Psychometric Testing - Private Clients

Train Driver Psychometric Testing for Private Clients

Our Psychometric Testing Private page offers all the information you’ll need on this part of the train driver testing programme.

A valid pass on the train driver psychometric tests is a requirement for a train driver’s licence. All train/freight operators must have evidence of a pass from an approved centre to enable the individual to receive their train driver’s licence.

There is currently one standard used in the UK which is the Railway Industry Standard (RIS-3751-TOM). Railway Competence Group delivers this standard for Train/Freight operators as well as private individuals seeking to become train drivers.

With many years of experience in train driver recruitment, we know the benefits of candidates who have already achieved a pass on the tests. The operator can save time sifting candidates; a candidate who has already passed the tests makes the process much easier for a prospective employer. The employer can skip the testing phase organising dates/costing/losing unsuccessful test candidates, and move straight on to medical and manager interview.

How it works

Candidates can book their test through our website at a date that suits them. If you can’t find a date please contact us at: contact@RCG.org.uk

Once you’ve booked a date you will receive joining instructions and practice materials. There is a non-refundable deposit associated with the booking, if you need to change the date please contact us and we will facilitate as much as possible.

Once booked you simply need to practice the materials we send you and attend our Manchester Offices on the date of the assessment. Our assessors will conduct the day, provide you with test instructions and administer the tests. We keep a relaxed atmosphere with a maximum of 2 private candidates per day. This is to ensure each candidate sits the full process in a small group and has access to the assessor for any questions during the practice/introduction sections.

Upon completing all of the tests you will receive feedback from the assessors on the same day prior to your departure. Should you be successful you will have a valid pass for train driver licensing for a maximum period of 5 years post the assessment date. If unsuccessful we will arrange a resit if the candidate is in a position to request another attempt (no more than 2 failed attempts are allowed for this standard).

The UK government’s National Careers Service offers some advice on how to prepare for psychometric test, you can click here to visit their site.

If you are a train or freight operating company, please click here to visit our dedicated page with all the information you’ll need.

Interested in the Psychometric Test as a private client?

Interested in the Psychometric

Test as a private client?

How to find us

Testing takes place at our offices in Manchester. We are located within a 5-minute walk of both Manchester Oxford Road and Manchester Deansgate stations, alongside being close to Metrolink Deansgate, Manchester Victoria and Manchester Piccadilly train stations.

There is a large NCP car park across the road from our offices for those travelling by car.

For those travelling the night before, there are a number of hotels near our offices (Albion Wharf, M1 5LN).

There are break facilities at our offices available to candidates, candidates may also wish to leave the offices and take breaks externally. There are numerous restaurants and cafes within a 5 minute walk in both the Deansgate and Oxford Road area.

Psychometric Testing FAQ's

Is there an age limit for testing?

Candidates must be a minimum of 20 years old to sit the train driver psychometric tests. This is not an RCG age limit but a requirement within licensing.

What do I need to bring on the day?

Candidates must provide proof of National Insurance and photo ID (passport/driver’s licence) on their assessment date. Failure to provide these will mean the candidate is unable to sit the tests. Full joining instructions will be sent to the candidate upon confirmation of booking.

Do you provide practice materials?

Yes we provide the recommended Railway Assessment Centre Forum materials (RACF). These will be sent to a candidate a minimum of 7 days prior to assessment. Materials are sent with joining instructions upon confirmation of booking.

How long is a pass valid for?

If a candidate is successful a pass is valid for a maximum of 5 years from the assessment date.

Can I sit part tests?

Yes, we do deliver part assessments. For example, if a candidate has passed the paper assessments with an operator but was not progressed further we can complete the rest of the testing process. However, please note if you sit the tests in different stages the maximum 5 year validity will run from the date of your first assessment.

How many times can I sit the tests?

An individual can sit the tests as many times as required to obtain a role (if successful during testing), however if a candidate is unsuccessful during testing on more than one occasion they will be unable to attempt the assessments again. Ie if you fail the tests on 2 separate occasions you will be unable to apply for a train driver role in the future.

I recently failed a test with an operator when can I resit?

An individual must wait 6 months before attempting another resit. An individuals previous assessment attempts are checked prior to resit being undertaken.

What happens if I fail the tests with you, can I book a resit straight away?

If an individual fail the tests with us we will book them in as close to the 6 month window as the individual requests. We do not charge full pricing for a retest and will offer significant discounts depending on which areas require retesting.

Does a private test fail count as one of your 2 attempts?

Yes, if you are unsuccessful during testing the results will count as one of the maximum 2 failed attempts.

Will I be sent home if I fail any part of the assessment?

For private candidates, we provide the full assessment irrespective of the result. As such the candidate can return and simply resit the components they did not pass on their first attempt. We provide full feedback on the day of assessment.

Do you do ‘enhanced standard’ assessments?

There is no such thing as an ‘enhanced standard’, there is only a single national standard which is required for licensing and is the testing we deliver. Some operators may choose to request higher scores on certain tests or add additional tests as part of their recruitment process. However, this is not standardised and is at the discretion of the individual operator/employer. This is then often referred to as ‘enhanced’, but there is no standard for this. If you are concerned as to the requirements of an operator you wish to apply to, we recommend contacting them before booking testing. We may also be able to confirm the testing requirements of the operator you wish to apply to if we have worked them previously or can make contact.

Booking with RCG gives you access to the best in the business.  With vast experience in psychometric testing, and a wealth of other top quality training opportunities, be confident that you’re making the right choice.