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.
- Other info: Comprehensive training provided, with opportunities for career progression and development.
- Why this job: Become a vital part of our award-winning team and make a difference in your community.
- Qualifications: Full UK driving licence required; no bus driving experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 29500 - 33500 £ 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 Cambridge employer: Nottingham City Transport
Contact Detail:
Nottingham City Transport Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus Driver in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Nottingham City Transport and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! If you’re nervous about interviews, do some mock interviews with friends or family. This will help you get comfortable talking about your skills and why you’d be a great fit for the bus driver role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your customer service skills! As a bus driver, you'll be interacting with passengers daily. Think of examples from past experiences where you’ve provided excellent service and be ready to share those stories.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining our award-winning team at Nottingham City Transport.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality: When filling out your application, let your friendly and customer-focused nature shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share why you’re excited about becoming a bus driver with us.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Even if you’ve never driven a bus before, think about any skills that could be useful. Whether it’s your experience in customer service or your ability to stay calm under pressure, make sure to mention them!
Be Thorough and Honest: Take your time to fill out the application form completely. This is your chance to sell yourself, so provide as much detail as possible about your background and why you want to join our award-winning team. Honesty is key!
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. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nottingham City Transport
✨Know Your Routes
Familiarise yourself with the local area and the bus routes Nottingham City Transport operates. This shows your commitment and helps you answer questions about how you'd handle different situations on the road.
✨Show Your Customer Service Skills
As a bus driver, you'll be interacting with passengers daily. Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past, even if it's from a different job. This will highlight your friendly and customer-focused attitude.
✨Understand the Training Process
Since no previous bus driving experience is needed, make sure you understand the training process for obtaining your PCV licence and CPC. Being knowledgeable about this will demonstrate your eagerness to learn and adapt.
✨Be Ready for Shift Work
The role involves working shifts, including weekends and evenings. Be prepared to discuss your availability and flexibility regarding shift patterns, as this is crucial for the job.