Passenger Transport Driver

On a passenger transport driver apprenticeship course, you’ll operate buses, coaches or trams, making sure passengers get where they’re going safely and on time.

An apprenticeship in passenger transportation services is an excellent way to learn the skills and knowledge needed to deliver a high-quality, accessible, and safe passenger transportation service to all customers.

Depending on the kind of transportation system your company is responsible for, you may be driving buses, coaches, or trams. Your duties will include successfully and efficiently operating a passenger transport vehicle, driving legally and safely with a sharp eye for detail, and prioritising the safety of passengers and the general public.

To operate a bus or coach, you must have a valid UK driving licence. Consequently, you will be permitted to drive a vehicle with more than eight passengers.

What you’ll learn

On a passenger transport driver apprenticeship course, you’ll learn to:

• Plan and organise work so that jobs can be carried out safely and effectively.
• Follow all appropriate Health and Safety procedures and maintain safe working practices.
• Recognise inappropriate behaviour that may lead to a conflict and be on the lookout for security breaches and emergencies, taking prompt and required action to ensure safety.
• Prioritise your duties to ensure that jobs are completed on schedule, and the service is up and running.
• Maintain a professional look and demeanour.
• Identify and safeguard lost goods.
• Examine your progress and performance, and strive to advance in your career.
• Collect performance feedback from others to identify skill and knowledge gaps.
• Provide inclusive information to all groups while also promoting the safe operation of the transportation system.
• Determine the topic of an enquiry and, if required, seek clarification.
• Answer questions, complaints, and praises quickly, courteous, and helpfully.
• Recognise scenarios that might result in bewilderment, panic, or conflict.
• Provide risk-aware assistance and empathetic reassurance that promotes goodwill. 
• Respond to coworkers in a way that promotes professionalism and the safe operation of the transportation service.
• Make sure your words, actions, and behaviours promote equality and diversity.
• Showcase a cohesive and collaborative approach to meeting team and business objectives.
• Look for and double-check information and documentation about upcoming events.
• Wear the essential personal protective equipment and follow the relevant norms and procedures for recognising and safely entering the vehicle.
• Always drive safely and efficiently, especially in restricted spaces and all weather conditions.
• Show care for other drivers on the road.
• Prepare and submit documents, reports, and logs, including performance, incident, and technical information.
• Make timely and transparent announcements to keep passengers informed of service delays and interruptions, as well as any scheduling implications.
• Check that the vehicle’s destination, signage, and information are correct.
• Respond to on-board questions and interpret data
• Examine the instruments and ensure that the vehicle operates smoothly and responds to signals, indications, and instructions.
• Respond to alerts and signs, and diagnose and correct flaws and failures using authorised processes and techniques.
• Ensure that the information, comfort, and auxiliary systems are working, that they are monitored, and that they are updated as required during the journey.
• Make scheduled stops in compliance with laws and regulations, and assist customers who need assistance.
• Take the appropriate steps if external circumstances interfere with the planned journey.
• Removing a vehicle from service, transferring it to the appropriate location and ensuring that it is properly positioned, immobilised, switched off, and secured.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• Certain medical requirements must be met to receive a provisional PCV licence. Apprentices must hold a valid UK driving licence, at least category B (car driving).
• Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level before taking the end-point assessment.
• Be over 18 years of age
• Have a full driving licence

Assessment methods

The End Point Assessment consists of two distinct assessment methods: 

•  Observation
•  Professional Review

Duration, level and potential salary upon completion

Apprenticeship standard

More information about the Level 2 Passenger Transport Driver Apprenticeship standard can be found here.

Apprenticeship end point assessment

For more information about the End Point Assessment Process, please read the Institute of Apprenticeships’ information page.