At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive buses, assist commuters, and ensure safe travel for all passengers.
- Company: Join Arriva London, a leading bus operator connecting communities across the capital.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, paid training, 25 days holiday, and overtime opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible shift patterns and ongoing training to enhance your skills.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital service, with career growth and a supportive community culture.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, hold a driving licence for 6 months, and have great customer service skills.
Drive your career forward with Arriva London at our Palmers Green Garage as an Experienced PCV or Trainee Bus Driver and be right at the heart of your community! Whether it's helping commuters get to work, guiding tourists through London’s famous sights, or ensuring children arrive safely at school, we play a vital role in keeping our capital connected. Arriva London is one of the largest bus operators in the capital, each year transporting nearly 300 million passengers for more than 50 million miles! Our renowned red buses are a fleet to be proud of, with significant investment driving our ambition to fully electrify every vehicle by 2030.
We are proud of our services and how we support our community - and we would love to have like-minded individuals as part of our team.
Pay Rate: £15.40 - £21.25 per hour
- During Training (the first 3 weeks) - £13.15 per hour
- Experienced PCV Bus Drivers / After Training:
- First 12 months - £15.40 per hour, increasing to £19.25 per hour after 9pm
- 12-24 months - £15.80 per hour, increasing to £19.75 per hour after 9pm
- 24 months + will be £17.00 per hour, increasing to £21.25 per hour after 9pm
If you are a PCV holder with more than 12 months experience within the last 4 years, you will start on 12-24m rate. Pay rates reviewed via frequent pay negotiations.
What’s in it for you?
- If you’re a Trainee, you’ll receive full paid training where you will receive your PCV licence - you will go through our Arriva Training School and learn everything you need to know about being a Bus Driver. The training generally lasts approx. 3 weeks and will take place at our Wood Green depot, before you then work with a mentor for a further few weeks.
- Overtime opportunities - extra shifts, bank holidays, all paid at a premium rate.
- Free travel on TfL services and Arriva Bus travel for you and a household nominee.
- 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays.
- Pension contributions.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Road Safety Scheme – Earn a £50 voucher for top driving performance.
- Ongoing CPC training.
- Development and great career opportunities - whether that’s into management, support training, or as an expert driver.
Hours of Work: 5 out of 7 rotating shift patterns, planned up to 6-8 weeks in advance so you can plan around shifts. Mornings starting from 04:00, Afternoons start from 12:00 and Evenings from 18:00 on a rotational basis. We cannot offer fixed early, afternoon or evenings separately. Overtime available at request / availability.
Requirements:
- Must be over 18 years of age
- Have been driving with your licence for a minimum of 6 months (for Trainees)
- PCV licence (for experienced Bus Drivers)
- No more than 6 points on your licence
- Can pass a drug and alcohol test
- Great people and customer service skills
- Flexibility to work shifts
At Arriva we strive for inclusion and diversity, we are a community that brings everyone together, not just our passengers.
Bus Driver employer: Arriva London North Limited
Arriva London North Limited is an exceptional employer that prioritises safety, inclusion, and employee development within a dynamic transport environment. With a strong commitment to compliance with HS&E standards, we foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, offering our employees ample opportunities for growth and advancement. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your professional journey in a rewarding and meaningful way.
Contact Details:
Arriva London North Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bus Driver
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the routes and areas you might be driving in. Understanding the local geography and key landmarks can give you an edge during interviews, showing your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your customer service skills. As a bus driver, you'll be interacting with a diverse range of passengers, so demonstrating your ability to handle various situations with a friendly attitude can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former bus drivers. They can provide valuable insights into the job and the company culture at Arriva, which can help you tailor your approach when applying.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared for the training process. If you're applying as a trainee, showing enthusiasm for learning and adapting to new challenges will demonstrate your readiness to take on the role and succeed.
We think you need these skills to ace Bus Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Bus Driver at Arriva London. Familiarise yourself with the job description and requirements to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you have previous driving experience or customer service skills, be sure to highlight these in your CV and cover letter. Mention any relevant qualifications, such as your PCV licence, and how they relate to the role.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter:Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and your commitment to community service. Explain why you want to work for Arriva London and how you can contribute to their mission.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread all documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your contact information is correct. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva London North Limited
✨Know Your Routes
Familiarise yourself with the key routes and landmarks in London. Being able to discuss your knowledge of the area 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 the past, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Arriva London operates on a rotating shift pattern, so it's important to express your willingness to work various shifts. Be ready to discuss your availability and how you can adapt to different schedules.
✨Showcase Safety Awareness
Safety is paramount in driving. Be prepared to talk about your understanding of road safety regulations and any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to safe driving practices.
