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

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Mpv2k3

Member
Joined
8 Jul 2024
Messages
8
Location
London
Has anyone attended any of this past week's assessment days? How did it go? Any advice or things to know
 

driver333

Member
Joined
27 Oct 2024
Messages
50
Location
Kent
Hi all, June applicant here!

Have been offered a position as a Trainee Train Driver starting at the end of February 2025.

Just wondering if there is anyone else on here that is starting at the same time and could be on the same course date as me for Rules & Regulations?
Hi,

I’m starting asa. Trainee driver at the end of Feb! I believe it’s a week of induction at the end of deb and then officially start the course first week of March! Are you going to Ashford?
 

Tb12

Member
Joined
22 Apr 2020
Messages
38
Location
London
Anyone know if Southeastern do paper and computer part of the assessment on the same day or is it split up? Also do they have the VSE test?
 

Tb12

Member
Joined
22 Apr 2020
Messages
38
Location
London
Thank you. A friend has his assessment coming up in December and I did presume it would be all in the same day
 

HH4811

Member
Joined
30 Nov 2024
Messages
5
Location
Kent
How many more assessments dates left for this role?

I failed my assessment centre date this week , waiting 6 months to do a re-test
 

CFRAIL

Member
Joined
17 May 2019
Messages
265
How many more assessments dates left for this role?

I failed my assessment centre date this week , waiting 6 months to do a re-test
It's hard to say, I mean it's almost certain they'll still be assessing in 6 months time, but they may not have vacancies/places available for your chosen location in 6 months time
 

driver333

Member
Joined
27 Oct 2024
Messages
50
Location
Kent
Hi,

Just wondering if anyone can tell me how southeastern gives you a contract. Ie , via post, email etc. what to check in the contract. And how long post medical it was recieve.

I done my medical just over a week ago and o passed that (heard nothing back regarding drugs test so assume all went okay, would be anyway!)

And also if anyone could enlighten me on what sort of references they want, not that this is an issue . Only as once the contract is signed I take it they will immediately want references so need to hand my notice in prior.

Any info would be great thanks
 

SimplyLovely

Member
Joined
21 Oct 2024
Messages
60
Location
Perthshire
Not sure how southeastern do references but nowadays, most companies won't really give proper personalised reference as they don't want to open themselves up to any liabilty. Most of the time now it's simply to verify employment history, which doesn't need to be done by contacting your previous employers.

With Network Rail, rather than them getting in touch with my previous employers, I just gave them a list of my previous tax codes (which you can access online) and they used that to verify previous employment. Which is very helpful if you don't want your current employer knowing you are job hunting before everything is official!
 

driver333

Member
Joined
27 Oct 2024
Messages
50
Location
Kent
Not sure how southeastern do references but nowadays, most companies won't really give proper personalised reference as they don't want to open themselves up to any liabilty. Most of the time now it's simply to verify employment history, which doesn't need to be done by contacting your previous employers.

With Network Rail, rather than them getting in touch with my previous employers, I just gave them a list of my previous tax codes (which you can access online) and they used that to verify previous employment. Which is very helpful if you don't want your current employer knowing you are job hunting before everything is official!
Thanks for the reply, yes that’s true to be fair! Doesn’t matter just trying to gauge how they’ll want to do it so can prepare now! Thanks
 

Loonylefty

Member
Joined
14 May 2020
Messages
23
Location
Dartford
So an update from my assessment day today.

There were 12 people who attended and we were split into 2 groups. One group done the computer tests first and the other done the paper ones, before hopefully swapping in the afternoon.

I was in the paper grouping.
Test 1 was the Group Bourdon dots - a lot more separate than the practice ones I’d been doing. 5 different pages. I thought I done ok but the feedback was that even though I was 100% accurate, I just didn’t do enough lines.

Test 2 was TEA-Occ test - hands must remain under desk until writing the answer - The first part was counting just the low tones among high ones. The second part it was a lot more straightforward than I expected it would be - just going through a large sheet of paper with a list of names and circling the symbols which had 2x the same. The third part combined the two parts with just counting tones. I finished expecting to fail this one but feedback was that I passed.

Test 3 was TRP pt 1 - information from the text and audio on braking system, we were given a scrap piece of paper to make notes etc which was then taken from us during test. We then sat for a few minutes before starting - this I found was one of the easier tests and had time to re-check my answers. Feedback was that I passed.

Test 4 was TRP Pt 2 - it was very similar to the practice material, there were 4x circular panels with dials, pointing to different colours but also different numbers, the instructions are given clearly beforehand and also there’s a section to practice. We had 8 minutes to do 43 questions and I think I’d got up to around 25. Again feedback was that I Passed this one.

Both groups were then sat in the same room whilst they were marking and sadly my name was called. Interestingly 2 of us both failed the group bourdon exactly the same way - 100% accuracy but not quick enough.

The computer group had lost 1 person before they had even finished all the tests. The paper ones were all done and marked together at the end.

Hope this helps anyone still waiting for their assessment and good luck !

Does anyone know if I would have to resit those ones that I was told I’d passed in the future?

