Route buses run daily throughout Miyazaki Prefecture, serving as vital transportation for local residents. However, the bus industry is facing a shortage of bus drivers due to long working hours and an aging workforce.

Amidst this situation, Miyazaki Kotsu in Miyazaki Prefecture has a 20-year-old woman who has been diligently undergoing training to become a route bus driver. This time, she took her final exam to prepare for her debut as a bus driver. Did she pass? We followed her closely during the final exam.

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Kurumi Yamazaki, 20 years old, is from Miyazaki City. She began attending driving school in April 2025 and obtained her Class 2 Large Vehicle Driver's License. Afterward, she underwent a month of on-the-job training from the end of May to prepare for her debut as a bus driver.

And then came the day of the final exam…

Kurumi Yamazaki, Miyazaki Kotsu:
"I always made it a point to take notes, and I consciously tried to keep everything in mind throughout my on-the-job training." I want to give it my all and do my best.

The final test route started from Hosaka Bus Depot in Kunitomi Town, stopping at two bus stops along the way: "Shimo-Hosaka" and "Kunitomi."

After that, the route headed towards Miyazaki Central Bus Depot in Miyazaki City. Inside the bus, two instructors acted as passengers to check if I could handle situations that might occur on the bus.

Instructor (passenger):
"I'd like to pay for myself and my two children together; please accept a card."

Ms. Yamazaki:
"How old are your children?"

Instructor:
"They are elementary school students and preschoolers."

Ms. Yamazaki:
"Preschoolers ride free of charge with each paying adult, so this time the fare will be for one adult and one child."

Approximately 40 minutes after departure, the bus driven by Ms. Yamazaki safely arrived at Miyazaki Central Bus Depot.

Miyazaki Kotsu, Kurumi Yamazaki:
"I was worried about my mistakes, so I'm concerned about whether I passed."

What will the result be...? "Kurumi Yamazaki. The result is a pass."
She passed with flying colors!

Kurumi Yamazaki, Miyazaki Kotsu:
"I'm relieved to have passed."

Mr. Ueda, the instructor who has been training Ms. Yamazaki for the past month, said...

Katsushi Ueda, Miyazaki Kotsu Operations Management Department:
"She worked very hard to correct everything I pointed out. I hope she becomes a driver who is well-liked by both customers and colleagues."

Kurumi Yamazaki, Miyazaki Kotsu:
"I want to be a driver who always thinks of the customers, never forgets to smile, and makes them feel safe riding with me. I will also strive to return safely without any accidents."

Ms. Yamazaki will undergo practical training, including studying route plans, and is scheduled to become independent in about a month.

This marks the birth of the 10th female bus driver at Miyazaki Kotsu. Further success is expected, with Ms. Yamazaki's smile reaching many passengers.

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