Every mining and energy site in Australia relies on precision. Workers must reach the job on time, safely, and without delay. Flights land at remote airstrips, buses shuttle hundreds of employees, and transport crews ensure that every seat and every shift is accounted for. The people responsible for that system working every single day are FIFO bus drivers and transport operators.
This is one of the most practical and dependable entry paths into FIFO work. It is perfect for people with commercial driving experience who want to transition into the mining and resources sector without needing a trade qualification.
This guide covers everything you need to know about FIFO driving in 2025, from daily responsibilities and pay scales to required licences, lifestyle, and career progression.
1. What FIFO Bus and Transport Work Involves
FIFO bus drivers operate passenger buses and light vehicles to transport staff between camps, airstrips, and work sites. These roles combine logistics, safety, and customer service. A driver may handle airport transfers, site shuttles, supply deliveries, and occasional emergency transport runs.
Typical Duties
- Driving passenger buses or light vehicles on sealed and unsealed roads
- Conducting pre-start safety inspections and logging defects
- Managing fatigue logs and ensuring rest breaks are observed
- Checking manifests, passenger lists, and route schedules
- Assisting with baggage, freight, and equipment loading
- Reporting mechanical issues to the maintenance team
- Maintaining vehicle cleanliness and presentation
- Supporting emergency evacuations and drills if required
- Liaising with dispatchers, site security, and operations teams
Transport staff are often the first and last people workers see on their rostered swings, so professionalism and safety awareness are crucial.
2. Where FIFO Bus Driver Jobs Are Located
Western Australia
Western Australia remains the centre of the FIFO transport industry.
- Pilbara Region: Port Hedland, Karratha, Newman, and Tom Price are major hubs. Rio Tinto, BHP, and Fortescue rely on large private bus fleets to move workers daily.
- Goldfields: Kalgoorlie, Leinster, and Laverton employ drivers for gold, nickel, and lithium mines.
- Mid West: Geraldton and Meekatharra operations often recruit short-term and contract drivers.
Queensland
- Bowen Basin: Moranbah, Dysart, and Emerald are home to multiple transport depots serving large coal mines.
- Surat Basin: Roma and Chinchilla gas projects regularly advertise FIFO bus and light vehicle driver roles.
South Australia and the Northern Territory
- Roxby Downs and Olympic Dam employ mixed rosters of local and FIFO transport staff.
- Darwin, Katherine, and Gove have regular bus and logistics openings for oil and gas projects.
Typical Employers
- Sodexo
- Compass Group (ESS)
- Morris Corporation
- ISS Facility Services
- Cleanaway and Veolia (waste and logistics divisions)
- Greyhound Resources, Kinetic Resources, and Buslink (specialist FIFO transport providers)
These companies manage both camp operations and dedicated bus fleets, meaning steady demand year-round.
3. Required Licences and Training
Essential Licences
- Heavy Rigid (HR) or Medium Rigid (MR) Licence: Required for most buses used on mining and gas sites.
- Passenger Transport Accreditation: Also known as a Driver Authorisation (DA), PTD, or F-Endorsement depending on your state.
- White Card (CPCWHS1001): Needed to enter mine and construction zones.
- Standard 11 Mining Induction: Mandatory for most Queensland mining projects.
- Fatigue Management Training (TLIF0005): Confirms your understanding of regulated rest periods.
- National Police Clearance: Must be current within 12 months.
- Pre-Employment Medical: Includes drug and alcohol testing, hearing and vision checks, and physical assessments.
Desirable Additions
- First Aid and CPR Certification
- Defensive Driving or 4WD Training (especially for unsealed roads)
- Fire and Emergency Response Training
Applicants who already hold a combination of HR licence, DA accreditation, and First Aid are in high demand.
4. Pay and Roster Expectations
Average Pay in 2025:
- Entry-level FIFO bus driver: $38 to $45 per hour
- Experienced transport operator: $45 to $52 per hour
- Logistics or fleet coordinator: $55 to $65 per hour
Annual Income Range: $90,000 to $120,000 including overtime and allowances
Common Rosters:
- 2:1 (two weeks on, one week off)
- 8:6 and 14:7 (for larger remote sites)
- Shifts range from 10 to 12 hours per day
Employers provide flights, meals, uniforms, and on-site accommodation.
5. A Typical Day as a FIFO Bus Driver
Your day often starts before sunrise, aligned with shift change schedules.
