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CV examples · Transport

Bus Driver CV example

Bus companies read a driver's CV for the licence class, the P endorsement, a safe record and how you treat passengers. This bus driver example puts the licence up front and shows the service behind the wheel.

Written for New Zealand, with notes for Australia · Checked

Free. Then compare it with a real Bus Driver job ad.

The example

A Bus Driver CV, start to finish.

Siaosi Latu is made up, and so are the employers. The layout and the wording are what New Zealand employers expect: no photo or date of birth, the most recent job first, and every bullet showing what was done and what came of it.

Siaosi Latu

Bus Driver, Class 2 with P endorsement

Manukau, Auckland · 022 555 0256 · siaosi.latu@email.com

Profile

Bus driver with seven years on Auckland urban routes, after three years driving a Class 2 delivery truck. Holds a Class 2 licence with a P endorsement, keeps to the timetable safely, and is calm and helpful with passengers, including those who need a little extra time.

Skills

Class 2 licence with P endorsement · Urban and school routes · Timetable and on-time running · Passenger assistance and accessibility · Fare and card systems · Pre-trip vehicle checks · Work time and logbook rules · Handling difficult situations calmly

Experience

Bus Driver, Tāmaki Link Buses

Manukau, Auckland · 2019 to now

  • Drive urban routes through Manukau, Papatoetoe and Ōtāhuhu, carrying up to 600 passengers a shift
  • Keep on-time running above 95% on some of the depot's busiest routes
  • Help passengers using wheelchairs, walkers and prams on board, using the ramp and kneeling function
  • Received nine written compliments from passengers and no upheld complaints in seven years
  • Trained six new drivers on the depot's routes as a buddy driver

Delivery Driver, Ōtāhuhu Building Supplies

Auckland · 2016 to 2019

  • Delivered timber and building materials to sites across south Auckland in a Class 2 truck
  • Kept a clean driving record and completed daily vehicle checks

Education

NCEA Level 2, Tangaroa College

2012

Other details

Driver's licence
Class 2, with P (passenger) endorsement
Record
Clean
Languages
English and Tongan

Referees

Two referees available, including my current depot manager

Siaosi wrote a cover letter to go with it. Read the bus driver cover letter

Skills and keywords

What bus driver job ads look for.

Use the ad's own words where they're true of you. An ATS, and a recruiter skimming, both look for them.

  • Class 2Say your licence class up front. A Class 2 covers most two-axle buses.
  • P endorsementThe passenger endorsement is a must for bus work. Say you hold it, or that you've applied.
  • Passenger safetyThe first thing bus companies screen for. Show it in how you drive and board passengers.
  • Customer serviceDrivers are the face of the service. Compliments and no complaints make the point.
  • AccessibilityShow you help passengers with wheelchairs, prams or walking aids on and off safely.
  • On-time runningOperators are measured on it, so a percentage is worth giving.
  • Split shiftsMany bus rosters include them. Say you're happy to work them if you are.

Bullet points

9 strong lines to borrow from.

Each says what was done, how, and what came of it. Swap in your own facts: a line is only strong if it's true.

  1. 1Drove urban routes carrying up to 600 passengers a shift
  2. 2Kept on-time running above 95% on the depot's busiest routes
  3. 3Helped passengers using wheelchairs, walkers and prams on board with the ramp and kneeling function
  4. 4Received nine written compliments and no upheld complaints in seven years
  5. 5Trained six new drivers on the depot's routes as a buddy driver
  6. 6Calmed a dispute between passengers and called it in, keeping the bus safely on its run
  7. 7Completed pre-trip checks every shift and reported faults before they took a bus off the road
  8. 8Drove morning and afternoon school runs, counting students on and off at every stop
  9. 9Helped visitors find their way in English and Tongan

Common mistakes

What costs bus driver CVs interviews.

  • Not mentioning the P endorsement.

    Put your licence class and "P endorsement" in the headline and your details. It's the first thing a depot checks.

  • Writing only about driving.

    Half the job is people. Add bullets on helping passengers, handling trouble calmly and your compliment record.

  • Leaving out earlier driving work.

    Truck, delivery or shuttle work shows years of safe driving. Give it its own entry.

New Zealand and Australia

What changes across the Tasman.

New Zealand

In New Zealand you need a P (passenger) endorsement to drive a bus, as well as the licence class for the vehicle, such as a Class 2. To apply you must have held a full Class 1 licence for at least 2 years, provide a medical certificate and pass a fit and proper person check.

New Zealand CV format

Australia

In New South Wales you need a bus driver authority from Transport for NSW to drive a public passenger bus or coach that seats 13 or more people, so check the rules in the state where you'll work. Australian employers usually say resume rather than CV, and expect about two pages.

Australian CV format

Sources: NZ Transport Agency: applying for a passenger (P) endorsement, NZ Transport Agency: driver licence classes, what you can drive, Service NSW: apply for a bus driver authority.

FAQ

Questions, answered.

Something else on your mind? Email support@smartcvs.ai and a person will reply.

Can I apply for bus jobs without a P endorsement?

Some bus companies train new drivers and help them get the licence and endorsement. Say in your CV that you're working towards it, and when you expect to hold it.

Should I include my licence number?

No. Your class and endorsements are enough. The employer will check your licence and record directly.

Do languages help?

Yes. Buses carry people from every community, and a second language helps passengers. List it in your details.

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