Just to add that I’m not too disappointed as it’s not like I haven’t got a well paid job or anything ( current job is on par pay wise with southeastern.

It was good to see how far I could actually progress and in some ways I’m glad it was just the speed and not the accuracy that need to work on
 

Class2ldn

Established Member
Joined
25 Feb 2011
Messages
1,320
Generally you just retake the ones you haven't passed or undertaken but it's not guaranteed
 

krisg92

Member
Joined
15 Jun 2023
Messages
23
Location
Kent
Hi,

Just wondering if anyone can tell me how southeastern gives you a contract. Ie , via post, email etc. what to check in the contract. And how long post medical it was recieve.

I done my medical just over a week ago and o passed that (heard nothing back regarding drugs test so assume all went okay, would be anyway!)

And also if anyone could enlighten me on what sort of references they want, not that this is an issue . Only as once the contract is signed I take it they will immediately want references so need to hand my notice in prior.

Any info would be great thanks
If I remember correctly, you get an email link to your a portal I think. I had mine before the medical so it's all different.

Not sure what they asked for in regards to references, but these were required after contract. Two references were requested
 

Joe-7

Member
Joined
28 Sep 2020
Messages
34
Location
London
So an update from my assessment day today.

There were 12 people who attended and we were split into 2 groups. One group done the computer tests first and the other done the paper ones, before hopefully swapping in the afternoon.

I was in the paper grouping.
Test 1 was the Group Bourdon dots - a lot more separate than the practice ones I’d been doing. 5 different pages. I thought I done ok but the feedback was that even though I was 100% accurate, I just didn’t do enough lines.

Test 2 was TEA-Occ test - hands must remain under desk until writing the answer - The first part was counting just the low tones among high ones. The second part it was a lot more straightforward than I expected it would be - just going through a large sheet of paper with a list of names and circling the symbols which had 2x the same. The third part combined the two parts with just counting tones. I finished expecting to fail this one but feedback was that I passed.

Test 3 was TRP pt 1 - information from the text and audio on braking system, we were given a scrap piece of paper to make notes etc which was then taken from us during test. We then sat for a few minutes before starting - this I found was one of the easier tests and had time to re-check my answers. Feedback was that I passed.

Test 4 was TRP Pt 2 - it was very similar to the practice material, there were 4x circular panels with dials, pointing to different colours but also different numbers, the instructions are given clearly beforehand and also there’s a section to practice. We had 8 minutes to do 43 questions and I think I’d got up to around 25. Again feedback was that I Passed this one.

Both groups were then sat in the same room whilst they were marking and sadly my name was called. Interestingly 2 of us both failed the group bourdon exactly the same way - 100% accuracy but not quick enough.

The computer group had lost 1 person before they had even finished all the tests. The paper ones were all done and marked together at the end.

Hope this helps anyone still waiting for their assessment and good luck !

Does anyone know if I would have to resit those ones that I was told I’d passed in the future?

Just to add that I’m not too disappointed as it’s not like I haven’t got a well paid job or anything ( current job is on par pay wise with southeastern.

It was good to see how far I could actually progress and in some ways I’m glad it was just the speed and not the accuracy that need to work on
Thanks for sharing this and good luck next time! I’m sure things will work out for you at the end
 

driver333

Member
Joined
27 Oct 2024
Messages
50
Location
Kent
If I remember correctly, you get an email link to your a portal I think. I had mine before the medical so it's all different.

Not sure what they asked for in regards to references, but these were required after contract. Two references were requested
Okay that would make sense! Just waiting on it now! Been nearly 2 weeks since medical!

As for the references, I’ve been at the same place for near 5 years , 2 managers tho so surely can put down both of them!
 

krisg92

Member
Joined
15 Jun 2023
Messages
23
Location
Kent
Okay that would make sense! Just waiting on it now! Been nearly 2 weeks since medical!

As for the references, I’ve been at the same place for near 5 years , 2 managers tho so surely can put down both of them!
Fingers crossed not long!

I was at my old work to place for nearly 10. But oddly the form asks for last two places of work, luckily I still in contact with someone at the older workplace, but I can't imagine would be a massive issue - what if you've only had one job!? Not sure they were even contacted to be honest
 

driver333

Member
Joined
27 Oct 2024
Messages
50
Location
Kent
Fingers crossed not long!

I was at my old work to place for nearly 10. But oddly the form asks for last two places of work, luckily I still in contact with someone at the older workplace, but I can't imagine would be a massive issue - what if you've only had one job!? Not sure they were even contacted to be honest
Yeah thanks!

Well that’s just it! I mean I’ve worked in various places, however nowhere as consistent as my current work, I did agency and temp work and the other jobs were around 9 years ago! So would be hard pushed for them to remember me! So I’d like to think it would be okay!

Also if you don’t mind me asking as you’re being so helpful! You don’t remember how long the initial period where no leave is allowed was? Is that just the 50 days rules and reg? Curious is all!

Thanks

Also also! Are they contacted via email or phone? Again only if you know! Haha
 

krisg92

Member
Joined
15 Jun 2023
Messages
23
Location
Kent
Yeah thanks!

