Trainee Bus Driver

Arriva-bf47d80e; Gillingham; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free bus travel for you and your housе

Arriva Village discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

Arriva Workplace Pension

20 days holiday plus bank holidays

Job summary

Arriva is hiring a Bus Driver at the Gillingham depot. You will be a front-line ambassador, greeting customers, assisting with accessibility needs, and helping travelers feel safe and valued on every journey.

Training to gain a PCV license is fully provided, with mentoring on the road, overtime options, and progression into management or specialist driving roles. Arriva offers benefits including free travel for you and your household.

Qualifications

• Aged 18 or over.
• UK driving license held for at least 6 months.
• No more than 6 penalty points.
• Ability to pass drug and alcohol test.
• Ability to pass an English comprehension test.

Responsibilities

• Greet customers warmly and professionally.
• Answer questions and provide journey information.
• Support passengers with accessibility needs.
• Create a positive experience for customers, even during issues.
• Represent Arriva as a front-line ambassador on journeys.

Skills

Customer service experience

English comprehension

Driving experience

Job description

£12.71 – £17.87 per hourStart your bus driving career with Arriva at our Gillingham depot, where customer service comes first, and people are at the heart of everything we do.This is much more than a driving role. As a Bus Driver, you’ll be a front-line ambassador for Arriva, supporting customers throughout their journeys and helping them feel safe, welcome, and valued. From assisting elderly passengers, reassuring nervous travellers, helping parents and children, to supporting customers with accessibility needs — your people skills will be just as important as your driving.If you have previous customer service experience (for example in retail, hospitality, care, or any customer-facing role) and enjoy helping others, this could be the perfect career change.Why customer service matters in this roleEvery day, you’ll:Greet customers warmly and professionallyAnswer questions and provide journey informationSupport passengers with additional needsHandle situations calmly and empatheticallyCreate a positive experience, even when things don’t go to planBus Drivers are one of the most thanked jobs in the UK — and that’s because of the human connection you build with your customers.Pay Rate£12.71 – £17.87 per hourDuring training (first 4–6 weeks): £12.71 per hourAfter training:Up to 9 months’ service: £12.71 per hour9+ months’ service: £16.85 per hour | Overtime & Weekend: £17.87 per hourWhat’s in it for you?Fully paid training to gain your PCV license — no previous bus driving experience neededArriva Training School with expert instructorsOngoing mentoring and support once you’re out on the roadOvertime opportunities, including bank holidays, paid at premium ratesOngoing CPC trainingCareer development opportunities into management, training, or specialist driving rolesWorking for an inclusive, community-focused company where looking after customers is a shared responsibilityHours of workRotating shift pattern: 5 days out of 7Shifts published 6–8 weeks in advanceMorning shifts from 04:00Afternoon shifts from 12:00Evening shifts from 18:00Fixed shifts are not availableOvertime availableWhat we’re looking forAged 18 or overUK driving license held for at least 6 monthsNo more than 6 penalty pointsAbility to pass a drug and alcohol testAbility to pass an English comprehension testProven customer service experience is requiredA friendly, patient, and approachable mannerConfidence communicating with a wide range of customersThe ability to stay calm, polite, and professional in challenging situationsFlexibility to work early mornings, evenings, and weekendsBenefitsAccess to the Arriva Village — discounts and offersEmployee Assistance ProgrammeFree bus travel for you and your householdArriva Workplace PensionFantastic career progression opportunitiesLong service awards20 days holiday plus bank holidaysAt Arriva, we value diversity, inclusion, and the unique experiences our people bring. By putting customers first, we create better journeys, stronger communities, and a workplace where everyone belongs.