At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive buses and provide excellent customer service while learning on the job.
- Company: Join Nottingham City Transport, a trusted local employer for 145 years.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn, with competitive pay and great perks like free travel.
- 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.
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 Nottingham 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 Nottingham
✨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 during interviews 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 the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk about your driving experience! Even if you haven't driven a bus before, share any relevant driving experiences or skills that showcase your ability to handle a vehicle safely and responsibly.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Make sure to fill out the form completely and highlight why you want to join our award-winning team at Nottingham City Transport.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to know who you are and why you're excited about becoming a bus driver. Don't be shy – share your passion for customer service and your eagerness to learn!
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight any relevant skills or experiences that could make you a great fit for the role. Even if you haven't driven a bus before, think about your previous jobs or volunteer work where you've demonstrated teamwork, communication, or problem-solving skills.
Follow the Instructions: Pay close attention to the application guidelines. Make sure you meet all the basic requirements, like having a full UK driving licence and being legally entitled to work in the UK. This will save you time and ensure your application is considered!
Apply Online: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s quick and easy, and you'll be one step closer to joining our award-winning team. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nottingham City Transport
✨Know Your Routes
Familiarise yourself with the local bus routes and key landmarks in Nottingham. This shows your commitment to the role and helps you answer questions about how you'd handle different situations on the road.
✨Customer Service Focus
Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. Since this role is all about being friendly and customer-focused, having specific anecdotes ready will impress the interviewers.
✨Understand the Training Process
Brush up on what it takes to get your PCV licence and CPC. Knowing the training steps and showing enthusiasm for learning will demonstrate that you're serious about becoming a bus driver.
✨Be Ready for Shift Work
Since the job involves working shifts, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and willingness to work weekends or late nights. Highlighting your adaptability can set you apart from other candidates.