Currently available in West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Liverpool City Region and Tees Valley.
‘Route to Success’ is a free training programme that takes people with no bus driving experience and equips them with the skills to become professional drivers.
Whether you’re unemployed and looking to get back into work, or employed but looking to retrain into a new career, this course is your opportunity to take the wheel and start an exciting new career.
In just a few weeks, you will gain new skills and get behind the wheel of a bus. Once the programme is over don’t worry, we’ll introduce you to employers in the area so you can start your dream career without delay.
The programme is split into three stages:
- Stage one – myth busting and engagement
In stage one, you’ll be learning all about the skills you need to excel in the profession.
From myth-busting to expectations of a bus driver, through to a day in the life of and progression stories. We’ll introduce you to the theory tests and hazard perceptions tests and you’ll even get to have a go at the mock tests.
- Stage two – hands on bus driving experience *limited places*
On successful completion of stage one, you will also complete your driving licence application and undertake your medical test. We like to get these important elements sorted in the first week to ensure that you can get started in your new role without delay.
You will then learn the practical skills required to safely operate a passenger carrying vehicle. This is the part where you will gain hands-on driving experience with our partners. You will also prepare for, and undertake theory testing but don’t worry, we’ll make sure you are well prepared.
- Stage three – starting your new career
At the end of the programme, you will be ready to start your new career. At this point you will progress on to a guaranteed interview with a passenger transport operator in your area.
To create and deliver Route to Success, funding has been made available from West Yorkshire Combined Authority, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Tees Valley Combined Authority.