The initial recruitment day
So you received the letter inviting you to an interview - (normally around 6 weeks later) Here's what you should expect.
The Tests
At the beginning of the day, your documents will be checked, ensuring your driving licence is in order, and you have the right to work in the UK. After this, the test will begin. Lasting for 30 minutes, it consists of comprehension (reading and writing) maths, highway code, and a general assessment. If you are a fluent English speaker, these tests should present little problem. The maths is extremely basic - example; a passenger boards and asks for two 70p fares, how much change do you give from £2? If you are rusty with the highway code, proceed to www.direct.gov.uk (opens in new window) where a free online highway code is available to view.
If English is not your mother tongue, then the tests, especially the comprehension may be a bit more difficult, however, depending on the level of fluency in English, should still present little problem.
If English is not your mother tongue, then the tests, especially the comprehension may be a bit more difficult, however, depending on the level of fluency in English, should still present little problem.
The driving assessment
If successful in the tests, you will be asked to go on a short drive with an examiner in a large transit-sized van. The van is automatic, and will mainly be on small back roads. The examiner is looking for a natural, fluid drive, with no undue hesitancy. Though you should try to meet this standard, it is vital that you listen to the examiner and respond to his/her instructions. You need to prove that you can learn at a brisk pace, and that is your overall objective, and not a text-book drive straight away.
For example, drive motorbikes as a main form of transport, and going from that to a large van is like learning to crawl, and then being expected to do the 100 meter hurdles! My drive was rather jerky at first, and whenever oncoming traffic was met, I had the tendency to quickly put the van in between parked cars. The instructor wanted me to stay on course, and let the oncoming traffic do the work, as this is what will be expected when driving buses. Because I did this the next few times it occurred, the examiner still passed me.
This just proved to me even more so that a text book drive is not expected. Remember to relax, and speak to the examiner, this will help with your nerves, and be able to listen to him more effectively.
For example, drive motorbikes as a main form of transport, and going from that to a large van is like learning to crawl, and then being expected to do the 100 meter hurdles! My drive was rather jerky at first, and whenever oncoming traffic was met, I had the tendency to quickly put the van in between parked cars. The instructor wanted me to stay on course, and let the oncoming traffic do the work, as this is what will be expected when driving buses. Because I did this the next few times it occurred, the examiner still passed me.
This just proved to me even more so that a text book drive is not expected. Remember to relax, and speak to the examiner, this will help with your nerves, and be able to listen to him more effectively.
The interview
The interview was my most dreaded moment, as - like most people, I tend not to do well in interviews. However, the guy who interviewed me was quite young and so I was able to relate to him (myself being 20) despite him being with the company for at least six years. When we were in the interview room, the format of the interview soon became clear. Unlike what I was expecting, it was quite informal. Despite the questions to be expected such as 'why do you want to be a bus driver?' the interviewer was doing most of the talking. He explains more about the job, lets you ask any questions you may have, such as split shifts and what is a 'blue key.' The interviewer will ask about your current job, ensure you are ok with shift work, talk through the uniform and what the company expects of you, and discuss the wages and shift pattern.
This will be the chunk of the interview, yet I was in there for a good 15 minutes further, as in the course of discussion, the interviewer found out I participated in skydiving a lot, and so was asking further in-depth questions around that, which of course I didn't mind - at least they were questions I knew the answer to! This may have been out of sheer interest, or more likely, just getting to know me, the candidate, in more detail.
Therefore it is probably a good idea to talk about one of your hobbies, as it will both beef up the time, and interview, get you more relaxed, and will be good for the interviewer to get to know you more.
This will be the chunk of the interview, yet I was in there for a good 15 minutes further, as in the course of discussion, the interviewer found out I participated in skydiving a lot, and so was asking further in-depth questions around that, which of course I didn't mind - at least they were questions I knew the answer to! This may have been out of sheer interest, or more likely, just getting to know me, the candidate, in more detail.
Therefore it is probably a good idea to talk about one of your hobbies, as it will both beef up the time, and interview, get you more relaxed, and will be good for the interviewer to get to know you more.
The medicals - Yes, plural!
That's right, two medicals! the first was with a nurse, where you submit a urine sample, and blood pressure is taken, as well as an eyesight check. This takes little more than 3 minutes. the second is with a doctor, who just makes sure there is a normal range of movement in your head and neck, listens to your heart and breathing, and ensures you have no medical history that could cause a problem. the second medical with the doctor lasts for about 3 maybe 4 minutes again.
You are advised not to drink or smoke at least 24 - 48 hours before the medical.
You are advised not to drink or smoke at least 24 - 48 hours before the medical.