How I Became a London Bus Driver

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ต.ค. 2024
  • A brief look into the process of becoming a London Bus Driver.
    #Driving_London #londonbus #londonbuses #londonbusdriver #londonbusworker #bus #buses #UKbuses #busdriver #busdriverlife #busdriveruk #busdriverlifeuk #busdriving #busdrivinguk #busphotography #busphotograph
    #enviro400mmc #enviro400
    Some Bus Driver Channels You May Like.
    Bus Driver Life (Keywan)
    / busdriverlife
    Bus Driver Taylor (Taylor)
    / taylorstraub
    Real Talk (Chris)
    / chrissrealtalk
    Double Decker Anton (Anton)
    / doubledeckeranton

ความคิดเห็น • 143

  • @UnionAlley
    @UnionAlley 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Great video mate, very informative... I was actually due to start a driving apprenticeship with Stagecoach (Midlands) just over a year ago but due to Covid it never happened. I was told that once they were able to proceed they would be in touch. I don't think anyone at the time imagined that life would be disrupted for this long! Anyway, they contacted me a couple of days ago to see if I was still interested in pursuing a career as a bus driver with them, which I am, and am looking to seeing how that progresses. I agree that theory test pro is an excellent resource and fortunately my access to it was never removed so I have been "keeping my eye in" every now and then on the off chance :-) Keep the videos coming... Stay safe.

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Welcome to the gang. Covid will continue to ruin people’s lives for sometime to come. Good luck with the training, and thanks for watching.

  • @darraghnee
    @darraghnee 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Hi from Galway Ireland 🇮🇪 mate..I going doing my bus driver course next month and I appreciate your honest opinion of the job thanks Darragh

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You’re welcome thanks for watching.

  • @CB-by9nf
    @CB-by9nf 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Really like your videos! Looking forward to what’s in store for future videos

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Many thanks. I was having a bloody awful day, you’ve just cheered me, right up.

  • @dawnbrown1732
    @dawnbrown1732 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love your video Mike is so amazing and wonderful 💗 xxxxxxx

    • @dawnbrown1732
      @dawnbrown1732 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I am in love with you Mike 💙💙

  • @dawnbrown1732
    @dawnbrown1732 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love all Bus stuff so lovely and sweet and amazing and wonderful and best you are my favourite bus people 💓 xx

  • @BusDriverLife
    @BusDriverLife 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great insight!!

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Many thanks brother

  • @PeterShieldsukcatstripey
    @PeterShieldsukcatstripey 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So glad you got through okay.

  • @stephenhyland4256
    @stephenhyland4256 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Good channel just subscribed

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      You’re most kind. Thank you so much

  • @13Tenantry
    @13Tenantry 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Hi I am starting my training in a few weeks time and am curios about the case study part of the test. What are the main things I should be preparing for in this?

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      You can’t study for the casework test. It’s a bit of common sense a bit of the theory test

  • @kayneashby9346
    @kayneashby9346 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice one lad

  • @letsride3016
    @letsride3016 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Brilliant, informative video as always. Do you enjoy your job overall? I know it has its difficult aspects, but is it a job you enjoy?

  • @PiggyNoobRoblox
    @PiggyNoobRoblox 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I want to be a bus drivers in a few years and I’m wondering, is it hard to turn corners on buses or is it easy once you get used to it? I really love buses❤

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      It’s a bit nerve wracking to start with but it becomes second nature after a while.

    • @PiggyNoobRoblox
      @PiggyNoobRoblox 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@_Mikes_Life k thank you

  • @craigmahoney9052
    @craigmahoney9052 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love the videos matey!
    Just wondering if they start paying you from the start of training? You mentioned beginning in March and then passing your final stages in October… were you paid a salary for all those months or did you have another job while you were training through the modules?

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Paid the whole way through. Not great money, but paid every Friday.

  • @flyhigh1572
    @flyhigh1572 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very informative video

  • @vincenzobaldo1066
    @vincenzobaldo1066 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi there, Thanks for your videos.
    I just wanted to ask, how long did you wait for to arrive the provisional Driving Licence from DVLA?
    Thankyou.

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I think I waited a couple of weeks or a week. Stagecoach sorted it out.

    • @vincenzobaldo1066
      @vincenzobaldo1066 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@_Mikes_Life OK 👍 Thanks for letting me know.
      Have a good day.

