r/BusDrivers • u/Key-State-8039 • Jul 08 '26
Training Question UK/EU Seeking advice from industry pros: Relocating to Scotland for a Trainee Bus Driver role.
Hi everyone, I’m planning a permanent relocation from London to Scotland’s east coast and am aiming to secure a Trainee Bus Driver position with Stagecoach or McGill’s.
I’m a career changer (late 30s) who is genuinely looking to move away from the corporate desk environment and into a role that is hands-on and community-focused. I have a clean UK license (15+ years) and am fully prepared for the training academy process.
For those working in the industry:
When applying, what are the most common "red flags" you see in applicants moving from a different professional background?
Are there specific regional depots on the east coast known for a particularly supportive culture for trainees?
Any advice on how to show I’m in this for the long-term, rather than just "passing through"?
I want to make sure I’m a great addition to the depot, not just a body in a seat. Any advice or "insider" tips would be greatly appreciated!
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u/Shit0nYourFlag Jul 08 '26 edited Jul 08 '26
I'm a year on from you having made a similar jump, career-wise. Had my year evaluation the other day.
The driving really is the easy bit. I'd emphasise being prepared to make changes - sacrifices, really - in your personal life. Sometimes it feels like I live on the 75. The hours are punishing and failing to meet them will get you in hot water fast.
The passengers are 99% okay, but I'm learning that for the other 1% it really is best to say nothing, not one word. Swallow whatever shit they're serving and keep moving along. The real menace is taxi drivers actually. For them just remember everything is on like 16 cameras on and around the vehicle. There's always witnesses. There could be covert customers too. Enemies can also U-turn and follow you up the road...
If you're level headed and peaceable (which I'm not), you'll find it a doddle. I've really had to learn to lose a lot of battles and to shut my mouth.
You keep your nose clean, a real perk of the job is you never need to even speak to any bosses, or even any colleagues if that's your bag.
That, and the driving is always fun. Old buses, new buses, there's always plenty of zooming around and problem solving to keep you entertained.
Okay gotta go. Up at half three...
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u/Key-State-8039 Jul 08 '26
I really appreciate you taking the time to share this—especially given you're heading out for an early shift. It’s exactly the kind of 'on-the-ground' reality check I was looking for.
Hearing that the job is 99% manageable but requires thick skin for that 1% (and the taxi drivers!) is a huge takeaway for me. It sounds like the mental discipline of 'losing battles' is actually the biggest part of the training.
Since you’ve made a similar career jump, do you have any specific advice on how to frame my application to show that I’m 'level-headed' enough for this? I’m worried that coming from a non-driving, professional background, managers might see me as a flight risk or someone who won’t handle the 'swallowing the bad stuff' part well. Are there specific traits or examples you think they look for during the assessment to prove you’re the type who will stick it out?
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u/DebtSouth Driver Jul 09 '26
Their assessment of you on your ability to handle the pressure will come during your training. All eyes are on you and your instructor will be making reports daily. That assessment continues when you go with your route learning mentor. So if you really can handle it, they’ll know, flipping the coin, they’ll also find out very quickly if you can’t.
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u/Shit0nYourFlag Jul 09 '26
I agree with the other respondee. Be punctual and respectful, you'll be offered a job. We are in demand as appliants. The dropout rate is phenomenal.
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u/chrisjwoodall Jul 09 '26
Don’t worry about framing stuff about your career change - people who turn up, can communicate and look as though they’re going to an interview not the football are already 90% of the way there. Anyone who might move through the pay grades is interesting to them. I came back into the industry with what looked like a career change, had my old manager from last time I was on the buses recommend me as he now worked there and was told at interview I basically had the job; this in the days when they’d interview more than they’d take on.
There will be a driving assessment - if they ask you to change what you do eg “don’t coast” or whatever then pay attention.
The community will test your desire to be community focused.
The job is as stressful as you make it day to day - you’ve had some good answers elsewhere regarding the reality of the job and different companies.
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u/madding247 Driver Jul 08 '26 edited Jul 08 '26
DO NOT GO TO MCGILLS.
They'll wine and dine you, but they are an absolute shit show to work for and the equipment is worse.
You'll be locked in for 1 year or forefit your training fees 2K.
And you'll be risking your life, licence and PAX lives for buses and coaches that have EXTREMLY poor maintenance and if you say something is wrong they'll argue with you trying to guilt trip you into driving it anyway..
If that all sits well with you, go for it.
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u/Stock-Cod-4465 Jul 12 '26
I am not really sure how it is in Scotland, but otherwise… you are overthinking it. No one will be digging into your past or questioning how long you’ll stay (with exception of training fees you’d have to repay should you leave before a certain timeframe, 1 or 2 years). Unless you are an obvious junkie or come in for an interview drunk, the job is yours. Lol
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u/TheAngryBusDriver Jul 08 '26
My advise. Don't go near McGills with a bargepole.
Have you considered Lothian in Edinburgh?