Working Life

As well as collecting fares, other functions carried out by the Bus Driver include:

• Maintaining documentation, i.e. passenger report forms
• Vehicle maintenance check list, operating tachography, where appropriate, and related documentation
• Customer information/complaints

In practical terms a bus company also expects a Bus Driver to keep radio contact with a control base. This is to keep drivers informed on essential information such as traffic and roadwork conditions. This also allows drivers security, especially on the late night services. Long distance Bus Drivers now have strict laws governing the hours drivers should work. Drivers on express routes are responsible for the loading and unloading of passengers' suitcases.

There are a number of types of bus driver including:

Intercity bus drivers who report to a station where their journey begins. They pick up passengers and transport then to another station where they will pick up more passengers for the return journey. They also pick up passengers at designated locations along the way.

• Urban Bus Drivers who transport passengers on short journeys around cities and suburbs.
• School Bus Drivers travel the same route every day collecting school children. They collect them from school in the evenings and return them to their homes.

Many airports and hotels run shuttle buses to transport customers to their required locations. There are also bus hire services where people can hire buses with a driver for periods of time.

Further Information

• Bus or Coach Driver- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Community Transport Driver- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Community Transport Passenger Assistant- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

 Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

It is essential to be an experienced driver before becoming a Bus Driver.

Those in private industry must also have completed successfully a commercial vehicle driving course. Coach tour operators must have courier experience. There is a strict selection process for Dublin Bus.  
Bus Drivers will undergo driving courses for buses and coaches. Drivers will also take basic motor mechanical training. It is essential that all drivers have an understanding of transport legislation, basic law, Road Traffic Acts and EU transport regulations. Other skills that will be utilised are administration, record keeping and basic reporting skills.

Key Skill Certs:

Garda vetting & security check may form part of the (CPC) cert of professional competency and application for D class bus driver license.  

First Aid and Health & Safety

Search our CourseFinder for Skills to Compete & FET centre part time programs.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: bus, coach driving.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: bus, coach driving.

Search for PLC Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €50k

Salaries vary depending on route from base, employer Semi private/ private, location, experience, Shift pattern, experience, and role.

Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Glassdoor/ Talent/ Payscale/ Dublin Bus

Last Updated: March, 2024

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Marine and waterways transport operatives, Air transport operatives, Rail transport operatives, Bus and coach drivers, Train and tram drivers, Van drivers, Other drivers and transport operatives n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

Van and bus/coach drivers account for the largest share of employment within this occupational group. Employment growth was above average, primarily related to growth between 2018 and 2019; employment levels in 2023 were broadly in line with levels in 2021. The new quota for employment permits for bus/coach drivers in December 2022 resulted in 216 new permits issued in 2023.

There was a relatively high share of vacancies advertised through DSP for bus and coach drivers and Skills for Growth data noted issues with recruiting bus drivers. With over a third aged 55 years and older, openings may be more frequent in coming years due to replacement demand. The NTA and operators have engaged in extensive recruitment campaigns and open days recently along with introducing an employee referral programme. Despite this, shortages of bus and coach drivers persists.

• Bus Atha Cliath - Dublin Bus

  • 59 Upper O'Connell Street, Dublin 1
  • (01) 873 4222
  • Click Here

• Iarnrod Eireann

  • Connolly Station, Dublin 1
  • Click Here