At a Glance
- Tasks: Train to drive a London Bus and ensure passengers reach their destinations safely.
- Company: Join the team behind London's iconic red buses, serving millions of customers yearly.
- Benefits: Earn £13.85 per hour, with potential to rise to £17.30 post-training, plus free travel perks.
- Why this job: Become a vital part of London's transport system and enjoy great benefits while you learn.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, have a full UK driving licence, and a positive attitude towards learning.
- Other info: Diverse workplace committed to inclusion, with opportunities for career growth and development.
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. 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.
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 £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
About Transport UK London Bus
Transport UK London Bus operates bus services across London on behalf of TFL, plus rail replacement and event services across the UK. We operate approximately 11 per cent of the capital’s world famous red bus network, running around 950 vehicles and employing around 2,900 employees across six busy depots in Central, South and West London. We run a number of routes, carrying over 150 million passengers a year on TfL’s contracted bus network. Transport UK London Bus is working hard to make sure our workforce is a true representation of society, and we fully support diversity, inclusion and equity. This means we take a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of discrimination and harassment. We encourage suitably qualified applicants from under-represented groups to apply. A copy of our Diversity, Inclusion and Equality Policy is available on request.
Trainee Bus Driver – Southall and Hayes Transport UK London Bus employer: Women in Bus and Coach
Contact Detail:
Women in Bus and Coach Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Bus Driver – Southall and Hayes Transport UK London Bus
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Transport UK London Bus 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
Network like a pro! Connect with current drivers or employees on LinkedIn or at local events. They can provide insider tips and might even refer you, which can give you a leg up in the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Before your interview, rehearse common questions and scenarios you might face as a bus driver. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your skills and experiences effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to take the first step towards becoming a bus driver.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Bus Driver – Southall and Hayes Transport UK London Bus
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to know who you are beyond just your qualifications. Share your passion for driving and helping others – it makes a difference!
Follow the Instructions: Make sure to read the application instructions carefully. We appreciate attention to detail, so double-check that you’ve included all the required documents and information before hitting submit.
Show Your Enthusiasm: Express your excitement about joining our team! Mention why you want to become a bus driver and how you can contribute to our mission of providing excellent service to our customers.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Women in Bus and Coach
✨Know Your Routes
Familiarise yourself with the bus routes in Southall and Hayes. Understanding the local area will show your commitment and help you answer questions about customer service and safety during the interview.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Be ready to express why you want to become a bus driver. Share your passion for driving and helping people get to their destinations. A positive attitude can make a big difference!
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about handling difficult situations on the road or with passengers. Think of examples from your past experiences where you demonstrated problem-solving skills and a focus on safety.
✨Dress the Part
While it’s important to be comfortable, aim for smart-casual attire that reflects professionalism. First impressions matter, and looking the part can set a positive tone for the interview.