Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive London’s iconic buses and connect communities while ensuring passenger safety.
- Company: Join Arriva London, a leading bus operator with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, 25 days holiday, and premium overtime rates.
- Why this job: Be part of a greener future and make a real impact in London.
- Qualifications: Must hold a valid PCV licence and have great customer service skills.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with career development opportunities and ongoing training.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
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 employer: Arriva
Contact Detail:
Arriva Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualified Bus Driver
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Chat with current bus drivers or staff at Arriva London. They can give you insider tips and might even put in a good word for you. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in the role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your customer service skills. Think of examples where you've gone above and beyond for someone. Remember, as a bus driver, you'll be the face of Arriva London, so show them you can handle any situation with a smile!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere—apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities there, including trainee roles if you’re not yet qualified.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay flexible with your availability. Arriva London values drivers who can work various shifts. If you can show that you’re open to different hours, you’ll stand out as a candidate who’s ready to jump in and help keep London moving!
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Bus Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience with a PCV licence. We want to see how your past roles have prepared you for driving in London, so don’t hold back on those details!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to read through the job description and match your skills to what we’re looking for. If you’ve got great customer service skills or experience working flexible shifts, let us know! Personalising your application shows us you’re genuinely interested.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role. Remember, we’re looking for qualified drivers who can keep London moving!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva
✨Know Your Routes
Familiarise yourself with the key routes and landmarks in London. Being able to discuss your knowledge of the city during the interview will show that you're not just a qualified driver, but someone who understands the importance of connecting communities.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in previous roles. Arriva London values great people skills, so be ready to share stories that highlight your ability to handle difficult situations or assist passengers effectively.
✨Understand the Company’s Goals
Research Arriva London's commitment to electrifying their fleet by 2030. Showing that you’re aware of their goals and values will demonstrate your genuine interest in being part of their mission to support a greener future.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about driving scenarios, safety protocols, and how you would handle various situations on the road. Brush up on your knowledge of road safety and be prepared to discuss your approach to ensuring passenger safety at all times.
