Bus/coach driver

Bus drivers work for local bus services. They have to keep to a schedule and are expected to give general advice to passengers about connecting services. Coach drivers usually drive lengthier distances, including some motorway driving. Some coaches are also used for private local services, such as by schools or community transport.

Work activities

Bus drivers transport people around from one place to another. The majority of bus drivers work on local routes. Most services are one person operations where the driver collects fares as passengers get on the bus. These could be town or countryside services. The driver must try to keep to a bus timetable. This can be difficult because of traffic, but in some towns, there are special bus lanes to speed up the journey. Bus drivers will often be asked for information by passengers. This might include questions about:

Connecting services.
Bus times.
Fares.

Drivers keep radio contact with a communication centre to keep them informed of any problems, such as roadworks, accidents or bad weather conditions. This also improves driver and passenger security, especially on late night services.

Long distance express coach services involve driving lengthy distances between stops, often including motorway driving. There are strict laws governing the hours drivers should work, so on very long distances, drivers work in pairs. Drivers on express coaches are responsible for loading and unloading passengers’ suitcases when passengers get on or leave the coach. Some coach companies offer day trips or holiday tours within the UK or in Europe. They may also operate private services for schools, particularly in countryside areas. Most drivers are required to wear a uniform.

Personal qualities and skills

To do this job well, you’ll need:

The ability to drive your bus or coach in busy traffic and all types of weather conditions.
To be reliable.
Good concentration at all times.
To be able to remain patient and calm whatever the situation.
Knowledge of routes.
To be able to work without supervision.
To be comfortable taking payments.
A medical examination must also be passed. People with certain medical conditions may not be accepted. A full, clean driving licence is essential.

The following future skills shortages have been identified:

Foreign languages.
Safety/accident management skills.
IT skills.
Disability awareness.
Vehicle engineering and maintenance skills.

Pay and opportunities

Bus/coach drivers earn in the range of £18,000, rising to £34,000 with experience.

Bus/coach drivers generally work a 45–47-hour week, and are often required to work eight-hour split shifts. Drivers on some tour jobs have to be away from home for long intervals. Weekend work is part of the regular schedule. Overtime is possible.

Employers include local authorities, private bus companies, private coach hire/charter firms, express services and tour operators. Opportunities for bus/ coach drivers occur with bus operators in towns and cities throughout the UK. Opportunities occur for coach drivers to drive holiday tours, for example, throughout Europe.

Opportunities occur for drivers who hold a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) to become self-employed.

What’s happening in this work area?

The bus and coach industries have been affected by the rising costs of fuel and the need to combat climate change. Meeting these challenges and improving profitability are major concerns for the future. This has led to increased demand for training in safe and fuel-efficient driving. The efficient use of increasingly complex driving systems will require additional skills from employees over the coming years.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

To become a bus or coach driver you need to:

Have a full car driving licence.
Be over 18.
Get a professional driving qualification called the driver certificate of professional competence (CPC).

You will need to pass the four tests that make up Driver CPC to qualify, and then take 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to stay qualified. You need to renew your bus or lorry licence every five years, and every year when you reach 65.

There is a level 2 (intermediate) apprenticeship in this role: passenger transport driver (bus and coach or tram). This is a great entry route into this profession.

For all qualified drivers, training will be on-the-job.

Career development is usually towards inspector level, although some experienced drivers may move into scheduling/rota making duties, or staff supervision roles.

Qualifications

No formal academic qualifications are usually needed to enter this job. Bus and coach drivers must hold a full and current driving licence and have achieved the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) Initial Qualification.

Adult opportunities

Age limits apply to this occupation. You will usually need to be over 18 to get your professional driving qualification.

Many employers accept applicants up to retirement age who pass a medical test. Several years’ previous experience as a van or minibus driver can be an advantage. Having worked with the public is also helpful.

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