Iv worked as graphic designer and digital printer for over 26 years but secretly Iv always wanted to drive a bus... I love anything engines and was always blown away with the awesomeness of a big bus. I don't know if i'm going through a mid life crisis or something but iv decided to quit my job and become a bus driver at 47. I have an interview on Friday for a job but just wanted reach out and say your videos are awesome. They gave me the confidence to just go for it. Fairplay Taylor great job love the channel.
I am 32, and am currently training at Stagecoach in Porth South Wales depot. I had passed my theory also hazard today, l only got the four CVC module 2 theory test next working day left to do then l am straight out of classroom to on way of doing practical with Stagecoach buses.
Hello Taylor. I work for the Confederation of Passenger Transport. I have been listening to a few of your RUclips videos today. I was really impressed. Well done. It is great to hear someone so young speaking in a positive and constructive way about the job of driving. I've been driving buses and coaches for 37 years and I still enjoy it. I do a lot of training these days and next week we are holding a recruitment week. I think that your videos are very inspirational for young people considering this as a job. I will certainly suggest that people listen to you. I would just say that driving outside London is generally a little different, but you come over as a thoughtful and engaged driver. I am sure that one day you will put your communication skills to use training other drivers.
I’m 20 years old and been driving buses and coaches for around 6 months now, I’ve learnt so much more compared to other jobs and become a much better driver. As I do private hire jobs as well I often have to perform manoeuvres that I’d have never thought I could do when I first started, I’ve had to reverse back down tight streets next to parked cars, squeeze through tight gaps, turn around in tight spaces in one case I managed to get a bus turned around in the middle of the road. I’ve been let loose in a tri-axle a couple of times as well and I’m still shocked how long they are.
Really enjoyed this video, made me feel a little more relaxed about the whole thing. I've just completed my 1st week with Stagecoach yesterday and I passed my theory/hazard/case studies... They're throwing me into the deep end 1st thing this Monday for an external 1week intensive training course in a coach and have said me I should have my licence by Friday.... Its got me a little nervous but videos like this are a huge help!! Thanks mate
Bus drivers are exceptionally skilled individuals , very underestimated. Tube drivers in London wouldn't get out of bed for the wages bus drivers get. Figure that out.
Retired PCV driver (45yrs) at the start of every shift take a chill pill and go about your day, I treated everyone the way I liked to be treated myself.
Back in 1978, I started as one of the last conductors in my area, as I was trying to get a position in my former field after a few weeks unemployed..had to pay the bills. It was meant to be a temporary measure. However after a couple of months, I was asked if I would like to stay and train as a driver. Fast forward 36 years to 2014 and retirement. 95% of the time was fun and enjoyable...working with great people (which is the thing I miss most). You will have the odd bad day,but just let it bounce off of you, and enjoy the good bits.
I start my bus driver training with stage coach next year in January. This makes me feel better knowing that I’m not gonna be put under a lot of pressure like a lady at arriva told me
Been a Bus Operator here in the US 🇺🇸 for 7 years now. I love it even though it is stressful and dangerous at times. The average speed limit here is 25 to 45 MPH on city streets and up 65 MPH on the freeway. The "rules" over here are similar.
Spot on young man. I am a PCV driving instructor, and what you say was a good advert for bus drivers starting their journey. I drive in Scotland, so company regulations differ...and I seldom drive at 20mph. Everything you say about passenger safety and comfort was excellent. In a few years you'll be a great instructor.
Im 31 and planning to get my bus licence sometime my instructor say me to stay relax and calm while driving the bus then don't forget to usually look at both retrovisor to assured if the vehicle is well centered on the concern lane.Good ideas from you as you boost up more knowlege to me on the day when i go to make my practical test to obtain my bus licence.Your advice very useful guy thank a lot
I'm just about to start training as a bus driver in Scotland,it's a relief to hear you don't have to hurry!As a newbie i think that would be most people's natural instinct if youre running behind schedule.I'm actually amazed being late won't count against you,as you always hear customers complain about buses being late! ,-) Great video!
Most companies perfur you to run a couple of minutes late then running early if someone misses the bus because your running early they will most likely call and report it to the office if they don't give them self enough time and cut it to close it is they bad planning
@@grahamjarman5731 There are 100 reasons for running late, but not a single one for running early. The bus company can be fined for running a service early.
Hi Taylor. I’ve been working in care for decades. And in the last 12mth Driving minibuses for residents for activities So lots of transferable skills. I thought I’d give it ago (I’m 55 this year) I passed my interview yesterday and if I pass medical I’ll be starting my training very soon for stagecoach I really enjoyed this video you’re such a young lad and I’m sure your family is very proud of you. Well done 👍🏻
Hi great video I lost my bus license due to health I use to work london 75 route . I whish all safe driving but don't worry if you late better get there safe and in one piece john
I qualified in 2002 with first capital london. I was based at rainham garage in Essex sadly i no longer work due to health issues l you make great points and give helpful advice to those new drivers. They should incorporate what you say into induction
I watched this video before starting on the buses 4 months ago. Definitely helped get my bearings. Working for a small operator, by all means nowhere near as stressful as London 😂
I've recently got a job as a Trainee Bus Driver with Cardiff bus, I'm due to start lessons on buss driving soon, this is really good advice for me to take in advance.
