Transport

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Apprenticeship

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.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Direct application

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.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• Every 5 years you'll need to:take 35 hours of Driver CPC training; renew your bus driving licence if you're aged 45 or over
• Find out more about applying for your provisional PCV licence.
• have a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) known as a driver CPC
• be over 18 years of age
• have a full driving licence

More information

Career tips

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.

Further information

You can find out how to become a qualified bus driver on GOV.UK.

View all vacancies in this region

With experience, you could become a service scheduler, inspector, depot manager or driver training instructor.

You could also set up your own business. For this you'll need the Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Confidence (CPC). This can be done through a local training provider.