1. Prepare

You must:

be normally resident in Ireland to apply for a learner permit or driving licence
be medically fit to drive
hold a current learner permit or driving licence before driving a car or light van in a public place
be at least 17 years of age when applying for a first-time category B learner permit
drive only the type of vehicle for which you hold a learner permit or driving licence
only drive when you are accompanied by someone who has held a full, valid driving licence in the same category for more than two years
carry your driving licence or learner permit with you at all times when driving.

You must bring one of the following forms of identity with you to your driver theory test:

public services card (with photograph)
passports (valid for international use only or up to maximum 12 months expired)
Irish passport cards (valid for EU/EEA travel, not expired and in good condition)
national identity card from EU/EEA member states or Switzerland.

Your bus must:

be roadworthy and the steering, brakes, front and rear lamps, indicators, reflectors, rear view mirrors, safety belts, speedometer, tyres, windscreen wipers, horn and silencer must be checked regularly
display valid L-plates at the front and rear
have a valid Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT) certificate, if applicable
display valid, original insurance and motor tax discs.

Becoming a bus driver

Step 1: Prepare for and pass the driver theory test
Step 2: Apply for a learner permit
Step 3: Take recommended bus driving lessons with an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)
Step 4: Book and pass the driving test. You must hold your first learner permit for six months before sitting your driving test
Step 5: Apply for a driving licence

Taking your test in an automatic transmission bus
Prepare yourself
Prepare the documents you need
Prepare your bus

Taking your test in an automatic transmission bus

You can learn to drive in an automatic or manual bus. Either way you will develop good driving skills, safe driver behaviour and road safety awareness.

However, if you pass your test in an automatic bus, you are limited to driving automatic buses. This restriction will appear on your driving licence as category code 78.

If you later want to drive a manual bus, you will have to apply for another learner permit and pass the driving test again in a manual bus.

Prepare yourself

You're on your way to becoming a safe, qualified bus driver in Ireland.

But first, a few key points:

You must:

hold a current learner permit or driving licence before driving any motor vehicle in a public place
drive only the type of vehicle for which you hold a learner permit or driving licence
only drive when you are accompanied by someone who has held a full valid driving licence in the same category for at least two years
carry your learner permit or driving licence with you at all times when driving.

Prepare the documents you need

Make sure you have the right form of identity to bring with you to your driver theory test. Otherwise you won't be able to take the test and will lose your test fee.

Only the following forms of identity are acceptable:

an Irish learner permit or driving licence, in good condition
public services card (with photograph)
passports (valid for international use only or up to maximum 12 months expired)
Irish passport cards (valid for EU/EEA travel)
national identity card from EU/EEA member states or Switzerland

You must be normally resident in Ireland to apply for a learner permit or driving licence.

If you want to apply for a learner permit or driving licence, you must be able to prove that you were born in or have nationality of the European Union, European Economic Area or Switzerland or were granted residency status in Ireland.

Prepare your bus

You must:

ensure that the steering, brakes, front and rear lamps, indicators, reflectors, rear view mirrors, safety belts, speedometer, tyres, windscreen wipers, horn and silencer are checked regularly
ensure that any bus you drive has a valid Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT) certificate, if applicable
display valid L-plates at the front and rear of any bus you drive
ensure that any bus you drive displays valid, original insurance and motor tax discs.