Dublin Bus looking for Drivers

Gary10r · 21-01-2014 12:17pm

Careful_now! wrote: »

When you start in the job you are a spare driver. Spare means you can be put on any route in the garage and you only get a days notice. It has its good points and bad points.

Good point would be you don't do the same route every day do you get a bit if variety.

Bad point is you only get a days notice and can't always plan stuff because you don't know if you will be early, middle or bogey (bogey is usually 7 - 7 with a long break)

Although new drivers starting now will be all lates starting off so that will give you a bit of structure. You know you will be off every morning and won't be starting work til about 3 or 4

I drive a bus for a private operator and have all the hassles & good points you speak off driving for Dublin Bus but with out the salary, structure et al, love dealing with the public but its the 3% ters , that will never be happy in anything they do in life that try & **** up your day if you let them.. anyway i got a letter from DB yesterday to go & do a written assessment this sat morn, does anyone know what this assessment might entail, thanks

Careful_now! · 21-01-2014 2:50pm

Gary10r wrote: »

I drive a bus for a private operator and have all the hassles & good points you speak off driving for Dublin Bus but with out the salary, structure et al, love dealing with the public but its the 3% ters , that will never be happy in anything they do in life that try & **** up your day if you let them.. anyway i got a letter from DB yesterday to go & do a written assessment this sat morn, does anyone know what this assessment might entail, thanks

Aptitude test, few simple questions on stages, but they give you a book to work out the answers, and do a written report on an accident, like a statement.

punisher5112 · 21-01-2014 6:42pm

Get use to writing out reports as anything and everything can happen from passenger injuries such as trips, falls, bumps and so on.

Collisions and that are common also as others most of the time misjudge spaces or try and bully their way past you.

My name may give away some of the punishment I have given out:D.

Many a crash in my time.

Grandad99 · 22-01-2014 12:06am

Thanks to all for the information, much appreciated.

I too have been shortlisted and invited to attend for the assessment this coming Saturday.

My current family circumstances are best served knowing when I am working, which I have in my current job, so I have thanked D/B for considering me and withdrawn my application.

I think the job been offered will be very attractive to many, particularly those currently working for private operators for far less money and are on call at much shorter notice, with no guaranteed hours, and have no prospect of improvement in their conditions.

Good luck to all.

Careful_now! · 22-01-2014 12:10am

Grandad99 wrote: »

Thanks to all for the information, much appreciated.

I too have been shortlisted and invited to attend for the assessment this coming Saturday.

My current family circumstances are best served knowing when I am working, which I have in my current job, so I have thanked D/B for considering me and withdrawn my application.

I think the job been offered will be very attractive to many, particularly those currently working for private operators for far less money and are on call at much shorter notice, with no guaranteed hours, and have no prospect of improvement in their conditions.

Good luck to all.

Well, for the first couple of years you would know what you are working. Weekends and late. It's when you progress to the 5 day week with a weekend off every so often is when it gets unpredictable.

But good luck in whatever you decide to do.

cdebru · 22-01-2014 1:38am

punisher5112 wrote: »

Get use to writing out reports as anything and everything can happen from passenger injuries such as trips, falls, bumps and so on.

Collisions and that are common also as others most of the time misjudge spaces or try and bully their way past you.

My name may give away some of the punishment I have given out:D.

Many a crash in my time.

I honestly haven't filled one out in years maybe 10 or more. Touch wood...

bikeman1 · 22-01-2014 8:27pm

I know one driver who is "spare" and another two who are marked in on specific routes.

They all seem to have quite varying shifts from week to week. The guy who is spare seems to be able to swap with other drivers very easily and can work when suits as he doesn't mind working in the evenings and can nearly always swap off the morning jobs.

I wouldn't think it would be a huge problem. It goes with the territory of being a transport worker!

Careful_now! · 24-01-2014 12:10pm

Just a little tip for anybody going for the written assessment.
Safety in the yard is important, so if you wear a high viz vest to the training school that might get you a couple of bonus points. There is a big push on safety at the moment

Gary10r · 24-01-2014 3:29pm

Careful_now! wrote: »

Just a little tip for anybody going for the written assessment.
Safety in the yard is important, so if you wear a high viz vest to the training school that might get you a couple of bonus points. There is a big push on safety at the moment

The written assessment tomorrow is in the Teachers Club in parnell square, thanks for that though.

