Pursuing this career can be incredibly rewarding and is an excellent opportunity to meet new people and visit new places. If you enjoy getting outside every day and regularly serving the public it is time to start a career transporting tourists, locals, business professionals, athletes, students, and more every day.
Becoming a motorcoach driver can be simple if you know the proper steps. You must meet specific requirements for employment, and you have to be prepared to take training courses to become certified. Check out our guide to learn how to become a coach bus driver. We’ll give you some tips to get there and provide you with an idea of the requirements you may need to meet to become a coach bus driver.
Steps to Becoming a Coach Bus Driver
Becoming a coach bus driver can be simple when you know where to start. You can begin your journey with some simple research into the company you’re interested in working for and what they look for in potential employees. You can then work to meet all the necessary requirements to kickstart your career. Check out these steps and tips to become a coach bus driver:
Research beforehand: Each bus company you apply for will have a unique set of requirements for a position. These could include a minimum age, passing a physical examination, having sound hearing and experience driving large vehicles, and a high school diploma or GED.
Attend a training course: Once you know your company’s requirements, you should enroll in a training course. During this training course, a new charter bus driver will work with an experienced driver to receive feedback on their performance. This course will typically involve written questions and behind-the-wheel practice. Instruction will cover safety regulations, passenger courtesy, and record keeping.
Obtain your CDL license: Charter bus drivers must have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to operate a passenger vehicle. You will need to pass a skills and knowledge test to obtain your license. On this test, you will encounter questions about the rules and regulations you are learning during your training period. You will then need to drive the coach bus to exhibit your skills for that portion of the exam.
Gain experience: The more experience you have, the better you can market yourself to potential employers. You can gain experience as a commercial driver, school bus driver, and similar occupations. Experienced drivers can become supervisors or dispatchers or tackle the role of training new drivers.
Qualifications to Become a Coach Bus Driver
To become a charter bus driver, you must meet specific requirements for your company and state. Although there may be some variation between locations, most conditions are similar. You should always be sure you know these requirements before trying to become a coach bus driver.
In Iowa, several requirements are in place to ensure drivers are able to transport passengers safely and exhibit professionalism. Minimum requirements may include:
Having a Class B CDL.
Possessing an air brake and passenger endorsement.
Being mentally and physically competent.
Presenting a professional image.
Having two years of experience.
Possessing people skills.
Having a clean driving record.
Being at least 18 years of age.
Benefits of Being a Coach Bus Driver
Being a coach bus driver can be a very gratifying experience. People will always need to get from one place to another, so you can be sure you’ll always have people that need to move around. You can meet tons of new people and make income through tips on top of your regular pay. Benefits of being a motorcoach driver include:
Traveling to exciting places: Naturally, when you drive a bus, you’re going to be on the go all the time. As you gain more experience, you can become the driver your employer sends to sporting games, musical concerts, and other events. You can visit tons of places you’ve never been to and learn how to get to some of your favorite spots efficiently. On your next route, stop to admire some of the best places in Iowa.
Meeting new people: When you drive a coach bus, you get to meet new people every day. Each one has a unique perspective and background they can share with you. You can listen to story after story about their days, where they grew up, and where they’re going. You can make connections and find new friendly faces on every trip.
Having job stability: People will always need transportation, whether going to work, visiting friends, or going on a trip. This need for transportation means you’ll have job security as bus companies continue hiring more drivers to serve the public.
Making an impact on people: When you transport your passengers, you ensure they arrive safely, comfortably, and on time. Driving a charter bus affects you, your passengers, and every driver on the road. You perform a public service by following the best practices and ensuring your passengers arrive at their destination safely.
Possessing a sense of freedom: While many jobs require employees to sit at the same location day after day, bus drivers have a greater sense of freedom. You can interact with the public, see new sights, and get outside. If you love the freedom of the open road, becoming a bus driver may be the perfect job for you.
Having a sustainable wage: Wages for drivers begin at $17.33 per hour. This includes city transit and school bus drivers. Motorcoach drivers begin with a higher wage. Drivers with more than 10 years of experience can see salaries over $20 per hour. Many companies around the state offer competitive pay and compensate drivers more with certain qualifications and skills.
Creating a flexible schedule: As a charter bus driver, you can attend your child’s soccer game, go to your doctor’s appointments, and visit with family because coach bus driving offers tons of flexibility. Even drivers with the busiest lives can create a schedule that works for their personal needs.
Contact CIT Signature Transportation
At CIT Signature Transportation, we’re always looking for dedicated and hard-working people to add to our team. We are Iowa’s most recognized charter bus service. You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for bus driving, customer service, or maintenance jobs in Iowa. We have many employment options that lead to fulfilling careers our team members enjoy.
If you want to become a coach bus driver, look no further than CIT Transportation. Our drivers can proudly say they’re part of the best team in the area and are professionals in every aspect. Our drivers pass background checks, medical examinations, classroom training, behind-the-wheel training and a drug and alcohol screening. You can easily apply for a bus driver position online or contact us if you have questions.
