Trainee Bus Driver

Trainee Bus Driver

London Full-Time No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Become a qualified bus driver with full training and support from Arriva.
  • Company: Join Arriva, one of London's largest and most respected bus operators.
  • Benefits: Enjoy paid training, free travel, discounts, and career progression opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a difference in London while building a rewarding career in transport.
  • Qualifications: Must be 18+, hold a UK driving licence for 6 months, and have a friendly attitude.
  • Other info: Flexible shifts, community-focused environment, and structured learning await you.

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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Arriva is a leading provider of passenger transport across Europe, employing around 34,400 people and delivering around 1.6 billion passenger journeys. With buses, trains, coaches, trams, waterbuses, bike-sharing systems, on-demand transport solutions and a rolling stock leasing company, Arriva proudly connects people and communities safely, reliably and sustainably across 11 countries, delivering these services in a better way, every day. The activities of Arriva are divided into four business units: UK Bus, UK Trains, The Netherlands and Mainland Europe. Arriva has passenger transport operations in the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom, and also operates a rolling stock leasing company in Romania.

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Trainee Bus Driver employer: London and North Western Railway Company Limited

At Arriva London, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and inclusive employer, dedicated to nurturing talent and providing comprehensive training for aspiring bus drivers. With competitive pay, generous holiday allowances, and unique benefits like free travel on the TfL network, we foster a strong sense of community while offering real opportunities for career progression in one of the UK's largest transport operators. Join us in keeping London moving and enjoy a fulfilling career with ongoing support and development.
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Contact Detail:

London and North Western Railway Company Limited 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 can give you an edge during your training and interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Show your enthusiasm for customer service. Arriva values a friendly attitude, so think of examples from your past experiences where you've provided excellent service to others.

✨Tip Number 3

Be prepared to discuss your flexibility regarding shift patterns. Highlighting your willingness to work weekends and varied hours will demonstrate your commitment to the role.

✨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 can make a positive impression during your application process.

We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver

Customer Service Skills
Positive Attitude
Calm Under Pressure
Reliability
Willingness to Learn
Time Management
Flexibility
Teamwork
Communication Skills
Attention to Safety
Adaptability to Shift Patterns
Problem-Solving Skills

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 to tailor your application accordingly.

Highlight Relevant Skills: Even if you lack direct experience, emphasise transferable skills such as customer service, reliability, and a positive attitude. Mention any previous roles or experiences that demonstrate your ability to learn quickly and work well under pressure.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to express your motivation for becoming a bus driver. Share why you want to work for Arriva specifically and how you align with their values of community and growth. Make it personal and engaging.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a role in customer service.

How to prepare for a job interview at London and North Western Railway Company Limited

✨Show Your Motivation

Arriva is looking for candidates with a strong desire to learn. Be sure to express your enthusiasm for becoming a bus driver and your commitment to the training process during the interview.

✨Demonstrate a Positive Attitude

A friendly and calm approach is essential for this role. Share examples from your past experiences where you maintained a positive attitude, especially in challenging situations.

✨Highlight Customer Service Skills

As a bus driver, you'll be interacting with passengers regularly. Discuss any previous customer service experience you have and how you ensure a great experience for customers.

✨Be Prepared for Flexibility

The role requires working weekends and flexible shifts. Show that you understand this requirement and are willing to adapt your schedule to meet the needs of the job.

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