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Train driver trainee posts in Great Britain are advertised by train operating companies (TOCs), freight operators and related rail employers. Selection typically includes application screening, a specialised psychometric assessment for occupational psychological fitness, medical and background checks, then interviews and training selection. Exact modules, venues and standards vary by employer and campaign.
For GB mainline driver selection, industry psychometric requirements are framed nationally by Rail Industry Standard RIS-3751-TOM (Psychometric Assessment in Train Driver Selection), published by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB). That standard sits above commercial brand names. Your invitation from the hiring TOC (or its registered assessment centre) controls what you sit on the day.
This guide covers what RIS-3751-TOM governs for mainline psychometric selection, what remains employer-specific, how to prepare ethically, and original skill drills. It is not a Network Rail Early Careers guide, a TfL graduate or Underground process guide, a medical-certification manual, or a source of operational railway instructions. Confirm every named exercise, attempt rule and stage against your TOC advert and invitation.
The 38 exercises below are original educational drills for concentration counting, code checking, rules verbal reasoning, timetable numeracy and safety situational judgement. They are not official TOC, Network Rail, Transport for London, RSSB or JobTestPrep items. Names such as Group Bourdon, SCAAT, TEA-Occ or ATAVT appear only as formats that commercial guides often discuss. Confirm every named exercise against your TOC invitation.
Key Takeaways
- UK train-driver psychometrics for the GB mainline sit under RSSB RIS-3751-TOM. Issue 4 was published on 7 December 2024 and revised attempt, validity and delivery guidance.
- Appendix A of the standard describes a standardised psychometric battery for mainline selection. Employers still control recruitment stages, invitations and any enhanced standards.
- Network Rail infrastructure hiring and TfL early-careers or Underground paths are different employer processes. Use the matching guide when that is your application.
- Official approved practice materials are supplied by the recruiting train company when you are invited. Third-party packs are optional familiarisation only.
- There is no universal public pass mark for every TOC. Do not invent cut scores or claim medical or operational advice from a practice guide.
Quick facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Role | Trainee / train driver with a TOC or related rail employer |
| National standard (mainline) | RSSB RIS-3751-TOM Iss 4 (psychometric assessment in train driver selection) |
| What is standardised | Industry psychometric criteria and assessments in Appendix A for GB mainline driving within ORR-defined limits |
| What varies by TOC | Application screens, assessment centre logistics, enhanced standards, interviews, medicals and training offers |
| Skills commonly practised | Concentration / counting, code accuracy, rules application, timetable numeracy, safety judgement |
| Later stages | Medical, background checks, interviews, then lengthy training if selected |
| Control | Your TOC advert, candidate pack and assessment invitation |
The current recruitment campaign controls. Confirm every detail in writing from the employer you applied to.
How UK train driver selection usually works
The National Careers Service train driver profile describes common entry routes: direct application to a train operating company, progression from other rail roles, or a Train Driver Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship where available. Employers commonly expect strong English and maths foundations (often discussed as GCSE grades 9 to 4 or equivalent). Candidates must pass assessments, medical checks and interviews. Training commonly lasts about one to two years once accepted.
NCS also highlights role skills that map closely to why psychometrics exist: concentration, attention to detail, public safety awareness, calmness under pressure, observation and recording, and the ability to work alone and with others. Depot travel-time expectations are often strict (commonly discussed as living within about 45 minutes to one hour by car of the depot). Always verify the live advert criteria.
RSSB Issue 4 of RIS-3751-TOM sets requirements and guidance for psychometric assessment used when selecting train driver candidates who will drive on the GB mainline railway. The RSSB / RACF candidate FAQ published with Issue 4 states that Appendix A sets out the standardised psychometric selection criteria and assessments for that mainline scope, and that the appendix can form one part of a wider TOC selection process. Public RSSB catalogue text also states that validity periods, number of attempts and assessment delivery were revised in Issue 4. Confirm attempt and validity rules with your recruiting TOC in writing. Do not rely on forum posts or commercial pack summaries alone.
