Home

Bus/Coach Driver

Do you want to become a Bus/Coach Driver? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Bus/coach drivers provide a transport service for passengers making short or long journeys. A bus driver:

• drives on a route which is usually regular, local and short
• picks up and sets down passengers at stops
• if there is no conductor, takes money, issues tickets and checks season tickets.

A coach driver:

• drives on longer trips, lasting hours or even days
• loads large luggage into the baggage compartment of the coach
• if driving abroad, learns local laws and switches to driving on the right if necessary
• on tour, gives the passengers a commentary
• organises stopovers and ensures no one is left behind.

Both bus and coach drivers:

• check the vehicle's electrics, brakes, tyres and oil before setting off
• challenge unruly passengers and those who do not pay
• try to keep to their schedule whilst driving safely and legally
• answer enquiries from passengers about routes, timetables and fares
• cope with emergencies, such as breakdowns, accidents, illness or aggression.

Working hours range from 39 to 48 a week, over five or six days. Most bus/coach drivers work shifts. Early starts and late finishes are common. Coach drivers on tour are away from home for days at a time.

Salaries range from around £10,200 to £20,000 a year. Bus/coach drivers need:

• excellent driving skills and safety awareness
• to remain alert for long periods
• writing skills to complete checklists and the ability to handle money
• a polite manner with passengers
• an interest in travel and tourism.

There is a general shortage of bus and coach drivers. Companies employing drivers may run local bus services, long distance touring coaches, or both.

To train for a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence, a full UK driving licence is required. Details are available from the Driving Standards Agency or from GoSkills. Many companies pay for their entrants' PCV licences. Bus/coach drivers can work towards NVQ/SVQ Levels 2 and 3 in Road Passenger Transport.

A bus/coach driver can progress to become a service controller or inspector, a manager or a driving instructor. It is also possible for a driver to set up as a self-employed operator.

More Useful Resources - Bus/Coach Driver:

Do you know of a useful and relevant website that would be helpful to our users? Tell us about it by emailing