Applying to drive for Avanti West Coast?
Avanti West Coast operates high-speed intercity services on the West Coast Main Line — one of the UK's busiest and most demanding routes. Train driver candidates are required to pass the train driver psychometric test battery, which includes the Vigilance Test (WAFV) and ATAVT.
Train Driver Tests is an independent practice platform. Our exercises are original practice for the abilities the UK train driver assessment measures — they are not the official tests, and we are not affiliated with Avanti West Coast, RSSB or any train operating company. If you're invited to an assessment, the train company will give you the official approved practice materials at least a week beforehand (RSSB candidate FAQ, Q18).
London Euston to Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh & Glasgow
The Avanti West Coast Train Driver Assessment
The Vigilance Test is widely reported to last about 30 minutes of continuous monitoring (the exact form used isn't published). You watch a simple display and respond as quickly as you can whenever it changes. On a high-speed intercity route like the West Coast Main Line, the ability to sustain concentration for long periods is a core safety requirement — and this test measures exactly that.
The ATAVT (Adaptive Tachistoscopic Traffic Perception Test) flashes a traffic scene very briefly — the real test adapts the exposure time to your performance. You then identify which elements were present, such as traffic lights, vehicles, pedestrians and road signs. It tests the rapid, accurate scene-reading that train drivers need at speed.
Both tests form part of the RSSB-governed train driver test battery (RIS-3751-TOM), administered under standardised conditions at an Avanti assessment centre. Our original practice tests are modelled on publicly available descriptions of these tests, so the style of task is familiar on the day. The train company will also send you the official approved practice materials at least a week before your assessment.
What you'll practice
Four practice tests included
Vigilance Test
A grey square sits in the centre of the screen. Watch it for 30 minutes and press Space the moment it turns black. Tests sustained attention — a core skill for train drivers.
- ✓30-minute full-length simulation
- ✓Random stimulus intervals
- ✓Scored on hits, misses & reaction time
Hazard Perception Flash Test
A practice version of the hazard-perception flash test (similar to the ATAVT). In our version a traffic scene flashes for 1 second (the real test adapts the exposure time). Identify which elements you saw — lights, vehicles, pedestrians, signs, bicycles, motorcycles. Tests perceptual speed and scene awareness.
- ✓20 scenes per session
- ✓Brief flash per scene
- ✓Per-element identification scoring
Rules & Procedures Test
A practice version of the rules & procedures memory test (similar to the TRP1). Read a set of train operating rules for 5 minutes, then answer 18 questions from memory in 15 minutes. Tests comprehension and rule retention under time pressure.
- ✓6 different question sets
- ✓18 questions per session
- ✓Timed reading & recall phases
Group Bourdon
A printable concentration test. Scan rows of dot groups and mark every group containing exactly four dots. Tests sustained concentration and systematic accuracy.
- ✓Randomly generated each time
- ✓Print-at-home format
- ✓Answer key included on page 2
Free preparation
Other stages of the Avanti West Coast process
Most Avanti West Coast applicants sit an online situational judgement test early on, at the screening stage — and after the train driver test battery comes a competency-based interview. Both are free to practice here — no sign-up required.
Situational Judgement Test
The online screening test most Avanti West Coast candidates face before the assessment. Read the guide, then try a 5-scenario practice demo with detailed explanations.
Competency Interview Prep
20 train driver competency questions across safety, rules, focus, communication and motivation — each with STAR framework prompts, tips and pitfalls to avoid.
FAQ
Common questions
When does the train driver test appear in the Avanti West Coast application?
Typically after an initial application sift and online verbal/numerical tests. Shortlisted candidates are invited to an assessment centre where the full train driver test battery, a medical, and competency interviews are conducted on the same day.
What is the Avanti West Coast train driver salary?
Avanti's own adverts in 2026 listed £47,100 for a trainee train driver at Euston (March 2026) and £63,970 rising to £80,204 for a qualified driver at Euston (April 2026). Trainees are paid throughout training. Pay varies by depot and changes with pay deals, so always check the current vacancy for confirmed figures.
Where are Avanti West Coast assessment centres located?
Assessment centres are typically held at Avanti depots and training facilities along the West Coast Main Line — including locations in London, Birmingham, and Manchester. The specific venue is confirmed in your assessment invitation.
How long does the Avanti West Coast recruitment process take?
From submitting your application to receiving a conditional offer typically takes three to six months. Training then typically takes a further 9 to 24 months (the Department for Transport's national range), depending on the depot. The full journey from application to driving your first solo service is usually well over a year.
Do I need railway experience to apply to Avanti West Coast?
No. Avanti recruits trainee train drivers with no prior driving experience. You need a full UK driving licence, to meet the medical standards, and to pass the selection process. All traction and route knowledge is taught during the paid training period.
Which tests are included in the train driver test battery?
RSSB standard RIS-3751-TOM sets out the standard battery: Group Bourdon and TEA-Occ (attention), the WAFV vigilance test, TRP1b and TRP2 (rules and procedures), the ATAVT (perception), 2HAND (hand coordination), a situational judgement exercise (SJE) and a multi-modal interview (MMI). Each company chooses its pass marks and may add tests or use an enhanced standard.
Is this the same as the official test?
No. These are independent practice tests with original questions, built from publicly available descriptions of the assessment. They don't use the official software, and details such as exact timings and pass marks aren't published. If you're invited to an assessment, the train company will give you the official approved practice materials at least a week beforehand — use those as well.
What happens after I pay?
You get instant access to your plan's tests with unlimited attempts — Basic gives you 4 tests and interview prep; Premium unlocks all six. Access never expires.
Can I get a refund?
Yes. If you're not happy with your purchase, contact us within 14 days of payment and we'll give you a full refund, no questions asked.
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