Registered assessment centres administer industry-standard exercises on behalf of hiring organisations. Each recruiting TOC manages its own recruitment against the standard. Avoid naming the whole pathway after any one centre or publisher unless that is truly who is assessing you.
What RIS-3751-TOM standardises versus what TOCs control
| Layer | What it covers | What not to assume |
|---|---|---|
| RIS-3751-TOM (national industry standard) | Psychometric assessment requirements for GB mainline train-driver selection; Appendix A lists standardised criteria and assessments | That every non-mainline or non-TOC path uses the same battery |
| TOC / assessment centre invitation | Booking, venue, delivery mode, which parts you sit, any enhanced standards and next stages | That a blog or PrepPack module list equals your live day |
| Medical, drugs and alcohol, background checks | Fitness and integrity checks controlled by the recruiting employer and licensing rules | That a practice guide can advise medical eligibility |
| Training after selection | Lengthy employer training if you are offered a trainee place | That passing psychometrics alone guarantees a job |
The RSSB / RACF FAQ for Issue 4 summarises Appendix A themes that transport operators use for mainline selection, including attention (for example paper Group Bourdon and TEA-Occ), vigilance, memory and rules trainability (TRP), perception (ATAVT), reaction and coordination tasks, multi-modal interview (MMI) and situational judgement (SJE). Treat those names as the industry-standard orientation for mainline candidates. Your invitation still controls what you sit on the day. The same FAQ notes that companies may still apply part testing and may use higher cut-offs or an enhanced standard. Exact cut scores are not published as one universal public pass mark for every employer.
Psychometric themes: skills to practise, confirm brands
Commercial preparation materials often organise drills around sustained concentration (sometimes discussed as Group Bourdon or SCAAT-style counting), occupational attention products (TEA-Occ is sometimes named), vigilance or traffic-style perceptual tasks (ATAVT appears in some guides), rules and procedures, mechanical understanding, and structured interviews. Treat every brand name as orientation only unless your invitation names that exact assessment.
| Theme to practise | Why it helps | What not to assume |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration / target counting | Sustained accuracy while scanning dense fields | Exact publisher, page layout or scoring |
| Code / string checking | Character-level vigilance under time pressure | That every TOC uses the same code format |
| Rules verbal (True / False / Cannot say) | Following written constraints without importing outside knowledge | That educational rules equal the live Rule Book exam |
| Timetable numeracy (pounds and minutes) | Delay maths, turn length, rates and percentages | Calculator access unless your invite allows it |
| Safety SJT | Prefer stop, report, protect and honesty in scored practice scenarios | That scored options equal live TOC procedures or operational instruction |
If your advert is for London Underground or another TfL operational path, also read the TfL Assessment guide and TfL careers instructions. Infrastructure roles with Network Rail are a different journey: see Network Rail Assessment and Network Rail careers.
TOC careers pages to watch
Vacancies and assessment logistics are published by employers. Entry points that loaded at the time of writing:
- Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) Careers - Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express
- South Western Railway careers
- Transport for London careers
- Network Rail careers (infrastructure roles; not a substitute for TOC driver selection)
Sign up for alerts on the TOC you can realistically travel to.
Attempts, validity and medical stages
According to the RSSB / RACF FAQ published with RIS-3751-TOM Issue 4:
- Candidates who began any part of the standardised psychometric process before 7 December 2024 remain under the previous two-attempt rule after failed attempts.
- New candidates starting the standardised process from 7 December 2024 are described under a three-attempt rule, with minimum waiting periods between attempts (including a minimum of one year before a second attempt, and a third attempt only after five years from the first failed attempt and at least one year after the second).
- Approved practice materials are supplied by the recruiting train company when you are invited, typically at least a week before the assessment date.
