At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn to drive a bus and help Londoners get around the city.
- Company: Join Arriva, one of London's largest and most respected bus operators.
- Benefits: Earn £14.80 per hour while training, with opportunities for overtime and bonuses.
- Other info: Enjoy free travel on TfL, 25 days holiday, and real career progression.
- Why this job: Get paid training and support to kickstart your driving career.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+ with a UK driving licence and a friendly attitude.
The predicted salary is between 30784 - 33280 £ 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
- Ongoing development after you qualify
- All you need to bring is motivation, reliability, and a willingness to learn
Your Pay Package
- £14.80 per hour while training
- £16.00 per hour once qualified, with clear milestones to reach higher pay brackets as you progress
- Up to £20.00 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
- Workplace pension
- 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 in London employer: Arrivatc
Arriva London is an exceptional employer for aspiring Trainee Bus Drivers, offering comprehensive paid training and a supportive work environment that fosters personal and professional growth. With competitive pay rates, generous holiday allowances, and unique benefits like free travel on the TfL network, Arriva prioritises employee well-being and career progression, making it an ideal place to start your journey in the transport industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus Driver in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Arriva London and understand their values, especially their commitment to training and community. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your driving skills! Even if you’re not yet qualified, showing that you have a good grasp of basic driving principles can set you apart. Plus, it’ll boost your confidence when you start training.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current drivers or employees at Arriva. They can provide insider tips on what to expect during training and how to excel in the role. Plus, it’s a great way to make connections that could help you land the job!
✨Tip Number 4
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 openings and updates about the training process there.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Motivation:We want to see your enthusiasm for becoming a bus driver! In your application, highlight why you're excited about this opportunity and how eager you are to learn. A positive attitude goes a long way!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the skills and qualities mentioned in the job description. We’re looking for reliability and a willingness to learn, so let us know how you embody these traits.
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 Trainee Bus Driver role. Less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our careers site! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you started on your journey with Arriva London.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arrivatc
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand what being a Trainee Bus Driver involves. Familiarise yourself with Arriva's values and their commitment to training. This shows your motivation to learn and your interest in the company.
✨Show Your Attitude
Arriva is looking for a positive attitude and a calm approach. During the interview, demonstrate your friendly nature and commitment to great customer service. Share examples of how you've handled challenging situations with a smile.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Flexibility
Since the role requires working weekends and flexible shifts, be prepared to discuss your availability. Highlight your willingness to adapt and your understanding of the importance of these shifts in keeping London moving.
✨Ask Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the training process or career progression opportunities. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in growing with Arriva and taking your career as a bus driver seriously.
