Bus Driver
What you'd actually do
The job is driving the route safely and on time, taking fares or checking passes, helping passengers including older or disabled people, and staying calm in traffic and bad weather. Patience, good concentration and a friendly, even temper matter, as you deal with all sorts of passengers and busy roads all day.
Shifts often start very early or run late, including weekends and bank holidays, and a lot of the day is spent sitting and concentrating. Pay is usually a steady hourly or salaried wage that rises with experience, and the role comes with a clear set of rules on driving hours and breaks.
By law you need a PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) licence and a Driver CPC qualification, which the bus company often helps you train for after you pass medical and background checks. You usually need to be over a minimum age and hold a full car licence first.