- Medical fitness, drugs and alcohol screening, licensing and background checks sit outside this practice guide. Do not hide medical information or treat practice SJTs as operational training.
Always confirm waiting periods, validity of prior results and what you must re-sit with the recruiting TOC. A national database check may affect what you are asked to complete.
How to prepare
Preparation may help you understand the process, read official TOC and RSSB materials carefully, practise comparable public formats for concentration and accuracy, manage time calmly, follow instructions precisely, and prepare honest interview examples.
Do not fabricate safety experience, hide medical information, misrepresent qualifications, game integrity or safety screening, memorise claimed live questions, claim another person’s experience, or treat practice scenarios as operational railway instructions.
- Read the National Careers Service train driver profile, then the specific TOC vacancy and candidate pack.
- Note that RIS-3751-TOM Issue 4 clarifies industry attempt and validity guidance, then confirm your employer’s written rules for your start date.
- Practise sustained accuracy: counting targets, matching codes, resisting speed that creates errors.
- Rebuild timetable arithmetic and simple money / rate / percentage numeracy without a calculator unless told otherwise.
- Practise rule statements with True / False / Cannot say discipline: first answer only from the text given.
- For safety SJTs, prefer stop, report, protect and honesty over heroic improvisation in the scored practice context only.
- Prepare concise interview examples of concentration, following procedures, admitting mistakes and staying calm.
- Use third-party packs as optional extras after employer materials.
Optional third-party train-driver practice
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If you want additional concentration, vigilance and rules-style drills after reading official TOC materials, an independent UK train driver assessment PrepPack can help candidates practise comparable formats.
JobTestPrep UK is an independent third-party preparation provider. It is not a TOC, RSSB, Network Rail, TfL or official rail assessment administrator. Commercial PrepPack contents are optional familiarisation. They are not official RSSB materials and do not reproduce live TOC tests. Check the current UK price and access period on the product page before purchase. Preparation cannot guarantee a pass, interview outcome or job offer.
Practice questions
Educational practice only. Not TOC, RSSB or JobTestPrep items. Processes vary by employer. The scored items below are skill drills: concentration, code checking, rules logic, numeracy and safety judgement. Process trivia is not scored as a “correct answer”.
Concentration and target counting
1. Group sizes in order: 3, 4, 4, 6, 4, 5, 4, 2. How many groups contain exactly four marks?
A. 2 B. 3 C. 4 D. 5
Correct answer: C Explanation: Groups in positions 2, 3, 5 and 7 each contain four marks.
2. Count how many times the digit 4 appears: 14, 24, 40, 44, 41, 04, 34
A. 7 B. 8 C. 9 D. 10
Correct answer: C Explanation: 14 (1), 24 (1), 40 (1), 44 (2), 41 (1), 04 (1), 34 (1) = 9.
3. Five trays hold target counts 7, 5, 6, 5, 8. How many trays hold more than six targets?
A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4
Correct answer: B Explanation: Only the trays with 7 and 8 are above six.
4. Marked groups: oo, ooooo, ooo, oo, ooooo, ooo. How many groups contain exactly five marks?
A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4
Correct answer: B Explanation: Groups 2 and 5 each have five marks.
5. Row counts of a chosen symbol are 3, 5, 4, 5, 5, 2. What is the mode?
A. 2 B. 3 C. 4 D. 5
Correct answer: D Explanation: 5 appears three times; no other value appears as often.
6. Across nine clusters the sizes are 2, 3, 2, 4, 2, 5, 2, 3, 2. How many clusters are size 2?
A. 3 B. 4 C. 5 D. 6
Correct answer: C Explanation: Positions 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 are size 2.
7. You scan left to right and must count every group of exactly three symbols. Which approach best protects accuracy under time pressure?
A. Skip unfinished lines and invent a total B. Keep a steady scan, tick progress, and favour clean counts over reckless guessing if instructions discourage guessing C. Count only the first column on each page D. Discuss answers with the person next to you
Correct answer: B Explanation: Sustained-attention tasks reward methodical scanning and accurate recording. Follow the live invigilator instructions above any blog tip.
