SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Bus Driver 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94202  Occupational Certificate: Bus Driver 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-TETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 11 - Services  Transport, Operations and Logistics 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2018-07-01  2025-12-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30   2029-12-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Bus Driver. A bus driver drives a bus or coach to transport passengers short and/or long distances on scheduled local and or intercity services over established routes.
A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Drive a coach or bus to transport passengers safely and on time to scheduled and non-scheduled destinations.
  • Assist passengers with boarding and luggage.
  • Handle emergency situations.

    Rationale:
    The Passenger Service Industry requires a training system for the bus or coach drivers for energy efficient and environmentally friendly buses or coaches. The overall objective is to enhance the skills and competencies of heavy and passenger vehicles drivers to improve road safety and customer services. This new occupational qualification includes all the relevant aspects required to comply with the new energy efficient and safety legislation.

    The ranges of typical learners that will enter this qualification are people who would like to gain access to employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in passenger vehicles.

    This qualification resides as one of several in the passenger vehicle industry and makes allowance for any feeder occupations to gain access to the various heavy vehicles. The Bus driver qualification also makes provision for people to progress within this discipline to specialisation areas including heavy vehicle driving and truck driving work.

    The main benefit of this qualification for the learner is that the learner has an opportunity to be recognised as a qualified heavy vehicles and licensed driver with well-structured, relevant and current competencies and able to provide enhanced customer service and have access to entrepreneurial opportunities within the passenger service environment.

    Society will be served by qualified bus driver who not only undertakes work with improved skills but is also undertaking this work with a full awareness of the importance of energy efficiency requirements.

    The economy requires efficient and effective bus driver competencies for economic growth purposes as well as assists in the global move to a greener world by contributing towards utilising energy efficient heavy vehicles. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognition of Prior Learning for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of results or certifying a work experience record.

    Recognition of Prior Learning for access to the qualification:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirement:
    NQF Level 2 and an appropriate vehicle licence. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • Bus Driver (Driver Conductor) Theory, NQF Level 3, 15 Credits.
  • Health, Safety, Quality and Legislation, NQF Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • Environment, Energy Efficiency and Ethics, NQF Level 3, 15 Credits.
  • Transport Risk, Level 3, 10 Credits.
    Total number of credits for knowledge modules: 45 Credits.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • Conduct pre and post trip bus or coach inspection and administer operational documentation and equipments , NQF Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • Operate coach or bus safely adhering to road regulations and compliance, NQF Level 3, 15 Credits.
  • Assist passenger with luggage, NQF Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • Recognise and address emergency situations to protect passengers and property, NQF Level 3, 15 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skills Modules: 45 Credits.

    This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
  • Safe scheduled and non-scheduled passengers transportation processes and procedures, NQF Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • Passengers boarding and luggage procedures, NQF Level 3, 15 Credits.
  • Emergency handling processes, NQF Level 3, 5 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Drive a coach or bus to transport passengers safely and on time to scheduled and non-scheduled destinations.
    2. Assist passengers with boarding and luggage.
    3. Handle emergency situations. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The ability to drive the Bus/Coach in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and legal requirements is demonstrated.
  • Pre and post trip inspection report in terms of industry best practice and procedures is completed.
  • Operational equipments for a trip in terms of the K53 standards are identified and acquired.
  • Vehicle is inspected according to K53 standards and relevant industry legislation.
  • Inspect components to validate their functionality are identified and explained.
  • Defects for vehicle components, operating controls and instruments according to operating procedures are identified reported and explained.
  • Ability to read and use maps electronic or paper-based is demonstrated.

    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Luggage handling procedures and conditions of carriage are adhered to.
  • Luggage problems are addressed and resolved as soon as possible with the service being consistent, reliable and helpful.
  • Luggage is correctly identified, labelled, recorded and loaded in accordance with organisational policies.

    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Safe driving techniques to ensure passenger's comfort during transportation are applied.
  • Principles of being proactive rather than reactive applied.
  • All the important driver information is available at a glance and all the instruments are easily readable in daylight and at night.
  • Clear visibility through curved front windscreen is maintained.
  • Standing passengers in short distance trips are advised to on a firm grip of uprights and handrails.
  • Infant buggies and wheelchairs are also conveniently positioned.
  • Emergency exit sing on the specified areas are marked and clearly visible.
  • Positions in case of emergency are communicated to passengers either verbally, sign-post or electronic setup.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria. The external assessment model requires that the external assessment will be conducted through a combination of a written assessment and practical task at a registered assessment centre and marked by registered assessors. Practical tasks will also be assessed by registered assessors. The combination of the written and practical assessment will be conducted over a period of one working day. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This international comparability study was undertaken to examine the Bus Driver qualification with the level of the qualification and contents of other internationally-related qualifications. The purpose is to facilitate the development of a meaningful learning path and its associated curriculum which incorporates both theoretical and practical vocational skills to ensure comparability and compliance with existing international qualification specifications and regulations.
    Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is offered in the United Kingdom as an approved National Vocational Training (NVT) qualification.

    The qualification must be:
  • Based on relevant National Occupational Standards.
  • At Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) Level 2 or Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Level 5.
  • Accredited by a national awarding body that is externally regulated by the Office of the Qualifications and Regulations Examiner or the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

    Qualifications that currently meet these rules are:
  • Level 2 award in knowledge for a professional bus or coach driver.
  • Level 2 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Diploma in passenger-carrying vehicles (bus and coach).
  • Level 2 Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in passenger-carrying vehicle driving (bus and coach).
  • QCF certificate in driving goods vehicles.
  • BTEC in carry and deliver goods.
  • SVQ driving goods vehicles.

    The Unit Group 7312 Bus and Coach Drivers in Australia from the Australian Qualification Framework registered Certificate II or III (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations First Edition (ANZSCO) Skill Level 4) and in In New Zealand: NZ Register Level 2 or 3 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 4).
    The tasks in this qualification include:
  • Stopping at set locations to pick up and set down passengers.
  • Opening and closing doors before and after passengers board or alight.
  • Controlling lighting, heating and ventilation on buses.
  • Collecting fares and giving change and tickets, and monitoring electronic entry.
  • Advising passengers on destinations.
  • Maintaining conduct of passengers.
  • May use public address systems to provide information and tour commentaries for passengers.
  • May assist coach passengers with baggage and accommodation bookings.
  • May maintain, service and clean coaches.

    Conclusion:
    The comparability study highlights the current status of the availability of related information on the Bus Driver occupation including the related curricula in other countries. The findings reveal that the South African qualifications are in general comparable to what is found in the chosen comparable countries. The comparison mainly extends to the contents of the curricula. The differences appeared to be in terms of levels and approaches to delivery of learning. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification will enable articulation with other qualifications within the field of passenger vehicles. Furthermore learners possessing this qualification may also articulate with qualifications in the heavy vehicle driving and truck driving work. Learners who possess this qualification have options of career advancement to entrepreneurial opportunities within the passenger service environment. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for external assessment:
    In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience including Foundational Learning Competence or equivalent.

    Additional legal or physical environment:
  • None.

    Criteria for the Accreditation of Providers.

    Accreditation of providers to provide this qualification will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.

    The curriculum title and code is: Bus Driver, Curriculum code 652301001

    Trades Covered by this Qualification

    This qualification covers the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • None.

    Part Qualifications:
  • None. 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.