Recruitment Process
Fact Sheet
At a glance
Bus Operators are recruited through an 8 stage process:
Stage 1:
Stage 2:
Stage 3:
Stage 4:
ONLINE
APPLICATION
INITIAL
SCREENING
JOB RELATED
TESTING
ASSESSMENT
CENTRE
Stage 5:
PREEMPLOYMENT
CHECKS
Stage 6:
Stage 7:
DRIVER
EVALUATION
EMPLOYMENT
OFFER
Stage 8:
INDUCTION
Stage 1: Application
Applications are completed online via jobs.nsw.gov.au. For more information on how to
complete the application you can refer to the ‘How to Apply’ section on this website. Applicants
are required to complete a series of initial screening questions to determine eligibility .
Stage 2: Initial Screening
Applications are screened to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements. To be eligible to
apply you must:
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Be a permanent resident of Australia or citizen of Australia or New Zealand.
Have held an unrestricted Australian driver's licence for 12 months of the last 2 years or
hold a New Zealand equivalent of the Transport NSW Bus Driver Authority Card.
Have recent and regular driving experience in a metropolitan area.
Have a good driving history.
Be willing to work all the shifts required of the position.
Commit to comply with all State Transit's policies including the policy on Drugs and
Alcohol, Fatigue Management and Cultural Diversity.
Maintain a weight below 130 kilos.
Not have been unsuccessful at any of State Transit's Bus Operator selection
assessments in the last 6 months (with the exception of Job Related Testing which is 12
months and those applicants who failed the Evaluation of Bus Driving Aptitude but have
since obtained an MR or higher licence or obtained at least 3 months heavy vehicle
driving experience).
Not be prohibited to work with children.
If you do not meet the requirements listed above you will be sent an email advising your
application is unsuccessful. You can apply again when you are able to meet all the eligibility
requirements.
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What is considered a good driving record?
Should they progress, applicants will need to provide evidence of their driving history from
Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) or relevant licensing agency issued within 4 weeks of its
submission which should meet the following:
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No more than 6 demerit points lost
No drink driving offences in the last 3 years
No more than 1 loss of license in the last 3 years
Overall the history does not have an excessive number of offences or dangerous
offences
Stage 3: Reading Comprehension Test (Job Related Testing)
If you successfully meet all requirements at the initial stage of the application, you will be
emailed an online test to complete at home.
What is Job Related Testing?
Job related tests are designed to measure a candidate's current ability and future potential for
different types of work skills. Specific skills which can be assessed include your ability to read
and understand written information; your ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers;
your ability to recognise shapes; your attention to detail; and your speed and accuracy in
processing information. Job related tests are used by State Transit to assist in the selectio n and
development of their workforce.
Why is Job Related testing conducted?
Job-related tests are used to measure particular abilities and aptitudes needed to successfully
carry out the job you have applied for. These skills have been found to distinguish between
those who do the job well and those who perform less well. The results of the tests are used to
match applicants to the `ideal’ profile for a job or to determine if certain minimum requirements
have been met.
Reading Comprehension Test
The assessment tests administered are determined by the particular position for which selection
is taking place. For Bus Operator recruitment, this is a Reading Comprehension Test which
measures the ability to read and understand written material. This test is dif ferent is a different
version of the reading comprehension you completed online and allows us to verify your earlier
result.
When you are sent an email inviting you to complete the Reading Comprehension Test, you will
also be advised of the timeframe you have to complete the assessment. The test is to be
completed in a quite location with no assistance from other people.
The test is timed, so ensure you are feeling well, have all necessary tools (such as reading
glasses) and will not be distracted once you commence the assessment. Once you have
completed the test, a Recruiter will be in contact with you via email to let you know your results.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties you must contact a Recruiter immediately on 1300
305 855.
If you fail to complete the online test within 2 weeks, your application will be withdrawn.
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Stage 4: Assessment Centre
If you successfully meet the benchmark for the Reading Comprehension Test, you will be
emailed an invitation to schedule a time to attend an Assessment Centre located at Burwood.
You will undertake a survey called the "Bus Operator Selection Survey". This survey is
administered on a computer and measures several important variables related to effective Bus
Operators. Please ensure you bring any aids such as glasses with you.
Bus Operator Selection Survey measures variables that are predictive of Bus Operator
performance. This is an untimed questionnaire.
What is a Multi-Mini interview?
Multi-Mini interviews (MMI's) involve a series of short, structured and timed interview stations
where you will be asked behavioural interviewing questions to determine your suitability for the
position.
Why run Multi-Mini interviews?
MMI's provide an opportunity to obtain additional information about your skills and abilities
specifically relevant to the position for which you have applied. They support the principles of
merit selection by ensuring that selection decisions are based on fair and objective assessment
of your skills and abilities. This increases the chance of selecting the best candidates for the
job.
