Bus Driver Training Perth
Our Bus Verification of Competency (VOC) is designed for licensed drivers who need to demonstrate they have the knowledge and practical skills to safely operate a bus. This assessment is commonly required by employers before a driver is authorised to operate company vehicles.
Speak to a Trainer
08 6285 9768
The bus VOC includes practical training, followed by a competency assessment conducted by an experienced assessor. Manual and Automatic transmissions are both available.
Course Cost: $660 | Duration: 3 hours | Prerequisite: Must hold an MR-A or higher licence
What Licence Do You Need?
The WA Department of Transport categorises buses by their gross vehicle mass (GVM) and passenger capacity. There’s no stand-alone “bus licence” in WA. Instead, the bus you plan to drive determines which heavy vehicle licence class applies.
LR (Light Rigid) Licence
Covers vehicles with a GVM between 4,500 kg and 8,000 kg, or any vehicle that carries more than 12 passengers (including the driver) up to a GVM of 8,000 kg.
MR (Medium Rigid) Licence
Covers mid-size, two-axle vehicles with a GVM above 8,000 kg.
HR (Heavy Rigid) Licence
Covers vehicles with three or more axles and a GVM above 8,000 kg. Full-size city buses, large tour coaches, and long-haul services all require an HR licence.
If you're unsure which class applies, check the vehicle's GVM and axle count with your employer before booking a bus driver training course.
What Our Bus Driving Lessons in Perth Cover
✔Vehicle handling
✔Pre-trip inspections
✔Road positioning
✔Low-speed manoeuvres
All bus driving lessons are flexible, with weekday and Saturday options.
Your Bus Licence Pathway
If you currently hold a car licence, your next step depends on the class of bus you want to drive.
- →You can apply for an LR or MR licence through DTMI once you’ve held a full C class licence for a minimum of 12 months.
- →To apply for an HR licence: You need either a C class licence held for at least two years or an LR or MR licence held for at least one year.
- →For work requiring a trailer over 9,000 kg GVM: The heavy combination licence is the next step up from HR.
Most commercial bus roles in WA require at least an MR or HR licence. If you are targeting HR, upgrading to LR or MR first may shorten your pathway. Our heavy rigid licence page explains the HR eligibility requirements and assessment process in full.
Your Career Options in WA
Bus driving lessons and a bus licence can open up work across:
→School bus services: Government and private school routes
→Mining and resources: Site bus driving, transporting shift workers on FIFO rosters.
→Charter and tourism: Day trips, event transfers, and long-haul coach services
→Disability and community transport: NDIS or state-funded passenger services
Do You Need PTD Authorisation?
Your licence class gives you the legal right to drive the vehicle. It does not automatically authorise you to carry passengers for payment. In WA, drivers transporting passengers for hire or reward must also hold a current Passenger Transport Driver (PTD) Authorisation, issued separately through the WA Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure.
PTD Authorisation applies when you are paid to drive passengers, or passengers pay a fee for the service. This includes school bus, charter, coach, disability transport, and many mining-site bus roles. Some volunteer arrangements may be exempt, but check directly with DTMI before starting work.
Bus Driver Training Courses from Perth Transport Training
Perth Transport Training Academy is a Western Australian-owned and operated RTO based in Wattleup with over 30 years of experience in the transport industry.
Our bus driving school courses are built around the HR-A (automatic) licence pathway, commonly used for standard city buses and large coaches. All bus driving lessons are delivered by instructors who hold a minimum of a Certificate IV in Motor Vehicle Driver Training, so you’re training with qualified professionals.
Perth Transport Training Academy also provides HR, HC and MC truck driver training across Perth. View our full range of truck driving courses and truck driving course costs.
FAQs
Can you drive a bus on a car licence in WA?
Only if the bus has a GVM of 4,500 kg or less and seats no more than 12 adults, including the driver. Most commercial buses exceed at least one of those thresholds, so a car licence isn’t enough for the majority of bus driving roles.
Do you need a special bus licence in WA?
There’s no dedicated bus licence in WA. You need the heavy vehicle licence class that corresponds to the bus you’ll be driving, either LR, MR, or HR, depending on the vehicle’s GVM and axle count. You also need a PTD Authorisation if you’re carrying paying passengers.
How long does it take to complete a bus driver training course?
If you already meet the eligibility requirements, bus driver training takes on average 3 hours. If you require additional training, this will be in 2-hour blocks.
How much does bus driver training cost?
Training costs start at $660 for 3 hours and a VOC. If you need additional training it will be at $220 per hour and if you need a Heavy Vehicle licence as well our HR-A weekday courses start from $1,250 for advanced students. See our course pricing page or contact us for help choosing the right course.
Is a medical required to drive a bus professionally?
Yes. A medical assessment is required for PTD Authorisation. Some HR applicants may also need one depending on their health declaration. Your trainer can advise before assessment day (you will not require a medical for the training).
