Bus Driver Review

As a bus driver for Stagecoach i driver a few different types of bus both single and double decker. I work a rota in which I driver most of the routes Stagecoach operates out of Northampton Bus Station. Passenger safety and comfort comes first, there are many aspects to being a bus driver, driving is only a small part of it.

The first new skills I learnt was to pass my PCV theory test and gain my PCV driving licence. Over the last year we have had many workshops, covering things from legal compliance, customer service, what hazards on the roads are. I learnt about the traffic commissioner and what powers they have additional to the legal system.

I have really enjoyed it, although the pandemic changed things from face to face workshops to zoom meetings, I feel this worked really well for me. I was able to get the training and information I needed, and then had time to write up my learning and add it to my journal at my own pace without the pressure of getting everything done by the time the class closes. It also helped the environment by reducing all the travelling.

The programme was very well structured, each workshop covered different aspects of the job with time in-between for the new knowledge to sink in and gain more experience on the road. Each section was checked and marked to ensure my learning evidence met the criteria which ensured I stayed on track.

To be honest I do see much directly from Stagecoach. That said they do cover my duty to attended the workshops with the exception of a couple where we were short of drivers. The support comes from your training and development officer. Natalie was very knowledgeable and always there outside of the workshops if you were unsure of something.

My training provider was really good, the training officer was there on the phone or text to answer questions. She also checked learning all the way through to ensure the information was being understood and we new the next steps as to what would happen at the end of the apprenticeship.

I feel that having gone through the apprenticeship and completed all of the modules I am in a far better place than most bus drivers. I am confident in how to handle situations, what to do in the event of breakdowns or accidents. How to deal with complaints. As mentioned driving is just one part of the job.

None that I am aware of.

Yes

Stagecoach seem to be a safe and reliable company to work for.

Go for it. If you want to be a bus driver why go anywhere else.