Trainee Bus Driver in Basingstoke

Trainee Bus Driver in Basingstoke

Basingstoke Trainee 29500 - 31000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Go Premium
N

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive buses and provide excellent customer service while earning as you learn.
  • Company: Join Nottingham City Transport, a trusted local employer for nearly 145 years.
  • Benefits: Earn up to £16.00 per hour, enjoy 28-34 days holiday, and free travel for you and friends.
  • Why this job: Become part of an award-winning team and make a difference in your community.
  • Qualifications: Full UK driving licence and basic skills in reading, writing, and maths required.
  • Other info: Comprehensive training provided, with opportunities for career progression and development.

The predicted salary is between 29500 - 31000 £ per year.

Nottingham City Transport have been employing local people for almost 145 years and we have provided stable and secure employment for generations of Nottingham people. We are an award-winning bus operator and we carry some of the most satisfied customers in the country! Bus drivers play a crucial role in providing our high-quality service and we’re looking for friendly and customer-focused people to join us.

No previous bus driving experience needed - earn whilst you learn to drive a bus with our award-winning training team providing the expert tuition you'll need to get you on the road.

What We Offer:

  • From 1st April 2026 - £14.22 per hour starter rate which includes your bus driver training period
  • £14.61 per hour after 6 months
  • Progression to £16.00 per hour with our top rate
  • Earn premium payments for all hours worked on Sundays and after 21:00 Mondays to Saturdays
  • Enjoy 28 days holiday per year, rising to 34 days per year (after 4 years' service)
  • Paid meal breaks!
  • Free travel for you and two other people on all NCT buses and the tram
  • Excellent pension scheme with 6% employer contributions (after approx. 3 months)
  • Great health care package that includes dental and optical care with a range of other benefits (after 6 months)
  • Life assurance worth £10,000 (after 6 months)
  • Driver of the Year scheme, with a top prize of £1,500

About the Role:

Our buses run seven days a week, from early morning until late at night and some buses run through the night too. Drivers work shifts on 5 days per week (which will include some weekend working) with variable start and finish times. Most shifts are between 7 and 9 hours per day, with a guaranteed working of 39 hours. An optional 6th day of overtime is also available each week. We also have specialist shifts where drivers only work in the evening or on the late night buses.

Buses operate from two garages (Parliament Street in the City Centre and Trent Bridge) and for most of the time, drivers are based at one garage, operating on regular routes. It is expected however, for drivers to work from any garage, if required.

I’ve Never Driven a Bus Before - Don’t Worry, We’ll Show You How!

To be a bus driver, you need a PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) licence and a full CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence). If you haven’t got a PCV licence and CPC, our award-winning Training Team will support you all the way to obtaining them and becoming a bus driver.

There are two parts to the training programme – Firstly you will work towards gaining your PCV licence by completing a number of DVSA modules, including a PCV theory test, hazard perception test, two CPC modules and the practical driving test; this part usually takes up to 4 weeks to complete. Once you have your PCV licence, the training programme continues with route learning, vehicle familiarisation, use of the ticket machine, guidance on support for people with disabilities as well as making sure you have all the skills and knowledge a new bus driver needs.

When you start driving in service with customers, you’ll have another driver with you for the first 2 weeks to help and mentor you. Throughout your career with NCT, we provide a comprehensive training and development package, including support to achieve nationally recognised qualifications.

How to Apply:

Applications for drivers are managed online. Before you apply, there are a few basic requirements:

  • You must have a full manual UK driving licence with at least 12 months driving experience (and you should not be disqualified from driving at the time of applying).
  • Your licence should have no more than 3 penalty points on it
  • You must be legally entitled to work in the UK
  • Basic skills in reading, writing and maths are important too
  • All drivers have to undertake a medical assessment as part of the assessment process

As you complete the application form, remember this is your opportunity to sell yourself. Tell us as much about you as possible and why you want to be a bus driver. Please read our Job Applicant Privacy Policy to understand what we do with personal data of applicants.

So, if you’d like to join our award-winning team, apply here.

Trainee Bus Driver in Basingstoke employer: Nottingham City Transport

Nottingham City Transport is a proud employer with a rich history of nearly 145 years, offering stable and secure employment to the local community. Our award-winning training programme ensures that no prior experience is necessary, allowing you to earn while you learn in a supportive environment. With excellent benefits including competitive pay, generous holiday entitlement, free travel, and a strong focus on employee development, we are committed to fostering a positive work culture where our drivers can thrive and progress in their careers.
N

Contact Detail:

Nottingham City Transport Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus Driver in Basingstoke

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know Nottingham City Transport! Research their values and what makes them an award-winning bus operator. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice your customer service skills! As a bus driver, you'll be interacting with passengers daily. Think about how you can demonstrate your friendly and customer-focused attitude during interviews or assessments.

✨Tip Number 3

Be ready for the training! Since you’ll be earning while you learn, show enthusiasm for the training process. Highlight any previous experiences where you've learned new skills quickly or adapted to new environments.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Make sure to fill out the form completely and showcase why you’d be a great fit for the role. Don’t hold back!

We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver in Basingstoke

Customer Service Skills
Communication Skills
Teamwork
Time Management
Adaptability
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills
Driving Skills
Route Learning
Vehicle Familiarisation
Basic Maths Skills
Reading Skills
Writing Skills
PCV Licence Knowledge
CPC Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Personality: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the friendly and customer-focused side of you that makes you a great fit for our team.

Highlight Relevant Skills: Even if you haven't driven a bus before, think about any skills or experiences that relate to customer service or teamwork. We love to see how your background can contribute to our award-winning service!

Be Honest and Clear: Make sure to be honest about your driving experience and qualifications. If you meet the basic requirements, don’t hesitate to apply! We’re here to help you get your PCV licence and start your journey with us.

Apply Through Our Website: Remember, the best way to apply is through our website. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Nottingham City Transport

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, make sure you understand what Nottingham City Transport is all about. Familiarise yourself with their values, mission, and the role of a bus driver. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Show Off Your People Skills

As a bus driver, you'll be interacting with customers daily. During the interview, highlight any previous experience where you've provided excellent customer service. Share specific examples that demonstrate your friendly and approachable nature, as this is key to succeeding in this role.

✨Be Ready for Practical Questions

Expect some scenario-based questions during your interview. Think about how you would handle various situations on the job, such as dealing with difficult passengers or navigating busy routes. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thoughts clearly when it matters.

✨Ask Smart Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training process, shift patterns, or opportunities for progression within the company. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.

Trainee Bus Driver in Basingstoke
Nottingham City Transport
Location: Basingstoke
Go Premium

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>