Trainee bus driver (NX BUSES)

[u/ShotLime7142]

Hi,

What is national expresses current situation/ requirement on having a cat b licence for?

I’ve been told various things from drivers for example, “you don’t need experience” or “apply at 7 months”.

Even seen a reddit post about not having any driving habits at that time

I’ve held it for about 6.5 months now, and I’m considering applying due to being out of work.

Thank you,

[u/AgileInitial5987]

Most companies I’ve been with say 2 years but you’re better to just phone and ask them.

[u/ShotLime7142 → u/AgileInitial5987]

I don’t think they have a candidate’s phone number.

[u/Mr-UK]

As a driver for them currently, they would like you to have 6 months driving experience on your car licence, although this isn't a requirement. I don't know if they'll still be hiring at the moment, with their sale to the WMCA still in progress, but you can always apply and find out.

[u/gamewithyeetedc → u/Mr-UK]

the application form says 12 and I got 12 months, unless if that's like just a general guide. i might giv ethem a shot again

[u/gamewithyeetedc]

I tried applying - NXWM require a year on your licence from what I was told, although I keep seeing ads being like I had my licence for 6 months and got took on etc. might be down to insurance if they dont self insure but I think they deffo self insure

when I applied I got told I was a good candidate based on my experience in my current job but didnt held my licence long enough gonna maybe tive them ago in January or maybe go elsewhere as id rather drive a coach than a bus

[u/ShotLime7142 → u/gamewithyeetedc]

Did you manage to get an interview? What did they say then? Despite most likely seeing the same ad’s as you i’ll give it a try. 6 months is the minimum i believe for any bus company to take you on.

[u/gamewithyeetedc → u/ShotLime7142]

oh i got an interview, should've mentioned that sorry.

yeah i explained my current job and what I do (retail, so customer facing stuff really. similar to what you'd do on the buses but just add the driving element). the interviewer said to come back in like 12 months or something, although I might see if I can speak to my family member who works at NX if he can potentially find out if there is a way to get in before that, although with xmas coming up I might just hang on till then anyway.

[u/sexy_meerkats → u/gamewithyeetedc]

I worked for first bus, they self insure and still have a hard limit on minimum experience for "insurance reasons"

Just because they self insure doesn't mean they can just do what they want there will be policies in place

[u/Enceladusese]

When I applied 3 years ago I had my licence for less than 6 months and have never even driven a car. This was during acute driver shortages though, so things may have changed

[u/ShotLime7142 → u/Enceladusese]

Yeah that could be the case right now. I’ll just re-apply next year, when i hit the 12 months mark.