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A Bus Driver operates vehicles transporting passengers to various destinations. You might drive a local route with multiple stops or take passengers on longer journeys intrastate or interstate. Bus Drivers might also specialise in a particular type of bus driving such as operating school buses or shuttle buses. Your role may involve checking passenger tickets or pre-paid travel cards.
Bus Drivers should be able to work to a schedule and ensure their passengers arrive at a destination on time. You should be a safe driver and be able to focus for long periods of time. Bus Drivers should have good customer service skills and you’ll need to able to communicate with people from a range of backgrounds.
There are 2 courses available for people who want to become a Bus Driver.
Possible job outcomes:
Do you need a commercial driver’s licence? The nationally recognised TLI21221 Certificate II in Driving Operations qualifies you for work as a taxi driver, courier, ride share driver, and other commercial driving occupations. During your course, you’ll learn how to carry out vehicle inspections and pre-work safety checks, safely shift materials around the vehicle, calculate mileage and fares, and apply fatigue management strategies. Choose electives that support licensing outcomes: taxi, light rigid, commercial vehicle operations. Enquire now for the list of study units, commercial vehicle licensing outcomes, and upcoming enrolment dates..
Average duration: 12 months.
Learn how to safely drive and operate commercial vehicles with the TLI31222 Certificate III in Driving Operations. This nationally recognised qualification is the training requirement for most commercial vehicle licences in Australia including buses, coaches, tip trucks, line-haul and delivery vehicles, forestry vehicles, waste vehicles and more. During your studies you will learn how to drive in a range of traffic conditions, ensure the safety of your vehicle, and complete mandatory paperwork. You will also gain skills in driver awareness, fatigue management, and manual handling. Choose specialist electives that support licensing outcomes in your state or territory. Enquire now for the full list of study units, licensing electives (and their availability) and course openings in your area..
In Australia, a full time Bus Driver generally earns $1,050 per week ($54,600 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
There has been strong employment growth in this industry in recent years. There are currently 33,000 people employed as a Bus Driver in Australia, compared to 25,300 five years ago. Bus Drivers may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
If you’re planning a career as a Bus Driver, consider enrolling in a Certificate II in Driving Operations. This course addresses a range of topics including fatigue management strategies, map reading and navigation, loading and unloading safety and completing relevant documentation. You could also consider a Certificate III in Driving Operations.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within driving and transport. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Driving and Transport
Bus Driver
$1,050 weekly pay
Driving Instructor
$1,200 weekly pay
Forklift Driver
Fuel Tanker Driver
$1,340 weekly pay
HGV Driver
Monorail Operator
Tram Driver
Truck Driver
Learn more about Bus Driver courses in your area.