Hi board. I am just taking my first steps in researching a possible move to Spain. I was wondering if anyone here knows if there are companies over there that employ English bus drivers - perhaps for English dominated regions, airport transfers, etc.? I don't speak Spanish, though of course I'd be more than willing to learn - one, because I would need to I imagine, and two, just to fit in and adapt to their way of life. It's a respectful thing to do at the very least!
Though, for the time being, and perhaps to even speed up the process, I was hoping there maybe some English companies based there, or Spanish companies that employ English drivers for roles involving the transportation of English people. Hours, pay, locations, chances etc. etc would be very much appreciated!
Thanx in advance.
Jul 17, 2009 · foxbat
Hi;
Regrettably vocational licences issued in the UK are not valid in Spain for driving anything other than UK registered vehicles...
You may have a UK/EU photocard licence but nevertheless you would have to undertake a conversion course privately and at your own expense and then take the Spanish equivalent of a PCV test. It's all to do with the fact that in the UK the steering wheel is on the wrong side...
The fact that you don't speak Spanish would also be one hell of a hindrance given that the vocational licence test is in Spanish...both the Theory and Practical...
The major operator here in the South of Spain and across the CDS is Alsina Graells who are actually owned by National Express in the UK. You could do worse than to talk to them if you are serious.
Another point to think about is this; in the UK the great majority of buses and coaches are 10-12 metres long, over here they are tag axled 12-15 metres long and the extra 10 feet in length makes on hell of a difference. Also most City transport utilise Bendi-buses which can be up to 18 metres long...
Sorry to be a dampener on your plans but best to get the realities sorted out first...
Just for a laugh however check out this link to see what you could be up against...
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/958929/the_best_bus_driver_in_the_world/
fb (Formerly of Firstbus...)
Regrettably vocational licences issued in the UK are not valid in Spain for driving anything other than UK registered vehicles...
You may have a UK/EU photocard licence but nevertheless you would have to undertake a conversion course privately and at your own expense and then take the Spanish equivalent of a PCV test. It's all to do with the fact that in the UK the steering wheel is on the wrong side...
The fact that you don't speak Spanish would also be one hell of a hindrance given that the vocational licence test is in Spanish...both the Theory and Practical...
The major operator here in the South of Spain and across the CDS is Alsina Graells who are actually owned by National Express in the UK. You could do worse than to talk to them if you are serious.
Another point to think about is this; in the UK the great majority of buses and coaches are 10-12 metres long, over here they are tag axled 12-15 metres long and the extra 10 feet in length makes on hell of a difference. Also most City transport utilise Bendi-buses which can be up to 18 metres long...
Sorry to be a dampener on your plans but best to get the realities sorted out first...
Just for a laugh however check out this link to see what you could be up against...
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/958929/the_best_bus_driver_in_the_world/
fb (Formerly of Firstbus...)