At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive buses across London, ensuring safe and reliable transport for passengers.
- Company: Join Arriva London, a leading bus operator connecting communities and promoting sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, 25 days holiday, premium overtime rates, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital team that keeps London moving while contributing to a greener future.
- Qualifications: Must have a valid PCV licence, be 18+, and possess great customer service skills.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for career development and trainee programmes available.
Qualified Bus Driver with category D Licence £15.40 – £21.25 per hour + Benefits
Drive your career forward with Arriva London. We’re hiring qualified PCV Bus Drivers across our London garages— and this is your chance to be part of something bigger. Join a team that helps keep London moving, connects communities, and supports a greener future.
Why Arriva London?
Whether you’re getting commuters to work, guiding tourists across London’s landmarks, or making sure students arrive safely, you’ll play a vital role in the daily rhythm of our capital. As one of London’s largest and most respected bus operators, we transport nearly 300 million passengers a year and cover more than 50 million miles. With a clear goal to fully electrify our fleet by 2030, there’s never been a better time to join us.
Pay & Overtime
- 0–12 months: £15.40/hr - £19.25/hr
- 12–24 months: £15.80/hr - £19.75/hr
- 24+ months: £17.00/hr - £21.25/hr
If you’ve held a PCV licence and worked in the role for 12+ months within the last 4 years, you’ll start on the 12–24-month rate.
Sign-on to sign-off pay structure
Overtime paid for:
- Hours worked after 9pm
- Weekends
- Any time worked over your contracted hours
Your Benefits
- Free travel on TfL and Arriva Bus services (for you and one household nominee)
- 25 days' holiday + 8 bank holidays
- Premium overtime rates
- Pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Road Safety Scheme – earn £50 vouchers for safe, high-performance driving
- Ongoing CPC training
- Career development into training, operations, or management roles
- Cycle to work scheme
Working Patterns
5 days on / 2 days off per week on a rotating shift pattern. Shifts planned 6–8 weeks in advance.
Typical start times:
- Mornings from 04:00
- Afternoons from 12:00
- Evenings from 18:00
Overtime opportunities available depending on business needs. Note: Fixed shift patterns (e.g., only mornings or only evenings) are not available.
What You’ll Need
- Valid PCV licence
- Aged 18 or over
- No more than 6 points on your licence
- Able to pass a drug and alcohol test
- Great customer service and people skills
- Flexibility to work various shifts
Not a Qualified Bus Driver Yet?
Interested in becoming a bus driver but don’t yet have a PCV licence? Visit our Careers Page to explore trainee opportunities and learn how we can support you through our fully-paid training programme.
Qualified Bus Driver employer: Arriva London North Limited
Contact Detail:
Arriva London North Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualified Bus Driver
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Arriva London's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to electrifying their fleet and connecting communities will help you align your answers during interviews, showing that you're genuinely interested in being part of their vision.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your customer service skills in conversations with recruiters. As a bus driver, you'll be interacting with passengers daily, so demonstrating your ability to handle various situations with a positive attitude can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility regarding shift patterns. Since the role requires working various shifts, showing that you're adaptable and willing to take on different hours can make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
If you have experience driving in London or similar urban environments, make sure to mention it. This experience can demonstrate your familiarity with the challenges of city driving, which is crucial for a bus driver role.
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Bus Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Qualified Bus Driver at Arriva London. Familiarise yourself with the job description and the skills required, such as customer service and flexibility in working hours.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience, especially if you have held a PCV licence or worked in a similar role. Emphasise your driving experience, customer service skills, and any relevant training or certifications.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that explains why you want to work for Arriva London and how your skills align with their mission. Mention your commitment to safety and customer service, and express enthusiasm for contributing to a greener future.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a driving role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva London North Limited
✨Know Your Route
Familiarise yourself with the key routes and landmarks in London. Being able to discuss your knowledge of the city 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 previous roles, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
The job requires working various shifts, so be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt to different schedules. This shows that you are a team player and can meet the company's needs.
✨Prepare for Safety Questions
Safety is paramount in this role. Be prepared to answer questions about road safety, handling emergencies, and maintaining a safe driving record. This will demonstrate your understanding of the responsibilities involved.