Train Driver Assessment
The UK's train driver assessment process is a national process, however it is managed by each individual organisation that uses the process and therefore there is no governing body or one entity that is responsible for the process as a whole. However, all recruiting organisations will use a national standard called RIS-3751-TOM that was introduced by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) in October 2013. There is also a new standard called RIS-3751-TOM Issue 4 that was published on 7 December 2024. More information about this new standard and how this may affect you is detailed below within the FAQs. Please note, that both standards are now in place and therefore your application will be dealt with as to which standard applies to you.
If you are applying to an organisation for the role of train driver, then you are applying to that organisation and therefore need to seek advice from them if you have any queries, as you would with any other job role that you may apply for. As mentioned above, there is no national body or entity that provides advice on behalf of all the organisations that use this specialised recruitment process. In addition, each organisation may have adapted the national standard and introduced a higher score mark for the tests, additional tests to be used etc. This is referred to as an enhanced standard but please note that this standard is different for every organisation and there is no 'one' enhanced standard. Again if you need advice then you need to contact the organisation you are applying to.
To help with this specialised recruitment process there are a number of registered assessment centres across the UK who are trained and authorised to undertake the assessments. Some centres are within a train organisation, and some, such as The OPC, are independent. However The OPC are not the custodians or regulatory body for this process and therefore there is no such thing as 'OPC tests', 'OPC process' etc. Instead we work with our clients to assess candidates to the organisation's specific standards/requirements.
We will liaise with our clients and undertake specific checks that are required before an assessment day to see as to whether a candidate has attempted the process before. If the answer is 'yes' then we will inform our clients of this and confirm with them as to what the candidate needs to do, if anything, with regards to their specific recruitment process. We ask that individuals do not contact The OPC directly with queries as these need to be directed to the organiation themselves, again, as you would do so with any other job role. The organisation you are applying to will assist you and answer any queries that you have.
With the driver assessment process being a national process, all registered assessment centres will undertake checks on everyone that applies to ensure that these tests are only undertaken once within a set time period and that an individual hasn't failed the process more than a set number of times previously. Unfortunately you can only be unsuccessful a number of times through this process and you then cannot apply again for the role of train driver within the UK.
All registered assessment centres are trained to a very high standard and are registered with The British Psychological Society (BPS), the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) and have undertaken specialised interview training with the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB).
Finally, we wish you luck with your application for the role of Train Driver.
Further Information
To assist with any questions you may have anout the recruitment process at all, additional information can be found below.
- FAQ about the national standard. Click here
- Organisation's who use the national standard or enhanced standard. Click here
- Advice for candidates who have completed an assessment with The OPC. Click here
- How to obtain feedback if you have completed your assessment with The OPC. Click here