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Transport & StorageISCO 8322

Hearse driver

A hearse driver is a person who drives and maintains the specialised vehicles that carry the deceased from a home, a hospital or a funeral home to the place of burial.

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Rate 5 of the 9 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

maintain personal hygiene standards

control the performance of the vehicle

drive vehicles

maintain vehicle appearance

lift heavy weights

About hearse driver

The driver drives vehicles in processions, holding a steady speed and a steady gap so that the cars behind stay together through junctions, interprets traffic lights and reads the road far enough ahead to avoid braking hard. They know the road traffic regulations that apply to a procession, and park vehicles at the church, the chapel and the cemetery where the bearers can work and the family can approach.

The driver maintains the vehicle's appearance, washing and polishing it before every funeral, and controls vehicle performance, checking lights, brakes, tyres and fluids.

The driver also assists the funeral home staff in their duties, which includes lifting heavy items: the coffin, the bier, the floral tributes and the equipment taken to the grave. Formal requirements are the driving licence categories set by national traffic law, and the funeral home sets any further requirements.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (9)

road traffic lawsroad traffic lawsThe rule governing the circulation of vehicles, such as national traffic codes and the rules of the road.maintain personal hygiene standardsmaintain personal hygiene standardsPreserve impeccable personal hygiene standards and have a tidy appearance.control the performance of the vehiclecontrol the performance of the vehicleUnderstand and anticipate the performance and behaviour of a vehicle. Comprehend concepts such as lateral stability, acceleration, and braking distance.drive vehiclesdrive vehiclesBe able to drive vehicles; have the approapriate type of driving license according to the type of motor vehicle used.maintain vehicle appearancemaintain vehicle appearanceMaintain vehicle appearance by washing, cleaning and performing minor adjustments and repairs.lift heavy weightslift heavy weightsLift heavy weights and apply ergonomic lifting techniques to avoid damaging the body.interpret traffic signalsinterpret traffic signalsObserve lights on the road, road conditions, nearby traffic, and prescribed speed limits to ensure safety. Interpret traffic signals and act accordingly.park vehiclespark vehiclesPark motorised vehicles without compromising the integrity of vehicles and safety of people.drive vehicles in processionsdrive vehicles in processionsDrive cars, hearses or other vehicles at a steady pace in processions.
Optional (12) — show
transport topographytransport topographyKnowledge of the local transport topography, including roads, traffic hotspots, and alternative routes to reach a destination.execute vehicle maintenanceexecute vehicle maintenanceExecute vehicle maintenance based on supplier or manufacturer instructions. This might include cleaning vehicle engine, cleaning vehicle interior and exterior, maintaining mileage and fuel records, pe...work ergonomicallywork ergonomicallyApply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.greet guestsgreet guestsWelcome guests in a friendly manner in a certain place.transfer coffinstransfer coffinsLift and carry coffins prior and during the funeral service. Place the coffins into the chapel and the cemetery.provide emotional support to the bereavedprovide emotional support to the bereavedShow compassion and sympathy to the relatives of the deceased and people attending the funeral activities.ensure vehicle operabilityensure vehicle operabilityKeep the vehicle clean and in roadworthy condition. Ensure regular maintenance of the vehicle and provide valid official documents such as licenses and permits where appropriate.clean roomsclean roomsClean rooms by cleaning glasswork and windows, polishing furniture, vacuuming carpets, scrubing hard floors, and removing garbage.provide directions to guestsprovide directions to guestsShow guests the way through buildings or on domains, to their seats or performance setting, helping them with any additional information so that they can reach the foreseen event destination.clean vehicle interiorsclean vehicle interiorsRemove dirt, rubbish or impurities of the interior of vehicles, including consoles and dashboards; vacuum car seats and carpets; clean hinges and door trims.manage funeral equipmentmanage funeral equipmentIssue, store and manage funeral equipment, which may include memorial cards, candles, crucifixes and lowering straps.prepare ceremonial locationsprepare ceremonial locationsDecorate rooms or other locations for ceremonies, such as funerals, cremations, weddings or baptism.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a hearse driver do?

Hearse drivers operate and maintain specialised vehicles to transport deceased persons from their homes, hospital or funeral home to their final resting place. They also assist the funeral attendants with their duties.

What skills does a hearse driver need?

A hearse driver needs 9 essential skills, including road traffic laws, maintain personal hygiene standards, control the performance of the vehicle, drive vehicles, maintain vehicle appearance.

Will AI replace hearse driver jobs?

The AI disruption score for hearse driver is 27/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: transport topography, road traffic laws, manage funeral equipment. Most resilient: maintain personal hygiene standards, provide emotional support to the bereaved, transfer coffins.

Quick Facts

SectorTransport & Storage
ISCO GroupDrivers and mobile plant operators
Essential Skills9

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