Trainee Bus Driver

Trainee Bus Driver

London Apprenticeship No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Learn to drive a bus and support Londoners in their daily journeys.
  • 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: Kickstart your career with full training and real progression opportunities.
  • Qualifications: Must be 18+, hold a UK driving licence, and have a friendly attitude.
  • Other info: Flexible shifts, supportive community, and a chance to make a difference.

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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
  • 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 9pmWeekendsHours 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
  • 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.

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Trainee Bus Driver employer: Arriva London North Limited

Arriva London is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture where you can thrive as a Trainee Bus Driver. With comprehensive paid training, competitive pay rates, and real opportunities for career progression, you'll be part of a team that values your growth and well-being while playing a vital role in keeping the capital moving. Enjoy benefits like free travel on the TfL network, generous holiday allowances, and a strong sense of community as you embark on this rewarding journey.
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Contact Detail:

Arriva London North Limited 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 London and understand their values, mission, and what they look for in a trainee bus driver. This will help you tailor your approach and show them you're genuinely interested.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current or former Arriva employees on social media platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the job. You never know who might give you a leg up!

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about how your positive attitude and willingness to learn can shine through. We want to see your personality, so be yourself and let that enthusiasm show!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Arriva family. So, get clicking and take that first step towards your new career!

We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver

Motivation to Learn
Reliability
Positive Attitude
Calm Approach
Customer Service Skills
Willingness to Work Weekends
Flexibility in Shift Patterns
Ability to Pass Drug and Alcohol Test
Teamwork
Adaptability

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 your relevant skills and experiences. Even if you don’t have driving experience, focus on your reliability and customer service skills — they’re super important for this role!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and get straight to what makes you a great fit for the Trainee Bus Driver position. Less is more!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our careers site! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva London North Limited

✨Show Your Motivation

Arriva is looking for candidates with a strong desire to learn. Be sure to express your enthusiasm for becoming a bus driver and how you’re ready to embrace the training process. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to learning and growth.

✨Highlight Your Customer Service Skills

As a bus driver, you'll be interacting with passengers daily. Make sure to discuss any previous customer service experience you have, even if it’s not directly related to driving. Emphasise your friendly attitude and willingness to help others, as this is key to succeeding in the role.

✨Prepare for Practical Questions

Expect questions about handling various driving scenarios or customer interactions. Think of examples from your past where you’ve demonstrated calmness under pressure or problem-solving skills. This will show that you can handle the responsibilities of the job effectively.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training process, what a typical day looks like, or how Arriva supports its drivers. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand if it’s the right fit for you.

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