Job Description
Bus or Coach Drivers transport passengers on local, national or overseas journeys. They are responsible for their passengers health and safety and road safety is a very important part of the job. They may also assist passengers with their luggage.
Entry Requirements
You'll need a:
- Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence
- Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), also known as a Driver Qualification Card (DQC)
For some jobs you’ll also need a digital tachograph card.
You'll usually apply to bus or coach companies and train on the job. Before you start training, most employers will expect you to:
- be at least 18 (21 if you want to drive a bus or coach abroad)
- have held a full driving licence for at least 12 months
Career path and progression
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
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 - Passenger Transport. This could be done through a local training provider.
Related careers you may be interested in:
- Community transport driver
- Delivery van driver
- Driving instructor
- Tram driver
- Train driver
National Government Policy states that all students should have achieved at least a Grade 4 or C Grade in English & Maths at GCSE. Achieving this minimum grade in these subjects will increase the opportunities open to you, support your future career development and prospects.
Students who do not meet this standard will be supported to continue to study English and Maths through full-time education or an Apprenticeship.
Required Skills
Excellent driving skills and knowledge of traffic regulations, good customer service skills, good geographical knowledge, able to keep calm with difficult customers, health and safety awareness, good concentration levels.
Starting Salary
£14,000 to £25,000
