The HGV License You Need To Drive A Bus

When children are asked what they want to be when they grow up, they are limited to certain answers and being a bus driver is one of them. This makes sense when you consider driving a 12.5-tonne vehicle and moving them from one place to another and helping them is a great aim. Driving a bus can be very rewarding and is a popular job. However, you should consider the training you need if you want to become a bus driver.

The License And Requirements For Driving A Bus

When you are driving a large vehicle and transporting people instead of goods, the government regulations become strict. There are certain basic requirements that you need to meet in order to drive these larger vehicles. These requirements are that you need to be over 18-years old and have a full car license. You also need to hold a Driver CPC or Certificate of Professional Competence by completing your LGV training.

If you meet these requirements, there are other qualifications you need to have if you want to drive a bus. The primary qualification is a CAT D license. This will be your base license and you need a CAT D+E if you want to drive a bus with a trailer. These licenses can be obtained after you have a Diver CPC to drive professionally.

To obtain these licenses, you will need to be older than 24 years of age. When you have a CAT D license, you can drive any vehicle which carries 8 passengers or more. However, before you can obtain this license, you need to have a CAT B license.

The CAT B License

Before you can get your CAT D license, you need to have a CAT B license first. This might seem like a lot of work, but there is some good news. The CAT B license is the vehicle industry term for your regular full driver’s license.

When you have a CAT B license, you can drive any vehicle up to 3,500 kg maximum and carry up to 8 passengers. This license also allows you to tow trailers that weigh up to 750 kg. If you are over 21, you can also drive a motor tricycle with an output of more than 15kW. As you are considering a career as a driver, it is safe to assume that you already have this license covered.

What Does CAT D License Training Cover?

If you want to be a bus driver, you need to have a CAT D license. There are 2 parts to the CAT D license which is similar to other HGV and LGV licenses. The first part if the theory and the second the practical.

The training program for this license is designed to teach you to drive a bus safely in a professional capacity. It will also place you in the best position to gain employment as a bus driver. The training will include:

• The rules and regulations of the road

• The general fixtures and maintenance of the vehicle

• Customer service

• Safety for yourself, your passengers and other road users

• Farsightedness

• Risk management

At the end of the training, you will need to sit both the theory and practical tests. If you pass both these tests, you will be able to become a bus driver.

How To Get A CAT D License?

There are many training providers you can help you obtain your CAT D license. Many of these providers will offer various HGV courses including the VAT D and the Driver CPC. With the help of a training company, you will be prepared for the tests and driving a bus. Many of these companies will also help you get your first job as a bus driver. This is invaluable help that will help you get your first step onto the bus driving career ladder.

Before you choose a training provider, you will need to review what they offer and see how they have helped their past clients. You also need to find out how they are going to help you pass the tests you need to.