TfL Assessments

Prepare for the TfL recruitment process with tailor-made practice materials.

Careers at TFL

Transport for London (TfL) is a local government body founded in 2000, taking over its predecessor, London Regional Transport. TfL is responsible for running the operations of London's transport services, including the tube network, buses, cycling provision, trams and the DLR.

The organisation has around 28,000 employees. Due to its size, there is plenty of scope for career progression within TfL.

Employees at TfL are expected to uphold the Nolan Principles, which are a set of seven principles that applies to those working in the public sector. These include:

  • Selflessness
  • Integrity
  • Objectivity
  • Accountability
  • Openness
  • Honesty
  • Leadership

Types of TFL Jobs

TfL offers a range of opportunities for those at all stages of their career, from students and graduates to experienced professionals.

TfL are well known for their apprenticeship and graduate schemes, which allow successful candidates to earn while they learn. These are available in a range of business areas including but not limited to:

  • Quantity Surveying
  • Finance
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Software Development
  • Business Analyst

TFL Application Process

The TfL application process consists of multiple stages including an online application, some online tests, a video interview, and an assessment day. Positions at TfL are highly sought after, so expect the application process to be competitive.

When you submit your application varies depending on what you are applying for. Apprenticeships and graduate schemes open in March, whereas, other positions are open year-round.

TfL Online Application

You can only apply for one apprenticeship or graduate scheme, so it is important to make sure you know which position you want to apply for.

Once you know which TfL position you want to apply for, you will need to submit an online application. This will involve entering some personal details, as well as your education and work experience.

Ensure you fill out all the sections thoroughly and proofread your answers before submitting them.

TfL Aptitude Tests

If your application is successful, you will be asked to take one or more online assessments.

TfL Situational Strengths Test

If your application is successful, you will be invited to complete an online situational strength test. This test will evaluate how you respond to situations in the workplace by presenting you with hypothetical scenarios that you might encounter in the day-to-day job as a TfL employee.

You will then need to decide which is the most effective course of action to take from a list of multiple-choice responses. This test is not timed.

This is used to assess how you are likely to cope in various situations and determine if you are the right candidate for the programme. Read every question carefully to ensure you fully understand the situation.

Prepare for the test by familiarising yourself with the Nolan Principles and ensure you keep these in mind during the test. Practising some sample situational judgement questions will also help you better understand the format and style of questions in an SJT.

TfL G+ Test

If you are applying to a graduate programme, you will also need to take the G+ test, which consists of numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, and inductive reasoning tests.

TfL Numerical Reasoning Test

Numerical reasoning tests assess your ability to work with numerical data to solve problems. Information is presented in the form of graphs, charts, or tables. You will need to analyse and interpret the data and use basic mathematical calculations to answer the question. The questions are in a multiple-choice format, giving you four possible answers.

The test is timed, so you will need to be comfortable working quickly and accurately. Practicing some numerical reasoning tests will help you get used to the pace at which you must work.

TfL Verbal Reasoning Test

The verbal reasoning test assesses your reading comprehension abilities. You will be presented with a passage of text that you must read and analyse to determine if a statement relating to the passage is true, false, or you cannot say.

Due to the test being timed, you will need to read the passage quickly but thoroughly to answer the questions in the allotted time. Prepare for the test by brushing up on your verbal analysis skills using sample questions.

TfL Inductive Reasoning Test

Inductive reasoning tests are non-verbal assessments used to assess your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The test will present you with shapes or diagrams, from which you must identify the underlying relationship and apply this to find the correct answer.

If you haven't taken an inductive reasoning test before, practising some sample questions will help get you accustomed to the question style and format, as well as the timings.

TfL Video Interview

If you successfully pass the online tests, you will be invited to take a video interview. This involves a series of pre-recorded questions that you will have a few minutes to answer.

You will only get one attempt at answering each question, so it's a good idea to complete the practice section beforehand.

Make sure you treat this as any other interview. This means dressing professionally, maintaining eye contact with the camera, and showing enthusiasm.

TfL Assessment Day

If the hiring team likes your video interview, you will be invited to meet the team in-person at an assessment day (which is the final stage of the application process). You will be sent a provisional date between March and May, with 48 hours to confirm your attendance.

