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- 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 (Thornton Heath) employer: Arriva London South Limited
Contact Detail:
Arriva London South Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualified Bus Driver (Thornton Heath)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Arriva London's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to sustainability and community connection can help you align your answers during interviews, showcasing that you're not just a driver but someone who shares their vision.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your customer service skills. As a bus driver, you'll be interacting with passengers daily, so demonstrating your ability to handle various situations with a positive attitude will 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 in a similar environment or have experience with public transport.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your flexibility regarding shift patterns. Since the role requires working various shifts, expressing your willingness to adapt to different schedules can make you a more attractive candidate for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Bus Driver (Thornton Heath)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as a bus driver, including your PCV licence and any previous roles in customer service. Use keywords from the job description to show you meet their requirements.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Craft a cover letter that explains why you want to work for Arriva London specifically. Mention your passion for driving and how you can contribute to keeping London moving and supporting a greener future.
Highlight Your Skills: In your application, emphasise your customer service skills and flexibility to work various shifts. Provide examples of how you've successfully handled challenging situations with passengers in the past.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva London South Limited
✨Know Your Route
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 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, your driving experience, and how you handle challenging situations on the road.