Bus drivers are responsible for safely transporting passengers along designated routes in towns, cities, or rural areas. Their main duties include driving the bus, following timetables, collecting fares, assisting passengers, and ensuring the safety and comfort of everyone on board. Bus drivers must have excellent driving skills, a calm temperament, and strong customer service abilities, as they often interact with people from all walks of life. To become a bus driver in the UK, you need a full car driving licence and a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence, which involves additional training and tests. The job can be rewarding for those who enjoy being on the road and helping the public, but it may also involve dealing with challenging traffic conditions and working unsociable hours.
Bus drivers in the UK typically earn between £22,000 and £32,000 per year, depending on location and experience.
There are around 110,000 bus and coach drivers employed across the United Kingdom.
Bus drivers usually work shifts, with hours ranging from 37 to 45 per week, including early mornings, late evenings, and weekends.
Transporting children to and from school safely, following designated routes and timetables.
Driving coaches for sightseeing tours, providing a safe and comfortable journey for tourists.
Operating shuttle buses that transfer passengers between airports, hotels, and other key locations.
You must be at least 18 years old to drive a bus professionally in the UK, and in some cases, 21.
Most bus companies require drivers to be at least 18, but some may have their own higher minimum age, especially for certain routes or types of vehicles. Always check with potential employers about their specific requirements.
You need a full UK driving licence with no more than 6 penalty points.
A clean driving record is important for safety and insurance purposes. If you have any motoring offences, check with employers or training providers as some may have stricter rules.
You must pass a medical exam to prove you are fit to drive a bus.
The medical, called a D4, includes eyesight and general health checks. The forms are available from the DVLA and most GPs can carry out the assessment, sometimes for a fee.
Apply for a provisional Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence to start training.
You will need to complete DVLA forms D2 and D4 to apply. Once you have your provisional licence, you can start training for the PCV test.
You must complete the Driver CPC qualification, which includes theory and practical tests.
The Driver CPC is made up of four parts: theory tests, case studies, practical driving, and a practical demonstration. You must pass all elements to legally drive a bus with passengers.
Pass the practical PCV driving test to gain your bus driving licence.
The test includes vehicle safety questions, practical road driving, and off-road exercises. You may take lessons with a specialist training provider, and many bus companies will sponsor or arrange your training.
Look for vacancies with local bus companies, councils, or private firms.
Bus driving jobs are advertised on company websites, job boards, and the government’s Find a Job service. Many companies offer full-time and part-time roles, as well as training for new drivers.
Prepare for interviews and practical assessments to demonstrate your skills and suitability.
Employers may ask about your customer service experience, driving history, and present you with scenarios involving passenger safety. Some may ask you to complete a driving assessment as part of the process.
Once hired, complete any additional company training, including route familiarisation and customer service.
Most employers provide a period of supervised driving and training on company procedures, routes, and ticketing systems. Ongoing professional development may also be required to maintain your Driver CPC.
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 driver's licence, good knowledge of traffic laws, and experience in safely operating large vehicles. Both roles involve transporting passengers over various distances, requiring similar skills in navigation, safety procedures, and customer service.
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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