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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive buses, connect with passengers, and support your community.
- Company: Join Arriva Group, a leader in public transport.
- Benefits: Paid training, flexible shifts, free travel for you and family.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Start your driving career and make a difference in your community.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, hold a valid UK driving licence, and have great customer service skills.
Job Description (Advert) 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
- £13.85 per hour while training
- £16.00 per hour once qualified, with clear milestones to reach higher pay brackets as you progress.
- Up to £20.00 per hour for overtime and unsociable hours
- Overtime Paid At 1.25x For
- Hours worked after 9pm
- Weekends
- Hours beyond your regular shifts
What You’ll Get
- 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays
- 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! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Arriva. Understand their values and what they stand for. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! As a future bus driver, you'll be interacting with passengers daily. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've provided excellent service or resolved issues. This will help you shine during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! First impressions matter, so make sure you look smart and professional for your interview. It shows that you respect the opportunity and are serious about joining the Arriva team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to make it easy for you to join us at Arriva. By applying directly on our site, you’ll have access to all the latest opportunities and updates. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for People: When writing your application, let us know why you love working with people! Share any experiences that highlight your customer service skills and how you connect with others. This role is all about building relationships, so make sure your enthusiasm shines through.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to the Trainee Bus Driver role. Mention specific responsibilities from the job description and how your skills match what we’re looking for. It shows us you’re genuinely interested!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use simple language and avoid jargon. We want to understand your experience and motivation without having to sift through unnecessary details. A well-structured application makes a great impression!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed! It’s the easiest way for us to track your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Arriva family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Group
✨Know Your Route
Before the interview, research Arriva Group and their values. Understand what it means to be part of the community they serve. This will help you connect your personal experiences with their mission during the interview.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a Trainee Bus Driver, customer service is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully interacted with people in previous roles or situations. Highlight your ability to remain calm and friendly, even under pressure.
✨Dress for Success
While the role may involve casual attire, dressing smartly for the interview shows professionalism. Opt for clean, neat clothing that reflects your respect for the opportunity and the company.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few questions about the training process, shift patterns, or career progression opportunities. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.