Well that’s just it! I mean I’ve worked in various places, however nowhere as consistent as my current work, I did agency and temp work and the other jobs were around 9 years ago! So would be hard pushed for them to remember me! So I’d like to think it would be okay!

Also if you don’t mind me asking as you’re being so helpful! You don’t remember how long the initial period where no leave is allowed was? Is that just the 50 days rules and reg? Curious is all!

Thanks

Also also! Are they contacted via email or phone? Again only if you know! Haha
Yeah I wouldn't worry too much, I'm sure it will be okay.

So yeah no leave for first 50 days during rules and regs, then depending on depot will depend how long your traction course is, but also no leave during traction, think this is normally around 3 weeks ish, give or take a little bit.

Most of my contact was through Harry on the phone if I had any issues with the portal thing. (which I did) I believe there is an email on what ever document you receive. You can email them also, then someone tends to give you a call depending on your issue I can only assume.
 

driver333

Member
Joined
27 Oct 2024
Messages
50
Location
Kent
Yeah I wouldn't worry too much, I'm sure it will be okay.

So yeah no leave for first 50 days during rules and regs, then depending on depot will depend how long your traction course is, but also no leave during traction, think this is normally around 3 weeks ish, give or take a little bit.

Most of my contact was through Harry on the phone if I had any issues with the portal thing. (which I did) I believe there is an email on what ever document you receive. You can email them also, then someone tends to give you a call depending on your issue I can only assume.
Yeah I’m sure it will! I’ve had 2 managers during this job so may just put them both down!

Brilliant thanks! And oh right traction isn’t long atall then!? Insight it was much longer! That’s great!

Yeah Harry has left now so dealing with another staff member all good tho!
 

asrut10

Member
Joined
7 Dec 2024
Messages
33
Location
Bexleyheath
So an update from my assessment day today.

There were 12 people who attended and we were split into 2 groups. One group done the computer tests first and the other done the paper ones, before hopefully swapping in the afternoon.

I was in the paper grouping.
Test 1 was the Group Bourdon dots - a lot more separate than the practice ones I’d been doing. 5 different pages. I thought I done ok but the feedback was that even though I was 100% accurate, I just didn’t do enough lines.

Test 2 was TEA-Occ test - hands must remain under desk until writing the answer - The first part was counting just the low tones among high ones. The second part it was a lot more straightforward than I expected it would be - just going through a large sheet of paper with a list of names and circling the symbols which had 2x the same. The third part combined the two parts with just counting tones. I finished expecting to fail this one but feedback was that I passed.

Test 3 was TRP pt 1 - information from the text and audio on braking system, we were given a scrap piece of paper to make notes etc which was then taken from us during test. We then sat for a few minutes before starting - this I found was one of the easier tests and had time to re-check my answers. Feedback was that I passed.

Test 4 was TRP Pt 2 - it was very similar to the practice material, there were 4x circular panels with dials, pointing to different colours but also different numbers, the instructions are given clearly beforehand and also there’s a section to practice. We had 8 minutes to do 43 questions and I think I’d got up to around 25. Again feedback was that I Passed this one.

Both groups were then sat in the same room whilst they were marking and sadly my name was called. Interestingly 2 of us both failed the group bourdon exactly the same way - 100% accuracy but not quick enough.

The computer group had lost 1 person before they had even finished all the tests. The paper ones were all done and marked together at the end.

Hope this helps anyone still waiting for their assessment and good luck !

Does anyone know if I would have to resit those ones that I was told I’d passed in the future?

Just to add that I’m not too disappointed as it’s not like I haven’t got a well paid job or anything ( current job is on par pay wise with southeastern.

It was good to see how far I could actually progress and in some ways I’m glad it was just the speed and not the accuracy that need to work on
Hi mate unlucky on your assessment, I've got mine coming soon and wasn't aware there was practice material other then the pack they send out. Are the test similar to the pack? if not any idea where i can download sheets?
 

Loonylefty

Member
Joined
14 May 2020
Messages
23
Location
Dartford
Tests were very similar to the practice material pack, except for the dot test. The practice pack has you looking for letters instead.
I think there’s a section on here about the group bourdon dots that should have practice sheets. The only other test that isn’t in the practice pack was the high / low counting and I haven’t been able to find any practice material. You have to keep your hand under the table whilst they play and then you are given the opportunity to write the answer down. I found it useful to count on my fingers every time there was a low tone.

Same as the other part - being right handed I was circling the matching shapes whilst keeping my left hand under the table and kept count. (This one only had low tones so much easier)

I guess you could practice these by getting someone to use a keyboard and play 2 different tones and then using one tone whilst looking for the letters in the practice pack
 

driver333

Member
Joined
27 Oct 2024
Messages
50
Location
Kent
Hi all, June applicant here!

Have been offered a position as a Trainee Train Driver starting at the end of February 2025.

Just wondering if there is anyone else on here that is starting at the same time and could be on the same course date as me for Rules & Regulations?
Hey, you got your contract yet? Just wondering
 

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