Suddenly feeling “off”/getting cold feet about taking job as a trainee driver for northern rail

[AverageJoe]

You may love the job but you may not.

What I would do if I was you is seriously consider the pro’s and cons and decide yourself if it is the right job for you.

I wouldn’t listen to those that says it’s the best job in the world because they can only speak for themselves.

It’s a well paid job that has some perks and some negatives and will be great for some and awful for others.

 

[LokiB]

You may love the job but you may not.

What I would do if I was you is seriously consider the pro’s and cons and decide yourself if it is the right job for you.

I wouldn’t listen to those that says it’s the best job in the world because they can only speak for themselves.

It’s a well paid job that has some perks and some negatives and will be great for some and awful for others.

Yep I agree with this.
For myself it's a great industry to be in. It works well for me as my wife works from home so isn't an issue for child care and having rest days mid week often means I can pick them up/go to sports days etc.
However, for others the shifts don't work and they either get accommodated shifts or leave the industry completely.

 

[320320]

Just to add to the negatives that others haven’t already mentioned, in my experience the railway really is not a family friendly employer. If you were a single parent for example forget it, there’s just no way.

The basic expectation it seems is if you have kids, you have to have a partner who can deal with all the aspects of having kids (I think Northern have a bit of a 1970s attitude that the bloke works and the woman stays home with the kids).

It really has been a massive step back in terms of the working culture (I came from the NHS).

Every applicant is made aware of the working pattern during the application process and has the opportunity to decide if the job is compatible with their lifestyle.

If people don't want to work weekends, backshifts or any other unsociable hours due to childcare then their salary should reflect that.

 

[Ducatist4]

Given the number of people who come on here after being offered a job asking what shift patterns etc are I'd suggest that isn't always the case.

 

[nolypops83]

Every applicant is made aware of the working pattern during the application process and has the opportunity to decide if the job is compatible with their lifestyle.

If people don't want to work weekends, backshifts or any other unsociable hours due to childcare then their salary should reflect that.

This is true but that doesn't mean things can't or shouldn't change. Anyway, that's a debate for another thread.

As far as the OP is concerned, they've not mentioned childcare so it may not be an issue for them, and they have done the research and know the shifts requirements at the moment. For Northern in Manchester it's a 4 day week, Sunday's outside. That might change in future so people need to be prepared for that. Before Covid I was working 5 days in the office, now I'm working 3 days at home, 2 days in the office. I'd never have guessed this would go this way, but you just have to roll with it. It's good to consider the pro's and con's but I definitely think you can over think these things. Who knows what will happen 5-10 years down the line personally or professionally.

 

[AverageJoe]

Given the number of people who come on here after being offered a job asking what shift patterns etc are I'd suggest that isn't always the case.

That’s because people often see the money and think that’s all that matters, so they come on here and ask what is the job really like and then get a load of replies saying “best job ever just do it”

 

[skyhigh]

Given the number of people who come on here after being offered a job asking what shift patterns etc are I'd suggest that isn't always the case.

This is why Northern now have the phone interview. They were simply getting too many people wasting their time who had passed the paper sift by copying someone else's answers or using ChatGPT then when they turned up at the interview being completely unaware that it's shift work, what the training involves or what routes the company operates (someone honestly turned up at a Northern driver manager interview and said they wanted the job so they could drive Azuma trains to London....)

 

[LCC106]

If people don't want to work weekends, backshifts or any other unsociable hours due to childcare then their salary should reflect that.

Plenty of parents DO work weekends, antisocial hours and back shifts. Those such as carers, nurses, delivery drivers - and their salary is a pittance.

Accommodated shifts don’t last forever and they aren’t just for childcare reasons. Drivers and Conductors who care for elderly or vulnerable family members, those who have to take medication at certain times of the day or night and cannot do safety critical work immediately after and so on. Pretty sure that most accommodated people at our place work either a Saturday or a Sunday or sometimes a full weekend depending on the line in their rota. It isn’t as straightforward as some may think.

