After passing the Reaction Test, you will be on your way to take the Structured Interview. The train driver Reaction Test is a computerised assessment. You are assessed at your own pace and then at the computer’s pace. You will be given two sample tests, and the real thing begins afterwards. The computer will tell you the results of the two sample tests. For example, if you do well: it will say you have done well. You will sit in front of a computer with headphones and foot pedals. The keyboard interface has been altered for this test. It has coloured buttons and HI and LO buttons. You see flashing colours on the screen as soon as the test starts.
NB: This reaction test is not included in the UK’s new train driver selection process. So, if you are in the UK, you don’t need to worry about this test anymore. You need to find out about the WAFV Vigilance Test. It is one of the new train driver tests requiring you to react to displayed stimuli in time.
Tips for passing the Train Driver Reaction Test (Determine Gerart)
Listen carefully and follow the instructions given by the administrator. Conductor Ade advises, “Avoid using one hand even though it is possible. They failed me by using one hand. That is the feedback they gave me.”
As with most PC and video games, the speed or tempo increases as you progress. The success factor here is maintaining a level head and good composure. This is because it going to get to the point where no sensible person can perform. That is, everything will happen at about the same time at a faster rate than you can keep up. Something noteworthy and vital to your success here is not to chase your losses. If you miss don’t think about what you have missed, focus on what you are doing. And when you can not reasonably see the flashing colours, stop and take a breath for the computer to come to the point where you can visibly identify the flashing colours again (don’t do wild guessing ).
As Driver Instructor Denga points out, ‘They are looking for accuracy and speed in your reaction. I remember when I was doing my reaction test; a guy was sitting on my left; he was doing wild guessing. I say so because he had got to the stage where the flashing colours were going bonkers – too fast for the human eye. Yet this guy was still making choices. No wonder why he didn’t go to the next stage. All he had to do was take a deep breath for the computer to lower the level. And then pick up again. I wish I could have instructed him on that day to help him avoid losing out. Unfortunately, one cannot instruct one in the exam room’.
There have been many recommendations for preparing for this test, such as BOP IT XT. I have got one. It is very useful in training your reaction skills to systems. I say systems because your reaction to organic matter, like humans, might be different no matter what, though! Remember that your foot is not trained in the BOP IT games. However, most train drivers will recommend them. This is because almost all that used them were successful in the reaction test.
PC and Video Games, such as the WAFV Training System and 2 Hand Coordination Training, are some of the recommended tool kits for honing reaction and coordination skills.
“Don’t dream on; add actions that will make them real.” You have come far. It’s a pain when people lose out at this stage. Get one of the recommended games and start practising. Don’t be like Conductor Jay, who only got the BOP IT two days before the assessment day. Now, he is kicking himself for not doing enough practice before going for the assessment—he failed as a result. ‘Had I known, it was always at last.’
WAFV Vigilance Test is the new reaction test.
Talk soon.
