At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive buses, connect with passengers, and ensure safe travel.
- Company: Join Arriva, a community-focused transport company in Chester.
- Benefits: Enjoy paid training, flexible shifts, free travel for family, and discounts.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of your community and enjoy a supportive team culture.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, hold a valid UK driving licence, and have great customer service skills.
- Other info: Career progression opportunities and monthly rewards for top performers.
Bus Driver
£12.38 – £21.00 per hour
Start Your Bus Driving Career with Arriva at our Chester depot– PCV and Trainee Opportunities Available!
At Arriva, you’ll be at the heart of your community, helping commuters get to work, children to school, and neighbours to the shops. Whether you’re an experienced PCV Driver or looking to start a new career as a Trainee Bus Driver, we have a role for you.
As a Bus Driver, you’ll build relationships with regular passengers, be a friendly face, and play a vital role in connecting our customers to what matters most. Did you know Bus Drivers are among the most thanked professionals in the UK?
We’re proud of our customer service and the support we provide to the community. If you’re a like-minded individual with a passion for people, we’d love to have you on our team!
Pay Rates:
Trainee Driver – £12.38 per hour (3 weeks)
After Training (Trainees):
- Monday to Saturday – £12.38 per hour (rising to £14.56 after 12 months)
- Sunday & Bank Holiday – £18.57 per hour (Rising to £21.00 per hour after 12 months)
- Fully Qualified PCV Drivers
- Monday to Saturday: £14.56 per hour
- Sunday & Bank Holiday: £21.00 per hour
- Overtime: Flat rate
What’s in It for You?
- Trainee Drivers: Full paid training, including obtaining your PCV licence through our Arriva Training School.
- Ongoing CPC training for all drivers and professional development opportunities.
- Career progression into management, support training, or becoming an expert driver.
- Flexible and rotating shifts planned 6-8 weeks in advance.
- Free bus travel for you and your family (or a nominee).
- Access to the Arriva Village for store discounts and offers.
- Free staff bus and shuttle services to and from work.
- Monthly rewards through the Mydrive app for top-performing drivers.
Shift Patterns:
- 5 out of 7 rotating shift patterns, planned up to 6-8 weeks in advance so you can plan around shifts.
- Mornings starting from 04:00, Afternoons start from 12:00 and Evenings from 18:00 on a rotational basis.
- We cannot offer fixed early, afternoon or evenings separately.
- Overtime available at request / availability.
Requirements:
- Be over 18 years old with at least 12 months of driving experience.
- Hold a valid UK driving licence with no more than 6 penalty points.
- Pass a drug and alcohol test.
- Great customer service and communication skills.
- Hold a full PCV licence (if qualified PCV driver)
- CPC holder (if qualified PCV driver)
- No more than 6 penalty points.
- Pass a drug and alcohol test.
- Demonstrate excellent customer service and communication skills.
Why Join Arriva?
At Arriva, we’re not just connecting passengers; we’re creating a community that values inclusion and diversity. Whether you’re an experienced driver or starting your journey as a trainee, you’ll enjoy paid training, enhanced pay rates, and a supportive team environment where you can thrive.
Take the wheel of your future—apply today and become part of the Arriva family at our Chester depot!
Bus Driver employer: Arriva Cymru Limited
Contact Detail:
Arriva Cymru Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bus Driver
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local area and bus routes. Knowing the streets and landmarks will not only help you during the interview but also show your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your customer service skills. Since you'll be interacting with passengers daily, demonstrating your ability to handle various situations with a friendly attitude can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former bus drivers. They can provide valuable insights into the job and may even refer you, which can significantly boost your chances of landing the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential scenario-based questions in the interview. Think about how you would handle difficult passengers or unexpected situations on the road, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Bus Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Bus Driver at Arriva. Familiarise yourself with the job description and requirements to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you have previous driving experience or customer service roles, be sure to highlight these in your CV. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in communication and customer interaction.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for community service and your desire to connect with passengers. Mention why you want to work for Arriva specifically and how you align with their values.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a Bus Driver role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Cymru Limited
✨Know Your Routes
Familiarise yourself with the local area and key bus routes. Being able to discuss your knowledge of the community during the interview will show your commitment to the role and your potential as a friendly face for passengers.
✨Highlight Customer Service Skills
Since this role is all about connecting with people, be prepared to share examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. This could include handling difficult situations or going the extra mile for customers.
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Safety is paramount in driving. Be ready to discuss your understanding of road safety regulations and how you ensure the safety of your passengers. This shows that you take the responsibility of being a bus driver seriously.
✨Ask Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, training opportunities, and shift patterns. This not only shows your interest in the position but also helps you determine if Arriva is the right fit for you.