Bus / Coach Driver
Useful Links
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_current_bus_operators_of_the_United_Kingdom
https://www.gov.uk/become-lorry-bus-driver
Job Profiles
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/bus-or-coach-driver
https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/my-career-options/job-profiles/bus-or-coach-driver
Bus/ coach driver role
You would take people from one place to another whether that’s just a few streets, between towns and cities or on a holiday.
It’s a responsible job; passengers will rely on you to get them to the right place as safely as possible.
You might transport passengers on local, national or overseas journeys.
You would travel along planned routes, making scheduled stops along the way to pick up and drop off passengers.
Taken from myworldofwork
qualifications
You can usually apply direct or through an apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship route
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
You'll usually need:
some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
To start training with a company, you must hold a full EU driving licence and be aged at least 18. Some companies prefer to take on people who have held their driving licence for one or two years or who are aged over 21 (Check with them directly for details).
Direct route
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.
You could also train independently by taking private lessons through a local driving school. Once you have your licence, you could then contact bus and coach companies about vacancies.
You can apply for your provisional Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence through the .gov.uk website
Employers
