Train Operator Exams: Train Operator Study Guide 2025
Jul 14, 2025
The skills required to become a train operator are many and varied – vigilance, concentration, precision, awareness. They’re all necessary, along with technical know-how, effective communication and problem solving.
With such a broad range of abilities a prerequisite, train operator companies (TOCs) use a number of psychometric assessments in the recruitment process that together make up the train operator exam suite.
Between them, these train operator exams measure cognitive ability, psychomotor skills, and workplace behaviours, helping to identify candidates able to perform the duties of a train operator diligently and with the utmost regard for safety.
These exams not only ensure successful applicants have what it takes to work both efficiently and safely, but they also give TOCs a way to narrow down a large candidate pool, with on average 300 applications received for every opening.
Taking all of this into account, train operator exams are purposefully designed to be challenging. They require unwavering concentration, are taken under time constraints and typically issued in a single day at a recognized test centre.
That said, what’s under assessment here is your natural ability, and with the right amount of practice and preparation, those with the relevant skill set should do well in their train operator exams.
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How Do Train Operator Exams Vary?
The selection criteria for train operators is determined by the authority responsible for any given rail network, and, as such, there are slight variations depending on where in the world you are located.
In the UK and mainland Europe, the tests administered are fairly consistent, inclusive of those detailed below.
They follow a similar format in the US with the addition of group exercises, though here you will also need a Federal Railroad Certification. In most cases, you will also need prior experience or specific training before being offered a train operator post.
Australia differs again, with verbal, logical and numerical reasoning tests often forming part of the train operator exam process.
You may also find slight differences depending on the TOC to which you have applied, with some preferring to use specific versions of certain test types.
What to Expect on a Train Operator Exam
Below are the most common exams issued as part of the train operator exam suite. As you’ll see, they test various abilities, including technical understanding, memory, comprehension, focus, reactions and situational awareness.
Mechanical Reasoning
Mechanical reasoning tests are used to measure your understanding of concepts and principles found in basic physics and how well you’re able to apply them.
Throughout, you’ll be presented with diagrams depicting mechanical scenarios. Each diagram will be accompanied by a question, with around four or five multiple choice answers to choose from.
In a train driver exam, questions typically revolve around things like gears, levers and pulleys, but you should also be prepared to solve problems relating to movement, force, balance etc.
This is a timed exam, so you’ll need to work at speed. You’ll receive one mark for each correct response with no negative marking applied, so take an educated guess whenever you are unsure of the right answer.
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Group Bourdon Test
Group Bourdon is a popular concentration test that measures perception, vigilance and attention to detail, all under the pressure of a strict time limit.
You may take it as either a pen and paper or computer-based exam, but in each case the format is the same.
You’ll be presented with a grid, 25 columns across and 21 rows down. Each cell of the grid will contain an arrangement of dots. There will be anything from three to six dots present in any cell, arranged at random.
The task is to select each cell containing four dots. You’ll have two minutes to work through the entire 25 x 21 grid and will need to complete five grids, giving a total test time of 10 minutes.
Marking of the Group Bourdon test is complex. You’ll be scored on speed, average speeds per cell and per row, and consistency of speed. You’ll also be marked on accuracy and lose a point for every incorrectly selected cell.
Although simple in principle, this is a taxing assessment that requires you to maintain absolute focus for the full 10 minutes while working both quickly and accurately.
Alternative concentration tests may sometimes be used, such as the Safe Concentration and Attention Test (SCAAT), but in the majority of cases, it is the Group Bourdon test that will be administered as part of your train operator exams.
Trainability for Rules and Procedures (TRP)
The TRP test is a measure of your ability to work with new information and assesses comprehension, interpretation and memory recall. It is split into two parts.
TRP Part One
In the first part of the TRP test, you’ll be given an audio clip to listen to. This will typically walk you through a train-related scenario, and you’ll need to listen attentively, as it is unlikely you’ll be permitted to take notes at this stage.
