how to become a bus driver

How to Get a Job as a Bus Driver in London and in Other Areas of the UK

Do you want to become a bus driver? Wondering what type of driving license you need?

Every passenger has a story. Perhaps one of them is of a man on his way to attend a meeting that will take his business to the next level. Another is of a woman on her way to an interview for a life-changing job.

As a bus driver, it's your job to,

1) take the unnecessary concerns from the entrepreneur so that they are able to focus on the meeting ahead; and

2) strike up a simple conversation or give a smile to the interviewee to help calm her nerves.

The best bus drivers don't just drive — they care. They go beyond their work descriptions to ensure that every passenger enjoys their travel experience.

But what if you have all these qualities but cannot find a job driving a bus or similar transport for London? If you just moved to the UK, you may be at a loss on how to go about getting a job as a bus driver. This article explains everything you need to know about becoming a bus driver in London.

Entry Qualifications to Become a Bus Driver

One of the best things about becoming a London bus driver or a driver of any public transport is that you don't need to have any academic qualifications. This is important for Ghanaians who just moved to the UK because it means they don't have to attend any academic institution to acquire the same knowledge as UK residents. However, you are still required to attend a short driving course, especially if you don't have prior bus-driving experience. Generally, you need to:

Have a full car licence
Be more than 18 years (although there are a few exceptions to this rule)
Get the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)

Since you plan to be a driver as your full-time job, getting a full Driver CPC is mandatory, and a PCV licence is also a huge benefit. You can incur a fine of up to £1,000 if you are found driving without the Driver CPC. Usually, you have to pass four specific tests to qualify for the CPC. You may be exempted from the tests if you have "acquired rights" because of previous driving experience.

Another thing to note is that the CPC certificate ought to be renewed every five years and this includes a 35-hour training scheme.

Here is government guidance

Apart from the CPC, you also need a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence. To get this licence, you need to attend a course that takes a month or more. During this training, your driving skills and knowledge are assessed on a practical and theoretical level.

Depending on the driving company to which you apply, some may also ask for a digital tachograph card. A tachograph is a smart card that contains all the details regarding your daily work while driving the bus.

It's also advisable that you complete a bus driving apprenticeship. This gives you a chance to earn a salary as you continue receiving structured training, which will result in an industry-recognised qualification. The most common qualifications that you receive by undergoing this apprenticeship include:

Level 2 qualification in road passenger transport
Specific qualification associated with bus driving employment, such as first aid, health and safety
Level 2 QCF Award shows that you have knowledge of a professional bus driver

What if you already have a driving licence from Ghana or other neighbouring countries? Do you still have to apply for Passenger Carrying Vehicle licence?

The answers to these questions depend on one aspect: have you become a permanent resident of the UK or are you visiting for a short period? If you will only be in the UK for a brief period of time, then you can use your foreign driving licence to drive small vehicles. Check government website for updates.

However, if you'll be staying in the UK for any length of time, then you're only allowed to use your non-UK issued driving licence for a maximum period of one year. Also, you can only use this licence to drive small vehicles such as motorcycles, cars and vehicles that can hold up to 3500 kgs such as vans or eight-passenger vehicles. In other words, you cannot use your Ghanaian driving licence to get a bus driver's job.

How Much Can You Make as a Bus Driver?

Once you become a qualified bus driver, you can expect to make at least £9.93 per hour. Drivers with more work experience earn much more than this. You may allow to take on overtime which could increase your overall salary.

Who Can You Work for as a Bus Driver?

After taking all the required tests, you can start applying to the bus companies in your area. You can even apply to holiday tour firms or long-distance operators. If you still can't find a bus driving job, another sector to consider is community transport. This involves driving school children around or vulnerable people like hospital patients.

The main companies that employ bus drivers in London are Arriva, First, Go-Ahead, Stagecoach and National Express. Some of the daily responsibilities of London bus drivers include:

Collecting fares (not any more in most cases)
Verifying passes and tickets
Driving a specific bus route
Sticking to timetables to that your bus reaches the designated stopping points on time
Guaranteeing the safety of your passengers (for instance, opening and closing the bus doors when it is safe to do so)

What Experience Do You Need to Become a Bus Driver?

It pays if you have prior work experience. Do you know how to relate well with customers? Do you know how to operate ticket machines and communicate via the radios? If you don't have any of these skills, the bus company that hires you can train you.

You may have all the technical experience required to drive a bus. However, as we mentioned earlier, becoming a bus driver requires a few more skills. For instance, you need to be personable. Remember that you're acting as the face of the bus line's brand. Therefore, try to have good interactions with your passengers. You should also have the ability to stay calm under pressure and be devoted to your job.

Watch one of award winner experience

Conclusion

If you like being on the road day in, day out, becoming a bus driver might be the perfect job for you. But if you just moved to London, there are a couple of steps you'll need to take to qualify as a bus driver such as getting a licence and a professional bus driver's certificate.

What do you think? Are you a bus driver, what was your experienced like? Please share your thoughts or tips in the comments below.