Community transport driver

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could do a passenger transport driver intermediate apprenticeship.

This will usually take 12 months to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.

You'll need to be 18 and must hold a valid UK driving licence, at least Category B (car driving licence).

Entry requirements:

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

Volunteering

If you have previously worked with vulnerable children or adults, or have driving experience and a clean licence you may be able to work as a volunteer driver.

Some organisations may be willing to offer training towards recognised community transport standards like MiDAS .

DirectApplication

It may be possible to apply directly if you have relevant skills and knowledge, although your employer will give you training.

You'll need a category D licence to drive larger passenger carrying vehicles (PCVs) with more than 9 seats.

Experience in customer care, healthcare or social work will be useful. It will also help if you have an understanding of disability needs as many of your passengers will be disabled.

Required Skills:

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

Skills:

• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
• customer service skills
• knowledge of public safety and security
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• 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:

Community transport drivers provide a door-to-door service for people who can't easily use public transport.

In this role you could:

• plan the best route
• follow a regular timetable
• offer a door to door collection and drop off service
• lift and help passengers on and off
• use a tail lift to help wheelchair users access the bus
• perform basic daily, weekly and 6 monthly vehicle checks
• keep the vehicle tidy between journeys and fill up with fuel

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

Salary:

Starter : £14,000
Experienced : £25,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

45 - 47 hours a week

Working Pattern is early mornings as customers demand

Career Path:

With experience, you could progress to operations or service manager.

With the right licence, you could also move into other areas of driving, or, with further training, into vehicle maintenance and repair.