The assessment centre will consist of the following assessment activities:

  • Group task
  • One-to-one interview

TfL Group task

Here you will be placed in groups with other candidates and will have to solve a task or problem. You will usually be given a brief that you will have to read through alone and then discuss as a team. Make sure to voice your opinion, whilst also allowing others to give input as well. The hiring managers will be assessing your communication skills, teamwork, and how you tackle the problem at hand.

TfL One-to-one Interview

You will also participate in a one-to-one interview at the assessment centre. Make sure to research TfL and the role beforehand, and prepare for common interview questions using the STAR (situation, task, action, and result) method.

Tips To Get Hired At TfL

Be able to explain your motivations

Throughout the application process, TfL will be assessing your reasons for applying to TfL and the specific role. TfL wants someone who is passionate, so have a good think about your motivations.

Do your research

It's important to do your research on TfL beforehand so you are prepared for any questions you might be asked. Having a good understanding of the role, the organisation, and the challenges it may be facing currently will help put you ahead of other candidates.

Practice Tests

The best way to prepare for the online assessments is to take practice tests. This will help you become familiar with the format and question style of the test, as well as help you identify areas of weakness that you need to focus on.

Sample TfL Assessments question Test your knowledge!

Score: /5

A ticketing system malfunction resulted in a public announcement: 'Due to a temporary ticketing system issue, we ask that passengers prepare exact change for their fares to expedite boarding.' What does this announcement imply about the normal ticketing process?

  • It normally provides a change to passengers
  • It usually requires a ticketing agent's assistance
  • It typically involves an online pre-booking system
  • It always allows for credit card payment only

A route master navigates three different types of routes with varying passenger numbers. On Monday, the average number of passengers for the three routes was 85, 120, and 65 respectively. If the route master conducted 2, 3, and 5 trips on each route respectively, what was the total number of passengers for all trips that day?

  • 780
  • 765
  • 800
  • 900

After completing a survey on customer satisfaction regarding punctuality, it is established that 4 out of 5 passengers are satisfied with the transportation service's timekeeping. If 2,000 passengers completed the survey, how many passengers were dissatisfied with the punctuality of the services?

  • 400
  • 500
  • 1600
  • 450

Within the transportation network, a proposition is made to improve the infrastructure, potentially impacting the commuting time for passengers. The report suggests that with an investment of 20% of the annual budget, commuting time could be reduced by an average of 15%. If the current average commuting time is 50 minutes, what will be the new average commuting time after the improvements?

  • 42.5 minutes
  • 40 minutes
  • 45 minutes
  • 35 minutes

In a statement addressing recent transportation delays, the management noted: 'While our services are among the most reliable, unexpected issues can sometimes lead to delays. In such instances, we prioritize communication and endeavor to provide timely updates to our passengers.' Based on this statement, what is management's primary approach to handling delays?

  • Prioritizing communication and providing timely updates
  • Offering refunds to affected passengers
  • Denying responsibility for the unexpected issues
  • Claiming that delays never occur

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TfL Assessments Tips

Familiarize Yourself with the Format

Start by getting to know the types of questions you might find on a TfL exam. If you’re aware of the test structure beforehand, there will be no surprises on the big day, allowing you to focus solely on showcasing your skills.

Understand the Job Role

Each position at TfL may require different skills and knowledge. Make sure you understand the role you're applying for and concentrate on the areas that are most likely to be tested. That way, you can prioritize your study appropriately.

Manage Your Time

Time management is crucial. Practice answering questions with a time limit to gauge how long you need for each section. Remember, it's not just about finishing, it's about performing efficiently under pressure.

Stay Calm and Focused

Test anxiety can be a big hurdle. Develop a strategy to stay calm, such as deep breathing or positive visualization. A clear mind will help you think more critically and make better decisions during the test.

Review Basic Principles

Refresh your memory on key concepts and principles, especially if they're related to public transportation and customer service, as these are likely relevant to TfL. A strong foundational knowledge will help you navigate through trickier questions.

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TfL Assessments FAQs

Is TfL a good company to work for?

Yes! TfL is a great organisation to work for, offering fantastic opportunities to learn and develop both personally and professionally. Employees also enjoy great benefits and working culture. TfL has also topped the league tables of the best organisations in the UK for work-life balance.

How much do TfL workers earn?

The average salary for a TfL worker is £43,000. Starting salaries for apprenticeships vary from £19,268 to £22,305. The starting salary for a graduate scheme is 26,000 in the first year.