Great video mate, very informative... I was actually due to start a driving apprenticeship with Stagecoach (Midlands) just over a year ago but due to Covid it never happened. I was told that once they were able to proceed they would be in touch. I don't think anyone at the time imagined that life would be disrupted for this long! Anyway, they contacted me a couple of days ago to see if I was still interested in pursuing a career as a bus driver with them, which I am, and am looking to seeing how that progresses. I agree that theory test pro is an excellent resource and fortunately my access to it was never removed so I have been "keeping my eye in" every now and then on the off chance :-) Keep the videos coming... Stay safe.
Hi I am starting my training in a few weeks time and am curios about the case study part of the test. What are the main things I should be preparing for in this?
I want to be a bus drivers in a few years and I’m wondering, is it hard to turn corners on buses or is it easy once you get used to it? I really love buses❤
@@vincenzobaldo1066 I’ve thought about this. Stagecoach provided the forms, for a medical. The doctor then sent off all the forms along with the photo card license to the DVSA. It came back within a week, I then contacted Stagecoach, and organised a start date to the theory test.
@@M1keWrites Thankyou 👍🙂 I have been waiting for over 2 weeks because the doctor made mistake, he hasn't send the D2 form where my address was fill in, together with the D4. form. So stagecoach contacted me asking if I had the Other page from the D2, and I had with me 🤦♂️ I know is a bit complicated. Thank you for your reply. Take care.
Love the videos matey! Just wondering if they start paying you from the start of training? You mentioned beginning in March and then passing your final stages in October… were you paid a salary for all those months or did you have another job while you were training through the modules?
Hi there, If you pass to drive a single decker, do you have to have more training in order to pass to drive a double decker? How long would any extra training take?
Y B cab driver 4 25 years fancy a change. Did your time bus driving raise questions when you renewed your bill? Worried if I don’t like it that pco might have a problem with me no acting as a cab driver for the whole duration of my bill. Any advise?
I have no idea what forms they sent. I never took them out of the envelope. They gave me a photocopy of my drivers licence, and sent the original off with the medical forms.
You are going to have a shock once lockdown ends and social distancing is removed from buses. We used to drive our buses up to the maximum carrying capacity during rush hour. Not sure if that will ever return?
Hello Mike how you doing today been and i am watching your video Mike 😄 x🧡❤️🤍🖤🤎🌹i love your cat and i am in love you your cat and i am love bus lots and lots and lots and lots and lots xxxxxxxxx
Don’t worry about the Mod4 My examiner said he’d only had one person fail it since they brought it in. Study the questions, over and over, and you’ll be fine. I will try and do a video as soon as I can.
@@M1keWrites thanks mate. I'm starting with stagecoach actually but don't need to do theory or case study as already passed them. Thanks mate 👍 any tips where is a good place to study for mod 4
@@andyorpin3608 hi Andy. If you’re training with Stagecoach they will take you through the whole process. Don’t worry, they make it sound a lot harder than it actually is.
Nice video. Was wondering must I have a manual license to train to become a bus driver or I could still be taken on with an automatic licence. Noticed all london buses are automatic anyways. Do you know of anyone with automatic licence only and has been taken on to be a bus driver please
Great thanks... Intend to apply for some trainee bus driver roles. Actually tried with a bus company out of london but the recruitment lady didn’t further my application because I have an automatic licence, reason been they train drivers on a manual bus which was so weird to believe because why train on a manual bus then you automatically get an automatic PCV licence anyways and still go on to drive an automatic transmission bus Just thought she wasn’t sure but I wasn’t sure myself
I had my interview at West Ham yesterday and I got it. Next week I’ve got the medical appointment what did they do and also how long does it take for them to send back your results?
It’s the basic medical. Eyesight, blood pressure etc. You’ll know on the day if you’ve passed. They will send off your license and you should get it back with 3-4 weeks.
@@elizabeth_6561 I applied to the company during the first lockdown, so covid did away with a lot of testing. I didn’t do any tests, prior to the theory, hazard perception and case studies tests.
Just to let you know bud on your papers you can still see the numbers ect the highlighter tool or pen thing in apple and android is not the best you have to do a couple swoops over depending on what brush you have used on the picture as some don't use a full opacity just thought id let you know though id not worry about it not many people are going to be looking for that type of thing but just to let you know bud ! Glad you got the job though it's more like you the bus world needs !
Does it really takes 6 weeks depending how good training you are? The reason I ask is that I'll be a bus driver soon but it will be Arriva in North London.
@@TrainBoy-tf9gh my timings include the theory, hazard perception test and case study. At 15weeks you’ll have a progress check, with another instructor. If you haven’t improved at 30hrs you’re gone.
