Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a bus or coach driver?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a bus or coach driver (SOC 8212).
You might be able to work in the UK on a different visa. Compare UK work visas.
Based on the UK Immigration Rules and the Skilled Worker visa guide on GOV.UK. This is a summary, not advice about your own situation.
The rules in detail
SOC 2020 code 8212 (Bus and coach drivers) is listed as not eligible for the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility and Scale-up routes in Table 6 of Appendix Skilled OccupationsT6 · 29 Oct 26.
Source: Appendix Skilled Occupations and eligible occupations and codes, GOV.UK.| Occupation | Bus and coach drivers |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker eligibility | Ineligible |
| Going rate | Not applicable |
| Appendix table(s) | Table 6 |
| Immigration Salary List | No |
| Temporary Shortage List | No |
| SOC 2020 group | 82 Transport and mobile machine drivers and operatives › 821 Road transport drivers |
Job titles under SOC 8212
GOV.UK lists these related job titles:
- Bus and coach drivers
More job titles from the ONS SOC 2020 index (5)
- Bus driver
- Coach driver
- Coach operator
- Minibus driver
- PSV driver
What the job involves
Bus and coach drivers drive road passenger-carrying vehicles such as buses, coaches and mini-buses.
Typical tasks
- Checks tyres, brakes, lights, oil, water and fuel levels and general condition of the vehicle before start of journey
- Drives single- and double-decked vehicle over pre-determined route, complying with traffic regulations and keeping to time schedule
- Stops and opens and closes doors at pre-arranged places to allow passengers to board and alight, observing regulations concerning the number of passengers carried
- May collect fares from passengers and issue tickets or ensure that they use a ticket machine
- May plan routes in conjunction with private hirer and assist with loading and unloading of luggage
- Balances cash taken with tickets sold and may be responsible for cleanliness of vehicle
- Maintains records of journey times, mileage and hours worked
Typical entry routes and qualifications
There are no formal academic entry requirements, though candidates must be in possession of a full car driving licence. All bus and coach drivers are required to hold the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). This incorporates a theoretical examination and assessed driving. Entrants to the CPC test must be at least 18 years old. NVQs/SVQs in Road Passenger Vehicle Driving are available at level 2.
Description: ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1.
Questions about SOC 8212
Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a bus or coach driver?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a bus or coach driver (SOC 8212). SOC 2020 code 8212 (Bus and coach drivers) is listed as not eligible for the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility and Scale-up routes in Table 6 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.
What is SOC code 8212?
8212 is the SOC 2020 code for Bus and coach drivers. Bus and coach drivers drive road passenger-carrying vehicles such as buses, coaches and mini-buses.
What job titles use SOC code 8212?
GOV.UK lists: Bus and coach drivers.
Sources
- Skilled Worker visa: eligible occupations and codes (GOV.UK, updated 29 April 2026)
- Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations (GOV.UK, updated 29 October 2026)
- Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Worker (GOV.UK, updated 29 October 2026)
- ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups
Compiled by SWC Editorial Team from the sources above. An information summary, not immigration advice. Report an error on this page.