Careful_now! · 24-01-2014 4:59pm

Gary10r wrote: »

The written assessment tomorrow is in the Teachers Club in parnell square, thanks for that though.

Really? They usually use the training school in phibsboro depot

Are you going for it? Best of luck if you are.

Gary10r · 24-01-2014 7:29pm

Careful_now! wrote: »

Really? They usually use the training school in phibsboro depot

Are you going for it? Best of luck if you are.

Might have something to do with the volume of applicants id say, yeah im in tomorrow at 10am, cheers

Careful_now! · 25-01-2014 2:35pm

Gary10r wrote: »

Might have something to do with the volume of applicants id say, yeah im in tomorrow at 10am, cheers

How did it go?

Was there many there?

coolbond · 26-01-2014 2:00am

I applied but never got anything in the post,do yous reckon theres still hope for me or was it just the one day they were doing assessments?

Careful_now! · 26-01-2014 10:07am

Loads of time yet. Don't be worrying. As far as I know they are taking on 70 new drivers. Some people won't get past the written assessment, more will fail the driving assessment, more will fail the interview, and more will fail the medical.

I'd say the written assessment will be on over a few weeks.

They will need well over 100 for the written assessment.

Gary10r · 26-01-2014 1:17pm

Careful_now! wrote: »

How did it go?

Was there many there?

It went well. As someone said , had to do a accident report & then calculate fares given & finished off with the aptitude test. There wasn't as many as I thought there would be, approx 50 & a few empty seats, thinking there are probably other days with more groups as I heard there are 70 positions going. They said they will contact us near the end of feb to see who is going through to the driving assessment.

Careful_now! · 07-02-2014 2:10am

According to information from the unions, new drivers will be starting in March. Has anybody progressed to the next stage yet?

Gary10r · 10-02-2014 12:41pm

Just heard today, got the driving assessment & interview (if i pass the driving assessment) next week, any tips greatly appreciated

GTE · 10-02-2014 2:04pm

I am sure there is something about low bridges I heard. . . . nah, nevermind. Probably not important! Just drive away I say!*

*useless advice.

Good luck though!!

Careful_now! · 10-02-2014 3:50pm

Gary10r wrote: »

Just heard today, got the driving assessment & interview (if i pass the driving assessment) next week, any tips greatly appreciated

I don't know if anything has changed, but when I had mine the assessment was in a automatic ford focus. All the new applicants have a bus licence already, and that hasn't happened before, so I don't know if the assessment is in a car or a bus.

As for tips, take your time, it's not a race. Drive like its a driving test and you'll be fine.

Where do you have to go? The training school in Phibsboro?

StreetLight · 10-02-2014 6:54pm

Gary10r wrote: »

Just heard today, got the driving assessment & interview (if i pass the driving assessment) next week, any tips greatly appreciated

Number One is safety.

Don't take undue risks, but maintain progress.
Use the handbrake if you anticipate being stopped for more than a few seconds.

Observation is so important. Let them see you using mirrors as much as possible. Look over your right shoulder before moving off. Move your head and body to help you look around corners.

Every time you overtake a cyclist, give them plenty of room and check your nearside mirror when you have passed them. Cyclists are vulnerable and can be unseated or steered off course by the draught created by a large passing vehicle. Cyclists are held in high regard by Dublin Bus as they don't contribute to further clogging of the city by private cars.

If you don't understand an instructor's direction, just ask for it to be repeated. They won't lose the rag with you because they are actually very nice, understanding people!

All the best.

Gary10r · 11-02-2014 11:07am

Careful_now! wrote: »

I don't know if anything has changed, but when I had mine the assessment was in a automatic ford focus. All the new applicants have a bus licence already, and that hasn't happened before, so I don't know if the assessment is in a car or a bus.

As for tips, take your time, it's not a race. Drive like its a driving test and you'll be fine.

Where do you have to go? The training school in Phibsboro?

Its in a bus & yes i have to go to phibsboro depot for 9.30am which is gonna be a test in itself

Gary10r · 11-02-2014 11:09am

StreetLight wrote: »

Number One is safety.

