At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive buses across London, ensuring safe and reliable transport for passengers.
- Company: Join Arriva Group, one of London's largest and most respected bus operators.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, 25 days holiday, premium overtime rates, and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that connects communities and supports a greener future.
- Qualifications: Must have a valid PCV licence, be 18+, and possess great customer service skills.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for career development and trainee programmes available.
Qualified Bus Driver with Category D Licence
£15.40 – £21.25 per hour + Benefits
Drive your career forward with Arriva London. We’re hiring qualified PCV Bus Drivers across our London garages— and this is your chance to be part of something bigger. Join a team that helps keep London moving, connects communities, and supports a greener future.
Why Arriva London?
Whether you’re getting commuters to work, guiding tourists across London’s landmarks, or making sure students arrive safely, you’ll play a vital role in the daily rhythm of our capital. As one of London’s largest and most respected bus operators, we transport nearly 300 million passengers a year and cover more than 50 million miles. With a clear goal to fully electrify our fleet by 2030, there’s never been a better time to join us.
Pay & Overtime
- 0–12 months: £15.40/hr – £19.25/hr
- 12–24 months: £15.80/hr – £19.75/hr
- 24+ months: £17.00/hr – £21.25/hr
- If you’ve held a PCV licence and worked in the role for 12+ months within the last 4 years, you’ll start on the 12–24‑month rate.
- Sign‑on to sign‑off pay structure.
- Overtime paid for hours worked after 9pm.
- Overtime paid for weekend work.
- Overtime paid for any time worked over your contracted hours.
Your Benefits
- Free travel on TfL and Arriva Bus services for you and one household nominee.
- 25 days’ holiday + 8 bank holidays.
- Premium overtime rates.
- Pension scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Road Safety Scheme – earn £50 vouchers for safe, high‑performance driving.
- Ongoing CPC training.
- Career development into training, operations, or management roles.
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
Working Patterns
- 5 days on / 2 days off per week on a rotating shift pattern.
- Shifts planned 6–8 weeks in advance.
- Typical start times: mornings from 04:00, afternoons from 12:00, evenings from 18:00.
- Overtime opportunities available depending on business needs.
- Note: Fixed shift patterns (e.g., only mornings or only evenings) are not available.
What You’ll Need
- Valid PCV licence.
- Aged 18 or over.
- No more than 6 points on your licence.
- Licence for London if you have worked for another London operator within the past 6 months.
- Able to pass a drug and alcohol test.
- Great customer service and people skills.
- Flexibility to work various shifts.
Not a Qualified Bus Driver Yet?
Interested in becoming a bus driver but don’t yet have a PCV licence? Visit our Careers Page to explore trainee opportunities and learn how we can support you through our fully‑paid training programme.
Seniority level
- Entry level
Employment type
- Full‑time
Job function
- Management and Manufacturing
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Qualified Bus Driver employer: Arriva Group
Contact Detail:
Arriva Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualified Bus Driver
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Arriva's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to sustainability and community service will help you align your answers during interviews, showing that you're not just a qualified driver but also a passionate team player.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Arriva employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide insider information about the company culture and interview process, which can give you an edge when applying.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions related to customer service and safety. Think of examples from your past driving experience where you demonstrated excellent customer service or handled difficult situations effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your flexibility with shift patterns. Since the role requires working various shifts, showing your willingness to adapt can make you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Bus Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Qualified Bus Driver at Arriva Group. Familiarise yourself with the job description and the skills required, such as customer service and flexibility in working shifts.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience, especially any previous driving roles or customer service positions. Emphasise your PCV licence and any additional qualifications that may set you apart from other candidates.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that explains why you want to work for Arriva Group specifically. Mention your passion for driving and how you can contribute to keeping London moving and supporting a greener future.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a driving role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Group
✨Know Your Route
Familiarise yourself with the key routes and landmarks in London. Being able to discuss your knowledge of the city during the interview will show your commitment and readiness for the role.
✨Highlight Customer Service Skills
As a bus driver, you'll be interacting with passengers daily. Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in previous roles, as this is crucial for Arriva Group.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Arriva Group requires drivers to work various shifts. Be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt to different working patterns, showcasing your flexibility.
✨Safety First
Emphasise your understanding of road safety regulations and your commitment to safe driving practices. Discuss any relevant training or experiences that highlight your focus on safety.