TransLink bus operator test: how to prepare

What TransLink asks for

• To apply as a conventional bus operator you need a Class 5 BC driver’s licence (or Canadian equivalent) and must be able to get at least a Class 2 commercial learner’s permit with the air brake endorsement; you earn the Class 2 licence with air brakes during training. (source)
• Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents and be able to understand, speak, read and write English. (source)
• At the time of application you need no suspensions or driving prohibitions in the past five years, no more than one violation (maximum three points) and no more than one at-fault accident in the past three years. (source)
• Hired candidates must complete the paid training program and a 675-hour probationary period of time actually worked. (source)

Check the current posting on the Coast Mountain Bus Company (TransLink) careers page. Follow it where it differs from this page.

What to practise

Bus operator written tests usually check three skills: reading a route map, knowing traffic signs (see the ICBC Learn to Drive Smart: chapter 3, signs, signals and road markings), and knowing where major Vancouver landmarks are.

Landmarks worth knowing

• Vancouver City Hall is at 453 West 12th Avenue, at Cambie Street. (City of Vancouver: City Hall location and hours)
• Vancouver General Hospital is at 899 West 12th Avenue. (Vancouver Coastal Health: Vancouver General Hospital)
• BC Children’s Hospital is at 4480 Oak Street. (BC Children’s Hospital: Medical Day Unit)
• Mount Saint Joseph Hospital is at 3080 Prince Edward Street. (Providence Health Care: Mount Saint Joseph Hospital)
• Langara College is at 100 West 49th Avenue. (Langara College: Contact)
• The Museum of Anthropology at UBC is at 6393 NW Marine Drive. (Museum of Anthropology at UBC: Getting here)
• Simon Fraser University’s Vancouver campus is at Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street. (Simon Fraser University: SFU Vancouver)
• The Central Library is at 350 West Georgia Street, on the block bounded by Homer, Hamilton, Robson and Georgia streets. (Vancouver Public Library: Central Library)