7 Dysfunctional, Obsolete and Phased-Out Train Driver Tests

In this article, I will discuss the 7 Dysfunctional, Obsolete and Phased-Out Train Driver Tests. As an aspiring train driver, you may be researching on the internet and other sources about what the psychometric tests are about. Or you have been invited for assessments, and the names of the tests you will take are not clear enough in your invitation letter.

No worries. In this post, I talk about the tests that have been phased out so you can concentrate on the current tests. Also, be aware that there is a lot of misinformation and out-of-date information on the internet. So please pay attention, as this will save you a lot of headaches and ‘had I known. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Some of the train driver psychometric tests were made obsolete because of the arrival of modern (smart) trains, advances in signalling technology and the UK opting in for the European Train Driver Licensing Regulations. Some of the psychometric tests were deemed unreliable after careful and extensive findings. So let us start with the first core test, which has been made obsolete:

The 7 Train Driver Psychometric Selection Tests You Shouldn’t Waste Your Time, Money and Energy On.

Understanding the Impact of Phased-Out Train Driver Tests

Determine Gerart – This test is popularly known as ‘Reaction Test’ or ‘Fast and Coordination test’. This was a compulsory test before the introduction of new train driver tests. It involved the use of both hands and feet. In this test, candidates were presented with different coloured circles and sounds and were expected to react to them based on a set of instructions. This fast and coordinated reaction test was phased out as a core in October 2013 by the RSSB. And was replaced by the Vienna Test System – WAFV Test and the 2 Hand Coordination Test. RSSB is the body that decides which tests are compulsory for train drivers in the UK. They are also in charge of the Rule Book. (A rule book sets a safety-critical standard for what railway staff and companies should do when on the line, platform or station infrastructure). Take note – Heathrow Express may use this test in their selection process.

Mechanical Comprehension Test (MT 4) – Most passenger train companies stopped using this test as a psychometric tool in 2010. They would rather use it online as a pre-sift tool. Mechanical Comprehension Test (MT 4) has now been replaced by the Fault-finding assessment. Mind you, the Fault-finding exams are still not one of the core train driver tests, though almost all the passenger train companies use it in their assessments. Some freight train companies, on the other hand, continued to use the Mechanical Comprehension Test 4 until October 2013. Mechanical test is now phased out from the selection process by almost all the train and freight operating companies. The modern train driver does not need the aptitude for how machines work in general. That is the work of an engineer. All that the modern train driver needs is the ability to locate faults on a train and report them to an engineer. This is the reason why this test is no longer in use by train companies.

Group Bourdon Computer Test – This psychometric test, like the aptitude for mechanical understanding assessment, was one of the compulsory tests introduced in 1994. Again, almost all the passenger train companies stopped using this assessment from 2010. However, for some reason, they kept sending candidates information that says they may be required to take the Group Bourdon test on paper or computer. This usually created confusion among candidates. And the only reason is that the train and freight companies failed to update their test practice information booklet.

In 2013, RSSB stated that the Group Bourdon Computer Test is unreliable for assessing train driver applicants. The moment I read that statement, it reminded me of a friend I met at an assessment centre who failed the group paper test because he used a group Bourdon software to practice for the group Bourdon paper test.

 Railway Verbal Communication Exercise (RVCE) – This has never been one of the core tests. And was only used by Southern and Heathrow Express. However, since October 2013, the arrival of the new train driver tests in compliance with European Train Driver Licensing Regulations meant that no train company is now using them. Note that Heathrow Express may still use this test.

Safety Concentration And Attention Test (SCAAT) – This was mainly used for assessing conductors. However, some train companies started using it for assessing train drivers prior to the new train driver tests in October 2013. After October 2013, it was phased out of the train driver selection process. It may be used now as an online assessment for sifting candidates, but it may not count towards being part of the assessment process.

Numeracy or Numerical Test – Numerical tests involve the use of arithmetic, percentages, decimals and fractions to assess candidates’ ability to do work-related tasks. Bear in mind that the numerical test is not a psychological test. Rather, an academic one. Numerical Test has never been used to assess trainee train driver applicants. So anyone claiming this to be part of the assessment process is misinforming people. Simple – modern train drivers don’t need maths to drive trains. However, they need the ability to read gauges. It is for this reason that they use to dial test to assess a candidate’s ability to follow rules in reading gauges..

Verbal Reasoning Test – This is not used in assessing train driver tests. This again is an academic test where candidates fill in the missing blanks. And it has never been since the privatisation of British Rail and the introduction of psychological tests in selecting train drivers. Other ability tests may be used for assessing candidates’ ability to follow technical and occupational instructions. It is not a verbal reasoning test. It deals with a candidate’s ability to comprehend and remember instructions at short notice..

So now that you are aware of the dysfunctional and phased-out psychological tests, why don’t you tell us some of your experiences with them or help us spread the message on Facebook?