TOP DEKKER

Youngest bus driver qualifies aged just 19 (and he's got the perfect name for the job)

- PAIGE OLDFIELD

A TEENAGER who has qualified as a Greater Manchester bus driver at just 19 says he has landed his dream job.

Tobi Dekker initially started out cleaning buses at Stockport-based transport company Belle Vue Manchester after school.

His knowledge and passion for the vehicles was quickly noticed and the young bus enthusiast was seconded to the operations team to work on route planning.

After completing his GCSEs in the summer of 2021, he was offered a full-time position as a transport consultant.

The Stockport teen then went on to qualify as a bus driver by earning his passenger-carrying vehicle licence - now operating school and public service buses after passing all his tests at the first attempt.

He passed his car driving test in December 2022 when he was just 18.

In addition to his role as a transport consultant, Tobi regularly drives school buses on Greater Manchester routes and public services operated by Belle Vue, including the 391 and 392 between Stockport and Macclesfield and the 280 between Altrincham and Partington.