Question 1

What does a shuttle driver do?

Accepted Answer

A shuttle driver is responsible for safely transporting passengers on scheduled routes between designated locations such as airports, hotels, resorts, parking facilities or business campuses. They ensure passenger comfort and safety while maintaining punctual service and providing excellent customer care.

Question 2

What award covers shuttle drivers in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Shuttle drivers transporting passengers are typically covered by the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award 2020 (MA000063). This award applies to employees in passenger transport services including shuttle buses, charter services and tourist transport. Some positions may fall under other awards depending on the business type.

Question 3

What classification level should I use for a shuttle driver?

Accepted Answer

Under the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award, shuttle drivers are typically classified based on the vehicle type and passenger capacity. Drivers operating vehicles with 12 or fewer passengers may be at a different classification than those driving larger buses. See our Passenger Vehicle Award pay rates guide for current rates.

Question 4

Should I include pay rates in a shuttle driver job description?

Accepted Answer

While not legally required, including indicative pay rates helps attract qualified drivers. You can reference the applicable award rate or use phrases like 'Above award rates' or 'Competitive hourly rate based on experience and licence class.' Check the current Passenger Vehicle Award rates for guidance.

Question 5

What licence do shuttle drivers need?

Accepted Answer

Shuttle drivers must hold a current driver's licence appropriate to the vehicle being operated. For vehicles carrying 12 or fewer passengers, a Light Rigid (LR) licence is typically required. For larger buses carrying more passengers, a Medium Rigid (MR) or Heavy Rigid (HR) licence may be necessary. All drivers must maintain a clean driving record. Use HR software to track licence expiry dates and renewals.

Question 6

Do shuttle drivers need a Working With Children Check?

Accepted Answer

If the shuttle service involves transporting children (such as school shuttles or resort kids clubs), a Working With Children Check is typically required. Even if not mandatory for your specific service, having this clearance demonstrates the driver's suitability for passenger-facing roles and can be a valuable credential.

Question 7

What other qualifications should shuttle drivers have?

Accepted Answer

Beyond the appropriate driver's licence, shuttle drivers should ideally have a first aid certificate, clean driving record with no major violations, and excellent customer service skills. For airport shuttles, familiarity with local geography and tourist attractions is beneficial. Some employers may require disability assistance training.

Question 8

What experience should I look for in a shuttle driver?

Accepted Answer

Look for previous passenger transport experience, proven safe driving record, customer service background, familiarity with the local area, and ability to work flexible hours including early mornings, evenings and weekends. Experience with tourists, hospitality or service industries is highly valuable.

Question 9

Should I hire casual or permanent shuttle drivers?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your service patterns. Permanent drivers provide consistency and build relationships with regular passengers, while casuals offer flexibility for peak periods or seasonal demand. Many shuttle operations use a core permanent team supplemented by casuals during busy times. See our guide on casual vs permanent employment trends.

Question 10

What penalty rates apply to shuttle drivers?

Accepted Answer

Under the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award, penalty rates apply for: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, early morning starts (before 6:00am) and late evening finishes (after 8:00pm). Casual employees receive a 25% loading. Use award interpretation software to calculate rates accurately.

Question 11

What are the minimum shift lengths for shuttle drivers?

Accepted Answer

Under the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award, the minimum engagement for casual employees is typically 3-4 hours per shift. Part-time employees have guaranteed minimum hours. Check the specific award provisions for your operation type and vehicle classification.

Question 12

What should I include in a shuttle driver employment contract?

Accepted Answer

Key elements include: position title and classification level, employment type, hourly rate, applicable award, licence requirements and expiry dates, main duties and routes, work location, shift patterns, uniform and presentation standards, and any physical requirements. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Question 13

How far in advance must I provide rosters to shuttle drivers?

Accepted Answer

Under the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award, rosters should be provided at least 7 days in advance where practicable. Changes require reasonable notice unless due to unforeseen circumstances. Using rostering software helps support compliance and gives drivers visibility of upcoming shifts and routes.

Question 14

Can I require shuttle drivers to work split shifts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, split shifts are common in shuttle operations to cover morning and evening peak periods. However, the award has specific rules about spread of hours, breaks between shifts and additional allowances. Clearly communicate split shift requirements in the job description and support compliance with award provisions.

Question 15

What breaks are shuttle drivers entitled to?

Accepted Answer

Under the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award, employees working more than 5 hours are entitled to meal breaks. The specific break entitlements and timing depend on shift length and operational requirements. Breaks must be scheduled to maintain service continuity. Use break planning tools to manage coverage.

Question 16

How do I manage shuttle driver availability across different routes?

Accepted Answer

Track driver qualifications including licence types, route familiarity and any special certifications. Use rostering software to match qualified drivers to appropriate routes and vehicles. Consider driver preferences for specific routes while ensuring all drivers maintain diverse route knowledge.

Shuttle driver job description