At a Glance
- Tasks: Train to become a qualified bus driver and help Londoners get around.
- Company: Join Arriva, one of London's largest and most respected bus operators.
- Benefits: Earn £13.85 per hour while training, with opportunities for overtime and bonuses.
- Why this job: Get full paid training and support while making a real difference in your community.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, hold a UK driving licence, and have a friendly attitude.
- Other info: Enjoy 25 days holiday, free travel, and real career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 28600 - 36000 £ per year.
Start Your Journey as a Trainee Bus Driver with Arriva London. 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.
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
- £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
- 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 employer: Arrivatc
Contact Detail:
Arrivatc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus Driver
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Arriva London and understand their values, mission, and what they look for in a trainee bus driver. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills with a friend or family member. Focus on common questions like why you want to be a bus driver and how you handle stressful situations. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! When you go for your interview, wear smart, professional attire. First impressions matter, and looking polished shows that you take the opportunity seriously.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace the digital age of job applications.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Motivation: We want to see your enthusiasm for becoming a bus driver! In your application, let us know why you're excited about this opportunity and how you plan to embrace the training. A positive attitude goes a long way!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience or skills that align with the role. Even if you haven't driven a bus before, showcase your customer service skills and reliability. We love seeing how you can contribute to our team!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep your answers 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 position.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our careers site! 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 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 you're genuinely interested and ready to embrace the role.
✨Show Your Attitude
Arriva is looking for a positive attitude and a calm approach. During the interview, share examples of how you've handled challenging situations in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to stay composed and provide great customer service.
✨Ask Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the training process and career progression opportunities. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.
✨Dress the Part
While it’s a driving job, first impressions matter! Dress smartly for your interview to convey professionalism. It reflects your seriousness about the position and respect for the interviewers.