Tourism

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through a passenger transport driver intermediate apprenticeship.

You will need to hold at least a Category B (car driving licence) to start training.

The apprenticeship typically takes 12 months to complete as a mix of workplace learning and 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
• guide to apprenticeships

Direct application

You'll usually apply to bus or coach companies and train on the job.

Most companies will expect you to have a minimum of 1 year's car driving experience.

You would be put through Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) driver training that normally lasts between 1 and 6 weeks.

Your employer would 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) - this is known as the Driver CPC
• be over 18 years of age
• have a full driving licence

More information

Further information

You'll find details about the licences and training you'll need on Become a qualified bus driver.

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

You could also set up your own business. For this you'll need the Transport Manager CPC in Passenger Transport. This could be done through a local training provider.