If you think becoming a bus driver in S'pore is easy, think again
Source: The Straits Times
The basic theory test is only the tip of the iceberg for these Chinese nationals who wish to embark on a career as a Singapore bus driver -- these men are also put through gruelling interview sessions, psychological evaluations and the all-important driving test.
Every time a recruitment notice is posted on online forums and Qzone, a Chinese version of Facebook, there is a rush of applicants who send recruitment agents their resumes and photocopies of their education certificates and driving licences.
The requirements are strict: Applicants must be between 25 and 42 years old, hold a Chinese Class A driving licence - which allows them to drive bigger vehicles - and have more than two years' experience driving large vehicles.
If they are shortlisted, they will be sent a photocopy of the Basic Theory Test textbook to study.
Mr Zhu Baoliang is among those pining for a chance of becoming a bus driver in Singapore. He enters five-star Le Meridien Hotel and joins about 145 others in a basic theory and psychological test.
At each question, Mr Zhu contemplates the options carefully. "Which best describes your personality?" He glances through "soft", "romantic" and "virtuous", before ticking "cheerful". How would he react in situations? He picks "courteously" over "daringly" or "adventurously".
The money, of course, is a draw. Singapore transport operators offer total monthly salaries of up to 10,000 Chinese yuan (S$1,970), plus bonuses, housing and free transport - four times or more what a public bus driver earns in China.
The interview stage is the one most feared by Chinese nationals in their journey of becoming a bus driver in Singapore.
After introducing himself in English and Mandarin, the applicant is grilled on his personal background, driving experience and reactions to different scenarios. Examples: What would you do if a drunk man gets on the bus? What if a pregnant woman goes into labour?
Recruitment agents say this round is extremely stringent - two out of three were struck off in a recent drive because of poor performance or their looks.
By the time it comes to the last stage - the driving test - the original batch of more than 140 has been whittled down to around 40.
The men have to drive along a 6.8km-long route as officials from the transport operator and agents assess their skills and confidence.
Those who pass heave a sigh of relief. But that does not mean they are clear to go to Singapore. They have to wait to be informed by cellphone whether they will get to attend the prized contract-signing ceremony the following day.
In the end, only 35 are chosen, but even though they sign a "guarantee contract", they must now clear a medical check-up, get their driving licences verified and wait for the Singapore agent to get a work permit from the Manpower Ministry.
Photos: Malcolm Koh
View the gallery for pictures of these Chinese nationals undergoing the rigorous interview process to become a bus driver in Singapore.