 

[Ducatist4]

This is why Northern now have the phone interview. They were simply getting too many people wasting their time who had passed the paper sift by copying someone else's answers or using ChatGPT then when they turned up at the interview being completely unaware that it's shift work, what the training involves or what routes the company operates (someone honestly turned up at a Northern driver manager interview and said they wanted the job so they could drive Azuma trains to London....)

Ah, i did wonder why Northern we doing it that way around.

 

[12LDA28C]

But for Northern, as far as I know, your schedule is fixed in advance so you'll always know when your days off are and can make arrangements. I'm expected to work Mon-Fri 9-5, I can't just pop out when I feel like it unless it's for a medical appointment which can't be rescheduled.

Indeed, this should be the case with most if not all TOCs where you will know your roster months in advance, apart from any movement in start and finish times on a Spare shift, in accordance with associated Ts & Cs.

 

[Sly Sloth]

You make the job work for you. There’s some sacrifices you have to make occasionally but it’s the best job in the world. I fell into train driving and had no intention of it being my career but I feel I’ve won the lottery.

Go for it. Grab the opportunity with both hands, work hard, keep your nose clean and you will have a fantastic, career.

Good luck

I love it too and average around £90K a year with many rest days

 

[nolypops83]

Hi everyone, really I’m just looking for other peoples opinions/experiences in their job as a train driver, what you enjoy/don’t enjoy as of 2024 etc.

I went for an interview on the 8th November and they offered me the job a few hours later (obviously I have to pass the psychometric first! I have this booked in on Thursday). This job was a huge whim for me, I didn’t think I’d even get offered an interview to begin with (I’m currently a Dental Nurse - so VERY different industry). I’m obviously delighted to be getting this far, but I’m suddenly feeling quite “off” and worried I’m going to be leaving a job I don’t really mind - to then go into something I’ll possibly dislike. Anyway I know this is something I have to figure out for myself. I’ll stop blabbing. Would just appreciate some real experiences please! Thank you so much, have a lovely weekend!

Good luck with the tests today!

 

[mmsg1998]

Hi everyone, I’m here now, I’ve passed the first sections, I’m just now waiting for the interview part. I can safely say I have a new found respect for just what it takes to pass these tests, my head is fried haha! Fingers crossed I interview well. Thank you so much for all your help/advice it’s been really appreciated and helped a bunch! I shall let you know if I’ve passed my interview section in around the next 2 hours (there’s also another gent with me who’s passed too! So it depends who gets interviewed first)

*sorry just now finished SJE - now I’m waiting for my interview in next 10 mins

Good luck with the tests today!

I PASSED!

 

[Unobrow]

Hi everyone, I’m here now, I’ve passed the first sections, I’m just now waiting for the interview part. I can safely say I have a new found respect for just what it takes to pass these tests, my head is fried haha! Fingers crossed I interview well. Thank you so much for all your help/advice it’s been really appreciated and helped a bunch! I shall let you know if I’ve passed my interview section in around the next 2 hours (there’s also another gent with me who’s passed too! So it depends who gets interviewed first)

*sorry just now finished SJE - now I’m waiting for my interview in next 10 mins


I PASSED!

Brilliant, well done. Just the medical to do now then and you’re away? Prepare yourself for the classroom, it does get intensive.

 

[Turtle]

Hi everyone, I’m here now, I’ve passed the first sections, I’m just now waiting for the interview part. I can safely say I have a new found respect for just what it takes to pass these tests, my head is fried haha! Fingers crossed I interview well. Thank you so much for all your help/advice it’s been really appreciated and helped a bunch! I shall let you know if I’ve passed my interview section in around the next 2 hours (there’s also another gent with me who’s passed too! So it depends who gets interviewed first)

*sorry just now finished SJE - now I’m waiting for my interview in next 10 mins


I PASSED!

Congratulations!

 

[nolypops83]

Hi everyone, I’m here now, I’ve passed the first sections, I’m just now waiting for the interview part. I can safely say I have a new found respect for just what it takes to pass these tests, my head is fried haha! Fingers crossed I interview well. Thank you so much for all your help/advice it’s been really appreciated and helped a bunch! I shall let you know if I’ve passed my interview section in around the next 2 hours (there’s also another gent with me who’s passed too! So it depends who gets interviewed first)

*sorry just now finished SJE - now I’m waiting for my interview in next 10 mins


I PASSED!

