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Bus and coach drivers drive road passenger-carrying vehicles such as buses, coaches and mini-buses.

Main tasks

  • Maintains records of journey times, mileage and hours worked.
  • Balances cash taken with tickets sold and may be responsible for cleanliness of vehicle.
  • May plan routes in conjunction with private hirer and assist with loading and unloading of luggage.
  • May collect fares from passengers and issue tickets or ensure that they use a ticket machine.
  • Stops and opens and closes doors at pre-arranged places to allow passengers to board and alight, observing regulations concerning the number of passengers carried.
  • Drives single- and double-decked vehicle over pre-determined route, complying with traffic regulations and keeping to time schedule.
  • Checks tyres, brakes, lights, oil, water and fuel levels and general condition of the vehicle before start of journey.

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Salary and earnings

Potential earnings

£42,305.87

Average earnings

£28,614.00

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Skills & knowledge

The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Transportation

Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Public Safety and Security

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Geography

Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

Psychology

Knowledge of human behaviour and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioural and affective disorders.

What course level do I need to study?

The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.

Educational requirements: Level 2 NVQ; GCSE at grades A*-C

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Level of study Percentage achieved
Level 0 12%
Level 1 19%
Level 2 25%
Level 3 30%
Level 4-5 (Higher Education) 7%
Level 6 (Bachelors) 5%
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) 1%

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.