Becoming a bus driver?

skyhighflyer

Hi all,

Not sure is this is the correct forum to post in, but I couldn't think of anywhere else more appropriate. I was going to put it into 'learning to drive' but I already have an idea of licensing, etc, and I was looking for opinions on the issue.

Basically, I'm 22, finished college and quite like the idea of driving a bus for a few months. This probably sounds a bit sad but I've always been fascinated by big powerful machines and I love driving so I'd much prefer to drive than be stuck behind a counter in a shop which is what I'm doing now.

However, it would only be a temporary thing as I have a contract to start a job in my degree specialisation beginning in 2009. So even assuming I got my D licence by Christmas the most I'd be doing the job for would be 7 months or so. Therefore I'm not sure how interested any bus companies would be in hiring me for such a short time and given the fact that I'd have no experience. I'd prefer to drive a coach for longer journeys rather than Dublin Bus if that makes a difference.

Any drivers or knowledgable people on here who can give any insight into whether or not my idea is realistic or not?

peanuthead

skyhighflyer wrote: »

the most I'd be doing the job for would be 7 months or so. Therefore I'm not sure how interested any bus companies would be in hiring me for such a short time and given the fact that I'd have no experience.

dont tell them its only for 7 months

skyhighflyer

Thought about doing that alright;). But I found that when I was looking for a job this summer after finishing college most places assumed I'd leave as soon I got something related to my studies so they were reluctant to hire me, no matter how long I told them I'd stay for. But I get what you're saying.

AlekSmart

If you are prepared for long hours and weekend work I would recommend contacting AirCoach at Dublin Airport.
If you are newly qualified I would imagine a spell on the Car Park shuttles would be the first introduction before letting you loose on an unsuspecting public

Be very aware however,that the Busdriving game is awash with highly qualified people who only joined it for a few months until "something better" came along....many of these are now over 35 years at it and still waitin for that somethin better... :P

KC61

AlekSmart wrote: »

Be very aware however,that the Busdriving game is awash with highly qualified people who only joined it for a few months until "something better" came along....many of these are now over 35 years at it and still waitin for that somethin better... :P

Who could you possibly be thinking of Alek?

I'm still waiting for you to take over the Joe Duffy hotseat!!!

Del2005

skyhighflyer wrote: »

Hi all,

Not sure is this is the correct forum to post in, but I couldn't think of anywhere else more appropriate. I was going to put it into 'learning to drive' but I already have an idea of licensing, etc, and I was looking for opinions on the issue.

Basically, I'm 22, finished college and quite like the idea of driving a bus for a few months. This probably sounds a bit sad but I've always been fascinated by big powerful machines and I love driving so I'd much prefer to drive than be stuck behind a counter in a shop which is what I'm doing now.

However, it would only be a temporary thing as I have a contract to start a job in my degree specialisation beginning in 2009. So even assuming I got my D licence by Christmas the most I'd be doing the job for would be 7 months or so. Therefore I'm not sure how interested any bus companies would be in hiring me for such a short time and given the fact that I'd have no experience. I'd prefer to drive a coach for longer journeys rather than Dublin Bus if that makes a difference.

Any drivers or knowledgable people on here who can give any insight into whether or not my idea is realistic or not?

First off you'll have to do the theory test for a D licence, then apply for the lerners permit and get some lessons. The one catch is that you have to have your learners permit for 6 months before you can apply for your test so you can't get your D licence till April at the earliest. How does this affect your plans?

paddyland

What are Aircoach paying now? What are the shifts like?

In 2005 it was €11/hr on the car parks, €12/hr on the blue buses. I am sure it has gone up since. The problem was those unbearable twelve hour shifts with no break...

trellheim

is there no tacho rule for buses ? 12 hours with no break seems excessive to say the least.

the boss of me

Del2005 wrote: »

The one catch is that you have to have your learners permit for 6 months before you can apply for your test so you can't get your D licence till April at the earliest. How does this affect your plans?

I'm pretty sure only applies to car licences, for buses and trucks once you pass your theory test and get your provisional you're good to go.

However since Sept 10 you will need a drivers cpc. Existing bus drivers are automatically granted this cert but new drivers have to undergo additional training first. More info here

http://www.rsa.ie/SERVICES/RSA_Services/CPC_Unit.html

Del2005

the boss of me wrote: »

I'm pretty sure only applies to car licences, for buses and trucks once you pass your theory test and get your provisional you're good to go.

However since Sept 10 you will need a drivers cpc. Existing bus drivers are automatically granted this cert but new drivers have to undergo additional training first. More info here

http://www.rsa.ie/SERVICES/RSA_Services/CPC_Unit.html

Thanks wasn't too sure about that. Just passed the bike test and had 6 months left on Prov. Will have to see if I can transfer it over and do the bus.