Applying to drive for TransPennine Express?
TransPennine Express (TPE) operates inter-regional services across Northern England and into Scotland. Now under public ownership as a government-operated service, TPE continues to recruit train drivers who must pass the train driver psychometric test battery.
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 TransPennine Express, 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).
Northern England and Scotland — Liverpool to Edinburgh/Glasgow via Manchester, York & Newcastle
The TransPennine Express Train Driver Assessment
TPE routes include some of Britain's most varied rail environments — from busy urban stations in Manchester and Leeds to exposed trans-Pennine sections where weather and visibility can change rapidly. The cognitive demands are high, and the Vigilance Test is designed to identify candidates with the sustained attention these conditions require.
The ATAVT's brief-flash format measures the kind of rapid visual processing used when a driver approaches a station at line speed. Processing a complex scene quickly and accurately — distinguishing what was and wasn't present — is a skill that improves significantly with practice.
TPE assessments are typically held at depots across the North. As a government-operated railway, recruitment information is available directly through the TPE careers site. Competition for train driver roles is high — preparation makes a genuine difference.
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 TransPennine Express process
Most TransPennine Express 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 TransPennine Express 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
Is TransPennine Express the same as Northern?
No. TPE and Northern are separate train operating companies, though both operate in the North of England. Northern focuses on local and regional services; TPE operates longer inter-city routes. Both use the same train driver psychometric battery for driver selection.
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
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