I be starting stagecoach next week on July 3rd 2023 in Wales as a new trainee driver, doing my PCV license. You video here had relieved me from nerves. Despite in begining like you said, lm all away from Wales but rules should still apply here which l agree entirely. l was told by many other drivers that they all felt same at my bus station before starting, and commonly nervous but when you there day one as trainee then drivers said it felt better and like a walk in park. Day two, meeting traffic wether you passed in manual or automatic in a car then drivers mentioned that it feel non different apart from rear sweep out at back which you gotta often go bit in to other road during turning and if necessary needed you may have to go out further in road taking other drivers direction on road then turn to 90° angle when manovering around cones, hard turns and traffic intersections which you pick this up a lot quicker during you initial assessment and practical learning on buses than when you first drived a car during learning. Drivers also mentioned just focus on getting there, let instructor that be with you get to know you and also their not there to be you worst enemy but there to help you pass and make sure you ready for meeting traffic during drive round in yard otherwise if instructors feel you not ready they wouldnt put you straight in to meeting traffic as you got 4 weeks of practical get through so instructors will find other solutions during yard training to help embed you with memory of turn points. There is no such thing as worst learners, or nervous as stagecoach take pride in their instructors courses and you will find their only top school company to pass PCV license with in UK as other drivers admitted even ones that left after few months down line all agreed training through stagecoach is well worth the income and time taking month to learn but some drivers just want a career change not because of reputation of company but because they want another job on coaches with lot more benefits and incentives. You video had made me smile, l am pleased to go through my training now and cant wait for my first assessment.
This video is great! I am 22 years old and waiting until February next year before I can apply to my local bus company. Its Southampton so certainly not as busy as somewhere like London but these tips are still really useful to think about and I am sure they will be a big help when I start driving.
Hi there Taylor. Your video randomly came into my feed and I was interested to see what you say. I passed my PSV test when I was 21 back in the mid-70s... Well done, what you say is sound. I'd recommend your tips to any new driver and it sounds good as honest advice from the heart of a colleague, rather than some starchy training video. It's interesting to hear what you say, as almost everything you've said I've experienced and found myself. Times change, but the basics of a good bus driver doesn't. If you do the job right, you can enjoy it. Enjoy the job and that's good for you, your health, your passengers and your employer. Neat to find so much is still true today that I found: I only drive vintage these days although I've kept up my licence and CPC so I can. Best advice is things like 'take it steady and don't rush' and also 'ask for advice if you need it' - I learnt that too. It helps others a lot to know how it is, how you feel. Even to having a bump: I was so worried I would, one day. In the driving school I was told "you'll be a driver once you've had an accident". The back end of my bus slid on black ice in my first weeks on the road and just the tail of my bus tapped the edge of a shelter - and it fell to pieces. Following buses had hysterics watching it, but I got carried shoulder-high up to the canteen by mates who said "you're a bus driver now". I later went on to get 17 years with no accidents..... I hope you continue to enjoy the job. Well done for sharing so much good sense advice for others.
I remember back in 2019 I was on the bus to Portishead and instead of taking the 3rd exit at an roundabout the driver carried on and took the 2nd exit and me and everyone else on the bus yelled out "The bus route doesn't go this way!!!" the driver realized that messed up reversed and got back on track and later he apologized and I said "It's fine mate every bus driver makes mistakes it's part of life" and I had a bus driver who wasn't from this country and the depot didn't tell him that a bus route he was driving on had changed so he got very confused so I sat behind the cab and giving him clear instructions on when to turn left and right and what roads to drive down and when I got off I brought up google maps on my phone and told him where to go from here and he was very grateful that I helped him and I was contacted by the depot saying that "Both the driver and the company are very thankful with your help on that day" and that sort of think makes me smile knowing that I helped a fellow human being
I am final,y retired. I hear you. From Canada. I drove a transit bus for 31 years. Amazing throughout the years. Seen babies grow up into adults, have met wonderful people. Treat your passengers as family. Get them to their destination safely. There will always be persons that are not friendly. I shouldn't have taken it to heart, but it hurt me at times because all I wanted to do was please them. You can't please everyone. We also don't know what the passenger is going through.perhaps lost a loved one, lost their job. Still, say hello and sincerely care. Every job dealing with the public has pros and cons. You have to be a people person for this type of work. Forget the gossip in the coffee room. It will just bring you down. In this world today, much has changed and so have we. Morale is important. Get along with your co workers. Patience is much needed. Get up in the morning, be positive. Smile and be happy, enjoy. ❤
I am thankful you did this video, i would have thought the company should do this for all drivers, ! Not the employee, however thank you. I am an Ex HGV driver about to embark upon my bus training which i think that part of the work training will come some what easier to me.. So the tips you give here will help me, should i qualify. cannot foresee a problem with the training, it will more likely be after passing that a problem can accure, so thanks.
Great video along with outhers. Just made redundant at 55 thinking of trying my hand at this .did apply when i lived in london in 80s90s no sucsess. In Nottinghamshire now.was thinking og HGV as wstch your vids being persuaded the bus route .sons n engineer at stage coach mansfield .so may have s better chance .All the best ill come say hello when im in london again .Thanks again
Cheers mate just subbed though late..got my driving training this week and test the process of application is a bit long but worth it..did the reversing yrai
Hi mate, thank you for the video. It was really helpful, and you do give good advice. I am going to be applying for Brighton and Hive Buses soon and it is useful for me t9 know what to expect
Awesome video mate a great insight into the profession as I’ve commented on you’re previous video am currently working as a delivery driver as you were and am going to be applying to be applying to become a bus driver in June with National Express honestly can’t wait.
