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 £14.80/hour, free travel, bonuses, and discounts on top brands.
- Other info: Dynamic training environment with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Become a vital part of London's transport system and enjoy great perks.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, hold a UK driving licence, and have a positive attitude.
The predicted salary is between 30784 - 35904 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 30 April 2026
Department: Trainee Drivers
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Battersea Depot
Reporting To: Operations
Compensation: £14.80 - £17.30 / hour
Description
Trainee Bus Driver - Battersea. 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 generation 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
- You’ll need to 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
- No more than six penalty points - please contact us if you have a drink/drug related endorsement on your licence
- 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 £14.80 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 - Battersea Depot employer: Transportukbus
Join our dynamic team at Battersea Depot as a Trainee Bus Driver, where we prioritise your growth and development in a supportive work environment. With competitive pay, extensive training, and fantastic benefits like free travel on all TFL routes, you'll be part of a community that values your contribution to keeping London moving. Embrace the opportunity to learn and excel while enjoying a range of perks designed to enhance your work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus Driver - Battersea Depot
✨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 their operations or recent news. It’ll impress them and show you’re 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 look smart and professional. Even if the job is driving buses, showing you care about your appearance can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver - Battersea Depot
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm:When writing your application, let your passion for driving and customer service shine through. We want to see that you're excited about becoming a part of our team and making a difference in London!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We’re looking for those above-and-beyond types, so don’t be shy about showcasing your attention to detail and positive attitude.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your sentences are easy to read and get straight to the heart of why you’d be a great fit for us.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us get to know you better. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Transportukbus
✨Know Your Routes
Familiarise yourself with the key routes and landmarks in London. Being able to discuss your knowledge of the city during the interview will show your enthusiasm and readiness for the role.
✨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, highlighting your ability to handle difficult situations with a positive attitude.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Safety
Safety is paramount in this role. Be ready to discuss your understanding of safety protocols and how you would ensure the well-being of your passengers while driving.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions about the training programme and what it entails. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the position and eager to learn more about the company and its values.
