East Midlands Railway
TRP1 Test
Read the rules. Remember everything. Answer 18 questions. — here is everything you need to know about the TRP1 Test before your East Midlands Railway OPC assessment.
Why the TRP1 matters for East Midlands Railway drivers
East Midlands Railway operates services across London St Pancras, Nottingham, Derby, Sheffield & Lincoln. East Midlands Railway (EMR) operates intercity and regional services between London St Pancras, Nottingham, Derby, Sheffield, and Lincoln. EMR recruits train drivers at multiple depots and all candidates must complete the OPC psychometric assessment as part of the selection process — and the TRP1 Test is one of the key assessments that determines whether you will be shortlisted for the role.
Regional routes often include a mix of operating rules — urban platform working, rural crossing procedures, single-line token working, and traction-specific constraints. Drivers must hold a wide and varied rule set. TRP1 trains the ability to absorb a new set of rules quickly and recall them accurately, which is directly applicable when driving over unfamiliar or newly revised infrastructure.
The TRP1 Test forms part of the OPC (Occupational Personality and Cognitive) battery used across all UK train operating companies, governed by RSSB standard RIS-3751-TOM. The format is identical at East Midlands Railway as at any other operator — but the stakes are specific to this application.
How the TRP1 works
Test format & scoring
TRP1 Test
Part of the East Midlands Railway OPC battery
Phase 1: 5 minutes to read a fictional set of train operating rules. Phase 2: 15 minutes to answer 18 questions from memory, without the rule document. Questions focus on numbers, conditions, sequences, and exceptions.
What it measures: Reading comprehension, rule retention, and memory recall under time pressure. Tests whether you can extract operationally critical information from a new rule set quickly and retain it accurately.
How to prepare
Preparation tips for East Midlands Railway candidates
Prioritise numbers, conditions, and sequences during reading
These are the most frequently tested elements. Skim structure first, then read these sections with full attention.
Attach mnemonics to key figures as you read
A short verbal tag or visual image anchors numerical information far more durably than passive reading alone.
Do not try to memorise everything
The questions test a fraction of what you read. Focus on high-density areas: specific thresholds, mandatory sequences, and exception clauses.
Practise with multiple different rule sets
Six different question sets are available. Each trains the underlying skill — rapid comprehension and recall — across different scenarios.
East Midlands Railway-specific tip
Practise across all six available question sets. Regional operations expose you to the most variety in rule types — practise matching that variety.
FAQ
TRP1 Test — common questions
How long is the TRP1 reading phase?
Five minutes to read the rule document. The document is then removed entirely before the question phase begins.
How many questions are there and how long do I have?
18 questions in 15 minutes. Questions test specific details — numerical values, rule conditions, step sequences, and exception handling.
Can you improve TRP1 scores with practice?
Yes. Reading strategy — knowing what to look for and how to encode it quickly — is a trainable skill. Multiple practice runs with varied rule sets produce measurable improvement.
What type of questions appear in TRP1?
Numerical recall (speed limits, time thresholds), conditional rules ('under what conditions must a driver...'), step sequences, and exception handling. Knowing these categories helps you read more strategically.
Does East Midlands Railway use the same OPC tests as other operators?
Yes. EMR uses the standardised OPC psychometric battery (RSSB RIS-3751-TOM), which includes the Vigilance Test (WAFV) and ATAVT among other assessments. The format is identical across all UK train operating companies.
Ready to practise?
All East Midlands Railway OPC tests in one place — one payment, unlimited attempts.