Applying to drive for Chiltern Railways?
Chiltern Railways operates intercity and commuter services from London Marylebone to Birmingham and Oxford. Known for its strong performance record and well-regarded working culture, Chiltern is a popular choice for train driver applicants — making the OPC assessment a genuine competitive filter.
London Marylebone to Birmingham, Aylesbury & Oxford
The Chiltern Railways OPC Assessment
Chiltern routes include the fast Chiltern Mainline to Birmingham and the Marylebone to Aylesbury Vale Parkway local services. Drivers need to sustain high attention across both environments — the 30-minute Vigilance Test is a direct measure of this.
The ATAVT is the same standardised format across all UK TOCs: one second to observe a scene, then answer which elements were present. Chiltern routes cross a number of level crossings and semi-rural sections where rapid scene assessment is a practical safety skill.
Chiltern is part of the Arriva group. Driver recruitment is handled directly, with assessments at their Wembley and Aylesbury facilities. Competition for roles is high — candidates who can demonstrate strong OPC scores stand out.
What you'll practice
Two 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
ATAVT
A traffic scene flashes for 1 second. 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
FAQ
Common questions
Do Chiltern Railways offer trainee train driver programmes?
Yes, Chiltern Railways periodically advertises for trainee train drivers. No prior driving experience is needed for trainee roles. The OPC assessment is a mandatory part of the selection process.
Which tests are included in the OPC battery?
The OPC (Occupational Personality and Cognitive) battery includes the Vigilance Test (WAFV), ATAVT, Group Bourdon, and several other assessments. The exact combination varies slightly by operator but all are governed by RSSB standard RIS-3751-TOM.
Is this the same as the real test?
Our tests match the format and parameters of the real OPC assessment — 30 minutes for the Vigilance test, brief flashes for the ATAVT. No practice site can replicate the exact proprietary software, but the format is calibrated to match.
What happens after I pay?
You get instant access to both tests with unlimited attempts. Access never expires.
Can I get a refund?
Because you receive immediate access to digital content, we don't offer refunds. Contact us if you have any issues.