Trainee Bus Driver

First Group; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Free bus pass

Onsite parking

Pension & shares

Job summary

First Bus in Portsmouth is recruiting for a Trainee Bus Driver in Hilsea. No previous bus driving experience is required. If you hold a full UK driving licence, you’ll receive fully paid training to become a qualified driver.

The role offers guaranteed hours and a clear progression path in one of the UK's leading bus operators. You’ll operate local services, with shifts across mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Qualifications

• No previous bus driving experience is required.
• Full UK driving licence held for at least 6 months
• Maximum of 6 penalty points
• Minimum age of 18
• Right to work in the UK
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Flexible approach to shift work

Responsibilities

• Operate local bus services across Portsmouth and surrounding areas.
• Help passengers travel to work, education, appointments, shopping and days out.
• Maintain safety, professionalism and reliability on every journey.

Job description

About First Bus:

Are you ready to advance your career with one of the UK's leading bus operators? Join a forward-thinking company that embraces cutting-edge bus technology, from innovative mobile apps to environmentally friendly vehicles. We are passionate about delivering passenger journeys that are sustainable, comfortable, and efficient. We are at the forefront of innovation in the industry, connecting communities and shaping the future of public transport.

Trainee Bus Driver – Portsmouth, Hilsea

£13.89 per hour while training, £15.11 per hour once fully qualified

Join our team as a Bus Driver in Portsmouth. No previous bus driving experience is required. If you hold a full UK driving licence, enjoy helping people, and have a positive, reliable attitude, we'll provide fully paid training to help you become a qualified professional driver. As part of one of the UK's leading bus operators, you'll enjoy job security, excellent employee benefits, and genuine opportunities to progress your career.

What’s in it for you?

You’ll start on £13.89 per hour while training, increasing to £15.11 per hour once fully qualified. This is a full time permanent role with guaranteed contracted hours and structured rotas planned in advance, giving you more stability and predictability around your working week. You’ll work a variety of shifts across mornings, evenings, and weekends, with weekday time off built into the rota and opportunities for overtime to increase earnings where available.

The Role

You’ll operate local bus services across Portsmouth and surrounding areas, helping passengers travel to work, education, appointments, shopping, and days out across the city. This is a customer-facing role where safety, professionalism, and reliability are key. You’ll play an important role in keeping Portsmouth connected while delivering a safe and comfortable journey experience for passengers. Shifts are rota-based and include early mornings, evenings, and weekends, with schedules provided in advance.

What We’re Looking For

• Full UK driving licence held for at least 6 months
• Maximum of 6 penalty points
• Minimum age of 18
• Right to work in the UK
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Flexible approach to shift work

No PCV licence is required, full training is provided.

Background checks will form part of the recruitment process.

Rewards:

• Your health is important to us which is why we offer Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost to you! This offering includes cash back benefits across optical & dental as well as virtual GP appointments, mental health support and nutrition and fitness advise. Our EAP provision offers 24hr, 365 days a year mental health support
• We are also committed to your financial wellbeing, and we offer a platform with many discounts on high street brands and supermarkets etc
• Working at First you also receive discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months service as well as a free bus pass
• Free onsite parking + cycle to work scheme
• Up to 5 weeks holiday + bank holidays
• Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted FirstGroup shares