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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)

£18,000 Starter

to

£34,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

45 to 47 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Bus or coach driver

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

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

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Direct Application

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.

More Information

Further information

You'll find details about the licences and training you'll need on Become a qualified bus driver.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

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) known as a 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.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

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

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Bus Driver Apprenticeship - Passenger Transport

  • Wage: £31,500 a year Annually
  • Location: London

Bus Driver Apprenticeship - Passenger Transport

  • Wage: £31,500 a year Annually
  • Location: Bushey Road, Sutton
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a Bus or coach driver?

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