Views From The Bus

As some of you are aware, I am currently learning how to drive a bus or coach depending on how you want to look at it.


There is a difference, between the two, a bus is used by the general public and the driver has to handle money and issue tickets etc. The bus itself is fairly utility in it's looks and functions. A coach on the other hand is more luxurious and tends to be taken on tours and outings and hired out complete with a driver. They are also used for long distance travel.


So, I have been learning to drive a coach, all though the principles are exactly the same.


I've been driving a coach now for almost two weeks, and I have to say that there are some really inconsiderate people about, not only that but there are some lunatics out there as well, I've been overtaken on corners, with traffic coming towards us and on roads that there is only just room for our coach, let alone a woman in her BMW X5 so desperate to get past she put herself in the hedge!


We need room and we go slow - FACT!   Do yourselves a favour next time you see a bus/coach, give them some space it will be really appreciated! Not only that but keep back, when you get right up close, I cannot see you at all in my mirrors! I sometimes have to swing out wide to get around tight bends, so don't try and get up the inside of me either!


I have seen some dreadful driving, and all of it by middle aged or older people who with a life time of driving should know better!


I had to sit a number of tests the other day, theory, hazard perception and the first part of my CPC case study questions. I passed all three on the same day, 98% for theory (pass mark 85, 87 out of 100 for the hazard perception (pass mark 67) and 45 out of 50 (pass mark 40) for the CPC case study questions. So I was happy with those scores.


My practical test is booked for next week, and I'm looking forward to it. Fingers crossed that all goes well, I'm sure I will be fine as long as I don't do anything daft or that a lunatic causes me a problem!


It has been good riding around on the coach, you can see so much more from up there! Over hedges, into peoples gardens and even in to their houses! There are some very untidy people around! So if you live on a bus route, either draw your curtains or tidy up - we can see you!


Once I've passed my test I'm not sure what I will be doing, I'm happy to do either bus or coach work. At the moment I would like to do a bit of bus work, as you are out and about all day, as the coach guys appear to spend most of their days sitting around doing bugger all! Sounds cushy, but boring as hell, I think it would drive me mad over time!


But, at the end of the day as long as they are paying me I don't really care!


Finally we have just hit officially 100 followers here on this blog, how many more just dip in and out is anyone's guess but 100 is a fairly major milestone. Thank you, you all must be barking mad to read this!


It's been a really windy day today, we have three storm straps on the awning, which is just as well, as I really was unsure if it would still be standing on my return today. But, it was, the centre pole had dropped off the caravan, but that was it. Phew! The wind is supposed to drop this evening which is happening as I write this, so a quiet night without being shook about.


Getting up early everyday at 0430 is knackering, so it's another early night for me.


Till later.......................