@@TrainBoy-tf9gh they are written tests (computer based) multiple choice, you have to pass before you start learning to drive. Similar to the normal car tests but for buses.
@@M1keWrites okay cool thanks I am starting the tranniee driver course on the 24th of July training at East Midlands head office then driving for Grimsby depot
It’s not to bad. When you first start they give you a little bit more time than you get later on. Once you’ve driven the route, you won’t forget it. As new drivers we go out with a mentor. He/she will drive a couple of rounders, then under their instruction, you’ll drive. I had two days to learn one route. You don’t usually get that sort of time.
@@M1keWrites What are the wages like ? Do drivers get much hassle or agro ? ls that right you have to do the CPC training as well the Driver's training course ? How much does it cost? ls it too late to do it at 58 !
Hello Sir, Im new in uk i only have any licence not even a car licence. I want to become a bus driver what i must do? What is the process i must go through.
You have to have a uk driving license. So that’s a good place to start. Once you have it, you can apply to the company of your choice. They will train you to drive a bus, after you pass the theory tests.
Hello Sir, I'm here I have my uk driving licence and I got almost 5 months driving experience. I applied for metroline and they called me for an interview this month. I'm nervous what's gonna happen there please guide me.
@@isaac993 there were people when I sat my theory test, who were on their second time round. If you’re really close to passing, you’ll get a second short. The case studies are a series of short stories you have to read and answer questions on, based on the knowledge you’ve gleamed from the theory tests.
Hi from Galway Ireland 🇮🇪 mate..I going doing my bus driver course next month and I appreciate your honest opinion of the job thanks Darragh
You’re welcome thanks for watching.
Great video mate, very informative... I was actually due to start a driving apprenticeship with Stagecoach (Midlands) just over a year ago but due to Covid it never happened. I was told that once they were able to proceed they would be in touch. I don't think anyone at the time imagined that life would be disrupted for this long! Anyway, they contacted me a couple of days ago to see if I was still interested in pursuing a career as a bus driver with them, which I am, and am looking to seeing how that progresses. I agree that theory test pro is an excellent resource and fortunately my access to it was never removed so I have been "keeping my eye in" every now and then on the off chance :-) Keep the videos coming... Stay safe.
Welcome to the gang. Covid will continue to ruin people’s lives for sometime to come. Good luck with the training, and thanks for watching.
Really like your videos! Looking forward to what’s in store for future videos
Many thanks. I was having a bloody awful day, you’ve just cheered me, right up.
I love your video Mike is so amazing and wonderful 💗 xxxxxxx
I am in love with you Mike 💙💙
I love all Bus stuff so lovely and sweet and amazing and wonderful and best you are my favourite bus people 💓 xx
Hi I am starting my training in a few weeks time and am curios about the case study part of the test. What are the main things I should be preparing for in this?
You can’t study for the casework test. It’s a bit of common sense a bit of the theory test
I want to be a bus drivers in a few years and I’m wondering, is it hard to turn corners on buses or is it easy once you get used to it? I really love buses❤
It’s a bit nerve wracking to start with but it becomes second nature after a while.
@@M1keWrites k thank you
So glad you got through okay.
Great insight!!
Many thanks brother
Nice one lad
Thank you
Good channel just subscribed
You’re most kind. Thank you so much
Hi there, Thanks for your videos.
I just wanted to ask, how long did you wait for to arrive the provisional Driving Licence from DVLA?
Thankyou.
I think I waited a couple of weeks or a week. Stagecoach sorted it out.
@@M1keWrites OK 👍 Thanks for letting me know.
Have a good day.
@@vincenzobaldo1066 I’ve thought about this. Stagecoach provided the forms, for a medical. The doctor then sent off all the forms along with the photo card license to the DVSA. It came back within a week, I then contacted Stagecoach, and organised a start date to the theory test.
@@M1keWrites Thankyou 👍🙂
I have been waiting for over 2 weeks because the doctor made mistake, he hasn't send the D2 form where my address was fill in, together with the D4.
form. So stagecoach contacted me asking if I had the Other page from the D2, and I had with me 🤦♂️ I know is a bit complicated.
Thank you for your reply.
Take care.
Love the videos matey!
Just wondering if they start paying you from the start of training? You mentioned beginning in March and then passing your final stages in October… were you paid a salary for all those months or did you have another job while you were training through the modules?
Paid the whole way through. Not great money, but paid every Friday.
Brilliant, informative video as always. Do you enjoy your job overall? I know it has its difficult aspects, but is it a job you enjoy?
Hi there, If you pass to drive a single decker, do you have to have more training in order to pass to drive a double decker? How long would any extra training take?
