As Arriva continues to train drivers on an ongoing basis, new driver employees who are not already holders of the required D Licence are trained and licensed in an average of just 18 days, during which time Malta’s new bus drivers undergo other essential practical, theoretical and customer care training.

However, while other drivers applying for a D Licence or other licences with independent driving instructors take lessons once or twice a week for a number of months to reach the required standard of the driving test, some are questioning whether the period of bus driver training is enough and whether they are being subjected to the same onerous requirements as other drivers.

Sources speaking to this newspaper said that independent instructors do not commit themselves at the start of a driving course on the amount of time it will take to obtain a license.

“It depends on how good you are with road signs and regulations,” they say.

Arriva invited applications from existing Licence D holders (the licence for vehicles not less than nine meters in length and capable of a speed of at least 80km/h) or those new to the industry who hold a driving licence. When contacted, a spokeswoman for the company said that the length of time driver training takes to complete differs according to the individual.

Licence D holders may have previously driven buses, coaches or mini buses, or may have driven heavy goods vehicles, so the training period varies, typically being between three and 10 days. New drivers take around 18 days on average. 

During this period, a wide array of topics is covered. “Theory lessons consist of safety drills, Arriva driving standards, defensive driving and techniques in eco-driving – for the efficient and environmentally friendly use of fuel,” the spokeswoman pointed out. These are then put into practice in local driving conditions.

A programme of customer service training is also undertaken, she said, focusing on communication skills and customer care, including building positive relationships with customers and providing a good service.

“Practical training, led and supervised on the bus by driver trainers, focuses on putting Arriva’s high driving standards and theory into practice,” the spokeswoman added.

The training of drivers covers vehicle familiarisation, driving techniques, how to provide a smoother ride, how to be aware of what is going on around them on the road in order to be safer and avoid accidents, safe manoeuvring – including roundabout approach, junctions and bus stops – as well as observation and signals, and how to conduct daily safety checks before each bus goes into service.

All drivers also receive fare, ticket machine and route training to familiarise them with the new network and systems. Additionally, advanced road-craft training is given to those drivers selected to drive the articulated (“bendy”) buses.

Drivers must also take a number of tests before being able to form part of the public transport service. 

Basic tests for all applicants include a health assessment, driving assessment and interview. All drivers complete the Certificate of Professional Competence (to EU syllabus), which covers customer care training and communication skills, and will receive further training each year. Car driver training is even more comprehensive and also covers a theory test (to EU driving test standard) and practical test (to EU driving test standard), whilst training for existing Licence D holders includes an advanced driving road-craft course.

This newspaper also asked how drivers´ knowledge of languages is determined, since they must all be able to communicate in Maltese and English.

“All bus drivers will be able to communicate fluently in the Maltese language and will have a basic understanding and use of the English language, in line with the contract with Transport Malta,” the Arriva spokeswoman reiterated.

Language use is determined at recruitment stage, with Maltese and basic English assessed at the interview stage. Arriva is also working with the GWU – which provides free language courses for those interested in becoming drivers – and is working in partnership with the ETC to provide ongoing learning assistance.

“We also support drivers by providing training and instructional material in both Maltese and English, and at depot level, staff briefings are available in both languages. As in any of our businesses, we support professional development and will assist and support those with development needs on an ongoing basis,” she further explained.