Don't take undue risks, but maintain progress.
Use the handbrake if you anticipate being stopped for more than a few seconds.

Observation is so important. Let them see you using mirrors as much as possible. Look over your right shoulder before moving off. Move your head and body to help you look around corners.

Every time you overtake a cyclist, give them plenty of room and check your nearside mirror when you have passed them. Cyclists are vulnerable and can be unseated or steered off course by the draught created by a large passing vehicle. Cyclists are held in high regard by Dublin Bus as they don't contribute to further clogging of the city by private cars.

If you don't understand an instructor's direction, just ask for it to be repeated. They won't lose the rag with you because they are actually very nice, understanding people!

All the best.

Thanks for that, as much as i hate them i can understand Dublin Bus position on cyclists. cheers

Gary10r · 11-02-2014 11:59am

I know there is nothing normal about this process but does anyone know the general route you are taking on from the depot?? its been a long time since i was over that direction.

StreetLight · 11-02-2014 12:43pm

Gary10r wrote: »

I know there is nothing normal about this process but does anyone know the general route you are taking on from the depot?? its been a long time since i was over that direction.

Most likely a couple of laps of the yard in Broadstone first to give you a feel for the bus. Then maybe along Phibsboro Road to Finglas, or North Circular Road to Conyngham Road, or Western Way down to O'Connell Street and Dame Street.

Csalem · 11-02-2014 3:57pm

I have spotted the Driving School RAs out in the city centre a lot in the last week or so. I was wondering if maybe that was some of the driver assessments?

cdebru · 12-02-2014 10:28am

Gary10r wrote: »

I know there is nothing normal about this process but does anyone know the general route you are taking on from the depot?? its been a long time since i was over that direction.

Could bring you anywhere really it will probably only be for around 30 minutes just remember your 30kmph in around the city center if you go that direction.

Gary10r · 12-02-2014 10:39am

cdebru wrote: »

Could bring you anywhere really it will probably only be for around 30 minutes just remember your 30kmph in around the city center if you go that direction.

Thanks for that, i havent drove around the city centre in yonks in a car never mind a bus, i have experience in a RV but not in the city centre, ah sure ill just be mr careful & see what happens.

the boss of me · 13-02-2014 9:24pm

Gary10r wrote: »

Thanks for that, as much as i hate cyclists

You might want to keep that quiet on the day. Most if not all of the inspectors in the driving school are keen cyclists ; )

Gary10r · 13-02-2014 10:47pm

the boss of me wrote: »

You might want to keep that quiet on the day. Most if not all of the inspectors in the driving school are keen cyclists ; )

Oh they are my best buds on that day, might even throw in 'im a keen cyclist myself'

rx8 · 15-02-2014 11:44pm

Their favourite route is left and then right on to Western Way, around Blessington St. and then on to O'Connell St. Make sure to observe the sneaky stop sign coming out of Phibsboro Garage, and the 30 kph limit around town and you'll be alright.
As mentioned already, the driving instructors are all really nice and they have seen it all before.
Best of luck anyway and keep us posted as to how you get on.

Gary10r · 16-02-2014 11:40am

Thanks for that, appreciated, ye i heard about the sneaky stop sign coming out of the garage

ye ill be back on to update,cheers

usiaczek283 · 21-02-2014 10:02pm

not all of the Dublin Bus passengers are so bad

some are really nice to the drivers.
Especially if you go to work each day and the same driver takes you there, replies to your ''Hi/Good morning'' and to your 'have a nice day'. It is a nice way to start a day each day when you are tired and sleepy in the morning.

rx8 · 22-02-2014 12:31am

Unfortunately though, most of the new recruits will be bringing them home from the pub when they are locked and looking for a row.

Careful_now! · 22-02-2014 2:26pm

Gary10r wrote: »

Thanks for that, appreciated, ye i heard about the sneaky stop sign coming out of the garage ye ill be back on to update,cheers

Have you had your driving assessment yet?