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@vincenzobaldo1066 I’ve thought about this. Stagecoach provided the forms, for a medical. The doctor then sent off all the forms along with the photo card license to the DVSA. It came back within a week, I then contacted Stagecoach, and organised a start date to the theory test.

    • @vincenzobaldo1066
      @vincenzobaldo1066 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@_Mikes_Life Thankyou 👍🙂
      I have been waiting for over 2 weeks because the doctor made mistake, he hasn't send the D2 form where my address was fill in, together with the D4.
      form. So stagecoach contacted me asking if I had the Other page from the D2, and I had with me 🤦‍♂️ I know is a bit complicated.
      Thank you for your reply.
      Take care.

  • @andyorpin3608
    @andyorpin3608 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Would be interested in mod 4 video mate . This is the bit I'm worried about

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Don’t worry about the Mod4 My examiner said he’d only had one person fail it since they brought it in. Study the questions, over and over, and you’ll be fine. I will try and do a video as soon as I can.

    • @andyorpin3608
      @andyorpin3608 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@_Mikes_Life thanks mate. I'm starting with stagecoach actually but don't need to do theory or case study as already passed them. Thanks mate 👍 any tips where is a good place to study for mod 4

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@andyorpin3608 hi Andy. If you’re training with Stagecoach they will take you through the whole process. Don’t worry, they make it sound a lot harder than it actually is.

  • @dawnbrown1732
    @dawnbrown1732 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love driver bus driver and when me get a car and house then I drive bus 😃xxxxx

    • @dawnbrown1732
      @dawnbrown1732 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hello Mike how you doing today been and i am watching your video Mike 😄 x🧡❤️🤍🖤🤎🌹i love your cat and i am in love you your cat and i am love bus lots and lots and lots and lots and lots xxxxxxxxx

  • @PeterShieldsukcatstripey
    @PeterShieldsukcatstripey 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wishing all the very best to you mate.

  • @Sean-by6ek
    @Sean-by6ek 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Y B cab driver 4 25 years fancy a change. Did your time bus driving raise questions when you renewed your bill? Worried if I don’t like it that pco might have a problem with me no acting as a cab driver for the whole duration of my bill. Any advise?

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Don’t tell them. I didn’t hide I was a bus driver, but I didn’t tell them either.

  • @isaac993
    @isaac993 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    At stagecoach is there spaces where you can park ur vehicle when you arrive at the garage

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Most Stagecoach garages have parking.

  • @AjayKumar-dg2oy
    @AjayKumar-dg2oy 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    At stagecoach, if the garage you are at is far from home, could you request to move garage nearer to home??

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes I believe you can.

  • @isaac993
    @isaac993 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Are you enjoying bus driving and do you see yourself now as being a bus driver forever

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Forever is a long time, BUT I have no immediate plans to change jobs. I do like driving buses. When I know more routes, I think it will be better.

  • @johnorchin8567
    @johnorchin8567 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi there, If you pass to drive a single decker, do you have to have more training in order to pass to drive a double decker? How long would any extra training take?

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      30mins to type train on different buses. A buses is a bus is bus. Or so they say

  • @EinkOLED
    @EinkOLED 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    You are going to have a shock once lockdown ends and social distancing is removed from buses. We used to drive our buses up to the maximum carrying capacity during rush hour. Not sure if that will ever return?

  • @johnabraham9429
    @johnabraham9429 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Did the medical doctor just send your d4 form??
    What about the d2 form ive been hearing about
    Ive got my medical in 2 weeks

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I have no idea what forms they sent. I never took them out of the envelope.
      They gave me a photocopy of my drivers licence, and sent the original off with the medical forms.

  • @tharindulakpriya661
    @tharindulakpriya661 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    ❤️❤️❤️

  • @user-PK-23
    @user-PK-23 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just to let you know bud on your papers you can still see the numbers ect the highlighter tool or pen thing in apple and android is not the best you have to do a couple swoops over depending on what brush you have used on the picture as some don't use a full opacity just thought id let you know though id not worry about it not many people are going to be looking for that type of thing but just to let you know bud ! Glad you got the job though it's more like you the bus world needs !

  • @ABCDEF-yf4yu
    @ABCDEF-yf4yu 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Which areas of London do you drive buses? What is the oldest age to be a bus driver?

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      South East London, Lewisham & Bromley. There isn’t an age limit, as long as you can pass the medical.

  • @greigs9384
    @greigs9384 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    You should do the knowledge mate !

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hi Greig what you doing now you’re not playing with other men’s hoses.

