Coach Driver: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path
Learn about the key skills, qualifications, and career path for a Coach Driver
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Practice Now »What is a Coach Driver?
A Coach Driver is a professional who operates vehicles designed to transport multiple passengers such as coaches or buses, primarily over long distances. The role involves ensuring passenger safety, adhering to set schedules, and sometimes helping with handling luggage or answering passenger queries.
Skills
- Excellent driving skills and knowledge of traffic regulations
- Strong communication and customer service skills
- Ability to handle difficult situations and remain calm under pressure
- Good time management and organizational skills
- Attention to detail and ability to follow schedules and routes accurately
- Knowledge of vehicle maintenance and basic troubleshooting skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Flexibility and adaptability to changing schedules and routes
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Commitment to safety and ensuring passenger well-being
Qualifications & Education
- Possession of a full car driving licence
- Successful completion of the Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) test, which includes a theoretical examination and assessed driving
- Minimum age requirement of 18 years old for entry to the PCV test
- Optional NVQs/SVQs in Transporting Passengers by Road available at Levels 2 and 3
Career Path
Frequently Asked Questions
To become a coach driver in the UK, you typically need at least 1 year of car driving experience. You would then undergo Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) driver training, which usually lasts between 1 and 6 weeks. Your employer would also provide training for the Certificate of Professional Competence or Driver CPC.
A coach driver in the UK can drive for up to 9 hours per day, with the possibility of extending it to 10 hours twice in a fixed week. They are required to take a 45-minute break after 4.5 hours of driving, which can be split into two breaks of 15 minutes and 30 minutes. These breaks must be used for "recuperation" but can be taken as a passenger in a moving coach.
Identify your strengths and weakness in a realistic Coach Driver mock interview, under 10 minutes
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