case of waiting for a vacancy in the area.

Could someone let me know please, what to expect at the depot interview? and anything else you think would be helpful?

Thanks

 

[driver333]

Anyone had a DMI recently with southeastern? Just wondering how it went and what sort of questions they asked?

I think the questions asked are varied between depots. I wasn’t asked too many questions regarding trains etc, I’d say 70% of it was asking about me, my reasons for wanting the job etc. 20% was the information about TPWS and research carried out on the company etc, and the last 10% I was asked maybe 3 situational questions regarding STAR method.

Be yourself, answer questions honestly and true to you and you’ll be alright. They just want to make sure you’ve committed yourself to the research, learnt the material and are going into the job for the right reasons aswell as determining wether you as a person would suit the position.

That’s my understanding anyway.

 

[NeoNeko]

Applied for Driver at Southeastern Trains.
November I did all the tests, few days ago I did the MMI - Managed to pass it ALL!!
Got asked which depot(s) I'd like to work from, Picked: Dover Priory, Faversham & Ramsgate.
I've been told thats in now just a case of waiting for a vacancy in the area.

Could someone let me know please, what to expect at the depot interview? and anything else you think would be helpful?

Thanks

Congratulations What was the hardest test for you? Did you use any practice aids aside from the materials you were sent?

 

[matcha]

Had an email inviting me for an assessment, but by the time I had got home from work and tried to book, all the places had gone

 

[asrut10]

A message to say for anyone that has gone through the entire assessments and interview process for this position but was not successful DO NOT give up! I failed DMI with SE earlier this year, another TOC opened for applicants and am now about to sign contracts. Keep going it’ll be worth it!

How was the dmi for you mate? any tips?

i have one next week.

Thank you!

In my application I put Gillingham as it’s my closest, however I am within the required travelling distance of Gillingham, Tonbridge & Dartford. I’ve got the position at Dartford.

Fingers crossed you get an assessment date soon! What station have you you put down?

congrats mate, how was your dmi? any tips?

i have one next week with Dartford Driver Manager.

 

[Lurch_UK]

Congratulations What was the hardest test for you? Did you use any practice aids aside from the materials you were sent?

Erm, I didnt really find any of it HARD as such - the "Follow the line using the two joysticks" was a little painful, I'm used to having the sticks reversed to the way they had them! (Also, if you hold the sticks LOWER down the joystick, it makes the joystick FAR less twitchy! I rested my hands each side of the sticks, and held the sticks at that height, rather than hands "hovering" and trying to hold the sticks.)

When I got the email for the training centre tests - it came with some test papers, I ran through all of those twice.
On the day, just go for speed AND accuracy - but Accuracy over all. The tests and timing, making you leave stuff unfinished etc - I believe is to put you under stress and see how you perform.
I was more worried about the MMI (Multi Modal Interview) - turns out that was the best part of the process
Just answer the 6 questions honestly, and give accurate answers to questions - I used the same answer for 2 questions. The short computer test before the MMI helps the system come up with relevant questions TO YOU, which they will use to "top up" your answers if needed.

There was a single safety question, along the lines of "A colleague tells you you can skip over a safety step in the shift start train checks, What do you do?"
Turns out quite a few people say "Skip it"...... and thats where their interview ends! (Its a safety step, FOR A REASON!)
Get a decent nights sleep, get there 30 mins early, sign in. make yourself a drink and calm down

GOOD LUCK

 

[NeoNeko]

Erm, I didnt really find any of it HARD as such - the "Follow the line using the two joysticks" was a little painful, I'm used to having the sticks reversed to the way they had them! (Also, if you hold the sticks LOWER down the joystick, it makes the joystick FAR less twitchy! I rested my hands each side of the sticks, and held the sticks at that height, rather than hands "hovering" and trying to hold the sticks.)