    • @greigs9384
      @greigs9384 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@_Mikes_Life I’ve just finished a training course, and am now a full time cider drinker. 🤪

  • @isaac993
    @isaac993 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What happens if you fail ur driving test can you apply again to redo it?

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      If they didn’t think you where good enough, you wouldn’t get to the test. Therefore they would give you a second chance.

  • @kenny-kehindelawani2111
    @kenny-kehindelawani2111 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice video. Was wondering must I have a manual license to train to become a bus driver or I could still be taken on with an automatic licence.
    Noticed all london buses are automatic anyways. Do you know of anyone with automatic licence only and has been taken on to be a bus driver please

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks mate. I don’t know the license status of any other driver. But I don’t think there would be an issue with an automatic license.

    • @kenny-kehindelawani2111
      @kenny-kehindelawani2111 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Great thanks...
      Intend to apply for some trainee bus driver roles. Actually tried with a bus company out of london but the recruitment lady didn’t further my application because I have an automatic licence, reason been they train drivers on a manual bus which was so weird to believe because why train on a manual bus then you automatically get an automatic PCV licence anyways and still go on to drive an automatic transmission bus
      Just thought she wasn’t sure but I wasn’t sure myself

  • @haj619
    @haj619 ปีที่แล้ว

    How did you find the 7 days on and 2 days off schedule? It’s putting me off although I’m waiting to have my medical. My mind is split in 2

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Shifts are the worst thing about driving a bus, they garage will accommodate lates or early shifts, once you’ve done enough time.

    • @haj619
      @haj619 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@_Mikes_Life I see so after a certain period I can request to work only early’s?

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      If there’s space on a rota. The spare rota which cover the gaps is a good place for this.

    • @haj619
      @haj619 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@_Mikes_Life Can you request the amount of days you want to work per week or it’s fixed 7 days on? Say I wanted to do 5 days a week instead

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  ปีที่แล้ว

      @@haj619 nope

  • @harrybolfrey9228
    @harrybolfrey9228 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Do you choose what routes to learn?

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sadly not. The old boys will tell
      You different, but no, you do what they want you to do.

  • @bevsterbanton
    @bevsterbanton 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I waiting to get my license back after passing medical. At what point do i start getting paid for training?

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Once you get a start date, for training. The quicker you get your license back the quicker you can start training.

    • @bevsterbanton
      @bevsterbanton 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Cheers mate

  • @southernenthusiast7843
    @southernenthusiast7843 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Are you on 261?

  • @teddysmith7253
    @teddysmith7253 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I had my interview at West Ham yesterday and I got it. Next week I’ve got the medical appointment what did they do and also how long does it take for them to send back your results?

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      It’s the basic medical. Eyesight, blood pressure etc. You’ll know on the day if you’ve passed. They will send off your license and you should get it back with 3-4 weeks.

    • @elizabeth_6561
      @elizabeth_6561 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi, did u done math and English test? Functional l1 test? How hard is it?

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@elizabeth_6561 I applied to the company during the first lockdown, so covid did away with a lot of testing. I didn’t do any tests, prior to the theory, hazard perception and case studies tests.

    • @Gama31
      @Gama31 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi what did they ask you for an interview? I have my interview this month.

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Are you driving buses now??

  • @jamiematovu9888
    @jamiematovu9888 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Is it hard to learn your routes and how long did it take you?

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It’s not to bad. When you first start they give you a little bit more time than you get later on. Once you’ve driven the route, you won’t forget it. As new drivers we go out with a mentor. He/she will drive a couple of rounders, then under their instruction, you’ll drive. I had two days to learn one route. You don’t usually get that sort of time.

    • @jamiematovu9888
      @jamiematovu9888 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@_Mikes_Life Thanks for replying. also how long did you have to wait to get your license back as i’ve been waiting almost 3 weeks now

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@jamiematovu9888 the DVLA have been on strike so there is a back log

    • @LondonTransport3
      @LondonTransport3 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@_Mikes_Life Quite a big backlog I been waiting 9 weeks so far lol

  • @ВиталийНепейпиво
    @ВиталийНепейпиво ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi. Does a foreigners get this job? Please answer

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  ปีที่แล้ว

      If you have the right to work in the uk, yes.

  • @TrainBoy-tf9gh
    @TrainBoy-tf9gh 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Does it really takes 6 weeks depending how good training you are? The reason I ask is that I'll be a bus driver soon but it will be Arriva in North London.

