Bus Driving Visa Links: £12/hr in Liverpool, UK

Almost 1 in 10 bus driver positions are currently vacant in the UK, according to the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT). The shortage of drivers has led to a decrease in the number of bus services. Scotland has the greatest shortage, with 14% of positions vacant, while the West of England faces the largest shortage in England.

Recent data from the Department for Transport (DfT) shows that the number of people employed by local bus operators has been dropping. In March 2022, bus and coach companies employed 94,606 people across England, which is down 16% from March 2011. Despite this shortage, the number of bus journeys remains below pre-pandemic levels.

Salary and working hours for bus drivers in the UK can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and the specific bus company. The average hourly salary for a bus driver in the UK is approximately £13.61 while the  annual average salary is around £30,913. Additionally, some bus drivers may also receive additional cash compensation, which can vary. For those paid by the hour, the average hourly rate is £11.79. Hourly rates can range from £10 to £15.

In London, bus drivers can earn around £18.08 per hour. Other cities with competitive pay include Edinburgh, Bolton, Bristol, Sheffield, and Glasgow. A typical working week for a bus driver could mean bringing home around £400-£500 per week. Rest days are essential, and drivers cannot exceed a certain number of driving hours.

Roles and Duties of a Bus Drivers in the UK

As a bus driver in the UK, your role involves various responsibilities to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers. Here are the key duties:

1- Driving Legally and Safely: Bus drivers are mandated to dhere to traffic laws at all times while operating the bus. You must always drive safely, especially during passenger boarding and alighting.

2- Passenger Assistance: As a bus driver in the UK, your job will often include helping passengers who may have difficulty getting on or off the bus and providing furtherassistance as needed during the journey.

3- Ticketing and Fares. You will equally be responsible for collecting faresfrom passengers and also checking tickets and passes to ensure valid travel.

4- Vehicle Maintenance: Bus drivers in the UK are responsible for inspecting the bus before and after each trip to ensure it’s in good working condition. You must frequently monitor vehicle parts for any issues.

5- Communication and Coordination: In addition to driving, you will also need to coordinate routes and schedules with dispatch and other drivers. Communicate effectively with passengers and colleagues.

Qualifications For Bus Driver Role in UK

To become a bus driver in the UK, you’ll need to meet specific qualifications and obtain the necessary licenses. Here are the key requirements:

1- Category B Driving License: You must hold a full EU driver’s license (Category B) to begin bus training. In addition, you must also ensure that you are medically fit to drive.

2- Category D PCV License: To become a coach or bus driver, you’ll need to gain the Category D PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) license. This license allows you to drive buses and coaches.

3- Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC): The Driver CPC is a professional driving qualification required for bus and coach drivers. It consists of several tests such as the:

• CPC Part 1 Theory Test: This covers theory knowledge related to driving large vehicles.
• CPC Part 2 Case Studies Test: This focuses on practical scenarios.
• CPC Part 3a Practical Test: Off-road exercises (e.g., vehicle safety checks).
• CPC Part 3b Practical Test: On-road driving assessment.
• CPC Part 4 Practical Demonstration: Demonstrates practical skills (e.g., securing loads).

Once qualified, you’ll receive a Driver CPC card and need to take 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to maintain your qualification.

4- Renewal and Training: You’ll need to renew your bus or HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) license every 5 years (annually after age 65). If you previously qualified as an HGV driver and want to retrain, you might not need to take all 5 CPC tests.

However, if you have previous experience as a qualified HGV or bus driver, you can return without taking all 4 tests for the Driver CPC. Renew your license and complete the required training.

Visa Pathways For Bus Drivers In the UK

For those interested in becoming a bus driver in the UK, there are specific visa options you can explore. Here are some pathways:

1- Tier 2 General Visa:

The Skilled Worker visa (formerly known as the Tier 2 General visa) is designed for skilled workers who have a job offer from a UK employer. To be eligible for this visa, you must work for a UK employer that’s been approved by the Home Office.

Additionally, your employer must provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) with information about the role you’ve been offered. Your job must be on the list of eligible occupations. While there is no minimum salary, your actual salary requirement depends on the type of work and the date you received your CoS.

Furthermore, you must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English. You’ll usually need to prove your English proficiency when applying. As regards duration, your Skilled Worker visa can last for up to 5 years before you need to extend it. You’ll need to apply to extend or update your visa when it expires or if you change jobs or employers.

More so, you can apply to extend your visa multiple times as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. After 5 years, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (permanent settlement) in the UK.

Application Process

Your specific application process will be online and based on your unique situation:

• If you’re outside the UK, apply before your intended start date.
• If you’re inside the UK, apply to extend your current visa or switch from a different visa category.

Your partner and children can apply to join you or stay in the UK as your dependents if they’re eligible. You’ll usually receive a decision on your visa application within 3 weeks if you’re outside the UK.

2- Tier 5 Temporary Worker Visa:

The Tier 5 Temporary Worker Visa (formerly known as the Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange visa) is designed for individuals who want to work in the UK on a temporary basis. You can apply for this visa if you:

• Want to come to the UK for work experience, training, an Overseas Government Language Programme, research, or a fellowship through an approved government authorised exchange scheme.
• Have a sponsor (such as an organisation running an approved exchange scheme, a higher education institution, or a government department/agency).

The new Tier 5 Temporary Worker visa has replaced the previous Temporary Worker – Government Authorised Exchange visa (T5). Before applying, you need a certificate of sponsorship from your sponsor. It’s a reference number that confirms your job details and personal information. Your work, training, or research in the UK must relate to the work of your sponsor organisation.

Application Process:

You will need to apply online up to 3 months before your intended start date (as listed on your certificate of sponsorship). Also, you will be required to prove your identity and provide necessary documents during the application process.

You’ll usually receive a decision on your visa within 3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK and 8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK. Expedited processing options may be available for faster decisions. For cost, the application fee is around £298 per person (same for both in-country and out-of-country applications). Healthcare surcharge is usually £1,035 per year (check the current rate). And a personal savings proof is also required.

Depending on the scheme you apply for, you’ll get a visa for a maximum of 12 months or 24 months. You can enter the UK up to 14 days before your job starts (as long as you don’t arrive before the start date on your visa). And also, you can stay in the UK for up to 14 days after your job ends (as long as you don’t stay past the end date on your visa).

3- Ancestry Visa:

If you’re interested in working as a bus driver in the UK, the UK Ancestry Visa could be a suitable pathway for you. You can apply for a UK Ancestry visa if you meet the following criteria:

• You are a Commonwealth citizen.
• You can prove that one of your grandparents was born in the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man.
• Other eligible categories include British overseas citizens, British overseas territories citizens, and citizens of Zimbabwe.

The UK Ancestry visa allows you to stay in the UK for 5 years. During this period, you can live, work, and study in the UK.

Application Process:

For a successful application, you will need to apply online up to 3 months before your intended travel date. You should receive a decision on your visa application within 3 weeks if you apply from outside the UK. Expedited processing options may be available for faster decisions.

With a UK Ancestry visa, you can:

• Work: Your work can be paid or voluntary, full-time or part-time, and in self-employment or as an employee.
• Study: Pursue educational opportunities in the UK.
• Bring Your Partner or Child: Your family members can join you as dependents if they are eligible.

After living in the UK for 5 years on this visa, you may be eligible to either:

• Apply to extend your visa for another 5 years.
• Apply for indefinite leave to remain (settlement) in the UK.

The UK Ancestry visa application fee is £637. Additionally, you may need to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Make sure to check the current rate before applying.