NEW 3 ATTEMPT RULE for Train Driver Assessments!

The assessment centre is an essential part of the recruitment process for train drivers in the UK. It typically involves a series of tests that assess a candidate’s cognitive abilities, situational awareness, problem-solving skills, and decision-making under pressure—traits that are critical for the job.

Historically, applicants were given two attempts to pass the assessment centre, with anyone failing having to wait at least 6 months before applying again. Failing to meet the required standard in the assessment centre twice would mean the applicant would no longer be eligible to apply for any trainee train driver roles in the future. This approach created a barrier for many people who may have struggled under the pressure of the initial test but were otherwise well-suited to the role.

Under the new policy, trainee train driver applicants are allowed up to three attempts at the assessment centre, with certain conditions. This gives candidates a better chance to succeed without feeling the pressure of having fewer shots at passing the assessments. While it is important to maintain high standards for the role, the new approach aims to strike a balance between rigorous assessment and fairness.

Applicants who sat their first assessment centre before 7 December 2024 will still be bound by the two-attempt rule. This means that they are eligible for a maximum of two attempts at the assessment centre.

• First Attempt: If a candidate fails the first attempt, they are typically required to wait a cooling-off period (usually at least 6 months) before reapplying for a second attempt.
• Second Attempt: If the candidate does not pass on the second attempt, they are generally not permitted to reapply for a third attempt, under the two-attempt rule.

For applicants who are first-time candidates attempting the assessment centre on or after 7 December 2024, the rules will change to allow three attempts at the assessment centre.

• First Attempt: Similar to the previous rule, if the candidate does not pass the first attempt, they must wait the cooling-off period which has now increased to a minimum of 1 year.
• Second Attempt: After the 1-year cooling-off period, the applicant will be allowed a second attempt. Now, if they do not pass, they will have one more opportunity but this time they will have to wait at least 5 years since their first attempt and 1 year since their second attempt before the third attempt is permitted.
• Third Attempt: If the candidate does not pass after their third attempt, they are typically not allowed to reapply. The third attempt is the final opportunity under this rule. Similar to the two-attempt rule, a candidate would need to consider other options if they fail their third attempt.

Here are some examples to illustrate how the dates, number of attempts, and cooling-off periods will look in practice:

Example 1: John – First Attempt on 5 December 2024

• First Attempt: John takes his first assessment centre on 5 December 2024.
  • Since this is before 7 December 2024, he is bound by the two-attempt rule.
• Cooling-Off Period After First Attempt: John fails the first attempt, he waits at least 6 months before he can reapply for his second attempt.
• Second Attempt: He applies for his second attempt after the cooling-off period, which would be June 2025 (at the earliest).
• Maximum Number of Attempts: John will have a maximum of two attempts (first attempt in December 2024 and second attempt in June 2025), and if he fails the second attempt, he will not be allowed to reapply.

Example 2: Sarah – First Attempt on 8 December 2024

• First Attempt: Sarah takes her first assessment centre on 8 December 2024.
  • Since this is after 7 December 2024, she falls under the three-attempt rule.
• Cooling-Off Period After First Attempt: Sarah fails her first attempt, she waits the minimum of 1 year before reapplying for her second attempt.
• Second Attempt: Sarah applies for her second attempt in December 2025 (after the 1-year cooling-off period).
• Cooling-Off Period After Second Attempt: Sarah fails the second attempt, she must wait at least 5 years from her first attempt (which will be December 2029) and 1 year from her second attempt (so December 2026) before she is eligible for a third attempt.
• Third Attempt: Sarah’s third attempt can be no earlier than December 2029.

Example 3: Alex – First Attempt on 17 March 2016

• First Attempt: Alex takes his first assessment centre on 17 March 2016.
  • Since this is before 7 December 2024, he is bound by the two-attempt rule.
• Cooling-Off Period After First Attempt: Alex fails, so he would need to wait 6 months before reapplying for his second attempt.
• Second Attempt: Alex has never reapplied since his first attempt (the earliest he could have applied would be September 2016). He is reapplying in January 2025 and his second attempt would be after the introduction of the new rules in December 2024. However, he would still only be eligible for a total of two attempts.
• Maximum Number of Attempts: Alex has only two attempts in total due to the date of his first assessment centre. If he fails the second attempt, he would not be allowed another chance.

Example 4: Ethan – First Attempt on 15 January 2025

• First Attempt: Ethan takes his first assessment centre on 15th of January 2025.
  • Since this is after 7th December 2024, Ethan is eligible for the three-attempt rule.
• Cooling-Off Period After First Attempt: Ethan fails his first attempt, he will need to wait at least 1 year before applying for his second attempt.
• Second Attempt: Ethan takes his second attempt in August 2030 (the earliest he could have done this would be January 2026).
• Cooling-Off Period After Second Attempt: Ethan fails his second attempt, so he will need to wait at least 5 years from his first attempt (January 2030) and 1 year from his second attempt (August 2031) before he can make his third attempt.
• Third Attempt: Ethan’s third and final attempt would be no earlier than August 2031.