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      It can take that long, usually it’s 30-40 driving hours. Again depending on how well you get on.

    • @TrainBoy-tf9gh
      @TrainBoy-tf9gh 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@_Mikes_Life Oh ok, so if you passed your test without failing then that it will take a bit longer than a lot longer.

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TrainBoy-tf9gh my timings include the theory, hazard perception test and case study. At 15weeks you’ll have a progress check, with another instructor. If you haven’t improved at 30hrs you’re gone.

    • @TrainBoy-tf9gh
      @TrainBoy-tf9gh 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@_Mikes_Life What does theory, hazard perception test and case studies means?

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TrainBoy-tf9gh they are written tests (computer based) multiple choice, you have to pass before you start learning to drive. Similar to the normal car tests but for buses.

  • @TheLewmen
    @TheLewmen ปีที่แล้ว

    Are theory tests in house or at an approved test centre?

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  ปีที่แล้ว

      Theory tests can be done as an individual, I did mine through Stagecoach who have a DVSA set up in the training department

    • @TheLewmen
      @TheLewmen ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@_Mikes_Life okay cool thanks I am starting the tranniee driver course on the 24th of July training at East Midlands head office then driving for Grimsby depot

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@TheLewmen good luck with your future career 🚌 🚎

  • @Gama31
    @Gama31 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hello Sir, Im new in uk i only have any licence not even a car licence. I want to become a bus driver what i must do? What is the process i must go through.

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You have to have a uk driving license. So that’s a good place to start. Once you have it, you can apply to the company of your choice. They will train you to drive a bus, after you pass the theory tests.

    • @Gama31
      @Gama31 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@_Mikes_Life thank u sir.

    • @Gama31
      @Gama31 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hello Sir, I'm here I have my uk driving licence and I got almost 5 months driving experience. I applied for metroline and they called me for an interview this month. I'm nervous what's gonna happen there please guide me.

    • @SofianeBoudaoud-xv3tg
      @SofianeBoudaoud-xv3tg 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Hi just a question did they gave u a van to drive on the interview day ? Thnks

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @SofianeBoudaoud-xv3tg they did before covid but not for me during Covid. I don’t know if they do now.

  • @Sam_Green____4114
    @Sam_Green____4114 ปีที่แล้ว

    Do have to collect cash on buses or is it all electronic payment nowadays !

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  ปีที่แล้ว

      No cash, at all only oyster, zip and card payments.

    • @Sam_Green____4114
      @Sam_Green____4114 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@_Mikes_Life What are the wages like ? Do drivers get much hassle or agro ? ls that right you have to do the CPC training as well the Driver's training course ? How much does it cost? ls it too late to do it at 58 !

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Sam_Green____4114 in London £450-500 per week on average.
      The company paid for my cpc

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Sam_Green____4114 as long as you can pass the medical? , you’ll be fine.

  • @isaac993
    @isaac993 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Firstly great vid but I’ll like to ask a bunch of questions do you think it’s hard to become a bus driver?

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for watching. It’s not easy! and not everyone passes, not everyone gets past the theory test.

    • @isaac993
      @isaac993 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@_Mikes_Life if you don’t get pass the theory test are you allowed to re. apply & are the case study hard?

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@isaac993 there were people when I sat my theory test, who were on their second time round. If you’re really close to passing, you’ll get a second short.
      The case studies are a series of short stories you have to read and answer questions on, based on the knowledge you’ve gleamed from the theory tests.

    • @isaac993
      @isaac993 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@_Mikes_Life thank you for the information you’ve provided me with

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@isaac993 Anytime.

  • @mohibj
    @mohibj 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What bus do you drive?

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hi there, I drive Enviro400 & Enviro400MMC

    • @mohibj
      @mohibj 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@_Mikes_Life That's great. I meant, what route number do you drive?

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@mohibj I only drive the 261 and the 638 school bus, so only the 261 at the minute.

    • @mohibj
      @mohibj 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@_Mikes_Life Ok. You might be interested to know, Arriva's probably getting combined with Stagecoach in a few years time

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@mohibj time will tell. Thinking about it. I think Stagecoach pulled out of a deal last year. Arriva have been up for sale for a while now.

  • @southernenthusiast7843
    @southernenthusiast7843 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    So you thought you wouldn’t get the job?

    • @_Mikes_Life
      @_Mikes_Life  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      You never know, until you’ve passed all the tests.