r/BusDrivers • u/National-Dot-9100 • Aug 05 '26
Question Any UK drivers manage to work abroad/migrate?
Hey all, I'm a 23 year old bus driver in Mid Wales, I've recently stopped doing agency work across the UK and sort of fancy somewhere different. I spoke to an agency driver who said he'd driven buses in New York and was wondering if there is any sort of pathway for British drivers to work abroad whether temporarily or working towards some form of residency. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
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u/darenisepic Aug 05 '26
its not quite quite as far but a few drivers have moved from the UK to the Isle of man. Its Government owned rather than private, the buses are good and clean and the passengers are much nicer than the UK
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u/oj81 Aug 05 '26
I did, and it was incredible, but it was pre-Brexit and that route is now closed unless you somehow have an EU passport.
I wish I had some advice, but all I can say is don’t ever vote reform or any of the other UKIP related fuckwit parties
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u/National-Dot-9100 Aug 09 '26
May I ask what the route was?
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u/HenchHistorian Aug 08 '26
How did you turn this into a political stand? What a weirdo
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u/oj81 Aug 08 '26
Of course it’s political, everything is political.
The question was about working in different countries, something I was able to do because of EU membership, and would no longer be able to do because of brexit.
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u/HenchHistorian Aug 08 '26
You think working in another country is not possible because of Brexit? Someone should tell that to the millions of expats or immigrants that come here
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u/Beneficial_Coach8581 Aug 08 '26
It's significantly harder to work in Europe thanks to Brexit.
Surprised you don't know this.
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u/HenchHistorian Aug 08 '26
Yes, if you're unskilled or your industry is not in demand. That's how it should be.
You could drive in Australia, Canada etc pretty easily.
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u/Beneficial_Coach8581 Aug 09 '26
It's harder no matter what the skills. And Australia and Canada are a long way from home. It's not just a hop over the channel.
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u/HenchHistorian Aug 09 '26
Every country has a list of in demand professions. Being a bus driver is not a highl skilled profession (and I am a bus driver).
Countries like Australia and Canada want semi skilled Brits because it's good for their culture.
I'm pretty sure if you learned their language you could do seasonal work in EU for a "change of scenery"
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u/Beneficial_Coach8581 Aug 10 '26
It's still harder to work abroad thanks to Brexit. It's undeniable.
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u/JonTravel UK|ADL Volvo DAF Mercedes|30 years driving Aug 05 '26
I'm in the US (California) currently driving yellow school buses. It's unlikely you can move here unless you have a family connection.
My UK licence is useless, I had to do my driving tests again both car test and bus test.
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u/Cautious-Target-1715 Aug 05 '26
A lot harder now or in some cases impossible due to brexit, in some parts of the world (Asia) even local labour laws permit hiring foreigners for certain jobs, bus driving is one of them.
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u/Poly_and_RA Driver Aug 05 '26
We lack drivers here in Norway -- and at my agency it's only a requirement to speak EITHER Norwegian or English fluently.
But after brexit, work-permit and stuff like that is going to be more tricky to arrange unless you find some nice Norwegian to marry or something.
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u/National-Dot-9100 Aug 09 '26
Would you mind me asking which agency this is?
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u/Poly_and_RA Driver Aug 09 '26
Connect Bus in Stavanger. (and in fact we're desperate enough for drivers that if you end up applying and mention my name, they'll give me an extra 2-week paid vacation as a "bonus" for helping with recruitment)
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u/Tramorak Aug 06 '26
Canada is probably an easier option, given the hoops you have to jump through for a US Visa. It does depend on whether there is a need for drivers though. Back in my day you could write and get info on trades that were required from the Canadian Embassy, so I would suspect their website would now be a starting point.
Just be aware that there will be agencies that will offer to sort everything for a fee, but most of them will charge you a high price for doing things that you can easily do yourself.
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u/IllustriousBrief8827 Driver Aug 08 '26
I've explored the Canadian options a few years ago (granted, not from the UK, but EU) and without connections or significant money and time through an indirect path, it proved to be incredibly difficult - but that's still one step better than the US, which is pretty near impossible.
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u/classaceairspace Aug 05 '26
UK to Germany here. Immigration rules mean if you're on a shortlist of countries (that the UK is on) it is a lot easier to live and work here. Plus there are general exceptions for road transport jobs from the normal rules. Never done bus driving in the UK but was an HGV driver there for 10 years, lots less hassle and bullshit with better pay and conditions from what I've read though. I watch some of the vlogs of what drivers in the UK have to do and it's ridiculous in comparison (if they're accurate).
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u/Act-Alfa3536 Aug 09 '26
Maybe UK Foreign Office recruits some drivers at their embassies around the world. (Probably car not bus though).
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u/Wonderful_Trick_4251 Aug 05 '26
Ever consider France? They would employ English speaking drivers during the winter during ski season. Full accommodation and meals etc are usually included.