You’ll then be issued a written version of the audio clip and given around five minutes to read it through. You may be able to make notes here, but these will be taken from you before the marked section of the test begins.
This marked section comes in the form of a multiple-choice questionnaire, with around 18 questions relating to the information you have just processed. You’ll need to answer these based on memory in the allotted time.
You will not be marked down for incorrect answers on the TRP, so it’s always worth taking your best guess.
TRP Part Two
In part two, you’ll be assessed on logic and how well you can follow rules and procedures.
You’ll be given a color-coded guide outlining the priority order for fault finding. You’ll then see a number of dials split into corresponding colored segments.
Each dial will have a hand pointing to one of these segments, and you’ll need to use the guide to determine which order the dials need to be checked in. Four multiple choice options will be given.
All questions follow the same format, with 40 to answer in eight minutes.
Again, this test may be simple in principle, but is challenging when you account for the time pressure and concentration required.
Test of Everyday Attention (TEA-OCC)
The TEA-OCC comes in three parts and is designed to test observation, concentration, and your ability to complete routine tasks simultaneously.
TEA-OCC Part One
This is a measure of auditory perception and awareness.
You’ll be played an audio clip in which beeps are heard at random. Some of these beeps will be in low tones, some high.
The challenge is to stay alert throughout and count, in your head, those beeps in low tones only.
TEA-OCC Part Two
In this section, you’ll be tasked with processing visual cues to identify items that match specific criteria. This type of assessment is often referred to as a phonebook or directory test.
For example, you may be given a grid with icons referencing different types of accommodation, their price range, zip code and telephone number.
Question prompts may ask you to highlight all hotels under a certain cost per night or all campsites within a geographical area.
TEA-OCC Part Three
The final section of the TEA-OCC is a combination of parts one and two. You’ll search for relevant entries in a visual grid, while simultaneously keeping count of beeps heard in low tones.
Your multitasking skills are under assessment here, along with your ability to maintain focus in the face of distraction.
All in all, the TEA-OCC takes around 20 minutes to complete, and you’ll be working against the clock at every stage.
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Adaptive Tachistoscopic Traffic Perception Test (ATAVT)
This short, computer-based test looks at your level of awareness and visual perception.
You’ll hear an alert tone, after which an image will appear on screen, depicting some sort of traffic or street-related scene in which various items are present.
The image will be visible for seconds only, and you’ll need to take in as much information as possible in that time.
Once the image is removed, you’ll be given multiple-choice options of things that may or may not have been visible, and you will need to select those which you believe you saw.
As an adaptive test, the images will become more detailed the better you perform and vice versa. The aim of this is to identify your optimum performance level.
In some cases, you may be asked to sit the Train Driver Awareness and Recognition Test (AART).
This alternative to the ATAVT looks at the same skill set, but instead of asking you to select items you recall seeing, there’ll be a more direct question, like how many cars were present in the image, for example.
WAFV Vigilance
The WAFV Vigilance test measures your ability to maintain focus and react quickly to potential hazards. It does this in a simple yet effective way.
You’ll see a gray box on screen and will need to keep careful watch for when the shade of the square changes.
This will happen intermittently, and each time it does, you’ll need to register the change by pressing a button.
The test lasts for 30 minutes in total. Your score will be a combination of how many changes you picked up on and the speed at which you did so.
Situational Judgement Test
Alongside your cognitive and psychomotor skills, TOCs also want to ensure that you understand what constitutes effective behaviour in a work-based context.
For this, they use situational judgement tests. You’ll be given a range of hypothetical scenarios, much like you’d come across in your role as a train operator.
Each scenario will be accompanied by several response options. You’ll need to rank these in the order of which you see as most to least effective.
Written Communication
Some TOCs, but not all, will also look to assess your written communication skills to make sure you’re capable of fulfilling administrative duties associated with the role.
The task here is not to produce a comprehensive essay, but a brief write-up based on either a text or visual prompt.
