Singapore is well known for its well-established public transport system. It also offers lots of job opportunities for OFWs who are drivers by profession. In particular, being a bus driver in Singapore is an essential role because it is one of the main public transportation vehicles in the country.
To be an OFW bus driver in Singapore, you need to know what the qualifications are, what the required steps are, your tasks and duties, and your salary expectations. Let’s dive in.
Your Path to Becoming a Bus Driver in Singapore
Before diving into the application process, it’s worth understanding why bus driving is a good career choice in Singapore. Here are some of them:
- Stable Job: Singapore’s strong public transport system means there is always a need for bus drivers, providing job security.
- Good Pay: Bus drivers earn between SGD 2,800 and SGD 3,500 per month, plus extra pay for overtime.
- Benefits: Bus drivers get a range of benefits, such as health insurance, paid vacation, and chances for career growth.
- Work-Life Balance: Although the job can be physically tough, companies in Singapore offer flexible shifts and time off.
Tasks and Duties of a Bus Driver
Bus drivers in Singapore play an important role in the daily transportation of passengers. Their tasks and duties include the following:
- Bus drivers are responsible for obeying traffic laws such as speed limits, stopping rules and safety protocols.
- Bus drivers must navigate designated bus routes and make scheduled stops at specified locations to pick up and drop off passengers.
- Bus drivers are not expected to be professional mechanics, but they should still be able to do minor maintenance and repairs on their assigned buses.
- Ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers is a priority. Drivers are expected to assist elderly and disabled passengers when necessary and maintain a safe environment for everyone onboard.
- Bus drivers must complete their daily routes on time and manage the vehicle’s fuel levels and other operational needs.
Qualifications Required to Become a Bus Driver in Singapore
To apply as a bus driver in Singapore, you must meet the following qualifications:
- Education: At least secondary education (high school diploma or equivalent).
- Age: Applicants must be at least 21 years of age.
- Residency: Applicants must either be a permanent resident of Singapore or hold a valid work permit.
- Driving License: You must have a qualified driving license and complete the required training for a Bus Driver’s Vocational License (BDVL).
Steps to Become a Bus Driver in Singapore
1. Obtain a Qualified Driving License
Before you can apply to become a bus driver, you must first obtain a Qualified Driving License in Singapore. This will allow you to operate large vehicles such as buses. To get a Qualified Driving License, you need to:
- Enroll in a driving school to learn how to drive large vehicles.
- Complete the necessary driving tests to obtain your Qualified Driving License.
2. Enrol in a Vocational License Course for Bus Driving
After having a Qualified Driving License, the next step is to enroll in a Bus Driver’s Vocational License (BDVL) course. This course should be taken by all bus drivers. To pass this course, you need to study theoretical knowledge as well as show that you have the right practical driving skills for operating buses.
3. Register as a Bus Driver on Singpass
Once you complete the BDVL course and pass the exam, you must register as a qualified bus driver on Singpass. There are different types of vehicles you can register as, including:
- Omnibus: The standard city bus.
- Excursion Bus: A bus designed for tours and longer-distance trips.
- School Bus: Used to transport school children.
- Private Hire Bus: Buses used for private hires, such as for events or group transportation.
4. Complete Pre-Employment Requirements
You then need to take the following pre-employment checks before becoming a bus driver in Singapore:
- Ensure you have a clean record, especially related to driving violations.
- Bus drivers must pass a medical exam to prove their physical fitness to operate a large vehicle safely.
- As an OFW, you will need a valid work permit to legally work in Singapore. Your employer will typically assist you with the application process.
5. Apply for Jobs and Complete the Hiring Process
Once you’ve met all the requirements and received the necessary qualifications, it’s time to search for job openings.
The major bus companies of Singapre include SBS Transit, SMRT, and Tower Transit. Typically, they list vacancies on their websites. Next, you may be required to go through an interview, skills test and driving assessment before they get you a job offer.
Salary and Benefits for Bus Drivers in Singapore
The estimated median salary for a bus driver in Singapore is approximately SGD 3,000 per month, with potential additional pay of about SGD 333, making the total compensation approximately SGD 3,333 per month.
Bus drivers also enjoy the following benefits:
- Annual Leave: Paid time off for vacation or personal matters.
- Health Benefits: Medical insurance and health coverage.
- Bonus Pay: Many companies offer performance-based bonuses.
- Shift Allowance: Depending on the schedule, bus drivers may receive extra pay for working during off-peak hours or overtime.
Bus Driver Scheduling
Bus drivers in Singapore typically work in various shifts, depending on their assigned routes. Some common schedules include:
- AM Shift (A): From 5-6 am until 2-4 pm.
- PM Shift (P): From 2-4 pm until 12-2 am.
- Split Shifts (S1 and S2): These shifts are broken into two segments, typically starting in the early morning and continuing into the afternoon, with a break in between.
It is a promising career choice to be a bus driver in Singapore. After all, the country is well known for having one of the most competitive salaries in Asia. Moreover, it is a dream to live in such a clean, modern and well-organized country, with arguably one of the best public transportation systems in the world. For as long as you meet the necessary requirements and go through the application process, your dream job of becoming a bus driver in Singapore will soon come to fruition.