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+, have a full UK driving licence, and a positive attitude.
The predicted salary is between 30784 - 35904 £ per year.
Trainee Bus Driver - Walworth
Application Deadline: 30 June 2026
Department: Trainee Drivers
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Walworth Depot
Reporting To: Operations
Compensation: £14.80 - £17.30 / hour
Description
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
- 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 - Walworth employer: Transportukbus
Join a dynamic team at our Walworth Depot, where we prioritise the growth and development of our Trainee Bus Drivers. With competitive salaries, extensive training programmes, and a supportive work culture, we ensure that our employees thrive both personally and professionally. Enjoy unique benefits such as free travel on all TFL routes, access to discounts from major retailers, and opportunities for performance bonuses, making this an excellent place to start your career in public transport.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus - Walworth
✨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! Even though it’s a bus driver role, looking smart and professional can make a great first impression. It shows you take the opportunity seriously and respect the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s just good manners!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus - Walworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show us what makes you unique and why you’re excited about becoming a bus driver.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight your relevant experience. If you've got skills or experiences that match what we're looking for, shout about them! This helps us see how you fit into our team.
Check Your Details:Before hitting that submit button, double-check all your details. Typos and mistakes can make a bad impression, so take a moment to ensure everything is spot on. We want to know you pay attention to detail!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at Transportukbus
✨Know Your Routes
Familiarise yourself with the key routes and areas you might be driving in. Understanding the geography of London and the bus routes will show your enthusiasm for the role and help you answer questions about customer service and safety.
✨Show Your Customer Focus
As a bus driver, you'll be responsible for the safety and comfort of passengers. Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past, even if it's not in a driving context. This will demonstrate your commitment to going above and beyond.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations on the road. Think of scenarios where you had to make quick decisions or manage stress effectively, as these are crucial skills for a bus driver.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
The training programme is intensive, so highlight your positive attitude towards learning and development. Share any experiences where you've successfully adapted to new challenges or learned new skills quickly, showing that you're ready to embrace the training ahead.