30mins to type train on different buses. A buses is a bus is bus. Or so they say
Y B cab driver 4 25 years fancy a change. Did your time bus driving raise questions when you renewed your bill? Worried if I don’t like it that pco might have a problem with me no acting as a cab driver for the whole duration of my bill. Any advise?
Don’t tell them. I didn’t hide I was a bus driver, but I didn’t tell them either.
Very informative video
At stagecoach, if the garage you are at is far from home, could you request to move garage nearer to home??
Yes I believe you can.
Did the medical doctor just send your d4 form??
What about the d2 form ive been hearing about
Ive got my medical in 2 weeks
I have no idea what forms they sent. I never took them out of the envelope.
They gave me a photocopy of my drivers licence, and sent the original off with the medical forms.
At stagecoach is there spaces where you can park ur vehicle when you arrive at the garage
Most Stagecoach garages have parking.
You are going to have a shock once lockdown ends and social distancing is removed from buses. We used to drive our buses up to the maximum carrying capacity during rush hour. Not sure if that will ever return?
I love driver bus driver and when me get a car and house then I drive bus 😃xxxxx
Hello Mike how you doing today been and i am watching your video Mike 😄 x🧡❤️🤍🖤🤎🌹i love your cat and i am in love you your cat and i am love bus lots and lots and lots and lots and lots xxxxxxxxx
How did you find the 7 days on and 2 days off schedule? It’s putting me off although I’m waiting to have my medical. My mind is split in 2
Shifts are the worst thing about driving a bus, they garage will accommodate lates or early shifts, once you’ve done enough time.
@@M1keWrites I see so after a certain period I can request to work only early’s?
If there’s space on a rota. The spare rota which cover the gaps is a good place for this.
@@M1keWrites Can you request the amount of days you want to work per week or it’s fixed 7 days on? Say I wanted to do 5 days a week instead
@@haj619 nope
Would be interested in mod 4 video mate . This is the bit I'm worried about
Don’t worry about the Mod4 My examiner said he’d only had one person fail it since they brought it in. Study the questions, over and over, and you’ll be fine. I will try and do a video as soon as I can.
@@M1keWrites thanks mate. I'm starting with stagecoach actually but don't need to do theory or case study as already passed them. Thanks mate 👍 any tips where is a good place to study for mod 4
@@andyorpin3608 hi Andy. If you’re training with Stagecoach they will take you through the whole process. Don’t worry, they make it sound a lot harder than it actually is.
Wishing all the very best to you mate.
Nice video. Was wondering must I have a manual license to train to become a bus driver or I could still be taken on with an automatic licence.
Noticed all london buses are automatic anyways. Do you know of anyone with automatic licence only and has been taken on to be a bus driver please
Thanks mate. I don’t know the license status of any other driver. But I don’t think there would be an issue with an automatic license.
Great thanks...
Intend to apply for some trainee bus driver roles. Actually tried with a bus company out of london but the recruitment lady didn’t further my application because I have an automatic licence, reason been they train drivers on a manual bus which was so weird to believe because why train on a manual bus then you automatically get an automatic PCV licence anyways and still go on to drive an automatic transmission bus
Just thought she wasn’t sure but I wasn’t sure myself
Are you enjoying bus driving and do you see yourself now as being a bus driver forever
Forever is a long time, BUT I have no immediate plans to change jobs. I do like driving buses. When I know more routes, I think it will be better.
I had my interview at West Ham yesterday and I got it. Next week I’ve got the medical appointment what did they do and also how long does it take for them to send back your results?
It’s the basic medical. Eyesight, blood pressure etc. You’ll know on the day if you’ve passed. They will send off your license and you should get it back with 3-4 weeks.
Hi, did u done math and English test? Functional l1 test? How hard is it?
@@elizabeth_6561 I applied to the company during the first lockdown, so covid did away with a lot of testing. I didn’t do any tests, prior to the theory, hazard perception and case studies tests.
Hi what did they ask you for an interview? I have my interview this month.
Are you driving buses now??
What happens if you fail ur driving test can you apply again to redo it?
If they didn’t think you where good enough, you wouldn’t get to the test. Therefore they would give you a second chance.
I waiting to get my license back after passing medical. At what point do i start getting paid for training?
Once you get a start date, for training. The quicker you get your license back the quicker you can start training.
Cheers mate
Just to let you know bud on your papers you can still see the numbers ect the highlighter tool or pen thing in apple and android is not the best you have to do a couple swoops over depending on what brush you have used on the picture as some don't use a full opacity just thought id let you know though id not worry about it not many people are going to be looking for that type of thing but just to let you know bud ! Glad you got the job though it's more like you the bus world needs !
