What is RIS-3751-TOM?

RIS-3751-TOM is the Rail Industry Standard that sets out requirements for psychometric assessment in train driver selection on the GB mainline railway.

How many attempts do I get at the train driver psychometric assessment?

From December 2024, new candidates get 3 attempts under the three attempt rule. Candidates who started before December 2024 follow the two attempt rule.

Free train driver resources

Understand the process before you practise for it

Practical guides for UK train driver applicants covering psychometric tests, RIS-3751-TOM, MMI, SJE, attempt rules, assessment preparation and the cognitive demands of safety-critical driving.

RIS-3751-TOM

Official assessment standard

3 attempts

Current reassessment structure

5 years

Assessment result validity

9 areas

Core selection criteria

Built for serious applicants

Use these guides to understand what each assessment is trying to measure before moving into timed practice.

Essential reading for aspiring train drivers

Start with the official standard, then understand the assessment process, then check the attempt and reassessment rules.

Start here

15 min read

RIS-3751-TOM Explained: The Official Train Driver Assessment Standard

A clear guide to the UK rail industry standard covering train driver psychometric assessment, selection criteria, attempt rules and assessment methods.

RIS-3751-TOMRSSBAssessment Standard

Read guide

What the train driver assessments are looking for

The assessment process is not random. It is designed around safety-related cognitive, psychomotor and behavioural aptitudes required for the train driver role.

Attention

Selective and divided attention, including switching between lineside information, in-cab information and operational tasks.

Relevant to: Group Bourdon, TEA-Occ

Vigilance

Maintaining readiness and responding correctly to infrequent stimuli over sustained periods.

Relevant to: WAFV Vigilance

Memory & Reasoning

Learning rules, recalling instructions, applying procedures and solving operational problems.

Relevant to: TRP 1, TRP 2

Perception & Reaction

Processing visual information, anticipating hazards and responding quickly and accurately.

Relevant to: ATAVT, WAFV

Coordination

Controlled hand movements in response to complex stimuli and decisions.

Relevant to: 2HAND

Communication & Behaviour

Oral communication, behavioural judgement and suitability for safety-critical working.

Relevant to: SJE, MMI

Resource library

All train driver articles

Browse practical guides by topic, or use the search box above to find a specific test, rule or stage of recruitment.

Official Standard

15 min read

RIS-3751-TOM Explained: The Official Train Driver Assessment Standard

A clear guide to the UK rail industry standard covering train driver psychometric assessment, selection criteria, attempt rules and assessment methods.

RIS-3751-TOMRSSBAssessment Standard

Guide

12 min read

Understanding Train Driver Psychometric Tests: The Complete Guide

What the train driver psychometric process measures, why it exists, and how tests such as Group Bourdon, TEA-Occ, TRP, WAFV, ATAVT, 2HAND, SJE and MMI fit together.

Psychometric TestsGroup BourdonMMI

Rules & Regulations

6 min read

Train Driver Assessment Attempt Rules: What Happens If You Fail?

The current three-attempt structure, waiting periods, reassessment rules and what candidates should do after an unsuccessful attempt.

Attempt RulesRetakesReassessment

Career Advice

8 min read

Can You Become a Train Driver at 18? Age Requirements Explained

What younger applicants need to understand about train driver recruitment, maturity, cognitive demands and future entry routes.

Minimum AgeCareer EntryFuture Drivers

Inclusion

10 min read

Neurodivergent Train Drivers: Strengths, Challenges & Support

A practical guide for candidates with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia or similar neurodivergent profiles, including disclosure and reasonable adjustments.

NeurodiversityReasonable AdjustmentsSupport

Research

7 min read

Mental Workload in Train Driving: What Candidates Should Know

Why train driving requires sustained attention, vigilance, memory, reasoning, perception, reaction time and disciplined communication.

Mental WorkloadCognitive SkillsSafety

Free downloads

Practical resources you can use while preparing

Save these resources and use them alongside your practice routine.

Psychometric Test Preparation Checklist

PDF Checklist

A printable preparation checklist covering assessment-day readiness, practice planning and common mistakes to avoid.

Common Forum Questions Answered

PDF Guide

Plain-English answers to the questions candidates repeatedly ask about train driver tests, interviews and retakes.

Preparation pathway

Read the guide. Understand the skill. Practise under pressure.

Understand what each assessment measures.

Practise relevant skills with timed, interactive tasks.

Review weak areas before paying for more preparation.

Next step

Turn reading into measurable preparation

Use the free resources to understand the process, then move into structured practice for concentration, vigilance, perception, memory, reasoning and behavioural judgement.