How to become a bus driver abroad?

Bus driver salary abroad – how much can you earn?

High pay is often one of the main reasons for going abroad to work — and it’s no different for future bus drivers.
Working abroad, for example in the Netherlands, usually means much higher earnings than in Poland.

According to the Dutch collective labour agreement (CAO), a bus driver with about 10 years of experience earns at least €2,849.97 gross per month (around €2,150–2,250 net). In reality, many drivers earn more. At 24/7 drive, you can earn up to €3,000 net.
If you’re just starting and don’t have much experience, your salary may be lower. It’s worth checking “Salary Check” tools that show average earnings based on your experience level.

At 24/7 drive, you can also count on:

• Extra pay for night shifts, weekends, and holidays
• Holiday allowance
• Paid vacation (25 days/year)
• Health insurance
• Pension contributions from day one

Benefits can vary by job offer, so be sure to read the job details carefully before applying. In many cases, we also offer affordable housing near your workplace.

Bus driver requirements – what do you need to start working abroad?

What do you need to become a bus driver abroad? To start working in this role, you’ll need:

• A category D driving licence
• A valid Code 95
• Up-to-date medical and psychological exams
• A certificate of no criminal record
• Communicative English (but always check the job ad for language requirements)

Already have experience but some documents have expired? We’ll help you get everything updated.

What are the requirements for a category D driving licence?

To start a bus driving course, you need to:

• Be at least 24 years old (or 21 with full initial qualification)
• Hold a category B driving licence
• Pass medical and psychological exams
• Complete a theory and practical course
• Pass the state exam

After getting your category D licence, you’ll also need Code 95, which confirms your professional qualifications and allows you to transport passengers. It’s part of EU Directive 2003/59/EC and is required across the EU/EEA.

What does a category D licence allow you to do?

A category D licence allows you to drive buses carrying more than 8 passengers. In practice, this means you can work in:

• City/public transport
• School or employee transport
• Tourism and tour buses
• Domestic and international routes

This gives you wide career options — both in Poland and across Europe.

Minimum age for a category D driving licence

To start the course, you usually need to be at least 24. However, if you complete a full initial qualification, you can start at 21, which is great if you want to enter the field early and start gaining experience.

Maximum age for a bus driver

There’s no fixed legal maximum age for bus drivers. How long you can work depends on the results of your medical and psychological tests.
Once you turn 60, you'll need to do these tests more frequently — usually every 30 months. If everything looks good, you can keep working even after 65.There are many passionate, experienced drivers in their 60s and beyond still active in the profession across Europe.

Where is the best place to look for bus driver jobs abroad?

The safest route is to apply through trusted agencies like 24/7 drive.
We work with reputable local transport companies, so you get:

• Legal, verified job offers
• Help with all the paperwork
• A personal recruitment coordinator to support you throughout the process

 See current job openings

Summary

If you’re just planning to get your category D driving licence, keep in mind that 24/7 drive doesn’t offer training or driving courses. You can earn your qualifications at any driving school in your city — ideally one that also provides the Code 95 qualification course.

However, we do support you at the start of your professional journey, so once you finish your training and get certified, reach out to us — we’ll help you land your first job abroad.

Data sources

https://loonwijzer.nl/salaris/brutonetto/nettoloon-per-beroep/wat-verdien-ik-bruto-en-netto-als-buschauffeur-in-het-openbaar-vervoer

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

How long does the recruitment process take?
Usually between one and a few weeks. It includes a recruiter interview, document check, references, and setting a departure date. Timing depends on your paperwork and job availability.

Do I need experience to work as a bus driver?
Most employers want at least 1 year of experience. But if you have a D licence and Code 95, some companies offer training or onboarding for beginners. Ask your recruiter about current beginner-friendly roles.

Is being a bus driver stressful?
It can be, like any job with responsibility — but with proper planning, breaks, and route schedules, working conditions are usually good. Dutch companies are strict about respecting rest time laws.

Is it worth working as a bus driver in the Netherlands?
Definitely — the Netherlands offers strong legal protections, good pay, and reliable infrastructure.

What does training look like for new bus drivers?
New drivers usually receive a few days or weeks of training: route planning, using the system, safety procedures, etc. At 24/7 Drive, you’ll have a coordinator to support you from day one.

Where to find job offers for bus drivers abroad?
 Check vacancies here

Other articles you may find useful

Documents needed for legal work as a professional driver
 https://www.247drive.pl/blog/60/dokumenty-wymagane-do-legalnej-pracy-jako-kierowca-zawodowy-co-powinienes-przygotowac-aby-moc-pracowac-za-granica

Bus driver interview – how to prepare for a recruiter interview
 https://www.247drive.pl/blog/37/rozmowa-kwalifikacyjna-kierowcy-jak-sie-przygotowac-do-rozmowy-rekrutacyjnej

Is it worth relocating, living, and working in the Netherlands?
 https://www.247drive.pl/blog/54/czy-warto-przeprowadzic-sie-mieszkac-i-pracowac-w-holandii-2