Trainee Bus Driver

Arriva; Grays; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free travel on TfL and Arriva bus

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Company pension scheme

Arriva Village discounts

Cycle to Work scheme

Road Safety Reward Scheme

Ongoing CPC training

Job summary

Arriva London is recruiting for Trainee Bus Drivers. No prior bus driving experience is required as full, paid training is provided at our dedicated driving school.

From day one you'll be supported by expert instructors and a structured development plan as you work toward becoming a qualified Bus Driver. Salary starts at £14.80 per hour during training and increases to £16.91 when qualified, with potential to rise further through overtime.

Qualifications

• To be 18 years of age or over
• A full UK driving licence held for at least 6 months
• No more than 6 penalty points
• A positive attitude and excellent customer service skills
• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts, including weekends
• To successfully pass a drug and alcohol screening as part of the recruitment process

Responsibilities

• Drive buses to transport passengers safely and on time.
• Provide excellent customer service and assist passengers.
• Follow routes and safety procedures.

Skills

Customer service skills

Job description

Trainee Bus DriverNo Experience Needed – Full Paid Training ProvidedStart Your Journey with Arriva LondonLooking for a career change? Want a stable job with great benefits and real career progression?At Arriva London, we believe great bus drivers are made, not born. If you've got a positive attitude, enjoy working with people and are willing to learn, we'll give you everything you need to become a qualified Bus Driver.From day one, you'll receive fully paid training at our dedicated driving school, expert support from experienced instructors, and ongoing development once you're out on the road.Every day you'll help thousands of people get where they need to be—whether that's work, school, hospital appointments or seeing loved ones. You'll be making a real difference while building a secure, long-term career.Why Choose Arriva London?As one of London's largest and most respected bus operators, we transport nearly 300 million passengers every year and cover more than 50 million miles across the capital.We're also investing in the future, with a commitment to operate a fully electric fleet by 2030. Join us and be part of the next generation of public transport.We'll Train YouYou don't need previous bus driving experience—we'll teach you everything.Your training includes:Fully paid PCV licence trainingExpert tuition at our dedicated driving schoolA structured and supportive learning programmeOngoing coaching and development after you qualifySupport from experienced colleagues every step of the wayAll you need is the motivation to learn, a positive attitude and the commitment to provide excellent customer service.Pay & ProgressionYour salary grows as your experience does.£14.80 per hour during training£16.91 per hour once qualified (up to 2 years' service)£17.64 per hour after 25–48 months' service£18.04 per hour after 49 months' serviceYou'll also have the opportunity to earn up to £20.00 per hour through overtime and unsociable hours payments.BenefitsWhen you join Arriva, you'll enjoy a great range of benefits, including:Free travel on TfL and Arriva bus services for you and one nominated household member25 days annual leave plus bank holidaysCompany pension schemeAccess to Arriva Village with exclusive discounts and offersCycle to Work schemeRoad Safety Reward Scheme – earn £50 vouchers for safe, high-performance drivingOngoing CPC trainingCareer progression into Training, Operations, Engineering and ManagementA supportive team environment where you'll be valued from day oneWorking PatternYou'll work a rotating pattern of 5 days on, 2 days off, averaging 38 hours per week.Shifts are planned 6–8 weeks in advance, giving you plenty of notice to organise your personal life.Typical shift start times include: Mornings from 4:00am ️ Afternoons from 12:00pm Evenings from 6:00pmOvertime opportunities are available depending on business needs.Please note: Fixed shifts (such as permanent mornings or evenings) are not available.What You'll NeedTo apply you'll need:To be 18 years of age or overA full UK driving licence held for at least 6 monthsNo more than 6 penalty pointsA positive attitude and excellent customer service skillsFlexibility to work a variety of shifts, including weekendsTo successfully pass a drug and alcohol screening as part of the recruitment processA Career That Goes FurtherMany of our managers, instructors and operational leaders started their careers as Trainee Bus Drivers.Whether you're looking for a fresh start, long-term job security or the chance to build a rewarding career, Arriva gives you the training and support to succeed.Apply today and take the first step towards becoming a qualified Bus Driver with Arriva London.