PCV (Coach and Bus) Driver Apprenticeships

Our PCV (Coach and Bus) Driver Apprenticeship is a Level 2 qualification that places emphasis on obtaining a Category D licence, specifically to tackle the shortage of skilled bus and coach drivers in the industry!

We take a holistic approach, aimed at developing well-rounded skills that extend beyond driving. The latter part of the apprenticeship focuses on enhancing industry knowledge through our Driver CPC sessions. This could potentially lead to learners attaining 10 years of driver CPC certification by the programme’s end.

Cat D Licence Acquisition

Our PCV Bus & Coach Apprenticeship is a Level 2 qualification that places emphasis on obtaining a Category D license. To ensure drivers are on the road promptly, the initial four months are dedicated to license acquisition.

From the employer’s perspective, a contract of a minimum of 30 hours per week for the apprentice is necessary, with 20% of their time allocated to ‘off the job hours’ during the apprenticeship. Notably, our learning model is “front-loaded”, with 12 weeks devoted to theory, hazard perception, and Module 2 CPC Case study, practice, and test. This, combined with practical training over 5 consecutive days, significantly reduces ‘off-the-job hours’ after that.

Practical training is carried out locally to you at your site by one of our expert Instructors, using your vehicle so that learners are familiar with the Bus or Coach they will be driving.

Driver CPC included!

A mentor or buddy within your business is required, as ‘off-the-job hours’ encompass various activities beyond bus driving, such as early-stage outings with a driver, customer interaction training, and familiarisation with routes. It’s a holistic approach aimed at developing well-rounded skills that extend beyond driving.

The latter part of the apprenticeship focuses on enhancing industry knowledge through our Driver CPC sessions. This could potentially lead to learners attaining 10 years of driver CPC certification by the programme’s end.

Who is eligible for this funded training?

• Candidates must be employed, hold a provisional Cat D licence and successfully pass a medical.
• Candidates interested in this apprenticeship must possess a certain level of Maths & English by the end of the apprenticeship. Specifically, they must have achieved a Level 1 in Functional Skills in both subjects and attempted the exam for Level 2. Those who do not hold a Grade C in one or both subjects can endeavour to achieve the Level 1 and attempt Level 2 functional skills during the apprenticeship subject to an initial assessment.
• Candidates must have no prior learning of any parts of the licence to qualify.

Interested? What happens next?

If you have potential candidates who you are keen to refer, we recommend kickstarting their journey by submitting their details to our team so we can check their Maths and English grades.

From there you can apply for a Category D provisional license through the completion of D2 & D4 forms via the DVLA. This process entails a medical assessment to confirm the applicant’s fitness and suitability to operate the vehicle and transport passengers.