I was a bus driver from 1988 to 1995 and in that time I never had an accident I received a safe driving diploma from ROSPA for every year I was driving unfortunately I had to call it a day because stress got the better of me I am now retired and I miss the job so much
1) They should keep calm 2) They should not argue with passengers 3) They should remain in the cab, unless they need to adjust the mirrors 4) Be professional at all times 5) Wear the company uniform at all times Unfortunately some of the above does not apply to some drivers, TfL needs compliance officers and roadside inspectors to check (5).
Thank you very much for all these helpful tips Taylor, these will honestly help me a lot 😌 My start date for Driver Training is 29th April so not long left now 🥳
i did my CPC 2019 ish dont remember the exact year and i did not get taught about hitting anything in my first 2 years from my memory i was taught how not to do it but i do the complete opposite as u just described
Just passed my theory tests yesterday and going to bus driver training in 3 weeks time. Thanks for the advice. I should imagine its impossible to keep to timetables sometimes due to circumstances.
@@jimmynuggs5618 nope, was in driving school for a month but failed my driving tests narrowly so was let go last week. Applying to First Kernow, perhaps they'll be lucky for me! Just need the mod 3 to get the licence.
@@siddharthpatell1218 if the training team are worth their salt, you should be given material that covers the theory (assume you mean mod 4 & show me tell me section of mod 3?!) But probably a couple weeks before test is given.
Recently qualified and have been driving in service since for over a week for Arriva North West in Southport. Already picked up a few tips in that short time. For example, if I'm running late, it's not necessarily an issue. Some of the services have a decent timing gap at the terminus, some of which is over 15mins so if I'm running 10-15mins late for whatever reason, then it just means a quick turnaround and I'd be back on time. I'm still learning many things every day but I'm getting better with each day and I'm definitely feeling less pressure with the job.
my biggest thing as getting experience as a school bus operator trainee is PATIENCE PATIENCE PATIENCE, i learned that today!! for myself specially i am making mistakes i know and then im not liking the tone of my trainor..
I have been a bus driver since 2004 been doing school runs for the last 6 years my advice would be treat the kids with respect and don't make it you verses them if you have if you have to deal with a problem with a child keep charm and explain to them why the should or shouldn't do what they are doing
@@grahamjarman5731 i treat the kids with respect but the grown ups one , they have an attitude of being rude, sometimes demanding and noisy, i can handle the little kids but the bigger ones its a challenge, ive been a School bus driver for almost 4 months almost 5 months with my company not a perfect company but sticking with it..
Thank you for this, I have just passed my application and am waiting for an induction day, at 20 years old and coming from aircraft mechanics it will be a big change but I feel ready for it!
Holy shit mate, that is so weird, I am in exactly the same position, coming from aircraft mechanics, waiting in my Stagecoach Induction, the only difference is that I'm 24, 🤣🤣
@@connormenzies8841 Crazy stuff! Don't expect the DVLA to get you your licence within the two weeks they say, been waiting two months now and can't get a hold of them. Annoying as I have passed all my applications and I am ready to start my training once they can be bothered to send it! Call them all the time and still yet to talk to anyone!
@@a.mgaming3418, already got it mate, was really surprised, as it was just before Christmas. Go online to where you get your DVLA code, and it might be there. I checked just out of curiosity, and the codes were there before I received my physical license back. Defo check there mate! Might be there, but your license has got caught in the post!
Some older drivers don’t like the new boys/ girls. Most are helpful as the controllers are. It is a team event if you want ito be. Good video Taylor with some decent points. PS How stupid is this. I reported an accident I never had. I heard a bang but couldn’t see anything. When I got to the end of the route, I looked and saw a big gash in the offside rear corner. I reported it on the radio and was advised to fill in an accident report. I did. Next day I was told that the damage was done earlier in that day before I got the bus. I felt good about that. I don’t like filling in accident reports for vandalism. Quite often you don’t know how it happened.
How long have you been driving ? Are you a shop steward or trainer ? You have a lot to learn . It is now 3 years later do you want to change anything you said .
Hey Taylor mate, really enjoyed the video great insight into the role of a bus driver, was just wondering what is involved in the medical screening process and what you went through. Cheers mate.
Just take more time as things are harder to see especially if the area is not well lit never rush when driving at night that’s when the most dangerous drivers come out
Try and use Google maps to visualise the routes you’re going to be driving look for landmarks etc. I especially use google maps to visualise potential diversions if roads are closed along the route for whatever reason that way you have a rough idea where you need to go and can use landmarks to help you out. It is very important to do this for diversions as these can happen without warning and you need to be prepared so doing the research in advance for potential diversion routes will save you a lot of hassle as you have a rough idea where they might send you
Good tips for bus drivers: Be polite not ignorant. Say thank you back to customers. Customer service is part of the job. Don’t be 4,5 minutes early at a stop because customers rely on you to get to work. Do not ignore customers knocking on your window and drive away BEFORE you’ve started pulling away. I see this all too often, they hear the knock and THEN they pull away. There are some great drivers out there but unfortunately far too many of them are rude or dismissive.
The amount of passengers I had knocking on my window as I was taking off used to really piss me off, those people got ignored. That's not ignorance on the driver's part but the passengers arrogance.
@@damiencrowley2506 how is that arrogance? No it’s relying on that bus and you ignoring them and pulling away. The very people that pay your wages . . . now that’s arrogance. Where’s the customer service in THAT?’
@@lennoxmate4064 I didn't care about the customers most of them were abusive self righteous scumbags who never took responsibility for their own actions, and as for paying for my wages, most of them had free passes paid for by my taxes. I'm so glad I don't have to tolerate them anymore. Good riddance.