When I got the email for the training centre tests - it came with some test papers, I ran through all of those twice.
On the day, just go for speed AND accuracy - but Accuracy over all. The tests and timing, making you leave stuff unfinished etc - I believe is to put you under stress and see how you perform.
I was more worried about the MMI (Multi Modal Interview) - turns out that was the best part of the process
Just answer the 6 questions honestly, and give accurate answers to questions - I used the same answer for 2 questions. The short computer test before the MMI helps the system come up with relevant questions TO YOU, which they will use to "top up" your answers if needed.

There was a single safety question, along the lines of "A colleague tells you you can skip over a safety step in the shift start train checks, What do you do?"
Turns out quite a few people say "Skip it"...... and thats where their interview ends! (Its a safety step, FOR A REASON!)
Get a decent nights sleep, get there 30 mins early, sign in. make yourself a drink and calm down

GOOD LUCK

Thanks for all that How was the VSE? I'm quite nervous about that and worried about being overwhelmed. I've got three weeks so I'm planning to spend some time going through all the test papers and practicing.

 

[TheCraigVenabl]

How was the dmi for you mate? any tips?

i have one next week.


congrats mate, how was your dmi? any tips?

i have one next week with Dartford Driver Manager.

I had mine a couple months ago with the driver manager there, all very chill, very relaxed. It's more a chat to get to know you and cover a few competency based Q's. I start training in 4 weeks! You'll be fine

 

[Lurch_UK]

Thanks for all that How was the VSE? I'm quite nervous about that and worried about being overwhelmed. I've got three weeks so I'm planning to spend some time going through all the test papers and practicing.

The VSE was a worry before I started, however once you start doing it - it’s not that bad!

It will repeat the same pattern, pretty much every loop - so you’ll be clicking at the same spots each time.

HOWEVER, once the lit up dot jumped from the bottom of the ‘track’ to a dot on the top of that track!

I think it repeats the same loop to try and get you bored, then adds the random dot jump, just to see if your awake!

Again, don’t sweat it - sit comfortable and relax. You’ll need to try to watch the whole track, rather than just the dot, so don’t fixate on the dots position.

 

[TrainBod]

The VSE was a worry before I started, however once you start doing it - it’s not that bad!

It will repeat the same pattern, pretty much every loop - so you’ll be clicking at the same spots each time.

HOWEVER, once the lit up dot jumped from the bottom of the ‘track’ to a dot on the top of that track!

I think it repeats the same loop to try and get you bored, then adds the random dot jump, just to see if your awake!

Again, don’t sweat it - sit comfortable and relax. You’ll need to try to watch the whole track, rather than just the dot, so don’t fixate on the dots position.

Have you any tips on the symbols and then the last part with track and symbols?

 

[newbiewannabe]

Anyone else here applied last June and still waiting for assessment date? Also does anybody know the selection process as I see several on this thread that applied long after me and have done their assessments already. I’m wondering if I’ve slipped through the net somehow ‍♂️

 

[megs1802]

Anyone else here applied last June and still waiting for assessment date? Also does anybody know the selection process as I see several on this thread that applied long after me and have done their assessments already. I’m wondering if I’ve slipped through the net somehow ‍♂️

Same position. It will take as long as it does I guess. A lot of people to put through the assessment centre process!

 

[Aziz Mahgoub]

Have my DMI coming up for Southeastern, anyone had one recently and have any advice? What questions can I expect- is it generic interview questions like what do you know about the company, Why do you want to be a train driver, tell me about a time..

One thing I see mentioned is knowing about the rolling stock and traction types, struggling to find info on that plus not sure what I should know, don't want to sound like a textbook in an interview. Thanks

Hi there mate, have my DMI coming up very soon, can you advise me how yours went and what sort of questions were asked please

 

[newbiewannabe]

Same position. It will take as long as it does I guess. A lot of people to put through the assessment centre process!

Fingers crossed it’s sooner rather than later!

 

[CFRAIL]

Anyone else here applied last June and still waiting for assessment date? Also does anybody know the selection process as I see several on this thread that applied long after me and have done their assessments already. I’m wondering if I’ve slipped through the net somehow ‍♂️

Lots will depend on location. If you're near to metro depot's you're likely to have a shorter wait, whereas if you're closer to coastal depots (Ramsgate, Dover etc...) you're likely to be waiting longer.

