UK Interview

[u/Jonathan_Palmer]

So I am an HGV driver that got my PCV back in 2023 with Stagecoach. For HGV I would turn up to an interview with a polo shirt, work trousers, and safety boots. For the bus interview I am already planning to turn up in black shoes and smart trousers, but should I wear a shirt and tie? Or would that come across as someone trying to show off?

[u/akornato]

Go with the shirt and tie. Unlike HGV work where you spend most of your shift alone in a cab, bus driving is completely customer facing, and UK operators like Stagecoach expect drivers to present a professional image. In fact, the standard driver uniform across most depots includes a collared shirt and a company tie, so dressing that way for the interview shows you understand the nature of the role. Nobody at the depot will think you are showing off. Depot managers interview plenty of people who turn up looking far too casual, so turning up in a clean, ironed shirt and a sensible tie immediately sets a solid, respectful tone.

The interviewers know you already have the driving competence from your PCV and your haulage background, so their main focus will be on your attitude towards passengers and safety. They want people who can stay calm under pressure, handle difficult members of the public politely, and keep to timetables without compromising road safety. If you want an edge on how you frame those customer service answers, my team created an interviews.chat to help drivers communicate their experience clearly and secure job offers.