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at a train driver assessment centre
What is an Assessment Centre and what exercises will you sit on the day?
An assessment centre is a place where candidates sit a number of exercises that have been specially designed to select people who will do well in the job of Train Driver. On the day you will probably sit:
1. Aptitude Tests
2. Safety Tests
3. Interview
You may also be asked to sit some additional assessment exercises. Most of the exercises you will sit on the day will be paper and pencil tests and one of the tests may be carried out on the computer as it looks at reactions.
What will happen on the day itself?
- It is possible that you will be tested along with a number of other applicants for the Train Driver job.
- The Test Administrator (the person running the day) will give you all the materials you need to do the exercises.
- Before each of the exercises you will be given instructions. These are to make sure that you know exactly what to do during the test itself. Make sure you listen carefully!
- Before each test starts you may have the chance to do some examples. The Test Administrator can help you with these if you are having difficulty, so make sure you ask them if you have any problems. They are there to help you!
- Make sure you ask all of your questions before the test starts because you are not allowed to ask the Test Administrator or anyone else any questions once the actual test time has started.
- You will be told how you got on either by the train operating company you applied to or by the Test Administrator who will give you a guide to your performance. However, this might not be on the assessment day itself.
The Aptitude Tests
What are aptitude tests?
Aptitude tests are used to assess candidates on their ability or aptitude to perform a particular task or tasks that they will be asked to do on the job itself.
What will they look at?
The aptitude tests on the day will look at a number of things including your ability to do things such as recall and retain job related information, learn new information and understand mechanical principles. They may also cover a number of other abilities depending on which train operating company you are applying to.
Hints & Tips
- Try to avoid wild guessing.
- Try to do as many questions as you can in the time allowed.
- Try to work as fast and as accurately as you can.
- You might not reach the end of the tests, not many people do, but if you work as quickly and accurately as you can you will make sure that you do your best.
- If you get stuck on a question: first circle that question on the answer sheet so as to remind yourself you have left it out and you don’t put the answer for the next question in the wrong place, then, move on to the next question, and finally, if you have time at the end go back to the question and try again.
The Safety Tests
What are safety tests?
Safety tests are used to assess candidates on a number of key qualities that a Train Driver needs to have. They help us measure if you have the qualities needed to be a safe Train Driver.
What will they look at?
The safety tests on the day will look at a number of things including reacting quickly and safely to changing situations and operating hand and foot controls as well as maintaining vigilance and concentration. Again, depending on which train operating company you are applying to the safety tests may also look at other areas.
Hints & Tips
- Remember, both accuracy and speed are important.
- If appropriate, then make sure you have your glasses on or contact lenses in as the pages or the screen can look blurred.
- Listen carefully to the instructions given by the Test Administrator before each exercise. These instructions are important to ensure that you know what you have to do during the test itself.
- Try not to get flustered during the tests, stay calm and simply do your best.
The Interview
As part of your assessment centre, you may be asked to have an interview. The interview has been designed to assess your suitability to perform certain aspects of the Train Driver role. The interview might be quite different from others you may have had as you will be asked to talk about examples of different situations from your past experience. You can choose whether to provide examples from your work experience, your home life, your education or training, or your leisure interests. Before the interview you will be asked to complete a form. This gives you the chance to think about what past experiences you may want to talk about during the interview itself. The questions will be quite detailed, so make sure that it is something you feel comfortable talking about.
Hints & Tips
- Talk about what you did rather than what other people did.
- Be clear and concise and answer the questions honestly and to the best of your ability.
- You may have many examples which relate to the question
- try to give an example which is most relevant to the question.
- Try to make the examples fairly recent so you can remember it well.
- Be as open and honest as you can in the answers you give; it is to your advantage to do so.
Hints and Tips for the Day
· Try not to worry - worrying doesn't help you.
· Make sure you don't forget your glasses or contact lenses if you usually wear them.
· You won't need pencils, paper etc - everything is supplied.
· Make sure you eat breakfast before you come to the assessment session.
· Make sure you can hear and see the Test Administrator clearly from where you are sitting and tell the Test Administrator if you cannot hear him or her.