Fantastic news! Well done.

 

[Undaunted]

As an infrequent contributor to, but frequent observer of, this forum, I'd just like to say how this thread represents (for me) the forum at its very best. The supportive and informative contributions and the very balanced insights into the pluses and minuses of the train driver's role were clearly just what the OP needed. And while that applies across the board, the contributions from @nolypops83 were particularly generous given that she/he has a hurdle or two still to jump. I hope you achieve your goal in 2025.

Congratulations to @mmsg1998! I am so pleased that someone with your depth of thought and self-awareness has (subject to a medical) made it onto the training programme. I wish you, and all the contributors to this thread, a successful and enjoyable career, whether it be driving trains or doing something else.

 

[nolypops83]

As an infrequent contributor to, but frequent observer of, this forum, I'd just like to say how this thread represents (for me) the forum at its very best. The supportive and informative contributions and the very balanced insights into the pluses and minuses of the train driver's role were clearly just what the OP needed. And while that applies across the board, the contributions from @nolypops83 were particularly generous given that she/he has a hurdle or two still to jump. I hope you achieve your goal in 2025.

Congratulations to @mmsg1998! I am so pleased that someone with your depth of thought and self-awareness has (subject to a medical) made it onto the training programme. I wish you, and all the contributors to this thread, a successful and enjoyable career, whether it be driving trains or doing something else.

Thanks, that's a lovely comment. I had some great advice and encouragement on here last year when I made it to the psychometrics, so I'm just passing it along. If I don't pass the MMI or two-hand coordination test, then it'll be no one's fault but mine. The only competition I'll have is myself, so I don't feel it necessary to gatekeep. Just got to keep trying to get through the first stage. Need to figure out what I'm missing.

 

[mmsg1998]

As an infrequent contributor to, but frequent observer of, this forum, I'd just like to say how this thread represents (for me) the forum at its very best. The supportive and informative contributions and the very balanced insights into the pluses and minuses of the train driver's role were clearly just what the OP needed. And while that applies across the board, the contributions from @nolypops83 were particularly generous given that she/he has a hurdle or two still to jump. I hope you achieve your goal in 2025.

Congratulations to @mmsg1998! I am so pleased that someone with your depth of thought and self-awareness has (subject to a medical) made it onto the training programme. I wish you, and all the contributors to this thread, a successful and enjoyable career, whether it be driving trains or doing something else.

100% agree! The information I received on this post was brilliant and I can’t be more grateful, especially the politeness and understanding I have received also. Thank you so much and also I equally wish everyone the best of luck with their journeys!

Just a bit of feedback from my day which may help someone:
•Group Bourdon (completed on a large extended sheet of paper using black ink pen) - Patterns of dots - a lot more separate than the practice ones I’d been doing- I was getting 9/10 lines down each section with good accuracy she said (passed)

•TEA-Occ test (completed pen & paper - hands must remain under desk until writing the answer - as above poster advised, count tones on fingers really helped!) - 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 - then combining both parts (passed)

•TRP pt 1 (this is the section she said very almost failed me). I really struggled taking in the information from the text and audio, 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 - I’m guessing to test how well our memory can hold with time passing too. I did think this would be the section I’d have the most difficulty with - but looking back I’d have maybe not rushed so much, 5 minutes is a good amount of time and I think I just rushed reading everything over and over without actually taking in the information. (Passed only just)

•TRP Pt 2 (I enjoyed this one the most). 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. I found once I’d done the first 3-4 then I was well away with the rest - I think I’d got up to around 27. (Passed)

•Computer tests - WAFV - sitting at a computer screen - white background, a light grey square keeps flashing then will flash to dark grey and you press the green button as soon as you notice - she said I got complete accuracy on this one (didn’t miss any or press when there wasn’t a dark grey). As above advised, keep yourself occasionally moving in the chair, I found alternating my hands helped too. (Passed)

