Dublin Bus looking for Drivers

this is a great thread

reading it I'm severely tempted to accelerate things a bit and apply to drive and change my working life.

I have full car and bike and been putting myself thru truck since Jan (have the C test lined up in May) original general intent was C, CE then my D...but if I can get C done now I might go straight on to D and apply

I've been in IT for 30 years, server hardware was/is my thing I loved servicing and maintaining it and the operating systems but it's been a race to the bottom last 10 years now, all software based cheapest possible, haven't had a pay rise in I don't know how long plus this constant pressure to keep learning the next latest thing (not lazy, more you never ever get the chance to have satisfaction in being the best you can be, frustrating you always feel half-cooked) I can't see myself reaching the finish line anymore. glorified office work, also zero craic and nobody thanks you. just not what it used to be.

Hey all,

Long time lurker here, and thankful for all the great information.

I had my own driving assessment and interview today, the driving assessment itself was straight forward, quite simple. The guy doing the assessment with me basically told me the idea here is to just make sure I notice the speed limit changes, stop/yield signs & junctions, and yellow boxes on the road. All in all it lasted around 25-30 minutes near the depot.

The interview wasn't so bad either, they just wanted examples of a time you have dealt with difficult people, how to resolve issues and so on. As others have said they wanted safety safety safety, and good customer service examples. They asked me for examples on commitment, interpersonal skills, teamwork, safety awareness, resilience, and customer service skills, as they stated in the email. The written assessment at the end was to write a report on an accident that occurred when a van hit the side of my bus.

I think it went well for me, here's hoping I get on to the next stage now. Best of luck to anyone who is due to take part, or going to apply!

Have a look back a few pages. Someone posted a sample roster.

Basically it's a 5 week block. 2 early weeks,2 late and 1 mixed. Then you have a long weekend off and start the block again. There's also a Sat/Sun weekend off at the end of week 3 of the 5.

Thank you,

doesnt look too bad of a roster other then it being every 2 weeks before you get 2 days off together

Got a call yesterday for a cancellation medical today, can't make it due to work but I am assuming that means I am in now, as long as all goes well in the medical.

Got the email today for medical, on the 17th of May, it's nice how quick it's moving along. Looking forward to hopefully starting soon now.

been looking thru some driver feedback on other sites…

could someone in the know explain the concept of “getting marked in” and why it takes many years to achieve?? (I think it means more permanent assignment to specific route/depot)

Just got my d license learner permit after passing all other assessments & medical. I sent an email copy straight away. Any idea how long to wait for training after that?

Tia

I had my medical last Tuesday, 16th, all went well there and the Doc declared me fit to drive. Lots of questions about any health issues, yes or no questions and explanations, and BP and urine test, no bloods taken for me. Usual eye test reading letters from a chart and colour blind test, and the hearing test was quick too, different frequency beeps in each ear.

Received my D learner permit in the post Monday, and sent it over that evening. I got a reply saying thanks and they'll be in touch in due course.

The whole process up until now has been smooth and quick, yet it is only just over a week since passing the medical and the wait is at me already.

Anyone have experience with medical delays?

had mine on 15th May doctor said I’m fit and healthy just wanted one letter from my Gp.

gp sent over letter same day.

have heard nothing,

DB have said that reports can take a few weeks to be cleared.

Hey all,

Just wondering if someone can settle a small thing bothering me,

What's the situation with footwear, I filled in my uniform sizing and all that, but no where did I see anything about what shoes to wear? Is there any official line on this? Or what do others do?

Cheers

Perfect, thank you!

Can i ask after over time & what not what does the average Bus Driver make in his first year on the job ?

I know it'll change for everyone but around what would they make

Thanks for the quick relpy how much OT does the average person make .

Also does your pay go up every year .

Anyone on here a new driver

How are you getting on thinking of putting my CV in next week,

In a decent office job years but wouldn't be against trying something new ,

What it like on family life,

It depends whether you like seeing your family or not. I know loads of people who quit office jobs to drive buses. Most of them eventually either went back to the office jobs or found Mon-Fri driving jobs elsewhere (less money, but a better quality of life).

Is there much difference between DB and BE apart from the distances involved and urban vs rural driving? Is it similar in terms of working conditions etc. Anyone know?

Aside from the biggest one of BE still handling cash of course? ;)

In the context of working time: I should highlight that in the case of outbases (Mullingar, Wicklow, Kells, the like for Broadstone) rosters are built like in Go-Ahead – with the number of weeks and layout of days off constructed to match the number of duties in service, rather than what DB do with fitting in as many duties into a standard template and leaving the rest for spare men. Main depot rosters are built on the standard five-week template though.

That's not to say you have no prediction of your work/rest days, it's just that their pattern doesn't follow the standard one.

Yes

Starting rate is about 42.5 K for years 1 and 2.

That's 37.5 hour week. Overtime is obviously extra, and yes, they will teach you in their training school how to drive a bus to a standard that will pass the RSA driving test.

Doesn't sound like a good one tbf...

Forgive me so for jumping to conclusions.... it's easy enough to get to 50K + without too much effort either.

Here you go