Passenger transport driver – bus, coach and tram

As a level 2 passenger transport apprentice you will ensure people are able to travel on time and in comfort from the start to the end of their chosen journey. You could be driving buses for leading operators including Stagecoach.

The interior of a Stagecoach bus
Course overview

At a glance

Level

2

Duration

12 - 14 months

Location

Workplace

About the course

You will gain the skills, knowledge and behaviours that play a vital role in providing a high quality, accessible and safe passenger transport service to your customers.

We’ve been working in partnership with transport industry leaders and specialists to co-design and deliver the passenger transport bus driver level 2 apprenticeship.

Together we deliver a unique training experience, combining practical training and off-the-job learning activities over a 13 month programme. This means you’ll gain the skills and knowledge to succeed in the transport industry providing you with the starting point to a great career.

This course is cost-free to learners. All our programmes are regulated and funded through the government or the apprenticeship levy.

Is this course right for you?

The course is ideal for new recruits, who hold a valid Category B UK driving licence and who haven’t previously held a PCV licence. This is a great opportunity to begin a long term career in the transport sector.

As a transport driver you’ll have the practical responsibility of getting customers to their chosen destination safely, legally and on time. This is a comprehensive training programme with hands-on training from industry experts for professional individuals who are both sociable and reliable.

You will also develop excellent customer service skills throughout the programme so that you’re able to support and deliver the very best service at all times.

You will be supported by an expert team throughout the apprenticeship, and you will be on a programme designed by leading passenger transport operators so that you gain a quality learning experience by the sector and for the sector.

James wilai

Since we first went live with the apprentice scheme I have noticed that the quality of our new drivers is getting better and better.

James Williams. Stagecoach, operations manager in Gloucester, Wye & Dean.

The apprenticeship has been an enjoyable experience and team have been fantastic in delivering the course.

Ralph Turtle, Bus driver

I learnt a lot and the trainers were really helpful all the way through. I would go through it all again if I could.

Stephen Marshall, Stagecoach

The innovative programme gives our trainees the knowledge, skills and behaviours to be professional bus drivers of the future.

Tracey Smyth, Stagecoach, Head of Talent Development

What you’ll learn

Our 12 month apprenticeship programme will give you the core competencies required by any passenger transport business combined with passenger vehicle and bus driver training.

Your learning will include:

  • Safer driving including operating the vehicle in restricted spaces and all weather conditions
  • Routes and route features including restrictions
  • Safe working practices
  • Emergency & Hazard management
  • Understanding different types of customers
  • Customer service and professionalism
  • You will gain a PCV licence and driver’s certificate of professional competence upon completion of the programme, which our team will fully support you to prepare for.

British Values, Equality & Diversity, Accessibility & Self Development

If you don’t have Level 1 English and Maths you will need to achieve this and take the test for Level 2 English and Maths prior to taking the end point assessment at the end of the programme. Our team of Training & Development Officers and specialist English and maths tutors can support you with this if required.

Need more information?

No problem. It doesn’t matter if your query is big or small, our teams are here to help. Just complete a quick enquiry form and we’ll be in contact soon to assist you with your query.

How you’ll learn

Our expert staff will support you to achieve the apprenticeship.

We have highly skilled and knowledgeable staff with significant experience of working in the industry who will be able to share their experiences and support you.

We deliver the programme throughout the year providing you with the flexibility to start the apprenticeship when it meets your needs. All learning is either on a 1-2-1 basis or small group webinars so you have the best experience possible with sector experts.

Typically you will have:

  • A dedicated Training & Development Officer providing ongoing training, guidance and support
  • 6-12 weeks upfront training (licence acquisition and mentoring)
  • Practical assessments and on-bus observations, including in a depot environment
  • Workshops sessions delivered at a local depot or remotely via Zoom
  • 24/7 access to a range of online learning materials and resources
  • Support from your employer to fulfil the requirements of the programme
  • Progress reviews, including a pre-gateway and final gateway review before end point assessment
  • End point assessment preparation and support ensuring you’re ready to progress
  • Support from English/Maths Tutors if required

Our experts

The people that make it happen

Guy

Training & development officer

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Guy

Training & development officer

I am a highly enthusiastic, creative and self-motivated training professional, specialising in the bus and coach industry. Combining both industry knowledge and training experience to achieve personal and business objectives. A confident and innovative facilitator who successfully encourages others to engage in learning and development at all levels. With over 40 years experience in the bus and coach industry which includes over 20 years as a trainer, I strive to provide the opportunities for each and every learner to succeed.
I was the first trainer in the country to have learners achieve their end point assessment in the passenger transport apprenticeship, something I am immensely proud of.

John

Training & development officer

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John

Training & development officer

I started driving local buses in 2006. Since then I have progressed to service manager, revenue protection and finally into training around 2015. I even drove National Express coaches for a while! At Realise I deliver workshops to level 2 bus driver apprentices and support them with their development.

Tracey

Training & development officer

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Tracey

Training & development officer

I have 19 years’ experience in passenger transport as a driver, mentor, supervisor and trainer. I have worked for Realise as a trainer since January 2020. My role gives me great opportunities to share the knowledge and skills that I have developed over the last 19 years in passenger transport. Working with and supporting new and established drivers to give them the confidence, knowledge and skills needed to become a professional driver in the bus industry.

Wayne Doran
Wayne

Performance manager

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Wayne Doran
Wayne

Performance manager

I joined Realise in 2018. Prior to that I worked for Stagecoach for 12 years, spending 8 years as a driver and 4 years as a trainer. I have been promoted twice since joining and I am now performance manager responsible for 5 regions. I have loved the challenges my new role has presented, developing me not only professionally but as a person too. I am proud to work for Realise and in particular the passenger transport sector.

Paul

Partnership manager

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Paul

Partnership manager

I joined Realise as a trainer after working as a CPC instructor. I saw the value of the apprenticeship within the industry and wanted to be part of it. I worked closely with learners delivering workshops and providing guidance and support. After a year I became a performance manager, still working closely with learners and my small team.

Amanda

Training & development officer

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Amanda

Training & development officer

I have been in transport for 14 years, I am a qualified assessor, trainer, and CPC instructor, working on the West Yorkshire contract ‘route to success.  

Lucy

Training & development officer

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Lucy

Training & development officer

I am a training and development officer at Realise. My job is to offer extensive training within the transport industry (specifically bus and coach). I have years of experience within the industry and pass this on to new drivers who wish to become advanced in this area. I teach various subject matters, from company procedures, how to deliver exceptional customer service and industry law. There is no better feeling as a trainer, than to witness a person develop their knowledge, skills and behaviours and have all that hard work result in a nationally recognised qualification.

Frequently asked questions

How do I become a bus driver?
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Our bus driver apprenticeship programme will give you a PCV licence and the skills required to be a competent, professional bus driver.

What qualifications are needed for a bus driver?
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Typically, to be a trainee bus driver, you will need to hold a driving licence (category B) that’s either clean or has minimal points and be over the age of 18. We will work with you to gain your PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) licence and gain the skills required to be a bus driver.

Is being a bus driver a good career?
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Bus driving can be a great career. Many of the bus drivers we work with tell us that they would never look back now they’ve made the leap into the world of passenger transport.

Ready to take the next step?

Let’s talk. You’re only a few clicks away from enquiring about this course. Don’t delay, get in touch and start something exciting today!