•ATAVT - the images of traffic scenes flash up VERY quickly. I wasn’t too sure how I’d done on this one as there were a couple of images which I felt I’d pressed which I wasn’t 100% I saw or not. The keyboard is easy to use, the numbers which correlate to each item are listed throughout (you don’t need to remember it from the start which I was worried I would forget which number correlated to which bit!) passed

•2hand co-ord - You get to practice before the actual test which really helped, also worth noting the leavers can come off (I somehow managed to pull one off I think for some reason I felt I was carrying the ball on the screen so needed to lift it?! Don’t ask haha. Anyway they easily go back on). Also worth noting the sequence is the same throughout and has to be done 10 times. I was pretty slow, the ball also left the circuit maybe 2-3 times on each try but I just quickly went back in. She advised I passed, but that my pace was fairly slow however accurate. So I guess just take your time and don’t panic if the ball goes out. I felt it got easier with each attempt too. (Passed)

-At this point, our results were taken and selection to progress happened

•SJE - computer - self explanatory - 23 scenarios were given and we had to rate responses. I was surprised how non-related to railway they were. It involved scenarios such as “You are at home waiting for a delivery and it has not arrived on time. You call the company and they advise they can’t deliver until tomorrow now”. Some scenarios came up repeatedly with different responses so just remember to read it all carefully as there were slight changes. Non-timer. This didn’t come with a pass/fail, but the way I answered some were brought up in my final interview.

•Multi Modal Interview- it was the test lady who conducted this, I was nervous we would be put in front of a whole panel (I had this type of thing when I did my Dental Nursing and it was nerve wracking to say the least!). First we were given time to complete the form, which had questions to which we needed a scenario from experience (very similar to the way the original Northern Rail interview was). I wrote “ *STAR* “ at the top of the question sections which she said she liked and that was the way my answers need to be constructed. She went through each section, asking for me to expand, explain the situations, then would ask how I’d react if X Y and Z happened. I hugely focused on the safety side of things, she also focused a lot on rule following, why we have rules etc etc. It was honestly fine and didn’t feel like a pressured environment at all. Then she advised I’d passed and would be contacted in the next couple of weeks for the next steps.

(We didn’t complete WCT)

 

[nolypops83]

100% agree! The information I received on this post was brilliant and I can’t be more grateful, especially the politeness and understanding I have received also. Thank you so much and also I equally wish everyone the best of luck with their journeys!

Just a bit of feedback from my day which may help someone:
•Group Bourdon (completed on a large extended sheet of paper using black ink pen) - Patterns of dots - a lot more separate than the practice ones I’d been doing- I was getting 9/10 lines down each section with good accuracy she said (passed)

•TEA-Occ test (completed pen & paper - hands must remain under desk until writing the answer - as above poster advised, count tones on fingers really helped!) - 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 - then combining both parts (passed)

•TRP pt 1 (this is the section she said very almost failed me). I really struggled taking in the information from the text and audio, 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 - I’m guessing to test how well our memory can hold with time passing too. I did think this would be the section I’d have the most difficulty with - but looking back I’d have maybe not rushed so much, 5 minutes is a good amount of time and I think I just rushed reading everything over and over without actually taking in the information. (Passed only just)

•TRP Pt 2 (I enjoyed this one the most). 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. I found once I’d done the first 3-4 then I was well away with the rest - I think I’d got up to around 27. (Passed)

•Computer tests - WAFV - sitting at a computer screen - white background, a light grey square keeps flashing then will flash to dark grey and you press the green button as soon as you notice - she said I got complete accuracy on this one (didn’t miss any or press when there wasn’t a dark grey). As above advised, keep yourself occasionally moving in the chair, I found alternating my hands helped too. (Passed)

•ATAVT - the images of traffic scenes flash up VERY quickly. I wasn’t too sure how I’d done on this one as there were a couple of images which I felt I’d pressed which I wasn’t 100% I saw or not. The keyboard is easy to use, the numbers which correlate to each item are listed throughout (you don’t need to remember it from the start which I was worried I would forget which number correlated to which bit!) passed

