Hi Sophia ~ Sorry to be blunt yet I absolutly love anything to do with Railways and believe I am extremely knowledgeable in all aspects some of which came to me from working...

Lawrence W. asked a question to Sophia G.

... on a Historic Railway here in South Devon and I'm sure to be a great asset for G.W.R. ~ Ive applied 5 times for any customer related jobs (e.g. Customer Service Host) yet have been 'tripped up' every time by that frustrating on line multiple choice of 80 questions to be completed in 20 mins (!) ~ Can that test be avoided or somehow 'Frozen' mid application to give me alot more time to think about the questions ?? ...my GWR employee friend said its better to just get some of the questions right then run out of time uncompleted ( then your not allowed to re apply for anything 6 months ! ! ) # Dear Sophia .....Please Help . ~ From Lawrence , Sunny Devon :-)

View favourites
  • 3 replies
  • 2 views
  • Author: Lawrence W.
  • Category: Applications, Application issues
  • Date asked:
  • Last update:
  • AS
    Alex S. Application Support – Hr And Recruitment

    Hi Lawrence,

    Thank you for contacting us and sharing your recent experiences of applying.

    To ensure fairness to all candidates, we do ask that every applicant completes the same test for any vacancy where one forms part of the application process.

    I am at a slight loss though, as you've referenced an 80-question test with a 20-minute time limit, however the situational judgement test that exists for the majority of our customer service roles, is only 16 questions long and has no time limit.

    Are you able to provide any further insight into the test you completed, as I am not aware of one that matches what you've described?

  • lw
    Lawrence W. Candidate

    Oh ! Really sorry SJT has 'No Time Limit ' ! ... Does that mean I can close the PC down and open it up a couple of days later and everything is saved and I can continue where I Ieft off ...p.s. 16 questions of 4 options = 64 (sort of ) ....Many Thanks to You ~ Lawrence .

  • AS
    Alex S. Application Support – Hr And Recruitment

    Morning Lawrence,

    Yes, effectively you could do that, however we wouldn't recommend to do so. Analysis has shown that candidates perform better if they complete an assessment in a single sit in.

    Also, whilst I appreciate you wish to fully consider the options before answering each question, studies do also show that the option that instinctively comes to you first is often the most appropriate. So by all means take a little time to consider what you deem to be the most appropriate response to each question, but try not to overthink it. Remember, there aren't any 'right' or 'wrong' answers as such, as all options could be plausible, it's about deciding what the most appropriate response is for each scenario.

Have a question of your own?

Ask a question

I've done my Train Drivers Assessment at Southeastern and passed and was told i could use it to apply for other TOC. What would the process be if was to join your company?

Eligibility advice, Qualifications
  • 1 replies
  • 2 views
View details

How to become a train driver

Eligibility advice, Qualifications
  • 1 replies
  • 1 views
View details

©2026 FirstGroup plc. All Rights Reserved.