At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive buses while providing excellent customer service and support to passengers.
- Company: Join Arriva, a community-focused company that values people and diversity.
- Benefits: Earn £12.71 – £17.87 per hour with paid training and free bus travel for you and your household.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, ongoing support, and great career progression opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's journeys while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, have a UK driving licence, and previous customer service experience.
The predicted salary is between 17.87 - 17.87 £ per hour.
Start your bus driving career with Arriva at our Gillingham depot, where customer service comes first, and people are at the heart of everything we do. This is much more than a driving role. As a Bus Driver, you’ll be a front-line ambassador for Arriva, supporting customers throughout their journeys and helping them feel safe, welcome, and valued. From assisting elderly passengers, reassuring nervous travellers, helping parents and children, to supporting customers with accessibility needs — your people skills will be just as important as your driving.
Why customer service matters in this role
- Greet customers warmly and professionally
- Answer questions and provide journey information
- Support passengers with additional needs
- Handle situations calmly and empathetically
- Create a positive experience, even when things don’t go to plan
Bus Drivers are one of the most thanked jobs in the UK — and that’s because of the human connection you build with your customers.
Pay Rate
£12.71 – £17.87 per hour
During training (first 4–6 weeks): £12.71 per hour
After training:
- Up to 9 months’ service: £12.71 per hour
- 9+ months’ service: £16.85 per hour
- Overtime & Weekend: £17.87 per hour
What’s in it for you?
- Fully paid training to gain your PCV license — no previous bus driving experience needed
- Arriva Training School with expert instructors
- Ongoing mentoring and support once you’re out on the road
- Overtime opportunities, including bank holidays, paid at premium rates
- Ongoing CPC training
- Career development opportunities into management, training, or specialist driving roles
- Working for an inclusive, community-focused company where looking after customers is a shared responsibility
Hours of work
- Rotating shift pattern: 5 days out of 7
- Shifts published 6–8 weeks in advance
- Morning shifts from 04:00
- Afternoon shifts from 12:00
- Evening shifts from 18:00
- Fixed shifts are not available
- Overtime available
What we’re looking for
- Aged 18 or over
- UK driving license held for at least 6 months
- No more than 6 penalty points
- Ability to pass a drug and alcohol test
- Ability to pass an English comprehension test
- Proven customer service experience is required
- A friendly, patient, and approachable manner
- Confidence communicating with a wide range of customers
- The ability to stay calm, polite, and professional in challenging situations
- Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends
Benefits
- Access to the Arriva Village — discounts and offers
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Free bus travel for you and your household
- Arriva Workplace Pension
- Fantastic career progression opportunities
- Long service awards
- 20 days holiday plus bank holidays
At Arriva, we value diversity, inclusion, and the unique experiences our people bring. By putting customers first, we create better journeys, stronger communities, and a workplace where everyone belongs.
Trainee Bus Driver in Gillingham employer: Arriva TrainCare
Arriva TrainCare is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment at our Bristol Barton Hill depot. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide ample opportunities for growth in project management while ensuring a supportive culture that values your contributions. Our comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave and a company pension, reflects our dedication to the well-being of our team members, making it a rewarding place to build your career.
