Career opportunities

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Community Transport Driver

Community transport drivers provide a vital service to people who are unable to easily access other forms of public transport. Drivers provide these services in cars, minibuses and coaches. The most common role is as a minibus driver.

Drivers most commonly pick up passengers in a similar way to pre-booked taxis. Other drivers provide regular services, such as school bus routes. As well as spending time driving, community transport drivers may have to spend time with their passengers, and have to interact with people with a range of different needs.

There are many voluntary positions within community transport; although some more formal services are delivered by large organisations. Many community transport employers are supported and/or run by the local authority. Paid driver positions can earn from approximately £12000 a year for full time work. Part time working can be common.
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Working environment

Community transport drivers spend much of their time behind the wheel. They provide services over a large part of the day, as well as at weekends and on bank holidays; this means that they may have to deal with heavy traffic and with all sorts of weather conditions.

Working hours for drivers can vary; part time working is a common option. Some drivers wear a uniform so that they are easily recognisable to their passengers.
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Skills and interests

Community transport drivers obviously need to be interested in spending their time driving. They also need a interest in people, and to like interacting with others.

Useful skills for drivers include:
- sound knowledge of road safety and regulations
- clear and confident communication
- good interpersonal ability and an approachable demeanour
- awareness of disability needs
- organisational skills
- map reading and route planning skills.
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Entry into the role

Working in community transport does not usually require any particular academic qualifications. In general, applicants are expected to be literate and numerate.

Drivers must also have a driving licence. Some employers will require that the licence has no points for offences. Community transport drivers who drive larger passenger carrying vehicles (9 seats or more) require a category D driving licence - this can be obtained by taking additional driving lessons and then passing a theory and practical test.

The minimum age to drive a coach or minibus under a category D licence is 18, although there are some restrictions as to what services you can provide. Smaller minibuses and cars, which only require a standard driving licence, can be driven from 17. Some community transport organisations may look for people with driving experience as it can be expensive to insure younger, or more inexperienced drivers. 

 

Jobs can be advertised in the local press or at employment organisations such as Jobcentre Plus. Many community transport organsations are run by the local authority, and vacancies can also be advertised on local authority websites.
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Opportunities

Community transport drivers can progress to become service/operations managers. They can take responsibility for areas of the business including managing rotas, marketing and advertising, financial management or staff training.

Drivers can also take an industry qualification; the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme, which is run by the Community Transport Association.
Other relevant qualifications may include:
- NVQ level 2 in road passenger vehicle driving (offered by EDI and City & Guilds)
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Useful links

• CTA Journal (magazine)

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Case Studies

• COMMUNITY TRANSPORT - driver
  Driver Jim Phillips talks about his work.
  Download case study document

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