I lost me ticket · 24-02-2014 9:05pm

Just got letter today to confirm driving assessment & interview next week.
Has anyone been offered job yet?

usiaczek283 · 24-02-2014 10:09pm

How do the shifts work in Dublin Bus once you are not a spare driver anymore? Is it from Monday to Friday? you get like early shifts (morning) for a whole week and then really late ones (evening) for another week and it rotates over few weeks?
How long does it take to be moved from spare driver to become 5 days driver? just wondering..., as I might tell my friend to apply for the job as well :-)

I lost me ticket · 25-02-2014 6:48pm

usiaczek283 wrote: »

How do the shifts work in Dublin Bus once you are not a spare driver anymore? Is it from Monday to Friday? you get like early shifts (morning) for a whole week and then really late ones (evening) for another week and it rotates over few weeks?
How long does it take to be moved from spare driver to become 5 days driver? just wondering..., as I might tell my friend to apply for the job as well :-)

As far as I know they closed down the online application

. Closing date for receipt of applications, I think was last month.

The_Pretender · 25-02-2014 8:01pm

usiaczek283 wrote: »

How do the shifts work in Dublin Bus once you are not a spare driver anymore? Is it from Monday to Friday? you get like early shifts (morning) for a whole week and then really late ones (evening) for another week and it rotates over few weeks?
How long does it take to be moved from spare driver to become 5 days driver? just wondering..., as I might tell my friend to apply for the job as well :-)

It seems the average is 9/10 years of being a spare driver.

coolbond · 26-02-2014 7:13pm

I got invited for assessments this saturday in the gresham,did anybody else get the invited?

Careful_now! · 27-02-2014 3:03pm

coolbond wrote: »

I got invited for assessments this saturday in the gresham,did anybody else get the invited?

I heard a lot if people didn't pass the aptitude test, so maybe that's why they are having more tests.

I'm also told the first batch of new recruits will be starting on March 10th.

Has anybody been given their start date yet?

macroman · 28-02-2014 12:07am

Careful_now! wrote: »

I heard a lot if people didn't pass the aptitude test, so maybe that's why they are having more tests.

I'm also told the first batch of new recruits will be starting on March 10th.

Has anybody been given their start date yet?

I'm starting March 10th got the good news on Tuesday

The process took longer than expected! 4 Months!!

Applied Early Dec 2013.
Written Assessments Late Jan 2014
Driving Assessment & Interview Mid Feb 2014
Medical Late Feb 2014
Training Early March 2014

They have been VERY thorough with the selection - written tests, challenging driving assessment, formal interview, very thorough medical and even down to checking the references, both my referees (current & previous employer) rang me after DB phoned them to say how thorough the questions they asked were - freaked me out until I got a call from HR later that day telling me it's all good when am I ready to start!

dorutzica · 28-02-2014 1:33am

How was the written assessments?

Careful_now! · 28-02-2014 8:24am

macroman wrote: »

I'm starting March 10th got the good news on Tuesday

The process took longer than expected! 4 Months!!

Applied Early Dec 2013.
Written Assessments Late Jan 2014
Driving Assessment & Interview Mid Feb 2014
Medical Late Feb 2014
Training Early March 2014

They have been VERY thorough with the selection - written tests, challenging driving assessment, formal interview, very thorough medical and even down to checking the references, both my referees (current & previous employer) rang me after DB phoned them to say how thorough the questions they asked were - freaked me out until I got a call from HR later that day telling me it's all good when am I ready to start!

Congrats on getting the job

coolbond · 07-03-2014 1:47pm

coolbond wrote: »

I got invited for assessments this saturday in the gresham,did anybody else get the invited?

letter today inviting me for Driving assessment + interview march 25th! :-)

Careful_now! · 14-03-2014 12:04am

macroman wrote: »

I'm starting March 10th got the good news on Tuesday

The process took longer than expected! 4 Months!!

Applied Early Dec 2013.
Written Assessments Late Jan 2014
Driving Assessment & Interview Mid Feb 2014
Medical Late Feb 2014
Training Early March 2014

They have been VERY thorough with the selection - written tests, challenging driving assessment, formal interview, very thorough medical and even down to checking the references, both my referees (current & previous employer) rang me after DB phoned them to say how thorough the questions they asked were - freaked me out until I got a call from HR later that day telling me it's all good when am I ready to start!

