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Many years ago I knew a driver who only did tour work. He was no fixed abode, and when he got back from tour checked into a Travelodge for a couple of days before heading back out.

Thats what Im looking to do to be honest!

In the time he was doing it, he saved a fortune. Just lived off the tips.

I worked for a agency 2 months ago working Glasgow area and they provided accommodation don't know if they're still looking Manley Summers Recruitment Agency.

Very few places are paying minimum wages. If you have a PCV licence you will never be out of work. I was told that 45 years ago and he was not wrong.

My old dad told me the same thing, combine with HGVs only been out of work if I want to be.

21 wasn't it ? What is wrong with the System ?

Nothing wrong with it. Lowering the age limit for bus and hgv was a brilliant idea. My eldest boy is only 26 but been driving hgv for 8 years. The driving industry as a whole should be encouraging young drivers.

Didn't know, thanks for the info.

If your prepared to travel, to redhill, we are looking for drivers good pay. Most days finished by 6.30 paid from sign on to sign off. Mix of schools (private no state schools), contract work, some private hire. Rail replacement available at weekends, guaranteed 40 hrs a week but all our drivers do more. £16ph in the week, £17 @ weekends, rail pays £18ph (single deck and coach) £19 for double decker. DM me if interested. We are also looking for just rail replacement drivers.

Tyrers Coaches are a great company and situated in Chorley and does various work from tours, service and private hire as well as school runs every day is different and have good standard, they are focused on increasing the standard in the coach and bus industry.

For European travel from the northeast, you might want to check out companies like EasyJet or Ryanair.

I already work there, I just want to get back down south though. I’m originally from Milton Keynes.

oh I see, I was just trying to be helpful.

No it’s ok, I just don’t seem to fit in up here in Yorkshire so I’m looking to find tour work back down south where I’ll hopefully be based anywhere between Cheltenham and London where I have family.

Try national express milton keynes they’re always taking on people.

Try Harry Shaw there are in stoke on Trent.

They moved 🤔 was just outside Coventry.

Coventry and stoke on Trent doing a college, contract paid 52 weeks of the year when they are on holiday for the drivers.

WhittGriffon, expert on nothing.
I've been freelance for 22 years by my choice. I choose when I want to work, who I work for and I'm fully HMRC compliant. If you don't know what you're talking about, keep quiet.

As long as you’re under contract with the operator - assuming it’s not via an agency, that’s fine. But as you know, being self employed driver is not acceptable under the regs, regardless of HMRC

have tours to cover.
£150 p day
Based in Motherwell,
01698 537555

You’re better off having a zero hours contract than you are f**king about being ‘freelance’ ‘self employed’ or ‘an agency’.
Fleckers' Coaches have plenty of tour work if you’re also willing to travel.

What a nest of vipers these days... someone offers help if needed and gets a belly full of bile for his trouble. Well done guys... really well done. ☹️

Most companies are struggling driver wise.
Phone around and see what's available as they may not officially advertise on websites etc.

I wouldn't be asking this hiding my name. I'd be seeking either union advice or acas advice on this one. You cannot lose your job due to the company changing insurance or not being willing to pay a premium to have you insured, maybe they could offer you an office based role or workshop based role instead. I used to come across the can't be employed due to insurance limitations and it pissed me off back then. How long have you been with them.

totally agree. If the OP has been employed as a driver for even one day, this will be automatically unfair dismissal on grounds of age discrimination. I'm sure ACAS will put the employer right.

I think its an extremely tough place for the employer to be obviously costs for everything is rising and no doubt their insurance has risen and the only way to get a more competitive price is to be age restricted but that shouldn't see someone out of a job completely, could maybe have distance stipulations or even train them in workshop or office...

MoMoonce, can do self employed occasionally for a company with a Ltd company or utr number... just not full time for 3 months or more constant... also some of the bigger companies who earn over 10 million a year can't take on self employed under ir35... quite a few trucking companies are being prosecuted by hrmc and the traffic commissioner getting involved...

ir35 is gone u can trade as a sole trader

ir35 has not gone

Crap like this makes life as a coach driver worth living.

I couldn't agree more mate :⁠-⁠)

This mob are looking for drivers to do Spanish tours in Scotland big days probably sh*t wages and well you'll get a tip.

on old sheds 😆

Depending on which area, Barnes of Swindon have an apprenticeship scheme.

coaches you'll be lucky tbh however if you need something now buses or other types of work be your best bet wish ya luck.

Companies are out there, try the smaller family run companies. Pay probably won't be as good as the big boys, but the experience is invaluable. I done this after 20+ years of service work (I didn't understand Tacho either, after first coach tour, I've nailed it). Good luck, but as has been mentioned, age might hold you back.

PM me, might help you.

I loved doing the 250 service run by galloways from Ipswich to Heathrow via stansted I just found some of the passengers were so rude and all they worried about was when they was getting to the airport because they couldn't be bothered to get up early and get an earlier coach to get them to the airport early and also the traffic on m25. Other than that great experience.

Several in WALSALL.....Fastline poss

Faniani
No Uk tax
No child maintenance
Bliss
So many places
Named after the owner and his wife
Absolute lovely to work with
Pays really. Really well
Expects you to treat the vehicle like your own (so long as your standards are brand new like most drivers are)
Tips. Well you know the score
Also
Its either him or his brother runs wagons too. So if they're quite on the coaches easily transferred over

If any drivers we’re thinking of a move to East Anglia we’re there’s a shortage of drivers give Grebe Coaches a call 01502 677437. Good Luck everyone.

Thank you all, for taking the time to answer, and provide my wife and I with plenty of names and information to research and look into.....

Early days for us just now, in terms of what we can get for our house, and what we can look at down this way, but everything that you have all provided is a massive help for us to start from

Thank you all 👍👍👍👍👍

To become a bus driver, follow these steps:

Obtain the Required License: You'll typically need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a passenger endorsement. Requirements vary by location, but you'll need to pass written and skills tests.

Education and Training: Attend a CDL training program to learn the basics of bus operation, safety, and regulations.

Pass a Background Check: Most employers require a clean driving record and a background check.

Gain Experience: Some companies prefer experienced drivers, so consider entry-level positions or volunteer driving opportunities.

Apply: Search for bus driver job openings online, in newspapers, or through local transit agencies.

Interview: Prepare for interviews and demonstrate your commitment to safety, reliability, and customer service.

Get Hired: Once hired, you may undergo additional company-specific training.

Maintain Licensing: Keep your CDL current and adhere to all safety regulations.

Persistence and a strong commitment...

Thank you all for the information

Thank you all for your reply I appreciate your help