Morning Routine
- Attend the pre-start meeting with the transport team
- Perform full vehicle checks, record kilometre readings, and inspect tyres, brakes, and lights
- Conduct airport pickups for incoming flights or early transfers to site
- Transport day-shift workers from camp to site before 6am
Midday Duties
- Clean and refuel the bus
- Complete short maintenance or courier runs
- Deliver freight, mail, or emergency supplies
Afternoon and Evening
- Collect night-shift crews from camp
- Return day-shift workers at the end of shift
- File vehicle reports and logbooks
- Participate in toolbox meetings and next-day scheduling
You will spend most of your shift on the move, but there is also a strong focus on communication, fatigue management, and hazard reporting.
6. How to Apply for FIFO Driving Jobs
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Check that your HR or MR licence, Driver Authorisation, and medicals are current. If you only hold a car licence, consider upgrading to MR first — this can often be done within two weeks.
Step 2: Obtain Required Tickets
- White Card (can be done online in most states)
- Standard 11 (for Queensland)
- Fatigue Management (one-day course online or classroom)
- First Aid and CPR
Step 3: Create a FIFO Resume
Highlight your driving record, attention to safety, and communication skills. Include:
- Licence classes and endorsements
- Years of driving experience
- Experience operating in regional or remote environments
- Knowledge of fatigue management and WHS systems
Step 4: Apply with Major Companies
Apply directly on:
- Sodexo Careers
- Compass Group / ESS Careers
- Morris Corporation Jobs
- Greyhound Resources
- Kinetic Resources
- Buslink NT
These companies regularly post FIFO driver vacancies, especially in the Pilbara, Bowen Basin, and Surat Basin regions.
Step 5: Prepare for the Medical and Induction
Most employers require a pre-employment medical, a drug and alcohol test, and a one-day site induction before your first flight.
7. Career Pathways and Growth Opportunities
Driving for FIFO sites opens multiple long-term career pathways in transport and logistics.
Progression Examples
- Bus Driver → Transport Coordinator → Logistics Supervisor
- Bus Driver → Fleet Controller → Operations Manager
- Bus Driver → Emergency Response Driver → Safety Trainer
With further training, you can move into higher-level WHS or operations roles. Recommended courses include:
- G2 Risk Management
- S123 Mining Supervisor
- RIIWHS301E Conduct Safety and Health Investigations
- Leadership and Management Diplomas (TAFE or online RTOs)
Some drivers transition into fuel delivery, crane support, or supply chain management positions once they gain more site experience.
8. Lifestyle: The Realities of FIFO Driving
The Benefits
- High pay with accommodation, meals, and flights included
- Regular rosters with guaranteed time off
- Opportunities to save and travel
- Clear progression into logistics and operations
The Challenges
- Long hours in isolated regions
- Extreme temperatures and dust exposure
- Limited social life during rosters
- Strict safety and drug testing standards
Adaptability and consistency are key. Drivers who stay calm, follow procedures, and communicate well with their teams are highly valued on site.
9. How to Stand Out as a Candidate
- Keep your driving record clean and updated
- Maintain logbooks accurately and clearly
- Always perform vehicle inspections thoroughly
- Communicate early if mechanical issues or hazards appear
- Stay punctual and presentable; camps notice professionalism
- Take optional courses like 4WD operation or fire awareness to add value
- Demonstrate reliability; companies prefer repeatable, safe drivers
10. Next Steps to Start Your FIFO Transport Career
- Upgrade your licence to HR or MR if not already done.
- Apply for a Driver Authorisation or Passenger Transport Accreditation in your state.
- Obtain a White Card, Standard 11, and First Aid certificate.
- Complete Fatigue Management training.
- Apply directly with major contractors or transport providers operating in mining regions.
- Be ready for medical and induction, and stay flexible for mobilisation dates.
Conclusion: Drive the Engine That Powers Australia
FIFO drivers are not just moving people from point A to point B; they are managing safety, schedules, and reliability for some of the most complex logistics networks in the country. Every shift, every flight, and every workday depends on them.
If you already have a heavy vehicle licence or professional driving experience, this is one of the most direct, stable, and rewarding ways to enter the mining industry. It combines structure, good pay, and long-term career potential with a sense of independence and responsibility that few other roles offer.
The road may be long, but it leads straight to opportunity.
