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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Become a qualified bus driver with full training and support.
- Company: Join Arriva, one of London’s largest and most respected bus operators.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, free travel, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Make a difference in London while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, hold a UK driving licence, and have a friendly attitude.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and clear progression opportunities await you!
Overview
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 9pm
- Weekends
- Hours 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 UK Bus Ltd
Contact Detail:
Arriva UK Bus Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus Driver
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the routes and areas you might be driving in London. Understanding the city layout will not only boost your confidence but also show your commitment to the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your customer service skills by volunteering or working in roles that require interaction with the public. This experience can highlight your friendly attitude and commitment to great service, which is essential for a bus driver.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility regarding shift patterns. Since the role involves working weekends and varying hours, showing that you are adaptable will make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Arriva's values and their commitment to electrifying their fleet by 2030. Being knowledgeable about the company’s goals can help you align your answers during interviews and demonstrate your enthusiasm for being part of their future.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand what being a Trainee Bus Driver entails. Familiarise yourself with the job description and the skills required, such as customer service and flexibility.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with the role. Even if you don't have direct driving experience, showcase your motivation, reliability, and any customer service roles you've held.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your enthusiasm for the position. Mention why you want to work for Arriva and how you embody the qualities they are looking for, such as a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is accurate and presented clearly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva UK Bus Ltd
✨Show Your Motivation
Express your eagerness to learn and grow as a bus driver. Highlight any experiences that demonstrate your commitment to personal development, as Arriva values candidates who are motivated and willing to embrace training.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Skills
Since the role involves interacting with passengers, be prepared to discuss how you would handle various customer service scenarios. Share examples from past experiences where you provided excellent service or resolved conflicts effectively.
✨Be Ready for Shift Flexibility
Understand that the job requires working weekends and flexible shifts. During the interview, convey your willingness to adapt to different schedules and your understanding of the importance of reliability in this role.
✨Prepare for Safety Questions
Safety is paramount in driving roles. Be ready to discuss your understanding of road safety regulations and how you would ensure the safety of passengers. Familiarise yourself with basic safety protocols that are relevant to bus driving.
