Tour Coach Driver

Tasks & duties

Tour coach drivers may do some or all of the following:

• ensure each day that the coach is in good working order, fully fuelled and clean
• liaise with the tour company or tour guide about the party’s itinerary
• load luggage into the bus and check the number of luggage items is correct
• drive the coach safely according to a tour itinerary or timetable
• answer any questions passengers or the tour guide may have, and hand out tour material
• deliver a commentary to passengers on the areas the coach is travelling through and explain points of interest
• be involved in tour activities
• help passengers with further travel information
• help passengers solve problems such as needing to contact home urgently or arranging accommodation
• maintain a coach log book, which includes work start and finish times and rest periods during each day

Skills & knowledge

Tour coach drivers need to have:

• excellent driving skills and knowledge of defensive driving techniques
• the ability to drive safely and talk at the same time
• an understanding of the Road Code and transport regulations
• knowledge of their route and local attractions, as well as knowledge of New Zealand culture and history
• good communication and people skills
• organisational, planning and time management skills to ensure the tour keeps to the itinerary

Entry requirements

To become a tour coach driver you need to have held a Class 2, and probably a Class 4 driver's licence (depending on the size of the bus) for at least six months.

You also need to have a 'P' (Passenger) endorsement on your licence, which shows you can carry passengers.  This involves:

The P endorsement must be renewed regularly.

Secondary education

There are no specific secondary educational requirements, but geography, history, te reo Māori and foreign languages may be useful.

Tertiary education

Tertiary courses in hospitality and tourism may be useful, but are not essential.

Training on the job

Tour coach drivers gain some skills on the job under the supervision of other drivers or professional trainers appointed by tour coach companies. This includes training to learn the routes they will take.

Tour coach drivers are also trained by tour operators in tour commentary and handling groups, and dealing with tour operators, hotel staff and people from other cultures.

Useful experience

Experience as a tour guide or city bus driver, or any work that involves meeting and talking to the public is useful. A knowledge of first aid is also helpful.

For more information, please refer to Career Services.