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 overtime options; trainee opportunities available for aspiring drivers.
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
Brush up on your customer service skills. As a bus driver, you'll be interacting with a diverse range of passengers. Practising how to handle various situations with patience and professionalism can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your driving experience in detail. Highlight any previous roles where you’ve demonstrated safe driving practices, especially if you've worked with a PCV licence before. This will show your competence and reliability as a driver.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former Arriva employees if possible. They can provide insights into the company culture and the interview process, which can give you an edge when it comes to understanding what they’re looking for in a candidate.
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: Highlight your relevant experience, especially if you have held a PCV licence or worked in a similar role. Emphasise your customer service skills and any previous driving experience to make your application stand out.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for driving and your commitment to providing excellent service. Mention why you want to work for Arriva London specifically and how you can contribute to their goals, such as supporting a greener future.
Double-Check Your Application: Before submitting, review your application for any errors or missing information. Ensure that your contact details are correct and that all required documents are included. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
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 interact with a diverse range of passengers. Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in previous roles to demonstrate your people skills.
✨Understand Safety Regulations
Brush up on road safety regulations and the importance of safe driving practices. Showing that you prioritise safety will resonate well with the interviewers at Arriva London.
✨Be Ready for Shift Flexibility
Arriva London operates on a rotating shift pattern. Be prepared to discuss your flexibility regarding working hours and how you can adapt to various shifts, as this is crucial for the role.