Perhaps you’re one of the many who have always wanted to drive a bus. 
Maybe you looked at your bus driver and wished you were the one that was in charge of such a large vehicle. Perhaps you’re just seeking a career change and enjoy the idea of being able to assist others in getting around town. Maybe you’re just seeking a job in the transportation industry.
Whatever the reason that you’re interested in becoming a bus driver, you’ll want to know the ins and outs of the possibility of becoming a driver. You’ll find that there are thousands that ride the bus daily. Buses get people where they need to go; they can be a long leisurely trip cross country, or they can be for simple short jaunts in and around town. Let’s examine the training that is required to become a bus driver.
Licensing Requirements
Just as any other HGV driving tests, you’ll first need to obtain your Driver CPC qualifications. This documentation shows that you’re a safe professional driver and able to comprehend the requirements for safety on the roads. It will involve theory as well as practical test and a lot of basic training as well as a complete medical evaluation. Once this is done you can engage in HGV or LGV training, whatever works for you.
The Driver CPC gives you a complete basic understanding of driving large vehicles safely. It also goes into safety issues and how to meet the required regulations in HGV driving. After completion, you’ll need to prove your competency and obtain the required licenses so that you can have all of your permits in line and get the Cat D license for a bus driver job.
Of course, just to further complicate things, you’ll also be required to have a Category B license and this must come first. This Category B license will allow you to drive vehicles that are up to 3,500 kg with as many as 8 passengers. So basically, cars and trailers. After that licensure is obtained, you can then work toward your Category D which will allow you to drive any bus that has more than 8 passengers and tracked vehicles (such as a tank). Once you have all 3 of these licenses, you may then become a bus driver.
Cat D Training
Both Cat D and Cat D1 training are specifically created to teach how to drive both buses and minibuses in a professional capacity. After obtaining the Driver CPC qualifications, you’ll be required to take the Cat D training courses also.
During Cat D training, you’ll be learning:
- Rules and regulations for the road related to HGVs
- Maintenance and general fixes of both HGVs and buses
- Customer service
- Safety for both yourself and passengers as well as other vehicles on the road
- Risk management and future sights
- Driving skills including practical skills and theory as well as the use of large multi-seated vehicles
After completion of the training, you’ll be legal to drive passenger vehicles that have over 8 passengers as well as a bus driver.
How Do I Train for the Cat D License?
In order to train for your Cat D license, you’ll need to come in and speak with us. At Easy As HGV, we’ve made it easier than ever before for you to obtain your license to drive a bus. This includes both Cat D and Driver CPC courses for all new drivers. Thanks to our advanced crash courses, you’ll learn everything that you need. Our team will even go as far as to assist you in locating your first job as a driver for a bus which will give you the absolute best start of your new career as a bus driver. What are you waiting for? Call today.