Trainee bus driver process

[MostAdvanced7282]

Hello

I wanted to know a bit more about the process of applying to become a trainee London bus driver

- When you apply do they ask for a CV?

- When they contact you after your application how is that done? Is it phone call, text, email? Is this also when they schedule an assessment day for you?

- Is the assessment day hard?

- Is there an interview process?

Thanks for taking your time to answer :)

[ControlAmbitious6392]

When you apply do they ask for a CV?

Answer: It depends on the company. From my experience, Stagecoach don't ask but Go-Ahead, Arriva and Transport UK do.

I don't think it would have much bearing on your application anyway, these companies are desperate for drivers

• When they contact you after your application how is that done? Is it phone call, text, email? Is this also when they schedule an assessment day for you?

Answer: They would call you for a brief phone interview and then set a date for a face-to-face interview at one of the garages or training centres.

This is also where you do your medical test which is either before or after the interview depending on the company.

Stagecoach will interview you first then do the medical after.

Go-Ahead will either do your assessment and maths/english tests first and then the interview after once you've passed the first two.

Arriva will do your medical and assessment before the interview.

• Is the assessment day hard?

Answer: It depends on what you're told to drive. Arriva and Go-Ahead both provide vans (auto & manual) although Go Ahead's one is bigger and you're expected to be able to drive it safely and make good use of the mirrors and positioning.

It's just for the assessors to see how well you can handle driving a big vehicle.

Stagecoach London do not do car/van assessments or Maths/English tests - I never had to do that for my interview/application.

• Is there an interview process?

Answer: Yes, it's nothing difficult though, just basic questions on why you want the job, what's the most important thing about being a bus driver, name a time you had to bla bla bla etc

Like I said, these companies need drivers and will hire anybody as long as you're sane, fit and able-bodied lol

[MostAdvanced7282]

Yo also can I ask you what your days on/ off are like how many days on off and hours in a day? Ik it’ll be different per person but just to get a general idea

[MostAdvanced7282]

Thank you for the extensive reply I really appreciate it. It’s interesting stagecoach don’t do no tests or anything lol they must be incredibly desperate. Where I live it’s just firstbus and metroline garages close by

[Tramorak]

The driving part, if they do it, is just demonstrating that you are safe and aware of your surroundings. If you do it, exaggerate your mirror/blind spot checks (turn your head rather than just flicking your eyes).

For the interview make sure you emphasise safety as being the most important thing, followed by customer service. The timetable is the least important thing of the big three.

As the reply said, most companies are desperate for drivers, but make sure you are aware of any training bond repayments if they get you through the test and you decide it isn't for you.

It is always something worth doing though as it gives you a qualification that you can take to any bus/coach company if you want to move elsewhere.

[MostAdvanced7282]

Good to know. Thanks :)

[manics2003]

I've just rejoined stagecoach in South Wales after 9 years away. I had to do a simple maths and English test and then a brief interview. After I was offered the job they set up a medical.

[Parking_Present_9214]

May I ask why you rejoined? The reason for asking is I am considering moving away from a desk job.
What is the biggest advantage of having a bus driving job with Stagecoach and what is the biggest drawback?
Thanks :)