Bus or coach driver

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through a passenger transport driver intermediate apprenticeship.

You will need to hold at least a Category B (car driving licence) to start training.

The apprenticeship typically takes 12 months to complete as a mix of workplace learning and off-the-job study.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

DirectApplication

You'll usually apply to bus or coach companies and train on the job.

Most companies will expect you to have a minimum of 1 year's car driving experience.

You would be put through Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) driver training that normally lasts between 1 and 6 weeks.

Your employer would also give you training for the Certificate of Professional Competence or Driver CPC.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• customer service skills
• knowledge of public safety and security
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• sensitivity and understanding
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• knowledge of English language
• thinking and reasoning skills
• observation and recording skills
• concentration skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of psychology
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• active listening skills
• a desire to help people
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Bus and coach drivers transport passengers on local, national or overseas journeys.

In this role you could:

• take fares
• check tickets and passes
• give timetable or route information
• help passengers who are having difficulty getting on or off the vehicle
• drive safely and keep to timetables

If you're a coach driver, you may also:

• greet passengers and check documents
• load and unload luggage
• make announcements during the journey
• make sure passengers are back on board for return journeys, and after scheduled stops
• keep the coach clean and do basic vehicle checks
• record driving hours and report any incidents
• for trips abroad, keep passengers up to date with travel information and deal with border control authorities

Location : You could work from a vehicle.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : £18,000
Experienced : £34,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

45 - 47 hours variable

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

Career Path:

With experience, you could become a service scheduler, controller or inspector, depot manager or driver training instructor.

You could also set up your own business. For this you'll need the Transport Manager CPC in Passenger Transport. This could be done through a local training provider.