Do Increased Bus Registrations Mean More Coach Driver Training?

The haulage and transport industries are generally encouraged by news that shows companies buying and registering more new vehicles. Increased numbers of registrations generally imply business growth and additional hiring. Does the same hold true with numbers recently released for coach registrations? Do greater numbers of registrations mean more coach driver training in the future? We will have to wait and see.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says the first four weeks of the 2015 calendar year were very good for transport companies. New coach registrations were up more than 48% in January alone, with more than 700 vehicles registered. This past January was the strongest we have seen since 2008.

Leading the way was the purpose-built bus sector with a registration increase of more than 90% in January. Purpose-built buses were part of a number of large orders placed by prominent bus companies across the UK. Although not a guarantee, this suggests industry growth that would lead to more coach driver training and subsequent hiring.

The one caution in this good news is the reality that some of the new coach registrations could be the result of unscheduled fleet replacements, resulting from damaged or defective vehicles. However, it is unlikely that such replacements constitute a majority of the registration increases. A slowly recovering economy and a push to expand private bus service are probably greater factors.

Training to Drive

News of more bus registrations is good news to individuals who have been considering careers as professional drivers. We already know that the transport industry is facing a driver shortage, and that this shortage will only get worse as local and regional bus transportation grows. Now would be a good time to launch a professional driving career by signing up for coach driver training.

You can train to be a coach driver at any one of the 45 facilities operated by the HGV Training Centre. Although our company name specifically mentions HGVs, we offer training for all classes of professional licences. We can teach you everything you need to learn in order to pass your PCV tests on your way to becoming a professional coach driver. What’s more, we can have you trained in a matter of weeks.

Some training companies offer programmes that can take as long as six to 12 months. That is not how we do business. The HGV Training Centre utilises a fast-paced and intense approach that not only teaches students, but also helps them retain the information they need to pass their tests. We combine classroom instruction with time behind the wheel for a thorough training experience.

If you are interested in becoming a coach driver, you should already have a full car licence and the ability to pass a routine medical exam. Do you meet the minimum qualifications? If so, contact us for more information about our coach driver training. We would welcome the opportunity to prepare you for an exciting and rewarding career behind the wheel of coach.

Sources:

1. SMMT – https://www.smmt.co.uk/2015/02/strong-start-2015-uk-bus-coach-market-seven-year-high/