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Community transport driver

Alternative titles for this job include

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

Average salary (a year)

£14,000 Starter

to

£25,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

45 to 47 a week

You could work

early mornings as customers demand

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a community transport driver

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

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

There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:

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

More Information

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.

Direct Application

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.

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a community transport driver from the Community Transport Association.

What it takes

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • 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
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

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:

  • 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

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 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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Bus Driver Apprenticeship - Passenger Transport

  • Wage: £31,500.00 Annually
  • Location: 18 Merton High Street, London

Bus Driver Apprenticeship - Passenger Transport

  • Wage: £31,500.00 Annually
  • Location: 1 Warner Road, London
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

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