So did you start on Monday? How's it going for you so far?

What are you doing? Are you just out on the road getting use to the different types of busses or is it all classroom for now?

macroman · 14-03-2014 8:35pm

Careful_now! wrote: »

So did you start on Monday? How's it going for you so far?

What are you doing? Are you just out on the road getting use to the different types of busses or is it all classroom for now?

Going well so far, there's only 6 of us training so quite a small group.

It's a mixture of classroom and driving. First 2 days in the classroom (introductions, eco driving, cyclist awareness, issuing of uniforms etc.), then 3 days on the road, another day in the classroom for ticket machine training, then 3 more days on the road, then hopefully "graduation" on Tuesday week before being sent to the depot for more hands-on training with the mentors for a week or two. There is a massive investment on driver training which is refreshing, constant CPC training and they're operating a constant driver assessment program called vigil vanguard which using cameras, GPS and motion sensors with the trainers gives great feedback to the driver and company on how a driver is driving as they can track back on certain events (good and bad). Us new drivers under-go it before being appointed as permanent after 12 months.

We've type trained most buses in the fleet, visited a few depots and gotten rid of most of our bad habits! We're the first new drivers into the company since 2006 so the training school has had to renew all of its training courses as all new drivers will already be licensed, so its more focused on eco-driving and intensive city driving. The trainers are the soundest guys you'd meet, garage staff and most drivers have been very welcoming and giving great advice.

coolbond · 16-03-2014 1:56pm

macroman wrote: »

Going well so far, there's only 6 of us training so quite a small group.

It's a mixture of classroom and driving. First 2 days in the classroom (introductions, eco driving, cyclist awareness, issuing of uniforms etc.), then 3 days on the road, another day in the classroom for ticket machine training, then 3 more days on the road, then hopefully "graduation" on Tuesday week before being sent to the depot for more hands-on training with the mentors for a week or two. There is a massive investment on driver training which is refreshing, constant CPC training and they're operating a constant driver assessment program called vigil vanguard which using cameras, GPS and motion sensors with the trainers gives great feedback to the driver and company on how a driver is driving as they can track back on certain events (good and bad). Us new drivers under-go it before being appointed as permanent after 12 months.

We've type trained most buses in the fleet, visited a few depots and gotten rid of most of our bad habits! We're the first new drivers into the company since 2006 so the training school has had to renew all of its training courses as all new drivers will already be licensed, so its more focused on eco-driving and intensive city driving. The trainers are the soundest guys you'd meet, garage staff and most drivers have been very welcoming and giving great advice.

do drivers get paid weekly or monthly?

Careful_now! · 16-03-2014 3:16pm

coolbond wrote: »

do drivers get paid weekly or monthly?

Weekly

steveblack · 18-03-2014 2:09am

macroman wrote: »

The trainers are the soundest guys you'd meet, garage staff and most drivers have been very welcoming and giving great advice.

contrary to the opinion of a lot of posters on boards, drivers are just normal people. If you are a decent person, they will be decent back to you. No sensible person looks for confrontation in life, but unfortunately those crazy who do look for trouble seem to use dublin bus and post on here.

I and other drivers, believe it or not are very happy that the company is hiring again. I know i can speak for all drivers when i say i wish you all the best in your new job.

Now a few tips for new drivers.
1. Do not rush to try and make your time, fact is some of the timetables are unrealistic, the inspectors in central control know this, so when you arrive late at the terminus call them and they will sort you out.
2.Passengers for the most part pay the correct fare , if they dont or have a dodgy Free travel pass, Dont get involved. You are a driver, that is all. Let the inspectors deal with the fare dodgers. Trust me it will end with a trip to see the manager if you get involved in policing fare dodging.
3.Just agree with the passenger. ie. i have been waiting 2 hours for a 46a! ( just agree thats terrible, should not have happened , give them the ticket they want, and forget about it.)

Follow these three tips and you will have a decent job, if not prepare for frequent visits to the manager.

paulvalentine · 18-03-2014 9:00am

Yes, I got called for written assessment this Saturday in Gresham.
Has anyone any tips or advice about what to expect here?
Thanks, Val

Dublin Bus looking for Drivers

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