Bus/Coach Driver

Bus/coach drivers provide a transport service for passengers making set or scheduled journeys.

A bus driver:

• drives on a route that is usually regular and local
• picks up and sets down passengers at stops according to a set timetable
• takes money, issues tickets, and checks season tickets and passes.

A coach driver:

• may drive on longer trips, lasting hours or even days
• loads and unloads luggage into and out of the baggage compartment of the coach
• learns local laws, if driving abroad
• gives advice and information and, in some cases, a commentary to passengers.

Bus/coach drivers:

• check their vehicles to make sure they are in good working order
• pick up and drop off passengers, greeting them politely and answering any queries
• observe passengers inside the bus/coach and deal with any antisocial behaviour
• try to keep to their schedule while driving safely and legally
• deal with problems, such as breakdowns or accidents.

Some drivers provide community transport services, eg for school children, the elderly or people with disabilities. This can mean that they have to help passengers with getting on and off the vehicle.

Most bus/coach drivers work shifts or rotas covering early mornings, evenings, weekends and sometimes nights. Full-time working hours can range from 37 to 45 hours a week, over five or six days. Coach drivers may be away from home for one or more weeks at a time.

Salaries may range from around £11,000 to £23,500 a year.

Bus/coach drivers need:

• excellent driving skills and a thorough knowledge of driving laws
• good communication skills
• a polite and approachable manner for dealing with passengers
• the ability to remain alert and concentrate for long periods
• an interest in driving and travel.

There are no formal academic entry requirements to be a driver, although employers may prefer some GCSEs, particularly in English and maths. Drivers must hold a category D driving licence and have the Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC). Many companies recruit trainees and provide them with all the necessary training to achieve these.

Bus/coach drivers can work towards an NVQ Level 2 in passenger carrying vehicle driving.

A bus/coach driver can progress to become a supervisor, service inspector, performance manager or driver trainer.

Further details