Applying to drive for GTR, Thameslink, Southern or Great Northern?
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) is the UK's largest train operating company by passenger journeys, running Thameslink, Southern, Great Northern, and Gatwick Express services. All train driver applicants must pass the train driver psychometric test battery, regardless of which brand they'll be driving for.
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 GTR (Govia Thameslink Railway), 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).
Southern England — Thameslink, Southern, Great Northern & Gatwick Express
The GTR (Govia Thameslink Railway) Train Driver Assessment
GTR operates some of the UK's most complex and heavily trafficked commuter routes, with trains running frequently through London's core. Sustained attention is critical — the Vigilance Test measures the kind of sustained concentration required during cab driving on busy metro-style timetables.
The ATAVT is particularly relevant for GTR routes that pass through urban environments with level crossings and pedestrian activity. A brief glimpse of a scene, then answer — it's harder than it sounds, and practicing beforehand helps.
GTR runs assessment centres at various locations across the South East. The train driver test battery is typically completed in a single session alongside other selection exercises. Being familiar with the style of both tests means fewer surprises on the day.
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 GTR (Govia Thameslink Railway) process
Most GTR (Govia Thameslink Railway) 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 GTR (Govia Thameslink Railway) 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
Are the train driver tests the same for Thameslink, Southern, Great Northern and Gatwick Express?
Yes. All four brands are operated by GTR and use the same train driver psychometric battery for train driver selection, governed by the same RSSB standard (RIS-3751-TOM).
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.
Free preparation guides
How to Become a Train Driver in the UK: The Complete Guide
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How to Pass the UK Train Driver Vigilance Test (WAFV)
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Group Bourdon Test: How It Works and How to Score Higher
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