You can get into this job through a passenger transport driver intermediate apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
Bus or coach driver
Alternative titles for this job include
Bus and coach drivers transport passengers on local, national or overseas journeys.
Average salary (a year)
£14,000 Starter
to£25,000 Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
45 to 47 variable
You could work
evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home
How to become a bus or coach driver
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
Apprenticeship
Direct Application
You'll usually apply to bus or coach companies and train on the job.
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.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- 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
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- have a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) - this is known as the Driver CPC
- be over 18 years of age
- have a full driving licence
Every 5 years you'll need to:
- take 35 hours of Driver CPC training
- renew your bus driving licence if you're aged 45 or over
Find out more about applying for your provisional PCV licence.
For some jobs you’ll also need a digital tachograph card.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
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
Working environment
You could work from a vehicle.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become a service 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.
Current opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a bus or coach driver right now.
The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.
Courses In England
Are you interested in becoming a bus or coach driver?
Search for training courses near you.
Jobs In the United Kingdom
The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.
Skills assessment
Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.
Thank you for your feedback.
Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.