Passenger transport driver - bus and coach or tram
Level 2 · IntermediateTransport and logistics 1 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
This Level 2 apprenticeship trains you to drive buses, coaches, or trams safely and professionally, carrying passengers on local, long-distance, or urban routes. You will learn to operate large passenger vehicles, plan journeys, and provide excellent customer service to the public. It can lead to senior driver roles, supervisory positions, or progression into transport operations management.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Safe driving techniques for buses, coaches, and trams
Traffic law and highway code requirements for large vehicles
Passenger safety procedures including emergency protocols
Accessibility requirements for disabled and mobility-impaired passengers
Route planning and timetable awareness
Fare collection and ticketing systems
Vehicle pre-use checks and basic fault reporting
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Drive passengers safely along set routes to timetable
Carry out pre-journey vehicle safety checks
Assist passengers with accessibility needs when boarding
Issue or validate tickets and handle passenger queries
Report vehicle defects, incidents, or delays to controllers
Follow traffic signals, road signs, and speed limits at all times
Communicate professionally with passengers and control rooms
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 2 (Intermediate) - roughly GCSE level. Often open with few or no formal qualifications - a strong first step. Some employers ask for a couple of GCSEs.
What’s next: Typically leads on to a Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
No employer videos yet for this apprenticeship. Employers offering it can add one to show young people what the role is really like.