8. Totals for six boxes: 11, 9, 12, 10, 11, 8. What is the median when ordered low to high?
A. 9 B. 10 C. 10.5 D. 11
Correct answer: C Explanation: Ordered: 8, 9, 10, 11, 11, 12. The middle pair is 10 and 11; median = 10.5.
Code checking and vigilance accuracy
9. Which pair matches exactly?
Left: XR-617-HM Options:
A. XR-671-HM B. XR-617-HN C. XR-617-HM D. XT-617-HM
Correct answer: C Explanation: Only C preserves every character.
10. Recorded code P3W-55-LK. Recheck list shows P3W-55-1K. What changed?
A. First letter B. Middle digit block C. Final block first character D. Nothing
Correct answer: C Explanation: The final block starts with L on the recorded code and 1 on the recheck list.
11. How many strings contain the letter I (not digit 1): A1R, BI2, C11, D0I, E21, FI0
A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4
Correct answer: C Explanation: BI2, D0I and FI0 each contain letter I.
12. Cabin plate should read DRV-28-C. Which option is wrong?
A. DRV-28-C B. DRV-28-C C. DVR-28-C D. DRV-28-C
Correct answer: C Explanation: DVR swaps the second and third letters.
13. Left 295183. Right 295813. Result?
A. Exact match B. Digits transposed near the end C. Completely unrelated D. Missing a letter only
Correct answer: B Explanation: The last three digits differ by a transposition pattern (183 vs 813).
14. Count character mismatches between HL-04-KN-9 and HL-04-KN-8.
A. 0 B. 1 C. 2 D. 3
Correct answer: B Explanation: Only the final digit differs (9 vs 8).
15. Which string is identical to Z8Y-33-PQ?
A. Z8Y-33-P0 B. ZBY-33-PQ C. Z8Y-33-PQ D. Z8Y-38-PQ
Correct answer: C Explanation: Only C matches every character.
16. Codes to check: MM-19, MN-19, MM-91, MM-19. How many exact matches are there for the first code MM-19 in the remaining three?
A. 0 B. 1 C. 2 D. 3
Correct answer: B Explanation: Only the last entry repeats MM-19 exactly.
Rules: True / False / Cannot say
Use only the rule text given. Do not import outside rail knowledge.
Rule set A:
- Corrective lenses required by a medical certificate must be worn when driving.
- Personal mobile phones must be switched off in the driving cab unless a company rule expressly permits a company-issued work device.
- If an unexpected red signal is encountered, the driver must stop and follow the reported company procedure.
17. Statement: “A short empty coaching stock move allows driving without medically required lenses.”
A. True B. False C. Cannot say
Correct answer: B Explanation: Rule 1 requires lenses whenever the medical certificate requires them. Journey type is irrelevant in the given text.
18. Statement: “Company radios are banned in every cab under every TOC nationally.”
A. True B. False C. Cannot say
Correct answer: C Explanation: Rule 2 addresses personal mobiles and allows an express company exception for a work device. It does not define national radio policy for every TOC.
19. Statement: “Continuing at line speed past an unexpected red signal to protect the timetable is acceptable.”
A. True B. False C. Cannot say
Correct answer: B Explanation: Rule 3 requires stopping and following procedure.
Rule set B: 4. Defective headlight(s) that leave the train without a working headlight for the route being prepared must be reported before departure. 5. Only authorised staff may enter the cab during preparation.
20. Statement: “A friend holding a valid advance ticket may sit in the cab during preparation without further authorisation.”
A. True B. False C. Cannot say
Correct answer: B Explanation: Rule 5 limits cab entry during preparation to authorised staff. Ticket status alone does not create authorisation in the given text.
