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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn to drive a bus and help Londoners get around the city.
- Company: Join Arriva, one of London's largest and most respected bus operators.
- Benefits: Paid training, competitive pay, free travel, and holiday perks.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with full training and real community impact.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, hold a UK driving licence, and have a friendly attitude.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, strong support, and great career progression opportunities.
Start Your Journey as a Trainee Bus Driver with Arriva London
No experience? No problem. All you need is the motivation to learn.
At Arriva, we believe great bus drivers aren’t born — they’re trained. If you’ve got a positive attitude, a calm approach, and the drive to learn, we’ll give you all the tools you need to succeed.
You’ll get full, paid training at our dedicated driving school and ongoing support as you become a fully qualified, confident bus driver. Whether you’re helping Londoners get to work, school, or across the city, you’ll play a key role in keeping the capital moving.
Why Choose Arriva?
As one of London’s largest and most respected bus operators, we move nearly 300 million passengers a year across more than 50 million miles. With a goal to fully electrify our fleet by 2030, we’re investing in the future — and in people just like you.
We’ll Train You
- Full Bus Driver Training – we’ll teach you everything, from the basics to the advanced
- A structured, supportive learning environment
- Ongoing development after you qualify
- All you need to bring is motivation, reliability, and a willingness to learn
Your Pay Package
- Paid Training: £13.85 per hour
- After Training (0 – 24 months of service): £15.54 per hour and £17.16 per hour overtime
- 25 – 48 months of service: £16.41 per hour and £18.28 per hour overtime
- 49+ months of service: £17.77 per hour and £18.95 per hour overtime
What You’ll Get
- 20 days holiday + 8 bank holidays (1- 3 years of service)
- 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays (after 3 years of experience)
- Free travel on the TfL network for you and one household nominee
- Workplace pension
- Access to Arriva Village – exclusive discounts and offers
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Monthly £50 safety reward vouchers for top-performing drivers
- Real career progression opportunities
- A strong sense of community and support
What You’ll Need
- Minimum age of 18 with a UK driving licence for at least 6 months.
- No more than 6 penalty points on your licence
- A friendly attitude and commitment to great customer service
- Willingness to work weekends and flexible shift patterns
- Must pass a drug and alcohol test as part of your assessment
Shift & Location Info
- Full-time: 38 hours per week
- 5 out of 7 rotating shift patterns per week.
- Morning shifts from 04:00, afternoons from 12:00, evenings from 18:00
- Schedules planned 6–8 weeks in advance
- Based at one of our many garages across London – check our careers site for openings
Get Behind the Wheel of Your New Career
At Arriva, we value inclusion, community, and growth. We don’t just recruit drivers — we help people build careers. If you’re ready to learn, we’re ready to train you.
Apply today
and take the first step toward becoming a qualified Bus Driver with Arriva London.
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Trainee Bus Driver employer: Arriva Group
Contact Detail:
Arriva Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus Driver
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Arriva Group and understand their values, mission, and what they look for in a Trainee Bus Driver. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before your interview, run through common questions you might be asked. Think about how your positive attitude and willingness to learn can shine through your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former Arriva employees if you can. They can provide insider tips on the interview process and what it’s really like to work there. Plus, it shows initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest openings and updates there.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Motivation: We want to see your enthusiasm for becoming a bus driver! In your application, let us know why you're excited about this role and how eager you are to learn. A positive attitude goes a long way!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Even if you don’t have driving experience, focus on your customer service skills and any other relevant experiences that show you’re a great fit for the team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and get straight to what makes you a great candidate. This helps us see your potential quickly!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our careers site! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you can find all the details about the role and our company there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Group
✨Show Your Motivation
Make sure to express your eagerness to learn and grow during the interview. Arriva is looking for candidates who are motivated and ready to embrace the training process, so share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to personal development.
✨Demonstrate a Positive Attitude
A friendly and calm approach is key for a Trainee Bus Driver. During the interview, maintain a positive demeanour and showcase your ability to handle stressful situations with ease. This will resonate well with the interviewers at Arriva.
✨Know the Company
Familiarise yourself with Arriva's mission and values, especially their commitment to electrifying their fleet by 2030. Showing that you understand their goals and how you can contribute will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your customer service skills and reliability. Think of examples from your past where you've demonstrated these qualities, as Arriva values great customer service and dependability in their drivers.