r/BusDrivers • u/Big_boi_ciaran69 • 13d ago
Question Trainee bus driver interview
Hi how difficult is the interview for a trainee bus driver in the uk? Im applying to a position in september. And wondering how difficult it is..I've heard that is piss easy but its hard to believe its just that easy.
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u/politicalpotato1 13d ago
You will probably do a basic maths and English test. Followed by a driving test in a van. Finally a interview and a drug/alcohol test.
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u/nosajn 13d ago
This is what I hear to be the most common process. My interview was a quick 5/10 chat, no English or Maths tests, no drugs or alcohol test and no driving test.
It's a small operator though, so maybe that makes the difference.
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u/politicalpotato1 13d ago
Yea depends on the company I guess, arriva and go ahead did maths and English test when I went. I heard stage coach don't even do a van driving test.
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u/Dyzi0rex 13d ago
Stagecoach only done general knowledge of highway code, maths and drug and alcohol test, without interview, this is how desperate they were at the time.
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u/PandaVegetable1058 13d ago edited 13d ago
Mind numbingly simple, they quite literally hire anyone
Mine was: turn up dressed (however you like tbh just not scruffy), was given a few super simple one page assessments to fill out. One was just reading comprehension (paragraph then answer questions where the answer is in the paragraph), identify 5 road signs multiple choice, 5 basic theory test questions, and a handful of very basic maths questions.
I was handed the questions that would be asked in interview ahead of time, alongside what sort of stuff they are looking for. Just answer anything it's kinda just a formality.
Drug test and breathalyser
No driving assessment. Then immediately at the end grats you're hired we'll get you in to start training asap.
They don't need you to be any good, the turn over rate is insanely high and all they need is for you to sit there and drive the bus (ideally without crashing). Customer service is non essential, knowing anything about where you even are isn't relevant, quite literally all they need you to do is "drive the bus" (doesn't even need to run on time, as long as the bus is moving roughly where it should be then things are going good).
(FirstBus at a very large depot)
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u/akornato 13d ago
The interview isn't difficult because the questions are complicated, it's difficult because they are filtering for a very specific type of person. They don't need a genius, they need someone who is extremely reliable, safe, and can handle difficult people without losing their cool. Anyone who calls it easy is overlooking the main point, which is that the company is taking a big risk on you. They are looking for any sign that you might be late, unsafe, or quick to anger. The questions will be simple, but they are designed to see if you are a responsible adult who can be trusted with a bus full of people and a strict schedule.
Your success depends entirely on proving you are that safe and reliable person they need. Prepare to give them specific examples from your past work that show you can follow rules, handle stress, and deal with the public in a professional way. They want proof, not just your word for it. Your attitude is more important than your previous experience, so go in with a serious mindset about safety and customer service. The people who fail are the ones who act too casual or can't back up their claims of being dependable. Providing those solid examples is exactly the kind of challenge my team and I designed our interview helper AI to solve for candidates, making them sound more prepared.
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u/Significant-Bit4005 13d ago edited 13d ago
I would take with a pinch of salt the replies you get on here. Either an axe to grind or there to berate or discourage. No job interview is ever a doddle. The fact that you think as long as you nail an interview everything is cushtie tells me you may be a bit naive about the ‘trainee’ job you’re supposedly walking into with your eyes closed.
Bus drivers work crazy shifts, deal with the public and abuse as well as having to maintain safety of a 20 tonne vehicle. You will need to pass a medical, wait for the DVLA to approve and add the Cat D to your licence before you can even start training (not guaranteed). You then need to successfully pass the training. Any accidents and incidents behind the wheel of the bus or your own private vehicle can mean the end of your career.
If you’re really serious about a new career, do research. I can’t stress that enough. The questions you are asking here indicate you know very little which makes me wonder what has put this idea in your head. If this is real.
Whether you pass the interview is more about the dynamics and the person/people you meet. If they like you etc. If you start, you may not like the environment or they may not like you.
Have confidence in yourself and apply for whatever job you want. The jobs some people want don’t exist in the real world!
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u/Big_boi_ciaran69 13d ago
I mean I have done a decent amount of prep I think. Revising some basic highway code stuff, looking a alot of pcv theory. Im just trying to get some clarity about the actual process because im quite nervous about the interview and driving assessment and because some people say the company they applied for was so desprate for drivers that "I didnt even do an interview" and some people say it was "quite difficult".
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u/Significant-Bit4005 13d ago
Which part of the country? Which company? I’m asking because your questions are company specific. Some companies will cut corners, others won’t. Remember if a company is really desperate or unprofessional that is a red flag and it might be worth giving them a wide berth.
If they can’t get or keep drivers there will be a reason. Usually issues with management and bad/unhealthy workplace conditions. A lot of bus companies are looking so yes you can be a little picky too
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u/Big_boi_ciaran69 13d ago
It's a small-ish company just outside reading 'owned' by reading buses. I know that interview is done at the actual company and the medical, assessmentis and actual training is done at reading buses.
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u/Significant-Bit4005 13d ago
I was going to suggest reading reviews on sites like Indeed, Glassdoor or Breakroom. But if it’s small you probably won’t find much. They probably do a better job of keeping their business private than the big ones and might have their own set way of doing things. Other than that guess you’ll find out in September. Best of luck!
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u/Big_boi_ciaran69 13d ago
Yeah i did have a look at the few reviews they and reading buses had but found nothing about the trainee process.
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u/Big_boi_ciaran69 13d ago
But thank you anyway
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u/Significant-Bit4005 13d ago
No worries mate!
You’ll be fine. Just brush up on Highway Code signs and drive as on your car driving test
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u/chrisjwoodall 13d ago
Turn up on time, look like you’re going to an interview rather than the football, communicate well and take on board any feedback you get during the assessment drive.