Passenger Carrying Vehicle Driver

The Cumbria County Council; Penrith; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - GBP 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council is seeking drivers for term-time roles across various locations including Penrith, Kendal, and Barrow-in-Furness. Candidates must hold a D1 or Cat D driving license and be committed to passenger safety when providing transport for SEND pupils and vulnerable adults. This position involves flexible hours, competitive pay, and the provision of training and uniform. Enhanced DBS checks are mandatory. Join a team dedicated to safe transportation within the community.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Enhanced annual leave allowance

Other perks and discounts

Qualifications

• Candidates must have a D1 (grandfather rights) or Cat D driving licence entitlement.
• Enhanced DBS clearance is required.
• Candidates should provide a high standard of passenger safety and care.

Responsibilities

• Operate vehicles for Home to School transport for SEND pupils.
• Provide safe and reliable transport services Monday to Friday.
• Complete driving assessments on interview day.

Skills

Driving license (D1 or Cat D)

Flexibility in working hours

High standard of passenger safety

Job description

Overview

Job reference REQ00000019475

Date posted 27/01/2026

Location: Westmorland and Furness Council sites across Kendal, Barrow-in-Furness, Penrith (see details below)

Contractual hours: 25 hours on a term-time basis

Salary: £28,598-£29,540

Contract Type: Permanent role - TERM TIME ONLY

About this opportunity

We are CTOT, Westmorland and Furness Council’s in-house Transport Operational Team. We are looking to recruit a number of drivers who can operate a car, MPV, minibus or a coach and preferably hold a D1 (grandfather rights) or Cat D driving licence entitlement.

Candidates should be flexible and capable of providing a high standard of passenger safety and care throughout the journey, and committed to delivering Home to School transport for SEND pupils and Vulnerable Adults. Enhanced DBS clearance is required; full training and uniform is provided.

The service operates Monday to Friday, term time with school runs on a split shift basis (approx. 7:30 – 9:30am and 14:30 – 16:30pm). Hours are variable and may include some work during school holidays. We may consider applicants who can work mornings or afternoons on a job-share basis. The hourly rate is £14.36 rising to £14.84 per hour after a satisfactory probationary review with a pay award pending.

Who we are looking for

Candidates shortlisted will be required to pass a driving assessment held on the same day as the interview at our Skirsgill Operational Depot, Penrith, Cumbria (any change will be discussed with candidates).

Locations and driving requirements

Penrith Operations: Skirsgill Depot, Penrith

Minibus/MPV – drivers able to drive a minibus on non-vocational D1 (grandfather rights) or a car/MPV on a standard car (Cat B) license. Various contract hours available, part time and full time (term time).

Kendal Operations: South Lakeland House & Busher Walk, Kendal

Minibus/MPV – drivers able to drive a minibus on non-vocational D1 (grandfather rights) or a car/MPV on a standard car (Cat B) license. Various contract hours available, part time and full time (term time).

Barrow Operations: Salthouse Road Depot/Sowerby Woods Depot

Minibus/MPV – drivers able to drive a minibus on non-vocational D1 (grandfather rights) or a car/MPV on a standard car (Cat B) license. Various contract hours available, part time and full time (term time).

What can we offer you

Working at Westmorland and Furness Council, you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other perks and discounts. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council, please visit our Careers site and our benefits page at Our benefits | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk).

How to find out more

For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria, please view the attachments:

• Post Specification
• Role Profile

Contacts

Helen Macdonald, Barrow Area CTOT Supervisor — 07901 828440 — [e-mail]

Edward Mudd, Kendal/Penrith Area Supervisor — 07766 837889 — [e-mail]

Julie Mattimore, Business Partner CTOT Operations and Transport Manager — 07881 250004 — [e-mail]

Application and interview information

Closing date: Rolling recruitment

Interview date: Rolling recruitment

We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Interview details such as venue and timings will be shared with successful candidates following shortlisting. If you have any concerns or adjustments needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.

Safer Recruitment & DBS

Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and requires a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check with a Children's/Adults Barred List check. This role involves working in regulated activity with Adults and/or Children. It is an offence for people who are barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with Adults and/or Children.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.

As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria of this job are guaranteed an interview. We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care-experienced and under 24 years old that meet the essential criteria for the role.