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- Tasks: Become a Trainee Bus Driver and learn to navigate London while helping others.
- Company: Join Arriva, one of London's largest and most respected bus operators.
- Benefits: Enjoy paid training, free TfL travel, 25 days holiday, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while building a rewarding career with support.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, hold a UK driving licence for 6 months, and have a friendly attitude.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, structured training, and real career progression opportunities await you.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
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
- £16.26 per hour once qualified, with a continuous milestone of salary progress based on your years of service
- Overtime: £17.88 per hour for standard overtime
- £19.51 per hour for weekend overtime
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
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.
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 help you during training but also show your enthusiasm for the role when you apply.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your customer service skills in any interactions you have, whether it's in person or online. Arriva values a friendly attitude, so showing that you can engage positively with others will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility regarding shift patterns. Since the role requires working weekends and various shifts, highlighting your willingness to adapt will make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Arriva's commitment to sustainability and their goal to electrify their fleet by 2030. Showing that you align with their values and future goals can demonstrate your long-term interest in the company.
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 responsibilities and requirements mentioned in the job description.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight any relevant experience or skills that demonstrate your motivation to learn and your customer service abilities. Even if you lack direct experience, emphasise your positive attitude and willingness to work flexible hours.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and your commitment to becoming a great bus driver. Mention why you want to work for Arriva and how you align with their values of community and growth.
Double-Check Your Application: Before submitting, review your application for any errors or missing information. Ensure that your contact details are correct so that Arriva can reach you easily.
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 previous experiences where you've demonstrated a willingness to take on new challenges, even if they aren't directly related to driving.
✨Emphasise Customer Service Skills
Since the role involves interacting with passengers, it's crucial to showcase your friendly attitude and commitment to great customer service. Share examples of how you've successfully dealt with customers in past roles.
✨Be Prepared for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle stressful situations. Think of scenarios where you had to remain calm under pressure and be ready to discuss them.
✨Understand the Company Values
Familiarise yourself with Arriva's mission and values, especially their commitment to community and sustainability. This will help you align your answers with what they are looking for in a candidate.
