What Do You Need to Qualify as a Bus Driver?

Being a public utility vehicle driver – bus, lorry or coach – entails a lot of responsibility, because you are carrying multiple passengers, and they are relying on you to get them from point A to point B safely. If you have a driver’s license for a private car and you wish to become a bus or coach driver, there are some added requirements that you have to take care of to become one.

LGVs and PCVs

LGVs stands for Large Goods Vehicles (lorries, cranes, etc.). PCVs, on the other hand, stands for Passenger Carrying Vehicles (buses, coaches, etc.). Driving these types of vehicles requires you to possess a Driver CPC Sheffield Certificate or the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence and the DQC or the Driver Qualification Card. You must have these two with you at all times while driving either a PCV or LGV. Lorries transport goods while coaches and buses transport passengers.

License application process

You must at least be 18 years old at the time of application. You must also have a Category B driver’s license. You will also need to submit yourself to a medical examination before you can proceed with the license application. You must be in good health to drive a large vehicle. If you wish to apply for the Driver CPC and DQC, you must undergo and pass the following:

• Fill out and submit necessary forms, together with a colour photo and original IDs.

• You will take a driver theory test, divided into two parts: multiple choice and hazard perception. You must pass these two tests within two years of each other so you can get the driver theory test certificate.
• After passing the first two tests, you will have a practical driving test. Take note of your theory test number as it is a requirement for this part. The test is 90 minutes long, which includes the following components: off-road exercises, practical driving,and vehicle safety. This is the most arduous test you have to go through, as you have to apply the theory and prove that you are indeed knowledgeable and capable of being a bus or lorry driver. Your test master will ask you questions about vehicle safety to see if you are aware of safety measures that drivers have to take when driving buses and lorries. The practical road driving test will determine your actual skills in driving. The instructor will then assess your capability based on the following criteria:

• Vehicle control
• Use of mirrors
• Braking
• Use of turn signals
• Awareness of other drivers’ movements
• Speed control and management
• Dealing with road hazards
• Safe spots on the road to stop

You will also undergo off-road driving exercises that include uncoupling and recoupling, and S-shaped reversing.

As soon as you pass all the tests, you can now get your certificate and start applying for a lorry or bus driver job. You must always be a defensive driver to protect the safety of the passengers or items that you carry.

With extensive research and study, Simon passionately creates blogs on divergent topics. His writings are unique and utterly grasping owing to his dedication in researching for distinctive topics.