The Confederation for Passenger Transport (CPT) has welcomed consultation on two key proposals it has long championed that will make training as a bus and coach driver more attractive to younger drivers.

Speaking at the launch of the consultation in Carlisle alongside CPT members Stagecoach and Stanley Travel, Graham Vidler, Chief Executive, Confederation of Passenger Transport said, “We warmly welcome this consultation on two key proposals championed by CPT to help address the challenge of driver shortages faced by the coach and bus sector.

“Allowing new recruits to get on with off-road training while awaiting their provisional licence will ensure more trainees stay the course and become safe, qualified bus or coach drivers.

” As 18 year-olds are allowed to drive an articulated lorry already, there is a clear case for allowing them also to drive all types of coach and bus services.”

CPT considers these changes a welcome step forward because it believes well-trained drivers in this age group can safely drive a wider range of passenger carrying services and longer services.

Both proposals and the consultation are the direct consequence of CPT’s lobbying and engagement, which followed from a discussion held during the CPT / DfT Driver Shortage Summit in November 2022. 

“This consultation is a great example of industry and government working together effectively” added Graham Vidler.

The proposed changes will help the sector get more bus and coach drivers safely trained, and open up the transport sector to younger people, increasing job opportunities and helping grow the economy while tackling driver shortages that can undermine the provision of services. 

CPT would also like to see the proposals go further since it believes younger drivers should be able to drive non-regular services too.