Essentially, what’s being assessed is your ability to compile things like incident reports. Where these tests are used, they do not carry weight on whether you pass or fail your train operator exams.
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Train Operator Exams Example Questions
Mechanical Reasoning – Example Questions
Question 1
Two gears are connected. Gear A has 12 teeth, and Gear B has 24 teeth. If Gear A rotates clockwise at a speed of 60 RPM (revolutions per minute), what is the direction and speed of Gear B?
a) Clockwise at 30 RPM
b) Counter-clockwise at 30 RPM
c) Clockwise at 120 RPM
d) Counter-clockwise at 120 RPM
The correct answer is: b) Counter-clockwise at 30 RPM
When two gears are meshed, they rotate in opposite directions. The gear ratio is determined by the number of teeth:
Gear B speed = (Gear A teeth / Gear B teeth) × Gear A speed
= (12 / 24) × 60 = 30 RPM (in the opposite direction).
Question 2
A lever has its fulcrum positioned close to the load. What type of lever is this, and what is the mechanical advantage?
a) First-class lever; Mechanical advantage > 1
b) Second-class lever; Mechanical advantage > 1
c) Third-class lever; Mechanical advantage < 1
d) First-class lever; Mechanical advantage < 1
The correct answer is: b) Second-class lever; Mechanical advantage > 1
A second-class lever has the fulcrum at one end, the load in the middle, and the effort at the other end (think of a wheelbarrow).
Because the effort arm is longer than the load arm, the mechanical advantage is greater than 1, meaning less effort is needed to move the load.
Question 3
A pulley system uses two pulleys to lift a 100 kg load. How much force is needed to lift the load, ignoring friction?
a) 50 kg of force
b) 100 kg of force
c) 200 kg of force
d) 25 kg of force
The correct answer is: a) 50 kg of force
A double pulley system (block and tackle) divides the load by the number of rope segments supporting it.
100 kg ÷ 2 = 50 kg of force required.
This setup allows you to lift heavy objects with less effort.
Group Bourdon Test – Example Questions
Since the Group Bourdon is a visual scanning task, here are text-based practice versions:
Question 1
Which of the following contains exactly four dots?
a) ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫
b) ⚫ ⚫ ⚫
c) ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫
d) ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫
The correct answer is: c) ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫
You must scan for groups of four dots only. Option c is correct.
Question 2
Mark the option that contains exactly four dots:
a) ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫
b) ⚫ ⚫ ⚫
c) ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫
d) ⚫ ⚫
The correct answer is: c) ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫
Concentration is key. Only option c shows exactly four dots.
Question 3
Select the cell with exactly four dots:
a) ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫
b) ⚫ ⚫
c) ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫
d) ⚫ ⚫ ⚫
The correct answer is: a) ⚫ ⚫ ⚫ ⚫
Again, attention to detail is essential. Option a is correct.
Trainability for Rules and Procedures (TRP) – Example Questions
Part One (Memory & Comprehension)
You hear the following instructions:
"If the weather is cold and the platform is icy, the train must reduce its speed to 5 mph. If the platform is icy but the weather is warm, proceed at 10 mph. If there is no ice, proceed at normal speed."
Question 1
What should you do if the weather is cold and the platform is icy?
a) Proceed at normal speed
b) Reduce speed to 5 mph
c) Proceed at 10 mph
d) Stop the train
The correct answer is: b) Reduce speed to 5 mph
Cold weather + icy platform = 5 mph, according to the instructions.
Question 2
What should you do if the platform is icy but the weather is warm?
a) Proceed at normal speed
b) Reduce speed to 5 mph
c) Proceed at 10 mph
d) Stop the train
The correct answer is: c) Proceed at 10 mph
Warm weather + icy platform = 10 mph, per the rule.
