Community transport driver

You can get into this job through:

• volunteering
• applying directly

Volunteering

You can get into this type of work by volunteering as a driver with a local community transport service.

You'll need a licence that covers the type of vehicle you're using, for example a car or minibus.

Experience of working with vulnerable adults or children will be useful but is not essential. You will be expected to have a caring nature.

Some organisations will put you through training to meet community transport standards .

Direct Application

You could apply directly for certain paid roles if you have driving skills and experience, although the employer will give you training.

You'll need a category D licence to drive larger passenger carrying vehicles (PCVs) with more than 9 seats.

You could also work as a passenger assistant, helping people in and out of vehicles, before moving on to driving duties.

Experience in customer care, healthcare or social care will be useful. It will also help if you have an understanding of the issues faced by people who may be vulnerable, such as the elderly or disabled people.

More Information

Career Tips

Most driving roles are likely to be unpaid though you may be able to claim back mileage up to a limit set by the service you work for.

Community transport services are flexible on working hours, so you can organise your shifts around other commitments.

Further Information

You can find out more about working as a community transport driver from the Community Transport Association.

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to work well with others
• a desire to help people
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of public safety and security
• knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• have a full driving licence
• be over 21 years of age
• pass enhanced background checks
• have a good level of fitness

Day-to-day tasks

As a community transport driver, you would:

• plan the best route for your journey
• pick up and drop off passengers at their home or at scheduled stops
• help passengers to get on and off the vehicle
• operate a tail lift to help wheelchair users
• make sure passengers are safe and secure at all times
• perform regular basic vehicle checks and report faults
• fill in mileage sheets if your organisation uses them
• keep the vehicle tidy between journeys and fill up with fuel

You would mainly help passengers with their day-to-day routine, for example attending appointments, going to work, school or college, or going to the shops. You might also occasionally take groups on organised trips.

Working environment

You could work from a vehicle.

You may need to wear a uniform.

With experience, you could become a service co-ordinator or operations manager.

With the right licence, you could move into other types of passenger services, for example bus and coach driving, or patient transport.