In a way yes as if we come off late for our break we can claim overtime and it’s the same with finishing our shift late we are able to claim overtime but we NEVER personally lose money for being late no one would stay in the industry if that was the case
I was a bus driver for 3 years. I was spat at in my face, i had multiple threats of physical violence, drove a route that required a police escort EVERY evening, had people deliberately prevent the bus moving by standing in front of it because i refused them to ride, had death threats on social media because of false allegations. I've bedn a class 1 hgv driver for 15 months now earning £17k more with zero overtime, work around 40-45hrs a week over 4 days, a long easter bank holiday every 3rd week, no Sundays and NO PASSENGERS!!. To earn what i earn now would mean 70hrs PLUS a week every week, 13 on 1 off. I have the best of both worlds now, loads of money amd loads of free time.
@@lllllllllllll31lll and they are customers, pay your fare or fuck off. Do you go in McDonald's and order food and say I'm not paying or expect them to still give you food with incorrect or no money? It's no different, learn some fucking manners and respect for people providing a chargeable service
Excellent video with lots of great information. I start with Stagecoach (Midlands) myself on Monday as an apprentice driver. I'm not sure how that differs from your training/learning experience but I am really excited to be finally starting my journey after it was put on hold (by covid) last year. Keep the vids coming matey.
Hi Phil, how is it going? I have an interview with Stagecoach coming soon and I am very excited about it. Can you tell me a bit about how's the learning/training happens on a daily basis please? Thnak you so much, best of luck, Renata.
Just come back from my first day from my driving school at stagecoach. Done a few roundabouts and the reversing technique. Any tips for People like me starting out with their lessons?
The key tip I can give you is listen to what your instructor is telling you, try to take in as much information as possible from them because the knowledge they can pass on to you can make a real difference in helping you furthermore just learn to trust them they know what they are doing they would never put you in a situation you can't handle, they'd never take you down a road you physically can't get down just learn to trust their judgement and most importantly have fun
I got a bit of a stupid question but what happens if a bus driver runs a red light because the camera normally runs the license plate but the plate will come back to the company not a specific person?
Getting sacked isn’t always the case it depends on the circumstances because think about it this way if you have to brake harshly for the lights you have to think about the consequences for your passengers one or several could be injured. Yes we are professional drives so we should be anticipating the lights changing because a bus drivers worst nightmare is a green light but unfortunately it’s just not possible to get it right every time. If you have enough time to stop for the light you should always do so but if you’re in a position where you are too close to come to a SMOOTH and SAFE stop then you have to go through it. The traffic commissioner will take that into account and there have been many cases where the driver hasn’t been charged because of these reasons as it would’ve been too dangerous to stop because of passengers on the vehicle or another vehicle been too close to the bus coming up to the lights. So that’s something you have to think about.
Iv worked as graphic designer and digital printer for over 26 years but secretly Iv always wanted to drive a bus... I love anything engines and was always blown away with the awesomeness of a big bus. I don't know if i'm going through a mid life crisis or something but iv decided to quit my job and become a bus driver at 47. I have an interview on Friday for a job but just wanted reach out and say your videos are awesome. They gave me the confidence to just go for it. Fairplay Taylor great job love the channel.
Wow hope it goes well
Did you get the job?
I'm 47 and got an assessment on the 6th at camberwell station
I am 32, and am currently training at Stagecoach in Porth South Wales depot. I had passed my theory also hazard today, l only got the four CVC module 2 theory test next working day left to do then l am straight out of classroom to on way of doing practical with Stagecoach buses.
I'm 42 been a window cleaner for 27 years went for my interview today and ended up with a job there putting me through all my training
Hello Taylor. I work for the Confederation of Passenger Transport. I have been listening to a few of your RUclips videos today. I was really impressed. Well done. It is great to hear someone so young speaking in a positive and constructive way about the job of driving. I've been driving buses and coaches for 37 years and I still enjoy it. I do a lot of training these days and next week we are holding a recruitment week. I think that your videos are very inspirational for young people considering this as a job. I will certainly suggest that people listen to you. I would just say that driving outside London is generally a little different, but you come over as a thoughtful and engaged driver. I am sure that one day you will put your communication skills to use training other drivers.
I’m 20 years old and been driving buses and coaches for around 6 months now, I’ve learnt so much more compared to other jobs and become a much better driver. As I do private hire jobs as well I often have to perform manoeuvres that I’d have never thought I could do when I first started, I’ve had to reverse back down tight streets next to parked cars, squeeze through tight gaps, turn around in tight spaces in one case I managed to get a bus turned around in the middle of the road. I’ve been let loose in a tri-axle a couple of times as well and I’m still shocked how long they are.
Really enjoyed this video, made me feel a little more relaxed about the whole thing.
I've just completed my 1st week with Stagecoach yesterday and I passed my theory/hazard/case studies... They're throwing me into the deep end 1st thing this Monday for an external 1week intensive training course in a coach and have said me I should have my licence by Friday.... Its got me a little nervous but videos like this are a huge help!!
Thanks mate
Bus drivers are exceptionally skilled individuals , very underestimated. Tube drivers in London wouldn't get out of bed for the wages bus drivers get. Figure that out.
Yeh 100%
Fair enough too. I don't want to get out of bed for the pay we get.
@@bmortloffwhy
Retired PCV driver (45yrs) at the start of every shift take a chill pill and go about your day, I treated everyone the way I liked to be treated myself.
Back in 1978, I started as one of the last conductors in my area, as I was trying to get a position in my former field after a few weeks unemployed..had to pay the bills. It was meant to be a temporary measure. However after a couple of months, I was asked if I would like to stay and train as a driver. Fast forward 36 years to 2014 and retirement. 95% of the time was fun and enjoyable...working with great people (which is the thing I miss most). You will have the odd bad day,but just let it bounce off of you, and enjoy the good bits.
