Trainee Bus Driver

Arriva; Dartford; On-site; Full time

Job summary

A major bus operation in London is seeking a Trainee Bus Driver. You will receive full, paid training and ongoing support to become a confident bus driver. The role requires a minimum age of 18 with a valid UK driving licence and offers flexible shifts. Enjoy a pay package that starts at £13.85 per hour during training and includes benefits like free travel on the TfL network and career progression opportunities.

Benefits

20 days holiday + 8 bank holidays

Free travel on the TfL network

Workplace pension

Cycle to Work Scheme

Monthly £50 safety reward vouchers

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 18 with a UK driving licence for at least 6 months.
• No more than 6 penalty points on your licence.
• Willingness to work weekends and flexible shift patterns.
• Must pass drug and alcohol tests.

Responsibilities

• Complete full, paid training at the driving school.
• Assist Londoners in their daily travels.
• Participate in ongoing development after qualifying.

Skills

Motivation to learn

Friendly attitude

Commitment to customer service

Reliability

Job description

Start Your Journey as a Trainee Bus Driver with Arriva London

No experience? No problem. All you need is the motivation to learn.

At Arriva, we believe great bus drivers aren’t born — they’re trained. If you’ve got a positive attitude, a calm approach, and the drive to learn , we’ll give you all the tools you need to succeed.

You’ll get full, paid training at our dedicated driving school and ongoing support as you become a fully qualified, confident bus driver. Whether you’re helping Londoners get to work, school, or across the city, you’ll play a key role in keeping the capital moving.

Why Choose Arriva?

As one of London’s largest and most respected bus operators, we move nearly 300 million passengers a year across more than 50 million miles. With a goal to fully electrify our fleet by 2030, we’re investing in the future — and in people just like you.

We’ll Train You

• Full Bus Driver Training – we’ll teach you everything, from the basics to the advanced
• A structured, supportive learning environment
• Ongoing development after you qualify
• All you need to bring is motivation , reliability , and a willingness to learn

Your Pay Package

• Paid Training : £13.85 per hour
• After Training (0 - 24 months of service) : £15.54 per hour and £17.16 per hour overtime
• 25 - 48 months of service : £16.41 per hour and £18.28 per hour overtime
• 49+ months of service : £17.77 per hour and £18.95 per hour overtime

What You’ll Get

• 20 days holiday + 8 bank holidays
• 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays
• Free travel on the TfL network for you and one household nominee
• Workplace pension
• Access to Arriva Village – exclusive discounts and offers
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Monthly £50 safety reward vouchers for top-performing drivers
• Real career progression opportunities
• A strong sense of community and support

What You’ll Need

• Minimum age of 18 with a UK driving licence for at least 6 months.
• No more than 6 penalty points on your licence
• A friendly attitude and commitment to great customer service
• Willingness to work weekends and flexible shift patterns
• Must pass a drug and alcohol test as part of your assessment

Shift & Location Info

• Full-time : 38 hours per week
• 5 out of 7 rotating shift patterns per week.
• Morning shifts from 04 : 00, afternoons from 12 : 00, evenings from 18 : 00
• Schedules planned 6–8 weeks in advance
• Based at one of our many garages across London – check our careers site for openings

Get Behind the Wheel of Your New Career

At Arriva, we value inclusion, community, and growth. We don’t just recruit drivers — we help people build careers. If you’re ready to learn, we’re ready to train you.

Apply today and take the first step toward becoming a qualified Bus Driver with Arriva London.