How to become a Bus / Coach Driver

Since 22 July 2025, new Skilled Worker applicants generally need a job classed as ‘higher skilled’ (RQF level 6+). Jobs classed as ‘medium skilled’ are only eligible if they appear on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List, so check the current eligible occupations list for this job’s occupation code. Some nationalities can use the Youth Mobility Scheme instead. Lorry, bus and van driving occupations are not normally classed as higher skilled. You will also need to exchange or obtain a UK licence and Driver CPC for professional driving.

Official sources: GOV.UK – Skilled Worker visa · GOV.UK – Skilled Worker eligible occupations · GOV.UK – Check if you need a UK visa

There is no specific visa for drivers; the H-2B (temporary, capped) and EB-3 employer-sponsored green card are the main options. A commercial driver’s licence (CDL) is issued by your state of domicile and requires passing US tests.

Official sources: USCIS – H-1B specialty occupations · USCIS – Employment-based green cards · USCIS – H-2B temporary non-agricultural workers

Truck drivers are frequently recruited through employer-specific work permits (LMIA) and provincial nominee programs. You will need the provincial commercial licence (e.g. Class 1 or AZ) and, in several provinces, mandatory entry-level training.

Official sources: Canada.ca – Work in Canada · Canada.ca – Express Entry

Check whether the driving occupation is on the current skilled occupation lists. You will need to convert to an Australian licence of the right class (heavy rigid, heavy combination etc.) through the state or territory road authority.

Official sources: Home Affairs – Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) · Home Affairs – Skilled occupation list · Home Affairs – Skills assessment

Employers sponsor the work permit and residence visa. Licence conversion depends on the country that issued your licence; heavy-vehicle and bus licences usually require local training and tests through the emirate’s road and transport authority.

Official sources: u.ae – Jobs and work in the UAE · MOHRE – Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation · u.ae – Golden Visa

Professional drivers need the correct category licence plus a Certificate of Professional Competence (Code 95). Non-EU licence holders may need to retake tests. Non-EU nationals require a national work permit; several countries actively recruit drivers.

Official sources: EU Immigration Portal · EU Regulated Professions Database · Make it in Germany (example national portal)