Been a bus driver for just over 5 years now, but I can still appreciate your advice. Some very useful stuff mentioned.
I go live today working for Go Ahead Ireland, driving in around Dublin. I very much appreciate this video. Thanks
Thank you, I’m going through stagecoach tomorrow for my PCV theory Test and my module 2 cpc. I find your videos helpful
Hope ya passed?
being so young doing a great job , now in my 50 s ex bus driver for city of oxford , started when i was 23 yrs old.
If you would be a Bus driver, you would know what a bullshit do you wrote here..
Very low IQ fail 👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎
I start my bus driver training with stage coach next year in January. This makes me feel better knowing that I’m not gonna be put under a lot of pressure like a lady at arriva told me
Thanx mate starting my training next week i feel a bit more comfortable after watching this
Hope your successful fella.
Excellent pieces of advise to spend time with family and friends and to get some needed rest on days off. Thanks, BDT!
Been a Bus Operator here in the US 🇺🇸 for 7 years now. I love it even though it is stressful and dangerous at times. The average speed limit here is 25 to 45 MPH on city streets and up 65 MPH on the freeway. The "rules" over here are similar.
You are nice human being,
Ur family and friends must be proud of you.
So helpful !! Very good advice. Yes, it's my license I am the professional and have to make the Decision. Please sit down. Thank you 💗💗💗
Spot on young man. I am a PCV driving instructor, and what you say was a good advert for bus drivers starting their journey. I drive in Scotland, so company regulations differ...and I seldom drive at 20mph. Everything you say about passenger safety and comfort was excellent. In a few years you'll be a great instructor.
Im 31 and planning to get my bus licence sometime my instructor say me to stay relax and calm while driving the bus then don't forget to usually look at both retrovisor to assured if the vehicle is well centered on the concern lane.Good ideas from you as you boost up more knowlege to me on the day when i go to make my practical test to obtain my bus licence.Your advice very useful guy thank a lot
I'm just about to start training as a bus driver in Scotland,it's a relief to hear you don't have to hurry!As a newbie i think that would be most people's natural instinct if youre running behind schedule.I'm actually amazed being late won't count against you,as you always hear customers complain about buses being late! ,-) Great video!
Most companies perfur you to run a couple of minutes late then running early if someone misses the bus because your running early they will most likely call and report it to the office if they don't give them self enough time and cut it to close it is they bad planning
@@grahamjarman5731 There are 100 reasons for running late, but not a single one for running early. The bus company can be fined for running a service early.
Hi Taylor.
I’ve been working in care for decades. And in the last 12mth Driving minibuses for residents for activities So lots of transferable skills. I thought I’d give it ago (I’m 55 this year) I passed my interview yesterday and if I pass medical I’ll be starting my training very soon for stagecoach I really enjoyed this video you’re such a young lad and I’m sure your family is very proud of you. Well done 👍🏻
Hi great video I lost my bus license due to health I use to work london 75 route . I whish all safe driving but don't worry if you late better get there safe and in one piece john
I qualified in 2002 with first capital london. I was based at rainham garage in Essex sadly i no longer work due to health issues l you make great points and give helpful advice to those new drivers. They should incorporate what you say into induction
I watched this video last year before I was a bus driver, just watched it again after 6 months as a driver, this info is so true👍,see you on the road.
I watched this video before starting on the buses 4 months ago. Definitely helped get my bearings. Working for a small operator, by all means nowhere near as stressful as London 😂
Thanks Taylor! Yes, it can be stressful at times -but it is basically a fun job.
I've recently got a job as a Trainee Bus Driver with Cardiff bus, I'm due to start lessons on buss driving soon, this is really good advice for me to take in advance.
How’s your training going on ? Mine is staring from 1st of August
I be starting stagecoach next week on July 3rd 2023 in Wales as a new trainee driver, doing my PCV license. You video here had relieved me from nerves. Despite in begining like you said, lm all away from Wales but rules should still apply here which l agree entirely. l was told by many other drivers that they all felt same at my bus station before starting, and commonly nervous but when you there day one as trainee then drivers said it felt better and like a walk in park. Day two, meeting traffic wether you passed in manual or automatic in a car then drivers mentioned that it feel non different apart from rear sweep out at back which you gotta often go bit in to other road during turning and if necessary needed you may have to go out further in road taking other drivers direction on road then turn to 90° angle when manovering around cones, hard turns and traffic intersections which you pick this up a lot quicker during you initial assessment and practical learning on buses than when you first drived a car during learning. Drivers also mentioned just focus on getting there, let instructor that be with you get to know you and also their not there to be you worst enemy but there to help you pass and make sure you ready for meeting traffic during drive round in yard otherwise if instructors feel you not ready they wouldnt put you straight in to meeting traffic as you got 4 weeks of practical get through so instructors will find other solutions during yard training to help embed you with memory of turn points. There is no such thing as worst learners, or nervous as stagecoach take pride in their instructors courses and you will find their only top school company to pass PCV license with in UK as other drivers admitted even ones that left after few months down line all agreed training through stagecoach is well worth the income and time taking month to learn but some drivers just want a career change not because of reputation of company but because they want another job on coaches with lot more benefits and incentives. You video had made me smile, l am pleased to go through my training now and cant wait for my first assessment.
This video is great! I am 22 years old and waiting until February next year before I can apply to my local bus company. Its Southampton so certainly not as busy as somewhere like London but these tips are still really useful to think about and I am sure they will be a big help when I start driving.
