Learn how to drive a bus with First Bus in Southampton

First Bus is offering aspiring bus drivers the opportunity to drive a bus at an open day at their depot on Saturday, November, 13.

To get a better understanding of what the open day will entail, I visited First Bus' depot in Empress Road on Tuesday and got behind the wheel of a City Red bus.

Reporter Maya George with driving instructor Dean Knight

First Bus employee of 34 years and driving instructor of 13 years, Dean Knight, 55, showed me the ropes and drove me around the site before I jumped behind the steering wheel.

Buses are automatic vehicles, so you do not need to worry about a gear stick, but you do have to remember to press a dedicated button if you want to drive, reverse, or put the bus in neutral.

There is also a small handbrake to the left of the wheel which you apply three seconds after stopping.

When it was time for me to drive the bus, Dean was very concise and encouraging as I drove, giving me helpful instructions and tips.

I learnt how to take corners, reverse into a parking spot, and took onboard numerous useful hints and tips, such as utilising road (in this case, depot) markings and always using my mirrors.

Reporter Maya George learning how to reverse and park a City Red bus

Communication, after all, is at the heart of teaching people how to drive a bus, according to Dean.

He said: "It’s about creating a common understanding, and communication is key. The way you took on board what I was saying was shown in how well you did when you were driving the bus.

"Teaching people how to drive a bus is about being supportive of that person. You want to make people feel safe and for you to feel safe with them.

"You are letting the person take responsibility and are building those skills. I love it."

I managed to complete two and a half successful circuits around the depot before Dean showed me how to reverse a bus between two sets of cones, my makeshift parking space.

Reversing a bus was easier than I had anticipated, although daunting, and with Dean providing clear instructions over my shoulder, I was able to do it on my first go.

Reporter Maya George after reversing and parking a City Red bus

Overall, it was a really fun and insightful experience, one that the people of Southampton can enjoy this weekend.

Carol Sim, head of operations at First Hampshire, Dorset and Berkshire, said: "More people are keen to become bus drivers and we want to make that process as easy as possible for them. So on the open day we are offering the chance to ‘try before you buy’ – to drive a bus round our depot and ask any questions.

"City Red plays such an important part role in Southampton and bus driving with First Bus is a fantastic career, with flexible shift patterns, free bus travel, discounted rail travel, and high street discounts.

"Our City Red drivers are local heroes who serve their local communities and keep Southampton moving."

Instructor Dean Knight giving reporter Maya George a bus driving demo

On the day there will be training buses available, with highly qualified trainers on board.

Staff will also be on hand to answer any questions.

If visitors like what they see, they can apply to become a City Red bus driver there and then.

Those who want to attend the open day and apply for a bus driver role should have a car driving licence with no more than three points, and have driven for at least six months.

They should call First Bus on 07814 138361 to book a slot.