Do you want to be a...

Bus Driver

Also known as Tour Bus Driver.

Bus drivers transport passengers over established or special routes and on chartered journeys or tours.

Bus drivers are required to wear uniforms and must be willing to work shifts.

Contact with the public is an important part of the job.

TASKS

Bus drivers may perform the following tasks:

stop at designated locations to pick up or set down passengers
adhere to set bus timetables and routes
open and close doors before and after passengers board or alight
control lighting, heating and ventilation on buses
collect fares, give change and issue tickets
advise passengers on destinations
use a public address (PA) system to provide information or tour commentaries to passengers

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

courteous and helpful when dealing with the public
able to pass a company or government medical examination that includes eyesight and colour vision tests
responsible attitude

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Coach Tour Driver - drives tour buses to tourist sites or provides long-distance services between towns. Their tasks may include researching routes; planning food and toilet stops; providing commentary on the history, culture and industry of particular locations; conducting inspections; and performing minor maintenance of the coach.

Charter Services Driver - drives a group of people (for example, a community club) to a particular destination. The bus is usually hired for a fee and individual passengers do not pay fares to the driver.

School Services Driver - transports school children between home and school, collects fares and checks that travel passes comply with school routes. School services drivers may be required to pass a national Working with Children Check prior to commencing employment.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as a bus driver without formal qualifications, but employers usually require Year 10. You will probably get some informal training on the job.

To gain employment with State Transit (NSW) you must pass a selection test. State Transit tests are held throughout the year, depending on the number of vacancies available. You must be at least 20 years of age; hold a current and unrestricted Australian drivers licence; undergo a National Police Check and a Working with Children Check; and be able to meet the requirements to be issued with a Bus Driver Authority Card from Transport for NSW. You will also need to obtain a medium rigid (MR) licence through Roads and Maritime Services before you begin your training. State Transit offers on-the-job driver training, the duration of which depends on previously held licences and experience.

In the ACT, applicants must have held an Australian drivers licence for at least three years, and hold a full licence at the time of lodging their application. You are also required to obtain a medium rigid (MR) licence before you begin training. Applicants must obtain a Public Vehicle Driver Authority Card, which requires an O-class licence to attain. The minimum requirements to obtain an O-class licence include a medical test, obtaining a National Police Certificate and demonstrating English communication skills. You must also be at least 20 years of age. Training for this licence is through the Transport Industries Skills Centre. Bus drivers must also undertake 19 days of training with ACTION (the ACT Internal Omnibus Network) after obtaining the licence.

You can also become a bus driver through an apprenticeship or traineeship in Driving Operations.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10. For more details, see the Australian Apprenticeships section.

Private bus companies offer on-the-job training, although you may need some experience in driving heavy vehicles.

Additional Information

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Transport and Logistics Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Bus drivers are employed in the public sector by government transport authorities and by private bus, charter and coach services.

Demand for bus drivers depends upon passenger use of bus services, as well as public transport policy decisions and funding. The job can be stressful and turnover in the industry is high, creating new openings regularly.

With experience, and sometimes further training, there may be opportunities for bus drivers to move into supervisory or higher administrative positions.