First Class Tours
 

Becoming a First Class Tours Driver

If you are looking for a position with one of the best companies in the country you have come to the right place. First Class Tours is more than a name, it is a culture! We work to be first class in everything we do. As a driver for First Class this is our most important mission. Your ability to interact with customers and passengers and provide the highest quality of customers service is imperative. We are a company that will stand beside you in providing exceptional service, first class equipment, and a great working environment.

 

As a company, we value your time as we work together with you to determine if you are a good fit for us, but equally as important, is if we are a good fit for you. Through this process, you will see that we take everything we do very seriously and you will see our excellence shining through. The following page will give you a perspective of what this process is and what you can expect from us.

Minimum Requirements

BEFORE YOU CONTINUE PLEASE VERIFY THAT YOU MEET THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS.

  • Applicants must be 25 years of age.
  • Applicants must have “P” endorsement.
  • Applicants must be drug-free and willing to be part of our DOT mandated random drug testing program.
  • Applicants with 2 years of motorcoach experience are preferred, 1 year or more considered.
Step 1: Get to know you

Estimated time requirement: About 15 minutes

The following online form is the first step to becoming a First Class driver. At First Class Tours we are family owned and family operated. This means that every employee we add to our team is joining our family. As much as we care about your qualifications and ability to do your job we also care very much about you. Please click below and fill out this brief online form.

Step 2: DOT Application

Estimated time requirement: About 30 minutes

Our team will review your initial form and if you meet the baseline requirements will send you the DOT required application for employment. Once you fill that in our team of professional safety and training staff will evaluate your application and if it appears that you would be a good addition to our team we will send you a link to take our operator assessment.

Step 3: Operator Assessment Evaluation

Estimated time requirement: About 30 minutes
DOT required forms are one thing and we know we have to do them, but they don’t tell us much about who you are and how you like to work. We have created a proprietary evaluation program that we use to make sure that everyone that comes to work with us will be a good fit. There are no right or wrong answers here, it is just to learn more about you. Once you have taken this we will evaluate the results and, based on the results, will invite you to come in for an interview.

Step 4: Interviews

Estimated time requirement: About 45 minutes
Because our application process is so robust, the interview process is relatively short. We book 30-minute interviews but ask that you are there 15 minutes early to ensure we have everything we need from you. We have found that this interview, combined with the evaluations and other information we have learned about you, will be plenty to make sure that you are comfortable with us and we are comfortable with you.

Things you should bring with you to your interview-

  • Current Drivers License with P endorsement.
  • Social Security Card
  • Most recent medical qualification card
Step 5: Job Offer & On-boarding

Estimated time requirement: See Below
At this point, our team will carefully evaluate all that you have provided, and our interview, to determine if you will be offered a preliminary job offer. This preliminary offer will outline your starting pay, benefits, and other perks that come with working with First Class Tours. This offer is subject to your ability to complete the necessary on-boarding processes. Once you have been offered, and accepted, a position at First Class Tours, we will move you into the next step. This on-boarding process includes the following steps.

  1. Medical Fitness & Drug Testing. Approximately 1 1/2 hours
  2. Behind the wheel and ride along road testing Less than 2 hours
  3. Insurance required Classroom instruction Approximately 5-10 days
Step 6: Orientation & Hit the Road!

Estimated time requirement: Approximately 1 hour
Congratulations!! At this point, you are an official First Class Driver and you will have an orientation meeting with our operations department. In this meeting, you will be introduced to our facility, staff, and equipment. During this meeting, you will have the opportunity to meet the dispatch team and ask any questions you may have. Once that is done you are ready to hit the road and represent the company as one of the best drivers that Texas has to offer!

FAQ Section
What are your minimum qualifications for motorcoach operators?

Our fleet consists of mostly 45 foot coaches. Therefore, we prefer our operators have two (2)
years of success as a bus operator before hiring. However, candidates with 1-2 years
are considered.

What is the minimum age for motorcoach operators?

Our minimum operator age is 25.

What other requirements are there for applicants?

All applicants must undergo a medical examine & drug screening to determine medical qualification to drive and
receive a minimum one year medical card.

What are the licensing requirements for motorcoach applicants?

Applicants must have the passenger (P) endorsement and a valid commercial driver’s license.

Do you conduct criminal background checks?

Yes.

What is the starting pay for motorcoach operators?

First Class Tours conducts wage surveys across our market and is competitive with other privately held companies.
THe wage structure for operators is discussed during interview and we are happy to speak with you about it.

Is there a financial bonus a motorcoach operator can earn?

Yes, there is bonus opportunity available for qualified operators. It based on speed and idle management
and is earned monthly and paid quarterly. It is possible for operators to earn $2,000 per
year in bonus. This is in addition to regular compensation and gratuities.

Is health insurance available for First Class Tours employees?

Yes, health insurance is available to qualified employees and First Class Tours pays a portion of that
insurance on behalf of the employee.

Will I be paid for training?

Yes, training is paid by the hour.

How long is the training period and what will I learn?

You will learn about our company “Playbook.” Much like a playbook is studied by a football team to ensure that
every individual understands their responsibility, our playbook serves as a guide to our
plan for overall company success. Second, you will be instructed in the Smith Driving
System and become a certified Smith Driver. Third, you will be informed in the major
company policies and procedures. Lastly, you will be taught about our fleet of
motorcoaches and their operation. Depending on your current level of experience,
training will last from 2-4 weeks.

What benefits are available to full-time employees of First Class Tours?

Along with being a part of the First Class team, each employee earns paid time off (PTO) during
each pay period worked. PTO can be used at the employee’s discretion for vacation,
sickness or personal time off) Health insurance is available to qualified employees. 401K
with a company match is available to qualified employees. There are also six (6) paid
holidays through the year.

How long is the hiring process?

Our complete hiring process, can take 7 business days. However, as an applicant you should know our decision to hire you before the 7th business day. This time estimate is contingent on the applicant’s availability and the
accuracy of completion of the hiring documents.

When are employees paid?

There are two pay-days per month. They occur on the fifth 5th) and the twentieth (20th) of each month. If these dates occur on Saturday, then the payday is on the Friday before the Saturday. If these dates occur on Sunday, then
the payday is on the Monday after the Sunday.

What are the core values of First Class Tours?

Our core values represent who we are as a company and should guide our decision making. First, we want to be durable.This means we are focused on long-term success rather than short-term glory. Second, we desire to remain humble. We believe humble people are happy, coachable, and flexible. Last, we believe in passion. Passion is our fuel for everyday. We believe passionate people want to work and more importantly work at First Class Tours. It is a great culture to share work with passionate, humble, and durable people! To Start the application process please visit http://www.firstclasstours.net/driver/ or visit the First Class Tours headquarters at 12703 Eastex Fwy, Houston TX 77039 between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM Monday through Friday.