Why young people should consider becoming a coach driver

The coach driving industry is changing. With vacancy rates for coach drivers as high as 26% in some areas of the UK according to the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), and many long-serving drivers retiring, companies like Royal Motorways are looking for the next generation to help meet demand and grow the sector. But why should young people consider this as a career path? We spoke to three of our own young coach drivers – Harry, Callum, and Christopher – to hear their experiences and their advice to the next generation of drivers.

A Career That Offers Freedom and Variety

For many young people, sitting behind a desk all day doesn’t sound appealing. Callum, who started in IT, quickly realised he wanted something different."When COVID hit, I had to work from home, and it was driving me mad. I love driving and meeting people, so I applied to become a bus driver. After a few years, I moved to coaches for more variety and independence."

Callum in the driving seat

Coach driving allows you to travel, meet new people, and take on new experiences every day. Whether it’s school trips, theatre outings, or Daybreaks and holiday tours, no two days are the same. Harry, who left school with no qualifications, found his passion in coach driving through family influence. "My dad and brother are both coach drivers, so I thought I’d give it a go. I expected it to be stressful, but it’s actually OK and the pay is good too!"

What Makes a Good Coach Driver?

A great coach driver is more than just someone who can handle a large vehicle. It’s about punctuality, customer service, and adaptability. Harry emphasises the importance of being polite and on time. "You also need to be flexible to help support the business when needed."

Harry and Chris

Callum adds that people skills and attention to detail are key. "Good relationships with passengers can turn an OK trip into a great one. You also need to stay calm in high-stress situations, like navigating narrow roads."

Christopher, who also started driving buses at the age of 23 before moving to coaches, highlights the importance of planning. "You need to plan your breaks and routes. If I’ve never been somewhere before, I act like a tourist and research the area to ensure a smooth journey."

Overcoming Challenges

While coach driving is rewarding, it does come with challenges. For Callum, increasingly busy roads are a common issue. "You have to drive defensively, be observant and mindful of other road users and take your time with manoeuvres." Christopher points out the importance of adhering to tachograph regulations, which limit driving hours for safety. "Sometimes traffic delays can push you close to your driving hours limits, but the priority is always to get there safely."

Training and Getting Started

One of the biggest concerns for young people considering coach driving is the training process. But the good news is that most companies, including Royal Motorways, provide full training.

Harry shares his journey: "I completed 35 hours of CPC training (7 hours a day for 5 days) and a week of driver assessment training with Royal Motorways. After passing, I was fully qualified to drive a coach in my early twenties!" Callum encourages young people to take the leap. "If you’re thinking about it, just do it! Most companies will train you, and the support is fantastic."

Why Work for Royal Motorways?

A supportive team and a good work environment can make all the difference. Christopher praises Royal Motorways for its strong team spirit. "If you ever need help—like struggling to find a suitable parking place—another driver will always help you out with advice based on their own experience. There’s a real sense of camaraderie." Callum agrees. "It’s a great family business with a fantastic team. You feel like part of a bigger family."

Final Thoughts – Is Coach Driving for You?

If you love driving, meeting people, and seeing new places, coach driving is a career worth considering. As Callum puts it: "You get to drive some amazing vehicles, travel, and meet wonderful people. It’s a great industry to be in."

With companies like Royal Motorways actively looking for the next generation of drivers, there’s never been a better time to start your journey.

Are you ready to take the wheel? Visit our Careers page or call our friendly team on 01386 791842 to find out how you can start your coach driving career with Royal Motorways.🚍