Hi there Taylor. Your video randomly came into my feed and I was interested to see what you say.
I passed my PSV test when I was 21 back in the mid-70s...
Well done, what you say is sound. I'd recommend your tips to any new driver and it sounds good as honest advice from the heart of a colleague, rather than some starchy training video.
It's interesting to hear what you say, as almost everything you've said I've experienced and found myself. Times change, but the basics of a good bus driver doesn't.
If you do the job right, you can enjoy it. Enjoy the job and that's good for you, your health, your passengers and your employer.
Neat to find so much is still true today that I found: I only drive vintage these days although I've kept up my licence and CPC so I can.
Best advice is things like 'take it steady and don't rush' and also 'ask for advice if you need it' - I learnt that too.
It helps others a lot to know how it is, how you feel.
Even to having a bump: I was so worried I would, one day. In the driving school I was told "you'll be a driver once you've had an accident". The back end of my bus slid on black ice in my first weeks on the road and just the tail of my bus tapped the edge of a shelter - and it fell to pieces. Following buses had hysterics watching it, but I got carried shoulder-high up to the canteen by mates who said "you're a bus driver now". I later went on to get 17 years with no accidents.....
I hope you continue to enjoy the job.
Well done for sharing so much good sense advice for others.
I remember back in 2019 I was on the bus to Portishead and instead of taking the 3rd exit at an roundabout the driver carried on and took the 2nd exit and me and everyone else on the bus yelled out "The bus route doesn't go this way!!!" the driver realized that messed up reversed and got back on track and later he apologized and I said "It's fine mate every bus driver makes mistakes it's part of life" and I had a bus driver who wasn't from this country and the depot didn't tell him that a bus route he was driving on had changed so he got very confused so I sat behind the cab and giving him clear instructions on when to turn left and right and what roads to drive down and when I got off I brought up google maps on my phone and told him where to go from here and he was very grateful that I helped him and I was contacted by the depot saying that "Both the driver and the company are very thankful with your help on that day" and that sort of think makes me smile knowing that I helped a fellow human being
Great video I'm starting my training on the 25th of this month
I am final,y retired. I hear you. From Canada. I drove a transit bus for 31 years. Amazing throughout the years. Seen babies grow up into adults, have met wonderful people. Treat your passengers as family. Get them to their destination safely. There will always be persons that are not friendly. I shouldn't have taken it to heart, but it hurt me at times because all I wanted to do was please them. You can't please everyone. We also don't know what the passenger is going through.perhaps lost a loved one, lost their job. Still, say hello and sincerely care. Every job dealing with the public has pros and cons. You have to be a people person for this type of work. Forget the gossip in the coffee room. It will just bring you down. In this world today, much has changed and so have we. Morale is important. Get along with your co workers. Patience is much needed. Get up in the morning, be positive. Smile and be happy, enjoy. ❤
Make more videos these are good for trainee drivers like myself. Thanks Taylor
Thank you for you're tips. I'm soo nervous. I've never driven bus or truck. I've got bus assessment next week.
You’ll be fine just take your time
Good video mate I'm driving now 2 weeks in service great advice
Thanks. Good advice. New driver myself
I am thankful you did this video, i would have thought the company should do this for all drivers, ! Not the employee, however thank you. I am an Ex HGV driver about to embark upon my bus training which i think that part of the work training will come some what easier to me.. So the tips you give here will help me, should i qualify. cannot foresee a problem with the training, it will more likely be after passing that a problem can accure, so thanks.
Great video along with outhers. Just made redundant at 55 thinking of trying my hand at this .did apply when i lived in london in 80s90s no sucsess. In Nottinghamshire now.was thinking og HGV as wstch your vids being persuaded the bus route .sons n engineer at stage coach mansfield .so may have s better chance .All the best ill come say hello when im in london again .Thanks again
Cheers mate just subbed though late..got my driving training this week and test the process of application is a bit long but worth it..did the reversing yrai
Hi mate, thank you for the video. It was really helpful, and you do give good advice. I am going to be applying for Brighton and Hive Buses soon and it is useful for me t9 know what to expect
Awesome video mate a great insight into the profession as I’ve commented on you’re previous video am currently working as a delivery driver as you were and am going to be applying to be applying to become a bus driver in June with National Express honestly can’t wait.
My first bus driving day is tomorrow thanks for this mate
Make sure you change the blinds on your return trip!
Good tip!
I was a bus driver from 1988 to 1995 and in that time I never had an accident I received a safe driving diploma from ROSPA for every year I was driving unfortunately I had to call it a day because stress got the better of me I am now retired and I miss the job so much
1) They should keep calm
2) They should not argue with passengers
3) They should remain in the cab, unless they need to adjust the mirrors
4) Be professional at all times
5) Wear the company uniform at all times
Unfortunately some of the above does not apply to some drivers, TfL needs compliance officers and roadside inspectors to check (5).
Brilliant vid & well presented mate.
Thank you very much for all these helpful tips Taylor, these will honestly help me a lot 😌 My start date for Driver Training is 29th April so not long left now 🥳
Good luck! What garage are you going to?
@@TaylorStraub I’m with First Bus so I’ll be based in one of the Glasgow depots. Feeling excited but nervous aha
@@Rambo-xk5ml ive recently got a job there at glasgow caladonian, how is it for you working with first bus?
Fantastic video,very informative!just about to start training with Stagecoach in Scotland,thanks!
Good luck!
i did my CPC 2019 ish dont remember the exact year and i did not get taught about hitting anything in my first 2 years from my memory i was taught how not to do it but i do the complete opposite as u just described
Just passed my theory tests yesterday and going to bus driver training in 3 weeks time. Thanks for the advice. I should imagine its impossible to keep to timetables sometimes due to circumstances.
