At a Glance
- Tasks: Train to drive a London bus and ensure passengers reach their destinations safely.
- Company: Join a leading transport team serving millions across London.
- Benefits: Earn £13.85/hour, free travel for you and a friend, plus bonuses and discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic training environment with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Become a vital part of London's transport network and enjoy great perks.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, hold a full UK driving licence, and have a clean driving record.
Application Deadline: 30 November 2025
Department: Trainee Drivers
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Southall and Hayes Depot
Reporting To: Operations
Compensation: £13.85 - £17.30 / hour
Description
Trainee Bus Driver - Southall and Hayes. Tourists flying in and out of Heathrow Airport. Rugby fans lining the stands at Twickenham. Weekenders soaking up the sun in Trafalgar Square. London’s fleet of buses is the red line connecting all these dots. And in each bus is a driver making sure people get where they want to go. We’re nothing without our drivers. So we’re looking for a new of future superstars to join our training to become a bus driver.
Our Bus Driver Training Programme
We’ll train you to drive a London Bus. You’ll spend roughly 4-6 weeks learning to drive a London Bus and getting your licence at our Battersea based training depot. After that you’ll go straight to your depot for your local induction and route learning, you’ll then be out on the road as a bus driver. During your training, you’ll work shifts for at least 38 hours a week. This will include classroom and practical driving training, which will see you working early mornings and late nights, and weekends and bank holidays.
Who we are
We’re the team behind hundreds of buses zipping across London, with over 150 million customers a year. We couldn’t do it without our drivers – so we offer some of the best salaries and benefits in the business.
About you
- be 18 years old or over
- have a UK bank account and valid Right to Work documents
- have a full UK driving licence (category B) with at least 6 months experience driving in the UK
- have an excellent driving history – that means you will have no more than six penalty points, and won’t have committed any drink driving offences in the last five years
- computer literate
You’ll also:
- be one of those above-and-beyond types, keeping an eye on your customers health and safety and making sure your vehicle’s always in good condition
- be willing to learn, with a positive attitude to your own development and training
- have an eye for detail
- have a ‘right first time’ attitude
Where you’ll work
After 4-6 weeks at our Battersea depot, we’ll take your home address into account and usually, but not always, the nearest garage where we’re short of drivers will become your new depot. Wherever that is, you’ll need to be able to get there quickly any time of day or night, and ideally without using a car (our car parks can get seriously busy).
The benefits
As part of your training, you’ll get:
- an hourly rate of £13.85 per hour, rising to £16.30 - £17.30 per hour on completion of your training
- training for your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence card (CPC)
- free theory and practical driving tests
- full training for the routes and services you will be driving
Working for us means you get lots of benefits on top of your salary, including:
- free travel on all Tfl routes for you and a friend or family member (once you’ve worked with us for three months, value c.£8,000)
- training and development
- an annual safe driving bonus, and high street vouchers for good performance
- access to our contributory pension scheme – you put in 5% of your salary each month and we’ll add 3% on top
- life insurance (if you sign up to the pension scheme)
- salary sacrifice benefits – you can choose to get things like a new laptop, smart watch, TV or phone in return for slightly less pay
- discounts from shops and retailers – including Apple, Adidas, Nike, Vue, Odeon, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons and more
- eye test vouchers
- free help from our employee assistance programme to support you personally and at work
- opportunities to increase your income through our annual safe driving bonus, our refer a friend scheme and by being awarded our golden tickets for excellent driving and customer service
Trainee Bus Driver - Southall and Hayes employer: Transport UK London Bus
Transport UK is an excellent employer for aspiring bus drivers, offering a comprehensive training programme at the Beddington Depot that equips you with the skills needed to succeed. With competitive pay rates and benefits such as free travel on TfL routes and a contributory pension scheme, employees can enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises growth and development within the community. Join us to be part of a vital service in London, where your contributions make a meaningful impact every day.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus Driver - Southall and Hayes
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research their values and culture. When you show up for your interview, drop in some knowledge about what they do and how you can fit into their team. It’ll make you stand out as someone who’s genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before your interview, run through common questions with a mate or in front of the mirror. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! First impressions matter, so make sure you’re looking sharp and professional. Even if the job is driving buses, showing that you care about your appearance can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, shoot them a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s just good manners!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver - Southall and Hayes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm:When you’re writing your application, let your passion for driving and helping people shine through. We want to see that you’re excited about becoming a bus driver and being part of our team!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences match what we’re looking for. Mention your driving history and any customer service experience you have – it’ll make you stand out!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application 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 role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps us keep track of all the amazing candidates like you.
How to prepare for a job interview at Transport UK London Bus
✨Know Your Routes
Familiarise yourself with the key routes and areas you might be driving in. Understanding the geography of Southall and Hayes will show your enthusiasm and readiness to take on the role.
✨Show Off Your Driving Skills
Be prepared to discuss your driving experience in detail. Highlight any relevant experience you have, especially if you've driven in busy urban environments. This will reassure them of your capability behind the wheel.
✨Emphasise Customer Service
As a bus driver, you'll be interacting with passengers daily. Share examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past, demonstrating your commitment to keeping passengers safe and happy.
✨Ask Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the training programme and what it’s like to work as a bus driver. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
