Driving a bus is not that much more complicated than driving a car. You do have to be more careful, given the length and weight of a bus, as well as the responsibility you have to your passengers. However, the basics are the same, though you may need to learn to shift if you’ve never driven a standard before.
Is bus driver easy?
The job requires a unique skill set, and it’s not as easy as you’d think. Maneuvering a large, complicated vehicle can be tricky, especially when road conditions are dangerous. Every school bus driver is required to hold a commercial driver’s license.
What are the cons of being a bus driver?
Cons of Being a School Bus Driver
- Relatively low salary.
- Early morning shifts.
- No chance of teleworking.
- Disciplinary issues.
- Limited physical movement.
- Special qualification probably required.
- Little job security.
- Rush hour traffic.
Do bus drivers have gears?
The number of gears in a PCV will vary depending on the type of vehicle (eg single-deck service buses may have only 4 or 5 gears) and the type of transmission (eg manual, semi-automatic, pneumo-cyclic or pre-select gearbox).
How is the life of a bus driver?
A normal ‘typical’ day for me starts at the depot before 7.00am sign-in. I carry out a thorough bus check, ensuring all signals, doors and the bus, in general, is safe to drive on the road (a procedure we must do every time we start a shift) my first point of call is to start collecting my first passengers at 7.40am.
How stressful is a bus drivers job?
Bus drivers encounter considerable occupational stressors including traffic congestion, conflicts from passengers, rotating shift schedules, poor cabin ergonomics, and tight time schedules [2,5].
What skills do you need to drive a bus?
You’ll need to gain the Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) license and the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC Driver). The PCV takes about four to six weeks to complete, and your driving skills and knowledge both on a practical and theory-level will be assessed.
What is a common problem with buses?
Battery troubles common in buses include charging issues, parasitic loads (electrical drains on the batteries from somewhere in the buses), and excessive vibration. The first two can sap the battery of its juice and vibration can knock the battery unit out of its resting place in the engine.
How much do bus drivers make?
Find out what the average Bus Driver salary is
The average bus driver salary in Ireland is € 32 760 per year or € 16.80 per hour. Entry-level positions start at € 25 838 per year, while most experienced workers make up to € 41 000 per year.
Do bus drivers get tired?
Fatigue is an everyday issue for drivers. A range of contributors to fatigue were discussed by drivers. A more open culture related to reporting fatigue is needed within the industry.
How long is a bus driving shift?
The maximum total driving time across the entire rota is seven hours and 51 minutes on any day, the rota averages out at just under 40 hours a week and there are two scheduled rest days (including Sunday).
Do bus drivers sleep?
The only time a bus driver will sleep on the bus is if it is broken down away from a safe place and they are waiting for a replacement bus or tow truck, and that assumes they are driving late/early, not during daytime.
How long is a bus drivers shift?
Normally 7 on and 2 off pattern. A 40 minute break to an hour for lunch.
Is it worth becoming a bus driver?
Because of the variety of routes you drive, and the number of people who use your bus, you’ll meet and interact with lots of different people every day. This makes driving a London bus an excellent job choice if you want to drive for a living whilst avoiding the more solitary hours of being an HGV driver.
Is driving a bus healthy?
Though buses are constantly on the move, the drivers who operate them spend most of their work hours seated. While helping people get around town can be rewarding, the sedentary nature and challenging schedules involved in driving a bus can also put workers at risk for stress and weight gain.
At what age do bus drivers have to retire?
You will normally retire by the age of 65, but if your employer agrees you can remain in service beyond this age.
Where do bus drivers make the most money?
Highest-Paid Bus Drivers By State
| Rank | State | Average Bus Driver Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | $43,160 |
| 2 | Connecticut | $43,027 |
| 3 | Washington | $42,308 |
| 4 | Vermont | $42,296 |
Why is bus driving so stressful?
“We are concerned that the working day for drivers is too long and that drivers do not get the rest breaks they need. This is leading to high levels of stress and fatigue that increase the risk of collisions.”
What are two positives about being a bus driver?
4 Benefits of Being a Bus Driver
- Get to know your community better. As a bus driver, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with different, diverse people every day.
- Keep your city running with public transportation.
- Avoid spending lots of money on training.
- Enjoy competitive pay and benefits.
What training do you need to drive a bus?
Cat D Training
Cat D and D1 training are programmes specifically designed to teach you how to drive buses and minibuses in a professional capacity.
What age can I be a bus driver?
You’ll need to: have a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) – this is known as the Driver CPC. be over 18 years of age.