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- Tasks: Become a qualified bus driver with full training and support.
- Company: Join Arriva, one of London’s largest and most respected bus operators.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn, enjoy free travel, and access exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Make a difference by driving and connecting communities across London.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, hold a UK driving licence, and have a friendly attitude.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, career progression, and a supportive community await you.
Join to apply for the Trainee Bus Driver role at Arriva Group.
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 receive 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
- £16.01 per hour once qualified, with clear milestones to reach higher pay brackets as you progress.
- Up to £2.01 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
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, especially their commitment to electrifying the fleet by 2030. This will help you connect your motivations with their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! As a bus driver, you'll be interacting with passengers daily. Think of scenarios where you can showcase your friendly attitude and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible with your availability. Since the role involves rotating shifts, showing that you're open to working weekends and different hours can make you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest openings and updates about the Trainee Bus Driver role 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 you plan to contribute to our mission of electrifying the fleet by 2030.
Highlight Your Reliability: Reliability is key in this job. Make sure to mention any experiences that showcase your dependability, whether it's in previous jobs or personal commitments. We love to see candidates who take their responsibilities seriously!
Customer Service Skills Matter: Since you'll be interacting with passengers daily, emphasise your friendly attitude and commitment to great customer service. Share examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help others in past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, apply directly through our careers site. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and can start the process of getting you on the road!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand what Arriva Group is all about. Familiarise yourself with their goals, especially the electrification of their fleet by 2030. This shows your genuine interest in the company and its future.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
As a bus driver, you'll be interacting with passengers daily. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've provided excellent customer service. Highlight your friendly attitude and commitment to making journeys enjoyable for everyone.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your driving knowledge and safety awareness. Brush up on road safety rules and regulations, and think about how you'd handle various driving scenarios. This will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training process or what support you can expect as you transition into the role. This shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in your development.