Hope you did well fella.
@@jimmynuggs5618 nope, was in driving school for a month but failed my driving tests narrowly so was let go last week. Applying to First Kernow, perhaps they'll be lucky for me! Just need the mod 3 to get the licence.
How did you revise for theory coz it seems complicated, my training is starting form first of August and I don’t know when would be my theory ?
@@siddharthpatell1218 you can do the theory tests after mods 3 and 4 I believe if you want.
@@siddharthpatell1218 if the training team are worth their salt, you should be given material that covers the theory (assume you mean mod 4 & show me tell me section of mod 3?!)
But probably a couple weeks before test is given.
Great video Taylor! It’s videos like these that get me to want to enter the profession!
Thanks for the tips mate, really helpful in my first few weeks .
Another great video. Well done Taylor mate 🙌🏽
Thanks for this video, I’m about to start my training
i've just been set an interview date with my local bus company to become a driver. Have you got any tips to get through the interview?
Recently qualified and have been driving in service since for over a week for Arriva North West in Southport. Already picked up a few tips in that short time. For example, if I'm running late, it's not necessarily an issue. Some of the services have a decent timing gap at the terminus, some of which is over 15mins so if I'm running 10-15mins late for whatever reason, then it just means a quick turnaround and I'd be back on time. I'm still learning many things every day but I'm getting better with each day and I'm definitely feeling less pressure with the job.
Brings it all back 50 hrs /split shift (ddeckers) £3.68ph and leaving for a better paid job.. Good old days
Stagecoach Preston. Been here 14 yrs. No radio contact .
Great Video as always Taylor
How often can you use toilet?
I'm doing bus driving licence but lm worry about it 😉
Great video. ☺️
my biggest thing as getting experience as a school bus operator trainee is PATIENCE PATIENCE PATIENCE, i learned that today!! for myself specially i am making mistakes i know and then im not liking the tone of my trainor..
Yes Patience is very key in this job
I have been a bus driver since 2004 been doing school runs for the last 6 years my advice would be treat the kids with respect and don't make it you verses them if you have if you have to deal with a problem with a child keep charm and explain to them why the should or shouldn't do what they are doing
@@grahamjarman5731 i treat the kids with respect but the grown ups one , they have an attitude of being rude, sometimes demanding and noisy, i can handle the little kids but the bigger ones its a challenge, ive been a School bus driver for almost 4 months almost 5 months with my company not a perfect company but sticking with it..
Same.
Thank you for this, I have just passed my application and am waiting for an induction day, at 20 years old and coming from aircraft mechanics it will be a big change but I feel ready for it!
Good luck to you! Nice to see a fellow person in their 20s joining the industry
@@TaylorStraub Cheers! Definitely is one of those jobs I have always likes the thought of but never thought I would be in, hopefully it all goes well!
Holy shit mate, that is so weird, I am in exactly the same position, coming from aircraft mechanics, waiting in my Stagecoach Induction, the only difference is that I'm 24, 🤣🤣
@@connormenzies8841 Crazy stuff! Don't expect the DVLA to get you your licence within the two weeks they say, been waiting two months now and can't get a hold of them. Annoying as I have passed all my applications and I am ready to start my training once they can be bothered to send it! Call them all the time and still yet to talk to anyone!
@@a.mgaming3418, already got it mate, was really surprised, as it was just before Christmas. Go online to where you get your DVLA code, and it might be there. I checked just out of curiosity, and the codes were there before I received my physical license back. Defo check there mate! Might be there, but your license has got caught in the post!
Great video Taylor! 👍👍👏🏻👏🏻
Very helpful, thank you!
Awesome tips mate!
Great video again Taylor keep um coming thanks
Some older drivers don’t like the new boys/ girls. Most are helpful as the controllers are. It is a team event if you want ito be. Good video Taylor with some decent points.
PS
How stupid is this. I reported an accident I never had. I heard a bang but couldn’t see anything. When I got to the end of the route, I looked and saw a big gash in the offside rear corner. I reported it on the radio and was advised to fill in an accident report. I did. Next day I was told that the damage was done earlier in that day before I got the bus. I felt good about that. I don’t like filling in accident reports for vandalism. Quite often you don’t know how it happened.
Yeah I'm guessing that driver tried to get away with not admitting to the accident so it would be your problem and potentially get you in trouble
How long have you been driving ? Are you a shop steward or trainer ? You have a lot to learn . It is now 3 years later do you want to change anything you said .
I drive a bus in Liverpool Arriva . Everything you said is so true
Bro you get loads of stand time.. which garage you at lol
i’m the same age as u are mate at go ahead in orpington, this is a great video 💪🏻
Thank you very much mate I live close to Orpington
And remember what ever happens ITS YOUR FAULT you are but a number
Hey Taylor mate, really enjoyed the video great insight into the role of a bus driver, was just wondering what is involved in the medical screening process and what you went through. Cheers mate.
Just book a medical with your gp, they will fill out a form ask you a load of questions and check your blood pressure and eyesight.
Good sensible tips Taylor👍👍
Thank you, mate.
Any tips for driving at night. Only starting driving next week
Just take more time as things are harder to see especially if the area is not well lit never rush when driving at night that’s when the most dangerous drivers come out
Hi
I'm a qualified driver about to drive in a new town to me. What advice would you give in my scenario? Thanks
Try and use Google maps to visualise the routes you’re going to be driving look for landmarks etc. I especially use google maps to visualise potential diversions if roads are closed along the route for whatever reason that way you have a rough idea where you need to go and can use landmarks to help you out. It is very important to do this for diversions as these can happen without warning and you need to be prepared so doing the research in advance for potential diversion routes will save you a lot of hassle as you have a rough idea where they might send you
Very nice detailed video!
