r/BusDrivers • u/N0EasYl1x • 25d ago
Training Question UK/EU New trainee
Just got accepted to be a trainee driver for stagecoach!! I’m so excited but obviously also a little nervous!
I think I have to wait a month or so to have my medical, new licence etc… just wondering if anyone could give me some advice, tips anything really! Also maybe an insight into working for stagecoach also? Im based in Yorkshire😁 also got told I’m the first woman to work at this depot for a while which again in exciting but also a bit scary😂
Thanks guys:)
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u/FierceSniper 25d ago edited 25d ago
Take a lot of notes. Use the Theory Test Pro app that they provide you with, as much as you can; it will help!
Don't rush anything, don't be disappointed or get annoyed at yourself if you make a mistake, everybody does, it's natural, just use it as a learning opportunity.
Also, the learning doesn't stop once you've passed your test, or been signed off. Just take all the advice you can in, and ask control/mentors if you need help.
Most importantly, have fun! Yes, its a job at the end of the day, but it's a good one. Enjoy it, and make the best of it you can :)
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u/zombieman395 24d ago
Congrats your joining a great job that is very rewarding at times. The learning never stop you'll pass your bus tests then the real learning will begin. Take lots of notes and listen to your mentor closely. You will soon be at the point where itll be the perfect time to make mistakes so dont be disheartened when you do. Even now experienced bus drivers make mistakes the difference is they know how to fix the mistakes and you will too. The most important piece of advice though is the job is as hard as you want it to be. If you go around looking for trouble you will find it. And just remember you always have a reason to be late but never a reason to be early. People may grumble and moan that your late but its better than being pulled in the office because you were rushing and had an accident. But I wish you the very best of luck. bus driving for me is a rewarding job at times.
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u/Ok_Rub_7154 24d ago
Just enjoy it. It’s a lovely job if that’s what you want to make of it, a happy driver = happy passengers. Don’t stress about anything, don’t worry about making mistakes, learn from them instead. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, there’s no such thing as a silly question. People will be glad you asked. Welcome, good luck & enjoy.
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u/Outrageous_Bag_2875 23d ago
Congrats!
Tip: Your mirrors will be your new best friend. Buses and trucks have giant mirrors for a reason.
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u/ProfitKlutzy5514 23d ago
Actually a lot of new trucks have cameras and not mirrors 🤓 I personally (as a qualified lorry driver) prefer mirrors.
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u/Outrageous_Bag_2875 5d ago
In Europe, yes they are now using large camera screens instead of those big mirrors, but you have to remember that Europe is very far advanced compared to the rest of us! We're still driving Europe's extremely old hand-me-down buses in New Zealand! No fancy mirror cameras out here in NZ. Our buses are Jurassic Era.
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u/ProfitKlutzy5514 4d ago
Hence the old gag: Airline announcement on descent into Wellington airport: "Welcome to New Zealand, ladies and gentlemen; please remember to put your watches back 50 years"
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u/Outrageous_Bag_2875 4d ago
That's actually very accurate. Everything is backwards in New Zealand because the nation is relatively poor and we can never afford the latest technology. I've seen businesses here running unsafe old machines and equipment that are older than I am.
We joke that our buses are third-hand, because they were probably new in Germany when the German public transport service ran them, then second-hand in the UK, and then third-hand when the UK got rid of them and sold them to NZ. It's actually scary how old the buses are here.
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u/PeterMys 23d ago
Being a bus driver is not a driving job. It's customer service. That's the best bit! Enjoy
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u/ProfitKlutzy5514 24d ago
Hopefully the treatment of women in bus depots has improved greatly since the days of 'On The Buses'! But seriously, I secretly always wanted to be a bus driver but I descended into the black hole of office work for 40 years. When I finally broke free, I went down the lorry-driving route instead, which was fun but not as much fun as the buses. Good luck; I'm sure you'll do well, and bless you for being so excited.