21. Statement: “Any lamp fault of any severity can always be ignored if the sky is clear at the depot.”
A. True B. False C. Cannot say
Correct answer: C Explanation: Rule 4 is about defective headlight(s) that leave the train without a working headlight for the route. The absolute claim and sky condition are not fully settled by the given wording alone without knowing the headlight status for the route.
22. Statement: “Authorised staff during preparation may include a colleague signed in under company procedure.”
A. True B. False C. Cannot say
Correct answer: C Explanation: The rule uses “authorised staff” but does not define the authorisation method. Prefer Cannot say over inventing policy detail.
Rule set C: 6. Written notices displayed in the signing-on point must be read before starting duty. 7. Safety-critical defects discovered during preparation must be reported before taking the train into service.
23. Statement: “Skipping unread notices is acceptable when the previous turn finished late.”
A. True B. False C. Cannot say
Correct answer: B Explanation: Rule 6 requires notices to be read before starting duty. Lateness is not an exception in the given text.
Timetable numeracy (£ and minutes)
24. A service is due at 11:27 and arrives at 11:52. How many minutes late is it?
A. 15 B. 20 C. 25 D. 30
Correct answer: C Explanation: 11:52 minus 11:27 = 25 minutes.
25. Journey time is 1 hour 35 minutes. Depart 07:48. What is the planned arrival?
A. 09:13 B. 09:23 C. 09:33 D. 09:48
Correct answer: B Explanation: 07:48 + 1 h 35 m = 09:23.
26. Three sectors take 16, 21 and 19 minutes. What is the total?
A. 54 minutes B. 56 minutes C. 58 minutes D. 60 minutes
Correct answer: B Explanation: 16 + 21 + 19 = 56.
27. Refreshments for a depot briefing cost £36 for 12 people. What is the cost per person?
A. £2.50 B. £3.00 C. £3.50 D. £4.00
Correct answer: B Explanation: 36 / 12 = 3.
28. A relief taxi invoice is £54 for a 45-mile transfer. What is the cost per mile?
A. £1.10 B. £1.20 C. £1.25 D. £1.30
Correct answer: B Explanation: 54 / 45 = 1.20.
29. A turn starts at 05:55 and ends at 13:25. How long is the turn?
A. 7 hours 00 minutes B. 7 hours 20 minutes C. 7 hours 30 minutes D. 8 hours 00 minutes
Correct answer: C Explanation: From 05:55 to 13:25 is 7 hours 30 minutes.
30. Delay-style practice: 35 of 140 afternoon trains were 15+ minutes late. What percentage is that?
A. 20% B. 25% C. 30% D. 35%
Correct answer: B Explanation: 35 / 140 = 0.25 = 25%.
31. A planning ratio allows 3 interviewed candidates for every place. How many interviewed candidates does that imply for 16 places?
A. 32 B. 40 C. 48 D. 54
Correct answer: C Explanation: 3 x 16 = 48.
Safety situational judgement
These items train safety priorities. They are not live TOC procedures or official Rule Book questions.
32. Approaching a station, you feel a new grinding noise under the leading bogie that was not present earlier. Best immediate educational priority?
A. Ignore it and hope it settles B. Reduce to a safe controlled stop if symptoms require it under the procedure you are trained to use, report to control, and do not normalise unexplained faults C. Accelerate to “clear the noise” D. Film the cab for social media
Correct answer: B Explanation: Unexplained mechanical symptoms need protection and reporting, not bravado.
33. A colleague suggests omitting a required booking-in check because “everyone skips it when late”. Best response?
A. Agree to fit in B. Complete the required check, keep the conversation professional, and escalate if pressured to break procedure C. Falsify the paperwork D. Argue loudly in front of passengers
Correct answer: B Explanation: Procedure adherence and honest records beat social pressure.