•2hand co-ord - You get to practice before the actual test which really helped, also worth noting the leavers can come off (I somehow managed to pull one off I think for some reason I felt I was carrying the ball on the screen so needed to lift it?! Don’t ask haha. Anyway they easily go back on). Also worth noting the sequence is the same throughout and has to be done 10 times. I was pretty slow, the ball also left the circuit maybe 2-3 times on each try but I just quickly went back in. She advised I passed, but that my pace was fairly slow however accurate. So I guess just take your time and don’t panic if the ball goes out. I felt it got easier with each attempt too. (Passed)

-At this point, our results were taken and selection to progress happened

•SJE - computer - self explanatory - 23 scenarios were given and we had to rate responses. I was surprised how non-related to railway they were. It involved scenarios such as “You are at home waiting for a delivery and it has not arrived on time. You call the company and they advise they can’t deliver until tomorrow now”. Some scenarios came up repeatedly with different responses so just remember to read it all carefully as there were slight changes. Non-timer. This didn’t come with a pass/fail, but the way I answered some were brought up in my final interview.

•Multi Modal Interview- it was the test lady who conducted this, I was nervous we would be put in front of a whole panel (I had this type of thing when I did my Dental Nursing and it was nerve wracking to say the least!). First we were given time to complete the form, which had questions to which we needed a scenario from experience (very similar to the way the original Northern Rail interview was). I wrote “ *STAR* “ at the top of the question sections which she said she liked and that was the way my answers need to be constructed. She went through each section, asking for me to expand, explain the situations, then would ask how I’d react if X Y and Z happened. I hugely focused on the safety side of things, she also focused a lot on rule following, why we have rules etc etc. It was honestly fine and didn’t feel like a pressured environment at all. Then she advised I’d passed and would be contacted in the next couple of weeks for the next steps.

(We didn’t complete WCT)

Sounds like you did really well! I know what you mean about the ball. I didn't get any individual feed back on each round, but she did tell me when I failed the two hand test that I went too fast and sacrificed accuracy which is really helpful for next time. My mantra will be SLOW AND STEADY! The woman who did the testing was lovely and really encouraging which puts you at ease. It's a long day! How many where there at the test centre with you?

Thanks for feeding back about the MMI - A vacancy went live last night for Manchester so I guess I'll be spending my Friday night perfecting my application. Rock and roll!

This is why Northern now have the phone interview. They were simply getting too many people wasting their time who had passed the paper sift by copying someone else's answers or using ChatGPT then when they turned up at the interview being completely unaware that it's shift work, what the training involves or what routes the company operates (someone honestly turned up at a Northern driver manager interview and said they wanted the job so they could drive Azuma trains to London....)

I've just started an application last night and they make you physically tick the boxes for all the following to make sure you're read and understood and won't let the application progress unless you do.

• Currently live within a 45-minute car journey from the station you work from.
• Be at least 20 years of age at the time of application.
• Not have defective colour vision.
• Commit to working early, late and weekend shifts – without relying on public transport (for example: 03:00 – 10:30, 15:30 – 12:30, 21:00 – 06:00).

Have to say, 15:30 to 12:30 seems an awfully long shift for a driver.

 

[Class2ldn]

Should be 0030 shouldn't it but I'm sure most will get the jist of it lol.
They would have us working that long if they could lol

 

[nolypops83]

Only 9 hours so not that bad, most companies are 10 hours max and freight even longer

Sorry I was making a joke. They are using the 24hr clock so it should be 15:30 - 00:30 otherwise its a 21hr shift.

 

[Class2ldn]

Sorry I was making a joke. They are using the 24hr clock so it should be 15:30 - 00:30 otherwise its a 21hr shift.

Sorry I edited just as you posted lol

 

[nolypops83]

Sorry I edited just as you posted lol

Yeah, I'm just a pedant.

 

[nolypops83]

100% agree! The information I received on this post was brilliant and I can’t be more grateful, especially the politeness and understanding I have received also. Thank you so much and also I equally wish everyone the best of luck with their journeys!

