Master the Road: A Career Insight into Being a Tour Bus Driver
Tour bus driving is a unique and exciting career that allows you to travel and work in the music industry. As a tour bus driver, you’ll be responsible for transporting musicians, crew members, and equipment from one location to another, ensuring that everyone arrives safely and on time. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a tour bus driver, this comprehensive career guide will give you everything you need to know about the job, including the qualifications, responsibilities, and potential career paths.
What is a Tour Bus Driver?
A tour bus driver is a professional driver who is responsible for driving a tour bus, transporting musicians, crew members, and equipment from one location to another. Tour bus drivers work closely with tour managers and are an integral part of the touring team. They must be able to communicate effectively with the tour manager and other members of the team, providing updates on the status of the tour bus and any issues that arise. They must also be familiar with the routes and directions to each venue on the tour, researching the best routes to take and any potential hazards or obstacles along the way.
Responsibilities of a Tour Bus Driver
Tour bus drivers have a wide range of responsibilities that include:
- Driving: The primary responsibility of a tour bus driver is to safely transport the tour bus and its passengers to each destination on the tour.
- Maintenance: Tour bus drivers are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the tour bus. This includes regular maintenance such as oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections.
- Communication: Tour bus drivers must be able to communicate effectively with the tour manager and other members of the tour team. This includes providing updates on the status of the tour bus and any issues that arise.
- Navigation: Tour bus drivers must be familiar with the routes and directions to each venue on the tour. This includes researching the best routes to take and any potential hazards or obstacles along the way.
Qualifications for Becoming a Tour Bus Driver
To become a tour bus driver, you’ll need to meet certain qualifications, including:
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): To drive a tour bus, you’ll need a CDL with a passenger endorsement. This requires passing a written exam and a skills test, and you must also have a clean driving record and be at least 21 years old.
- Experience: Most tour bus companies require at least 2-3 years of experience as a commercial driver before hiring you as a tour bus driver. This experience can be gained by driving a variety of vehicles, including buses, trucks, and vans.
- Background check: Tour bus companies typically require a background check and drug test before hiring you.
- Training: Tour bus companies provide training for their drivers, which includes safety procedures, communication protocols, and maintenance procedures. You’ll also receive on-the-job training from your tour manager and other members of the tour team.
Career Paths for Tour Bus Drivers
Tour bus driving can lead to a variety of career paths in the music industry. Here are some of the potential career paths for tour bus drivers:
- Tour Manager: Tour bus drivers who have experience and knowledge of the music industry can become tour managers. Tour managers are responsible for all aspects of the tour, including logistics, finances, and scheduling.
- Roadie: Roadies are responsible for setting up and tearing down the stage and equipment at each venue on the tour. Tour bus drivers who have experience with equipment maintenance and repair can transition into a roadie role.
- Production Manager: Production managers oversee the production aspects of the tour, including lighting, sound, and stage design. Tour bus drivers who have a background in production can transition into this role.
Education is a crucial part of any career, and it’s no different for those aspiring to be a tour bus driver. Knowledge about the music industry, logistics, and people management can be beneficial in this career. Considering this, taking a course like the “NYU x Billboard | Music Industry Essentials” online course and certificate program can prove to be a significant advantage. It provides a comprehensive insight into the music industry, which can be extremely beneficial for aspiring tour bus drivers.
Key Takeaways
- A tour bus driver is an essential part of the touring team, responsible for transporting musicians, crew members, and equipment safely from one location to another.
- The role involves a range of responsibilities from driving and maintenance to effective communication and navigation.
- Becoming a tour bus driver requires a CDL, experience, a clean background check, and training.
- There are several career paths a tour bus driver can explore within the music industry, including becoming a Tour Manager, a Roadie, or a Production Manager.
- Consider taking the “NYU x Billboard | Music Industry Essentials” online course and certificate program to gain comprehensive knowledge about the music industry.
As you embark on your journey to becoming a tour bus driver, remember that it’s not just about driving. It’s about being a part of the music, the journey, and the experience. Happy driving!