34. Still in the depot, you realise you misread a notice and almost acted on an incorrect assumption. Best action?
A. Hope nobody notices later on the move B. Stop immediately, correct the information from the authorised source, and report if rules require it C. Blame the printer and continue as planned D. Invent a cover story
Correct answer: B Explanation: Early correction and honesty are core safety culture.
35. Traincrew report a strong smell of burning in a coach. You are driving. Educational priority order?
A. Protect life and safety per emergency protocol / stop if required, communicate with traincrew and control, follow company emergency instructions B. Continue at line speed to the terminus regardless C. Leave the cab alone through every coach without any communication D. Debate delay repay with passengers first
Correct answer: A Explanation: Life safety and controlled communication dominate timetable pressure.
36. A passenger on a platform appears unsteady and too close to the edge as you approach under caution. Best educational priority?
A. Sound the appropriate warning / take the protective action your training requires, report as needed, and put safety before punctuality pride B. Ignore the risk to protect the timetable C. Leave the cab to argue with passengers on every platform D. Post a complaint about the station online mid-journey
Correct answer: A Explanation: Immediate protective action and reporting beat schedule pride when people are at risk.
37. You discover a paperwork error you made during preparation before the train enters service. Best response?
A. Hide the error and hope it does not matter B. Correct it through the proper channel and report if the procedure requires disclosure C. Ask a colleague to sign a false correction D. Destroy the paperwork
Correct answer: B Explanation: Honest correction before service protects passengers and colleagues.
38. During interview practice you are asked for an example of concentration under monotony. Strong answer pattern?
A. Vague claims with no example B. A specific situation, the distraction risk, what you did to maintain accuracy, and the outcome C. A fabricated near-miss invented for drama D. Criticising previous employers with no evidence
Correct answer: B Explanation: Structured, honest behavioural examples fit assessment-centre interview expectations better than fiction or vagueness.
Official resources
- National Careers Service: Train driver - entry routes, skills, medical / background expectations and training length context
- RSSB: RIS-3751-TOM Iss 4 - Psychometric Assessment in Train Driver Selection
- RSSB news: clarity on validity periods and number of attempts (industry-level; confirm with your TOC)
- RSSB Track Record: improving psychometric selection for train drivers
- GTR Careers
- South Western Railway careers
- TfL careers
- Network Rail careers
- Always follow the assessment invitation for your vacancy above any secondary guide
Related guides
- UK Assessment Tests
- Network Rail Assessment
- TfL Assessment
- Numerical Reasoning
- Situational Judgment Test
FAQ
Do all TOCs use the same tests?
No. RIS-3751-TOM sets industry requirements for mainline psychometric selection, including a standardised Appendix A battery for that scope. Employers may still use different assessment centres, part testing, enhanced standards or extra exercises. Confirm your invitation.
What is a concentration test?
Employers use sustained-attention tasks to check accuracy under monotony and scanning demands. The Issue 4 FAQ summarises attention assessments such as paper Group Bourdon and TEA-Occ for the standardised mainline process. Commercial materials may also discuss SCAAT-style or other brand names. Treat brand names as campaign-dependent unless officially named for your sitting.
Can I retake if I fail?
RIS-3751-TOM Issue 4 revised attempt and validity rules. The RSSB / RACF FAQ describes a two-attempt rule for candidates who started any part of the standardised process before 7 December 2024, and a three-attempt rule with waiting periods for new candidates from that date. Confirm retest eligibility, waiting periods and result validity with the recruiting TOC.
Is this the same as Network Rail or London Underground selection?
Not automatically. Network Rail is primarily the infrastructure manager. Underground / TfL driver and early-careers paths may differ. Use the matching employer guide and careers pages.
Can practice materials guarantee a pass?
No. Psychometric outcomes, medicals and interviews all sit with the recruiting organisation. Third-party packs are not official RSSB or TOC materials.
Next steps
Return to the UK Assessment Tests hub for more British employer guides. Compare infrastructure psychometrics on Network Rail Assessment and wider London transport routes on TfL Assessment when those employers match your application.