Applying to drive for Northern?
Northern is one of the largest train operators in the UK, running hundreds of services daily across the North of England. Train driver recruitment is highly competitive, and candidates must pass the train driver psychometric test battery — including the Vigilance Test 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 Northern, 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).
Cities and towns across the North of England
The Northern Train Driver Assessment
Northern routes include busy commuter corridors as well as rural branch lines, meaning drivers need strong sustained attention across varied and sometimes monotonous operating conditions. The 30-minute Vigilance Test is designed to measure precisely this — the ability to stay alert even when very little is happening.
The ATAVT follows the standardised format used across most GB mainline train operating companies: a brief flash of a traffic scene (the real test adapts the exposure time), followed by a question about which elements were present. Speed and accuracy both matter — hesitation or careless ticking will hurt your score.
Northern uses the train driver test battery as part of a competitive selection process. Knowing what the tests look like removes a major source of stress 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 Northern process
Most Northern 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 Northern 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
Does Northern recruit drivers directly or through agencies?
Northern recruits train drivers directly. Vacancies are listed on the Northern careers page and on jobs.northern-trains.co.uk. The train driver assessment is typically held at one of their training centres.
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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Train Driver Psychometric Tests: The Complete 2026 Practice 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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UK Train Driver Assessment: A Complete Guide
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