I have a question I'm not good at maths do the ticket machines have a calculator to help with the change please
Yes! It’s all built into the ticket sale process on the ticket machine
Good tips for bus drivers:
Be polite not ignorant.
Say thank you back to customers. Customer service is part of the job.
Don’t be 4,5 minutes early at a stop because customers rely on you to get to work.
Do not ignore customers knocking on your window and drive away BEFORE you’ve started pulling away. I see this all too often, they hear the knock and THEN they pull away.
There are some great drivers out there but unfortunately far too many of them are rude or dismissive.
The amount of passengers I had knocking on my window as I was taking off used to really piss me off, those people got ignored. That's not ignorance on the driver's part but the passengers arrogance.
@@damiencrowley2506 how is that arrogance? No it’s relying on that bus and you ignoring them and pulling away. The very people that pay your wages . . . now that’s arrogance. Where’s the customer service in THAT?’
@@lennoxmate4064 I didn't care about the customers most of them were abusive self righteous scumbags who never took responsibility for their own actions, and as for paying for my wages, most of them had free passes paid for by my taxes. I'm so glad I don't have to tolerate them anymore. Good riddance.
But if you're late will it affect your salary?
In a way yes as if we come off late for our break we can claim overtime and it’s the same with finishing our shift late we are able to claim overtime but we NEVER personally lose money for being late no one would stay in the industry if that was the case
Thanks 🙏
I was a bus driver for 3 years. I was spat at in my face, i had multiple threats of physical violence, drove a route that required a police escort EVERY evening, had people deliberately prevent the bus moving by standing in front of it because i refused them to ride, had death threats on social media because of false allegations. I've bedn a class 1 hgv driver for 15 months now earning £17k more with zero overtime, work around 40-45hrs a week over 4 days, a long easter bank holiday every 3rd week, no Sundays and NO PASSENGERS!!.
To earn what i earn now would mean 70hrs PLUS a week every week, 13 on 1 off. I have the best of both worlds now, loads of money amd loads of free time.
Thats why you don't refuse them to ride, you are a bus driver, drive the bus and shut up
@@lllllllllllll31lll and they are customers, pay your fare or fuck off. Do you go in McDonald's and order food and say I'm not paying or expect them to still give you food with incorrect or no money? It's no different, learn some fucking manners and respect for people providing a chargeable service
Can you explain about this course please
Level 2 Certificate in Professional
Bus Driving for London (3302-02)
Excellent video with lots of great information. I start with Stagecoach (Midlands) myself on Monday as an apprentice driver. I'm not sure how that differs from your training/learning experience but I am really excited to be finally starting my journey after it was put on hold (by covid) last year. Keep the vids coming matey.
Not being weird but How old are and and how long have you been driving for? Im only wondering as I cant find any info regarding this.
Hi Phil, how is it going? I have an interview with Stagecoach coming soon and I am very excited about it. Can you tell me a bit about how's the learning/training happens on a daily basis please? Thnak you so much, best of luck, Renata.
@@renatabraga1619 I have an interview soon, what did you get from it?
I'm sure it won't be long before you are promoted, and teaching other guys how to drive the buses.
Just come back from my first day from my driving school at stagecoach. Done a few roundabouts and the reversing technique. Any tips for People like me starting out with their lessons?
The key tip I can give you is listen to what your instructor is telling you, try to take in as much information as possible from them because the knowledge they can pass on to you can make a real difference in helping you furthermore just learn to trust them they know what they are doing they would never put you in a situation you can't handle, they'd never take you down a road you physically can't get down just learn to trust their judgement and most importantly have fun
@@TaylorStraub cheers for reply. Yeah seems like that's the case, taking everything in and paying attention to my trainer.
@@TaylorStraub passed yesterday! Can't wait to get on the road
@@robjones3408 Congratulations! What garage are you going to?
@@TaylorStraub I'm based up in Ecclesfield, Sheffield. How long have you been driving for? I'm also a young driver.
I got a bit of a stupid question but what happens if a bus driver runs a red light because the camera normally runs the license plate but the plate will come back to the company not a specific person?
They'll just look at the date it happened and what bus it was and find the driver responsible and they'll go through the disciplinary process
@@TaylorStraub Interesting thanks!
Sacked,
Getting sacked isn’t always the case it depends on the circumstances because think about it this way if you have to brake harshly for the lights you have to think about the consequences for your passengers one or several could be injured. Yes we are professional drives so we should be anticipating the lights changing because a bus drivers worst nightmare is a green light but unfortunately it’s just not possible to get it right every time. If you have enough time to stop for the light you should always do so but if you’re in a position where you are too close to come to a SMOOTH and SAFE stop then you have to go through it. The traffic commissioner will take that into account and there have been many cases where the driver hasn’t been charged because of these reasons as it would’ve been too dangerous to stop because of passengers on the vehicle or another vehicle been too close to the bus coming up to the lights. So that’s something you have to think about.
Top stuff mate
17:52 You meant to say do report it not do not report it.
Thank you so much for this
Very true all
Well said 😊👍
Thank you
Are you still a bus driver 2years later .???
I hopefully hoping to work for stagecoach in Sunderland once I passed my driving test
Some agencies will write you up for being late
What's an RTC?
Road traffic collision
WHERE ARE
U?