 

[newbiewannabe]

Lots will depend on location. If you're near to metro depot's you're likely to have a shorter wait, whereas if you're closer to coastal depots (Ramsgate, Dover etc...) you're likely to be waiting longer.

That’s what I thought, I’m 5 minutes from Grove Park depot which is a metro as far as I know.

 

[43066]

That’s what I thought, I’m 5 minutes from Grove Park depot which is a metro as far as I know.

It is metro with some mainline work to Ashford and Tunbridge Wells, but that’s link dependent, so potentially a few years to wait. Very much treated as a metro depot from the point of view of trainee drivers.

 

[newbiewannabe]

It is metro with some mainline work to Ashford and Tunbridge Wells, but that’s link dependent, so potentially a few years to wait. Very much treated as a metro depot from the point of view of trainee drivers.

Cheers, hopefully it’s soon! I’m not getting any younger

 

[TrainBod]

Quick question....is there anyone who has done the assessment with existing standard passes? If so, do you just the VSE and the DMI on the same day??

Foir the DMI interview, do they ask about TPWS? I didn't receive any information sheet on this...just wanted to see if they ask about TPWS

 

[NeilSELondon]

Quick question....is there anyone who has done the assessment with existing standard passes? If so, do you just the VSE and the DMI on the same day??

Foir the DMI interview, do they ask about TPWS? I didn't receive any information sheet on this...just wanted to see if they ask about TPWS

I did the assessment with exi passes. I had to complete the VSE and MMI (not DMI) on the day.

TPWS will be asked at your DMI not MMI and then you will need to know it

 

[Rave]

Hi all,

I passed the tests and MMI at the end of October, just been invited for my DMI at Grove Park next week. I have received the info sheet on TPWS which I will learn, and then see if I can rote learn every word! I gather I should also learn as much as I can about the routes the depot operates and the traction, obvs I'll hit google after work tonight but if anyone has any pointers (I'm not looking to be spoonfed obvs but someone might know a good place to look...).

Thanks for all that How was the VSE? I'm quite nervous about that and worried about being overwhelmed. I've got three weeks so I'm planning to spend some time going through all the test papers and practicing.

Have you any tips on the symbols and then the last part with track and symbols?

The first part of the VSE is easy, and the second part with just the symbols is not too bad.

The last part with track and symbols together is extremely difficult. Having passed it twice I am convinced that the point of the test is largely to check that you don't panic and shut down, I genuinely don't think anyone could ace the test without a great deal of practice- I got multiple wrong answers but just kept going and passed both times. Remember that they tell you that your primary task is checking the track circuit and your secondary task is the symbols, so watch the track each time and once you've clicked that side (can't remember if you have to click for correct or just if incorrect) then shift your eyes and mouse pointer over and do the symbols.

 

[NeoNeko]

The first part of the VSE is easy, and the second part with just the symbols is not too bad.

The last part with track and symbols together is extremely difficult. Having passed it twice I am convinced that the point of the test is largely to check that you don't panic and shut down, I genuinely don't think anyone could ace the test without a great deal of practice- I got multiple wrong answers but just kept going and passed both times. Remember that they tell you that your primary task is checking the track circuit and your secondary task is the symbols, so watch the track each time and once you've clicked that side (can't remember if you have to click for correct or just if incorrect) then shift your eyes and mouse pointer over and do the symbols.

Thanks for that I've been practising with some software to try and get my head around it.

 

[theasdf]

Hi how did your assessment go?


Do you know what they are looking for regarding routes in the DMI?

I had to rearrange and didn’t get a new date until recently. Fortunately I passed the VSE and MMI. There were two of us but the other person failed the VSE so didn’t do the MMI. I was quite nervous about the interview but it actually turned out to be quite an informal ‘fun’ conversation.

It’s time to keep my fingers crossed again that it’s not too long a wait (and that I pass!) for the DMI. I did get the impression (i.e. I asked) that they still need to recruit a lot of drivers for this year.

 

[asrut10]

Does anyone know what the hours are at Orpington once we start our training?