Trainee Bus Driver

Arriva London South Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading bus operator in London is looking for Trainee Bus Drivers. No prior experience is needed, as full training will be provided. Successful candidates will earn £13.85/hour during training, increasing to £16.01/hour once qualified. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid UK driving licence, and be prepared for a drug and alcohol test. The role offers 25 days of annual leave, free travel on the TfL network, and career progression opportunities.

Benefits

25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays

Free travel on the TfL network

Workplace pension

Monthly £50 safety reward vouchers

Cycle to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 18 with a UK driving licence for at least 6 months.
• No more than 6 penalty points on your licence.
• Must pass a drug and alcohol test.

Responsibilities

• Complete full bus driver training.
• Help passengers get to their destination safely.
• Work flexible shift patterns including weekends.

Skills

Motivation

Reliability

Customer Service

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

• £13.85 per hour while training
• £16.01 per hour once qualified , with clear milestones to reach higher pay brackets as you progress.
• Up to £02.01 per hour for overtime and unsociable hours
• Overtime paid at 1.25x for : Hours worked after 9pmWeekendsHours beyond your regular shifts

What You’ll Get

• 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.