Wigan teenager becomes region's youngest bus driver at 18

Eighteen-year-old Jamie Jackson left school less than 18 months ago, but he has already passed both his regular driving test and bus examinations.

He is now a full-time employee at Stagecoach Manchester’s Wigan depot, driving in Wigan and Manchester.

Jamie, who was born and bred in Wigan, is the latest member of his family to get behind the wheel of the bus.

His dad Stuart Jackson has been driving buses with Stagecoach for 20 years, while his grandad Rolan Silcox recently retired from his role as an inspector after 45 years with the operator.

His uncle Andrew Silcox currently works with Stagecoach as a forward allocator.

Jamie said: “I’ve wanted to be a bus driver since primary school and unlike a lot of my friends, I’ve always been quite consistent in what I wanted to do. After finishing school, I got a job in McDonald’s to plug the gap and then started taking my bus tests in December 2019 and passed just a few weeks ago.

“I’m just happy to be here, I love driving buses and all things engines. I want to use the money I get from working to buy a motorhome and go travelling around the UK. Torquay has been like a second home to me so it’d be great to get back down there again.

“If you see me on the buses – say hello!”

Stagecoach Manchester’s managing director Elisabeth Tasker, said: “Jamie is the youngest driver in Greater Manchester and it’s testament to his skill that he’s flown through his exams, we’re delighted to have him. He’s got plenty of knowledge of the Wigan area and he’ll be a real credit to the strong team we have in Wigan.”