Just a bit of feedback from my day which may help someone:
•Group Bourdon (completed on a large extended sheet of paper using black ink pen) - Patterns of dots - a lot more separate than the practice ones I’d been doing- I was getting 9/10 lines down each section with good accuracy she said (passed)

•TEA-Occ test (completed pen & paper - hands must remain under desk until writing the answer - as above poster advised, count tones on fingers really helped!) - 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 - then combining both parts (passed)

•TRP pt 1 (this is the section she said very almost failed me). I really struggled taking in the information from the text and audio, 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 - I’m guessing to test how well our memory can hold with time passing too. I did think this would be the section I’d have the most difficulty with - but looking back I’d have maybe not rushed so much, 5 minutes is a good amount of time and I think I just rushed reading everything over and over without actually taking in the information. (Passed only just)

•TRP Pt 2 (I enjoyed this one the most). 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. I found once I’d done the first 3-4 then I was well away with the rest - I think I’d got up to around 27. (Passed)

•Computer tests - WAFV - sitting at a computer screen - white background, a light grey square keeps flashing then will flash to dark grey and you press the green button as soon as you notice - she said I got complete accuracy on this one (didn’t miss any or press when there wasn’t a dark grey). As above advised, keep yourself occasionally moving in the chair, I found alternating my hands helped too. (Passed)

•ATAVT - the images of traffic scenes flash up VERY quickly. I wasn’t too sure how I’d done on this one as there were a couple of images which I felt I’d pressed which I wasn’t 100% I saw or not. The keyboard is easy to use, the numbers which correlate to each item are listed throughout (you don’t need to remember it from the start which I was worried I would forget which number correlated to which bit!) passed

•2hand co-ord - You get to practice before the actual test which really helped, also worth noting the leavers can come off (I somehow managed to pull one off I think for some reason I felt I was carrying the ball on the screen so needed to lift it?! Don’t ask haha. Anyway they easily go back on). Also worth noting the sequence is the same throughout and has to be done 10 times. I was pretty slow, the ball also left the circuit maybe 2-3 times on each try but I just quickly went back in. She advised I passed, but that my pace was fairly slow however accurate. So I guess just take your time and don’t panic if the ball goes out. I felt it got easier with each attempt too. (Passed)

-At this point, our results were taken and selection to progress happened

•SJE - computer - self explanatory - 23 scenarios were given and we had to rate responses. I was surprised how non-related to railway they were. It involved scenarios such as “You are at home waiting for a delivery and it has not arrived on time. You call the company and they advise they can’t deliver until tomorrow now”. Some scenarios came up repeatedly with different responses so just remember to read it all carefully as there were slight changes. Non-timer. This didn’t come with a pass/fail, but the way I answered some were brought up in my final interview.

•Multi Modal Interview- it was the test lady who conducted this, I was nervous we would be put in front of a whole panel (I had this type of thing when I did my Dental Nursing and it was nerve wracking to say the least!). First we were given time to complete the form, which had questions to which we needed a scenario from experience (very similar to the way the original Northern Rail interview was). I wrote “ *STAR* “ at the top of the question sections which she said she liked and that was the way my answers need to be constructed. She went through each section, asking for me to expand, explain the situations, then would ask how I’d react if X Y and Z happened. I hugely focused on the safety side of things, she also focused a lot on rule following, why we have rules etc etc. It was honestly fine and didn’t feel like a pressured environment at all. Then she advised I’d passed and would be contacted in the next couple of weeks for the next steps.

(We didn’t complete WCT)

Hi, just wondering if you've been contacted by Northern yet? Have they given you a course date or did they say you'd be waiting a while?

 

[cowslip72]

You sound just like me! The solo aspect of the job seems like the best bit. I've always said, my idea of the perfect job is - give me a task and then leave me alone to get on with it. I took the psychometrics last year and really enjoyed the which I know sounds completely mad. Even the one I failed, I enjoyed and was desperate to have another go. I think since you've made it so far, which in itself is fantastic, and that fact you are putting a lot of thought and effort into the process shows you'd be a great candidate. The money is a huge factor for most people and that's ok as long as it isn't the only factor, and from what you've written, it's clear that it isn't. Oh, and I know nothing about trains really, I just researched them for my interview.

