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- 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: Earn while you learn, with competitive pay and great perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, hold a UK driving licence, and have a friendly attitude.
- Other info: Enjoy 25 days holiday, free travel, and strong career progression opportunities.
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 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
- £15.40 per hour once qualified, with clear milestones to reach higher pay brackets as you progress
- Up to £19.25 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.
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, mission, and what they’re doing to electrify their fleet. This will show them you’re genuinely interested and ready to be part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! If you’re nervous about the driving assessment, take some time to practice your driving skills. Even if you’re not a pro yet, showing that you’re keen to learn and improve can really impress them.
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself during the interview! Arriva is looking for friendly, motivated individuals. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Share your passion for customer service and how you can contribute to keeping London moving.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the latest openings and updates about the Trainee Bus Driver role. Let’s get you started on this exciting journey!
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 opportunity 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 the skills and qualities mentioned in the job description. We’re looking for reliability and a commitment to customer service, so showcase any relevant experiences that demonstrate these traits.
Keep It Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us get a quick sense of who you are!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, you’ll find more information about the role and our company there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand what being a bus driver entails. Familiarise yourself with Arriva's values and their commitment to training. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the role and ready to embrace the learning process.
✨Show Your Motivation
Arriva is looking for candidates who are eager to learn and grow. Be prepared to share examples of how you've demonstrated motivation in past experiences, whether it's in work, school, or personal projects. This will help convey your positive attitude and willingness to take on challenges.
✨Customer Service Mindset
As a bus driver, you'll be interacting with passengers daily. Highlight any previous customer service experience you have, and discuss how you handle difficult situations calmly and professionally. This will reassure them that you can provide great service to Londoners.
✨Ask Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training process, the team culture, or opportunities for progression. This not only shows your interest but also helps you determine if Arriva is the right fit for you.