What does it involve?
Your MMI will consist of two "stations" where behavioural interviewing questions will be posted
that are relevant to the State Transit Authority - Bus Operator role. Two interviewers will be
present at each station. You will be interviewed for five minutes at each station with a two
minute break between stations. This is repeated twice. Instructions will be provided on the day.
Who conducts Assessment Centres?
You will be interviewed by Business Representatives in addition to trained and qualified
individuals from Workforce Selection & Supply unit at Transport for NSW.
What to bring to the Assessment Centre
You will be notified in your invitation email of what documents to bring with you to the
Assessment Centre which will include:
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Proof of Australian or New Zealand Citizenship or Permanent Residency in Australia
Australian Driver's Licence or New Zealand Bus Driver Authority Card
Driving history obtained from RMS or relevant licensing agency (must be issued within
the last 4 weeks)
Department of Transport Bus Driver Authority Card (if applicable)
Par Q - Medical Questionnaire
Stage 5: Pre-Employment Checks
State Transit Questionnaire
You will be asked to complete a questionnaire to reconfirm you can meet the essential job
requirements in relation to shift work and fatigue management.
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The questionnaire also asks for details of:
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Your referees (in most cases these must be work related, a manager or supervisor that
can comment on your work performance to cover at least 2 years within the last 5 years )
Secondary employment you wish to undertake whilst employed by STA
Pre-planned/booked holidays
Current work restrictions
Any illness or disability that might affect your ability to safely perform the role of Bus
Operator
Unspent criminal convictions or matters pending
Pre-employment Health Assessment
This consists of:
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Medical Assessment for Bus Driver Authority Card (if applicable)
A Functional Assessment
Drug and Alcohol test (this test is required because the position of Bus Operator is
classified by legislation as a Transport Safety Worker)
Practical Assessment (if applicable) – height and weight measurements will determine
whether this assessment is required,
Working with Children Check Clearance
You will be asked to apply online a NSW Working with Children Check.
By law, State Transit is not allowed to employ as a Bus Operator, any person who is prohibited
from undertaking child related employment as defined in the Child Protection (Working With
Children) Act 2012.
Reference Checks
You will be required to provide a minimum of 2 referee checks to confirm your suitability for work
as a Bus Operator. You are expected to nominate recent line managers or supervisors w ho can
comment on your work performance.
Medium Rigid (MR) Knowledge Test
You will need to go to your local motor registry and complete the MR knowledge test to obtain
an MR learner's permit. You will then need to purchase the MR Licence Logbook.
To prepare for the knowledge test you can either download the Knowledge Handbook from the
Roads and Maritime Services website (www.rms.nsw.gov.au) or purchase a copy from a local
Service NSW branch. You may also attempt a practice test on the Roads and Maritime Services
website. If you already hold an MR licence or above you do not need to complete this stage
again.
Applications for Transport for NSW Bus Driver Authority Card
You will need to apply for the Department of Transport Bus Driver Authority Card. If you already
have a current Bus Driver Authority Card, you do not need to apply again.
As the application includes a Criminal History Check which can take up to 6 weeks to clear, you
will be asked to complete a Statutory Declaration to confirm any unspent criminal history or
matters pending prior to your first day of employment.
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Declarations should match the information already provided in the Pre-employment Checks
Stage above (STA Questionnaire). This Statutory Declaration may then be used by the
Department of Transport to issue a Bus Driver Authority Card pending completion of the
necessary Criminal History Check.
Stage 6: Driver Evaluation
The evaluation of bus driving aptitude provides applicants with the opportun ity to demonstrate
their ability to safely drive a bus. It gives applicants the opportunity to:
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Drive a bus under instruction from a heavy vehicle driving instructor
Discuss the job with management and other drivers
Inspect workplace facilities
View rosters/shifts
The evaluation will:
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Generally take place between 10am to 3.00 pm, Monday to Friday.
Take 1 to 5 days depending on your prior experience, licence and progress in the
evaluation.
Require applicants to successfully pass each day's evaluation criteria to progress
through to the next day. At the start of each day, a briefing is provided by the trainer on
the evaluation criteria to be covered during the day.
Stage 7: Offer of Employment
Once you have successfully passed all of the abovementioned stages your application will be
recommended for approval. Once approved, you will be contacted by your recruiter confirming
your location.
If you indicate a preference for more than one region, a Recruitment Consultant will assign you
to a region taking into consideration the number of vacancies for each region and your home
location. You will then be emailed an Offer Letter outlining the terms and conditions of your
employment.
Stage 8: Induction - Your Journey Begins!
Upon commencing your employment, you will undertake a 3 week full time induction program
consisting of theory and practical learning for the role of Bus Operator. This training will be
conducted at the Transport Training Centre at Petersham as well as practical training at your
home depot.
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