For the assessment

Paper tests come first - you do get time between tests to relax for a minute while they get collected but you can't leave the room. Once you've finished a test, forget about it and focus on the next one. You can't change the result and even if you think you've done badly it might not be the case.

Group Bourdon - Practice as much as you can. I thought it was much easier on the day than the practice material but everyone is different.
TEAOCC 1, 2 and 3 - Part 1 count the tones, part 2 circle matching symbols, part 3 both together. Count the tones on your fingers and circle the matching symbols in the breaks in between the tones. That's all you need to do. Don't overthink it.
TRP1 - There's no trick to this one, you just need to memorise the passage and answer questions. Once you've read it/listened to it, you'll get a feel for the kind of questions they will ask so I wrote as many notes as possible. The passage I had was about a train breaking system.
TRP2 - Cables and dials. This one is pretty much impossible to finish so don't worry about getting anywhere near the end, you'll get to practice and the examiner will explain why you got it wrong if you do. The examiner I had was really nice to the guy taking the tests with me, he really struggled with this and she explained what he was doing wrong.

Break and results for paper tests. Some will be asked to leave here.

Computer tests next - these are back to back with no breaks.

WAFV - Stare at a grey box for 30 mins and press the button when it changes to black. Again, not much you can do to prepare, you just need to concentrate. I moved about in my chair to stop me from drifting off. Whatever works for you. I did this on my own so not sure how distracting it is having other people in the room, but ignore what everyone else is doing.
ATAVT - Traffic scenes flashing up on the screen for one second and then you are asked to say what you see. Pedestrians, vehicles, bikes, traffic lights and traffic signs. Only select the ones you definitely saw, don't guess.
2 hand coordination test - Move the ball around the track on the screen using two joysticks. Right hand goes up and down, left hand goes right to left. I messed this one up as I went too quickly and went outside the lines too many times. It's a real balance between speed and accuracy (all the tests are really). I found it weird as I'm used to a PS5 controller which moves 360 on both sides. You get to practice so really use the time to get a feel for the movement. I rushed it.

Then its another break (lunch) - I got kicked out at this time but if you stay you'll be asked to do the MMI.

MMI - You'll be asked to complete some competency based questions and then in the interview will be asked to expand on the answers. Use the STAR method. I don't have much to offer on this as I haven't done it myself but from what I've read people's experiences differ. Some found straightforward, some found it tough and felt they were being grilled. I suppose it depends on your personality but if you're used to remaining calm while dealing with difficult patients then I'm sure you'll be fine.

That's it! It's a big day so try to get a good nights sleep before. I stayed over in Leeds so I could be well rested, but still found it hard to sleep. Too much excitement/nerves. I found Northerns prep helpful, but got the best advice on here. I've found it to be a really supportive environment. The whole process is so tough, they only person you are competing against is yourself so most people on here will be genuinely thrilled if you get through.

Best of luck with the assessments, I'm sure you'll smash it! Then it's into the talent pool to wait for a course date and have a medical. From what I've heard on the grapevine Northern will be heavily recruiting again next year, so hopefully I won't be too far behind you in getting place in the pool, if I can just get another go on those bloody joysticks!

Hi, is this the assessment that is part of the face to face interview day? This is the first I have read about these in-depth assessments.
I have been invited to a f2f interview and the email stated;

"The interview will be structured as an assessment day and will be split into two parts. The first session will include 3 different group tasks that will test your communication, problem solving and observation skills. After the first round of exercises if you are successful you will have a 1-1 interview which will include scenario based interview questions, so it’s a good idea to take some time to prepare and do a little research on both the role and Northern"

I have no idea what the assessments will look like so any information would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

 

[nolypops83]

Hi, is this the assessment that is part of the face to face interview day? This is the first I have read about these in-depth assessments.
I have been invited to a f2f interview and the email stated;

"The interview will be structured as an assessment day and will be split into two parts. The first session will include 3 different group tasks that will test your communication, problem solving and observation skills. After the first round of exercises if you are successful you will have a 1-1 interview which will include scenario based interview questions, so it’s a good idea to take some time to prepare and do a little research on both the role and Northern"

I have no idea what the assessments will look like so any information would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

Hiya, the assessments that are part of the interview day are a new addition so I haven't actually done them myself. What I was describing above is the psychometric tests that everyone sits regardless of the TOC they apply for.

