“You could get a bus through there!” Well now, thanks to Huddersfield’s newest bus operator, Team Pennine, armchair bus drivers have the chance to get behind the wheel for real.

The bus firm is inviting anyone with a car driving licence along to its depot in Waterloo on Saturday November 20 to try their hand at driving a bus.

The challenge is being offered to show motorists that with Team Pennine’s expert training and support, driving a bus is well within their capabilities – and for those encouraged by the experience, the bus firm is fast-tracking applications to join its team and drive straight on to a brand-new career.

Team Pennine are also looking to welcome qualified bus drivers attracted by the prospect of higher pay and investment in newer buses, in line with parent firm Transdev’s promise to replace one in two of the vehicles it took over from previous operator Yorkshire Tiger in July.

READ MORE: New jobs, new buses and a £1,000 golden hello for drivers

The bus firm is promising to fast-track applications to get on board with its driving team, and there’s an extra incentive for those who already hold a current bus drivers’ PCV licence – a £1,000 welcome bonus to all qualified bus drivers on joining the company.

Team Pennine’s general manager Joy Devine said: “Our Be a Team Pennine Driver Day is a chance for motorists aged 18 or over who think they could easily drive a bus through the narrowest of gaps to come along, show us your driving licence and then try it for real – and while you’re here, meet our training team who can show you how it’s done.

“Today’s buses have become easier to drive thanks to the latest technology, although as motorists who take up our challenge on Saturday will soon discover, there’s also an element of skill required at the wheel!

Team Pennine Kirkheaton bus

“As well as taking one of our buses for a test drive and showing us what you can do, this Saturday’s event will be an ideal opportunity to find out more about joining our friendly team in Huddersfield and Elland and becoming a fully-fledged bus driver with us.

“Driving with us is a ticket to a great career earning up to £24,500 a year with up to 25 days holiday per year, and an excellent benefits package including free travel for you and your partner on our buses and many others across the North of England.

“Our industry leading ‘StepUp’ people development programme also offers plenty of opportunities to progress to more senior roles.”

Team Pennine says motorists considering a new career as a bus driver should bring their car driving licence and right to work documents to Saturday’s event – for British citizens that means a British passport, or a document with full name and National Insurance number, plus a birth certificate.

Information for those from outside Britain is available online at: https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work.

Be A Team Pennine Driver Day is on Saturday November 20 (10am-2pm) at the Waterloo bus depot, Penistone Road, Huddersfield, HD5 8QU.

More information on career opportunities with Team Pennine and parent firm Transdev’s other bus companies across the North is available online at: transdevbus.co.uk/work-for-us.