Bus drivers are responsible for transporting passengers safely along set routes, usually within cities, towns, or rural areas. Their duties include checking tickets, helping passengers with disabilities or special needs, ensuring passenger safety, and keeping to timetables. Bus drivers also carry out basic vehicle safety checks before starting their shifts. The role requires strong customer service skills, patience, and good driving abilities. To become a bus driver, you must hold a valid PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) licence and a Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence). Most employers provide training for these qualifications.
The average salary for a bus driver in the UK is between £22,000 and £32,000 per year, depending on location and experience.
There are over 100,000 bus and coach drivers employed across the UK, with demand steady due to public transport needs.
Bus drivers typically work between 37 and 45 hours per week, often including early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
Drives buses to transport children safely to and from school and on school trips, ensuring child safety and following specific routes.
Operates buses for guided tours, providing transport for tourists around cities or specific attractions, often requiring good local knowledge.
Transports passengers between airport terminals, hotels, and car parks, helping travellers with luggage and providing a reliable transfer service.
You must be at least 18 years old and hold a full UK driving licence to start training as a bus driver.
Most bus companies require you to be at least 18, though some may prefer you to be 21 or over. You need a full category B (car) driving licence. Some companies may have additional requirements such as driving experience or a clean licence, so it is important to check with employers.
You will need to pass a medical examination and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Bus drivers must meet medical standards for vision and general health, which a doctor will assess. The DBS check ensures you are suitable to work with the public, including vulnerable passengers.
You need a provisional Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence to begin training as a bus driver.
Apply for the provisional entitlement (category D) through the DVLA. You will need to complete forms and submit your medical assessment. Some bus companies may sponsor you through this process.
Bus drivers must complete the Driver CPC, which involves training and theory tests.
The Driver CPC consists of four parts: theory test, case studies, driving ability test, and practical demonstration. Training is often provided by bus companies, especially if you are joining their training schemes.
Apply to local bus companies or coach operators for trainee or qualified bus driver roles.
Look for job vacancies online, on company websites, or at local job centres. Many companies offer paid training schemes for new recruits, helping you gain your licence and qualifications while working.
Start work with supervision and continue with company induction and route training.
New bus drivers often receive route-specific training and customer service guidance. You will learn ticketing systems, health and safety procedures, and how to handle different passenger needs. Ongoing training is common to keep your skills up to date.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Bus Driver. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A bus driver and a bus or coach driver share similar qualifications, including the need for a valid driving licence, good knowledge of traffic laws, and the ability to safely operate large vehicles. Both roles involve transporting passengers over specified routes, often requiring good customer service skills and adherence to safety regulations.
You can get into this job through:
You can apply to do a Passenger Transport Driver Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, with a bus or coach company.
You will need to hold at least a Category B (car driving licence) to start training.
The apprenticeship typically takes 12 months to complete and combines workplace training with off-the-job study.
You'll usually need:
You can apply to bus or coach companies and train on the job.
Most companies will expect you to have a at least 6 months' car driving experience.
You would be put through Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) driver training that normally lasts between 1 and 6 weeks.
Your employer will also give you training for the Certificate of Professional Competence or Driver CPC.
Some travel companies offer contracts where you receive a daily rate until the job is complete. For example, it might be driving passengers on a coaching holiday. In cases like these, the rates can be from £120 a day upwards.
You can find out how to become a qualified bus driver on GOV.UK.
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