The only thing I've been told is to watch some YouTube clips of footage from inside the drivers cab. I'm expecting this to be related to the observation test.

I've been watching this guy. https://www.youtube.com/@doncoffey5820

Best of luck!

 

[cowslip72]

Hi everyone, I’m here now, I’ve passed the first sections, I’m just now waiting for the interview part. I can safely say I have a new found respect for just what it takes to pass these tests, my head is fried haha! Fingers crossed I interview well. Thank you so much for all your help/advice it’s been really appreciated and helped a bunch! I shall let you know if I’ve passed my interview section in around the next 2 hours (there’s also another gent with me who’s passed too! So it depends who gets interviewed first)

*sorry just now finished SJE - now I’m waiting for my interview in next 10 mins


I PASSED!

Hi @mmsg1998 first of all, congrats on passing your interview!! Could you please offer some insight on what the SJE involved? Was this the group tasks that happen before the face to face interview? I am unsure what to expect. A train driver I know has told me to not think about the psychometric test for now and focus on my interview, but I am unsure how to prepare for these tasks.

Thanks!

Hiya, the assessments that are part of the interview day are a new addition so I haven't actually done them myself. What I was describing above is the psychometric tests that everyone sits regardless of the TOC they apply for.

The only thing I've been told is to watch some YouTube clips of footage from inside the drivers cab. I'm expecting this to be related to the observation test.

I've been watching this guy. https://www.youtube.com/@doncoffey5820

Best of luck!

Ah thank you, I'll give him a watch. I wasn't given any information on how to prepare for the tasks. Best of luck to you too!

 

[jeffy1]

Hi, is this the assessment that is part of the face to face interview day? This is the first I have read about these in-depth assessments.
I have been invited to a f2f interview and the email stated;

"The interview will be structured as an assessment day and will be split into two parts. The first session will include 3 different group tasks that will test your communication, problem solving and observation skills. After the first round of exercises if you are successful you will have a 1-1 interview which will include scenario based interview questions, so it’s a good idea to take some time to prepare and do a little research on both the role and Northern"

I have no idea what the assessments will look like so any information would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

Hi I can give info on this new part of the day as I failed it a bit gutted I didn’t even get chance to do the interview part but oh well maybe it’s not my time.
So there was 4 tasks. Firstly a group task where you’re given a sort of puzzle you have to solve as a team. Blew my head up as you had to figure out the time a train arrived at a station given the facts on the sheet. then there was 2 tasks watching the tv from a cab view whilst making a block of Lego given verbal tasks along with observations on the screen. Then another cab view 30 mins long tallying up when you saw red light or speed change etc. lastly a role play performed by the staff demonstrating a bad communication style between a driver and a signaller. You then had to make notes as what was bad and reasons why.
A few of us said it felt rushed and we were a bit like what’s going by on at the start of each one but guess that’s because it’s new. Good luck

 

[officewalla]

Just to add to the negatives that others haven’t already mentioned, in my experience the railway really is not a family friendly employer. If you were a single parent for example forget it, there’s just no way.

The basic expectation it seems is if you have kids, you have to have a partner who can deal with all the aspects of having kids (I think Northern have a bit of a 1970s attitude that the bloke works and the woman stays home with the kids).

It really has been a massive step back in terms of the working culture (I came from the NHS).

This is not true or a fair statement. Putting aside other rostering type considerations, if you ask for flexible working then it must be considered reasonably. There are 4 women at my depot who have chosen the hours and days they want to work (within reason) who have children.