Part Two (Logic & Procedures)
You are given this priority list for fault checks:
Red > Yellow > Green > Blue
Each dial has a pointer. Select the correct order of checks based on the dial positions.
| Dial | Colour where the pointer is positioned |
|---|---|
| A | Green |
| B | Red |
| C | Yellow |
Question 3
What is the correct order to check the dials?
a) B, C, A
b) A, B, C
c) C, A, B
d) B, A, C
The correct answer is: a) B, C, A
According to the priority list:
Red first (B) → Yellow next (C) → Green last (A).
Test of Everyday Attention (TEA-OCC) – Example Questions
Part One (Auditory Awareness)
You hear the following sequence of beeps:
Low – High – Low – Low – High – Low
Question 1
How many low-tone beeps were there?
a) 2
b) 3
c) 4
d) 5
The correct answer is: c) 4
The sequence was: Low, High, Low, Low, High, Low.
That’s 4 low beeps.
Part Two (Visual Directory Search)
You are shown the following table of campsites:
Select all campsites under £20 per night in postcode AB12 3CD.
a) Lake View and River Retreat
b) River Retreat only
c) Lake View only
d) Lake View, River Retreat, and Green Lodge
The correct answer is: a) Lake View and River Retreat
Both are campsites, cost under £20, and are in AB12 3CD.
Part Three (Divided Attention)
Imagine you are listening to beeps while scanning the same campsite table.
Beep sequence (low only):
Low – High – Low – Low – High
Question 3
How many low-tone beeps did you hear while completing the campsite task?
a) 2
b) 3
c) 4
d) 5
The correct answer is: b) 3
The low-tone beeps were: Low, High, Low, Low, High → 3 low beeps.
Adaptive Tachistoscopic Traffic Perception Test (ATAVT) – Example Questions
Question 1
You briefly see an image of a busy street.
Which of the following items were present?
a) A red car
b) A pedestrian with an umbrella
c) A red bicycle
d) A yellow suitcase
The correct answer is: d) A yellow suitcase
Visual perception tests assess your ability to recall detail quickly. Only d) was in the image.
In the image shown, how many motorbikes were there?
a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) None
The correct answer is: c) 3
Fast recognition and counting of specific items are key in this task. There were 3 motorbikes.
Question 3
Which of these were NOT present in the scene?
a) Traffic lights
b) A frog in a hat
c) A bicycle sign
d) A yellow duck
The correct answer is: a) Traffic lights
All options except a) were visible.
WAFV Vigilance Test – Example Questions
Imagine you are watching a grey square on a screen for 30 minutes. The shade changes randomly.
Question 1
What should you do when the square changes shade?
a) Press the reaction button as quickly as possible
b) Wait for the square to return to normal
c) Record the change in a notebook
d) Ignore minor changes
The correct answer is: a) Press the reaction button as quickly as possible
This test measures reaction time and sustained attention. You must respond immediately to any change.
Question 2
If you fail to notice a change in shade, what happens to your score?
a) It remains the same
b) You lose points
c) Your accuracy score decreases
d) The test ends
The correct answer is: c) Your accuracy score decreases
Missing changes reduces your accuracy score, though the test continues.
Question 3
Why is the WAFV vigilance test so long?
a) To simulate train driving conditions
b) To test your eyesight
c) To give you time to relax
d) To improve your hand-eye coordination
The correct answer is: a) To simulate train driving conditions
Train operators need to stay alert for long periods. This test mimics that requirement.
Situational Judgement Test – Example Questions
Question 1
You notice a colleague has made a minor safety error but does not seem aware of it. What should you do?
a) Ignore it – it’s not serious
b) Point it out immediately and explain why it matters
c) Report the colleague to management
d) Wait until your shift ends to mention it privately
The correct answer is: b) Point it out immediately and explain why it matters
Safety is a priority. Addressing the issue straight away prevents risk and promotes a safety culture.