Does it really takes 6 weeks depending how good training you are? The reason I ask is that I'll be a bus driver soon but it will be Arriva in North London.
It can take that long, usually it’s 30-40 driving hours. Again depending on how well you get on.
@@M1keWrites Oh ok, so if you passed your test without failing then that it will take a bit longer than a lot longer.
@@TrainBoy-tf9gh my timings include the theory, hazard perception test and case study. At 15weeks you’ll have a progress check, with another instructor. If you haven’t improved at 30hrs you’re gone.
@@M1keWrites What does theory, hazard perception test and case studies means?
@@TrainBoy-tf9gh they are written tests (computer based) multiple choice, you have to pass before you start learning to drive. Similar to the normal car tests but for buses.
Are theory tests in house or at an approved test centre?
Theory tests can be done as an individual, I did mine through Stagecoach who have a DVSA set up in the training department
@@M1keWrites okay cool thanks I am starting the tranniee driver course on the 24th of July training at East Midlands head office then driving for Grimsby depot
@@TheLewmen good luck with your future career 🚌 🚎
Do you choose what routes to learn?
Sadly not. The old boys will tell
You different, but no, you do what they want you to do.
Is it hard to learn your routes and how long did it take you?
It’s not to bad. When you first start they give you a little bit more time than you get later on. Once you’ve driven the route, you won’t forget it. As new drivers we go out with a mentor. He/she will drive a couple of rounders, then under their instruction, you’ll drive. I had two days to learn one route. You don’t usually get that sort of time.
@@M1keWrites Thanks for replying. also how long did you have to wait to get your license back as i’ve been waiting almost 3 weeks now
@@jamiematovu9888 the DVLA have been on strike so there is a back log
@@M1keWrites Quite a big backlog I been waiting 9 weeks so far lol
Which areas of London do you drive buses? What is the oldest age to be a bus driver?
South East London, Lewisham & Bromley. There isn’t an age limit, as long as you can pass the medical.
Do have to collect cash on buses or is it all electronic payment nowadays !
No cash, at all only oyster, zip and card payments.
@@M1keWrites What are the wages like ? Do drivers get much hassle or agro ? ls that right you have to do the CPC training as well the Driver's training course ? How much does it cost? ls it too late to do it at 58 !
@@Sam_Green____4114 in London £450-500 per week on average.
The company paid for my cpc
@@Sam_Green____4114 as long as you can pass the medical? , you’ll be fine.
❤️❤️❤️
Hi. Does a foreigners get this job? Please answer
If you have the right to work in the uk, yes.
Hello Sir, Im new in uk i only have any licence not even a car licence. I want to become a bus driver what i must do? What is the process i must go through.
You have to have a uk driving license. So that’s a good place to start. Once you have it, you can apply to the company of your choice. They will train you to drive a bus, after you pass the theory tests.
@@M1keWrites thank u sir.
Hello Sir, I'm here I have my uk driving licence and I got almost 5 months driving experience. I applied for metroline and they called me for an interview this month. I'm nervous what's gonna happen there please guide me.
Hi just a question did they gave u a van to drive on the interview day ? Thnks
@SofianeBoudaoud-xv3tg they did before covid but not for me during Covid. I don’t know if they do now.
You should do the knowledge mate !
Hi Greig what you doing now you’re not playing with other men’s hoses.
@@M1keWrites I’ve just finished a training course, and am now a full time cider drinker. 🤪
Are you on 261?
Yes I am
What bus do you drive?
Hi there, I drive Enviro400 & Enviro400MMC
@@M1keWrites That's great. I meant, what route number do you drive?
@@mohibj I only drive the 261 and the 638 school bus, so only the 261 at the minute.
@@M1keWrites Ok. You might be interested to know, Arriva's probably getting combined with Stagecoach in a few years time
@@mohibj time will tell. Thinking about it. I think Stagecoach pulled out of a deal last year. Arriva have been up for sale for a while now.
Firstly great vid but I’ll like to ask a bunch of questions do you think it’s hard to become a bus driver?
Thanks for watching. It’s not easy! and not everyone passes, not everyone gets past the theory test.
@@M1keWrites if you don’t get pass the theory test are you allowed to re. apply & are the case study hard?
@@isaac993 there were people when I sat my theory test, who were on their second time round. If you’re really close to passing, you’ll get a second short.
The case studies are a series of short stories you have to read and answer questions on, based on the knowledge you’ve gleamed from the theory tests.
@@M1keWrites thank you for the information you’ve provided me with
@@isaac993 Anytime.
So you thought you wouldn’t get the job?
You never know, until you’ve passed all the tests.