To become a bus driver, you need to have held a Class 1 driver’s licence (a car licence) for two years. Depending on the size of bus you want to drive, you also need a Class 2 or Class 4 driver’s licence.

You must also have a passenger (P) endorsement on your licence, which shows you can carry passengers. This involves:

• passing a medical exam, including an eyesight test
• passing a course that shows you understand the law relating to passenger drivers
• a background check, to check you are a “fit and proper person”.

You must renew your 'P' endorsement regularly.

There are no specific secondary educational requirements for bus drivers, but English and maths are useful.

Some employers may require their drivers to have completed a National Certificate in Commercial Road Transport before they can work.

Bus drivers gain skills on the job and some companies may provide training programmes.

Useful experience for bus drivers includes:

• work as a driving instructor
• work as a truck or taxi driver
• any work with the public.