Question 2
Your train is delayed due to an unexpected technical issue. Passengers are starting to get frustrated. What should you do?
a) Avoid making announcements until you have full details
b) Reassure passengers with regular updates, even if you don’t have all the answers yet
c) Let the conductor handle it entirely
d) Apologise once at the end of the delay
The correct answer is: b) Reassure passengers with regular updates, even if you don’t have all the answers yet
Effective communication reduces frustration. Regular updates help manage expectations.
Question 3
You’re feeling tired during a long shift but are still within legal working hours. What’s the best course of action?
a) Continue without mentioning it
b) Take a short break as soon as safely possible
c) Push through because you’re close to finishing
d) Inform management you can’t continue
The correct answer is: b) Take a short break as soon as safely possible
Safety is critical. Taking a break when it’s safe helps manage fatigue and maintain performance.
Written Communication – Example Prompt
Scenario:
At 14:10, you encountered a signal failure approaching Platform 3. You stopped the train as required. The issue was resolved at 14:25. No passengers were harmed, and the train proceeded as normal after the delay.
Question
Write a brief incident report based on this information.
Sample Answer:
Incident Report – Signal Failure
At 14:10, while approaching Platform 3, a signal failure was observed. The train was stopped immediately as per standard procedure. The issue was resolved at 14:25, after which the service resumed normal operation. No injuries or further incidents occurred.
A good response is clear, factual, and concise, focusing on time, action, and outcome. This matches how real reports are written.
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How to Prepare for Train Operator Exams in 2025
Although they test your natural abilities, it is possible – and indeed advisable – to practice and prepare for your train operator exams.
To help you on your way, follow the steps below.
Review Preparation Material
If you’re invited to complete the train operator exams, it won’t be without fair warning. In fact, the TOC to which you have applied should send you a comprehensive information pack.
This will include a breakdown of the exact tests you’ll be required to sit, along with a schedule for your assessment day and a range of preparation materials.
This is valuable information so review it carefully. It will tell you precisely what you need to prepare for so you can focus your efforts accordingly.
Create a Study Plan
Now you know what tests you’ll be taking, and when, work backwards from your test date to create a feasible and effective study plan.
Make a point of putting extra effort into your weak spots. It can be tempting to focus only on what you’re good at, since this is most enjoyable, but for a strong all-round performance, you need to challenge yourself.
Although we say study plan, you can’t really learn the skills you need. However, you can improve on them, and this should be the focus of your approach.
Learn the Format of Each Test
Whilst there may be slight variations in the tests you sit, you can be sure there will be a variety of train operator exams involved, each unique in its format.
You can also be sure you’ll be taking them consecutively and will need to quickly switch your attention to a new task.
The best way to prepare for this is to become familiar with the exact requirements of each assessment. The more you understand what is in store, the more confident and focused you’ll be.
Take Train Operator Practice Tests
There are plenty of practice tests and preparation aids available online, some free of charge, some for purchase. Your TOC may also send you practice tests as part of your information pack.
Take these under timed conditions, since the trickiest part of train operator exams is learning to pace yourself.
Keep in mind that you will not complete every test in full. Take the Group Bourdon, for example. It’s impractical to think you can complete every row of every grid in the time limit and attempting to do so is likely to impact your accuracy and your score.
By practicing against the clock, you can find your optimum working speed.
Create Your Own Assessment Day
As we’ve mentioned, train operator exams are usually sat in a single day at a test centre. This can be menally challenging, since all tests require high levels of concentration.
To prepare yourself, you need to work on your mental stamina, so try taking all the tests one after another, just as you will on your official test day.
Repeat this exercise a few times. Think of it as training your brain for a marathon of concentration.
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Final Thoughts
The train operator exam suite is a challenging set of assessments, and rightly so. The role is one of great responsibility, and as an applicant you need to prove you have the appropriate skills to ensure maximum safety at all times.
The good news is that you likely already possess these skills, and with practice they can be developed to a highly effective standard.
You’ll also find that the more practice you put in, the more your speed, accuracy and scores will improve, and the less anxious you’ll be about sitting your train operator exams.
