Trainee Bus Driver

Arriva UK Bus Ltd; Runcorn; Hybrid; GBP 20,760 - 31,519; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free bus travel for you and your family

Access to discounts through Arriva Village

Monthly rewards for top-performing drivers

Job summary

Arriva UK Bus Ltd is looking for Trainee Bus Drivers to join our Runcorn depot. This role offers full paid training, including obtaining your PCV license, and ongoing training for career progression. You will be integral in helping the community and connecting passengers with essential services.

The position includes flexible shift patterns and enhanced pay rates, rising over time. Ideal candidates will have excellent customer service skills and a valid UK driving license.

Qualifications

• Be over 18 years old with at least 12 months of driving experience.
• Hold a valid UK driving licence with no more than 6 penalty points.
• Pass a drug and alcohol test.

Responsibilities

• Help commuters get to work and children to school.
• Build relationships with regular passengers.
• Connect customers to what matters most.

Skills

Excellent customer service

Communication skills

Driving experience

Job description

Start Your Bus Driving Career with Arriva at our Runcorn depot– Trainee Opportunities Available!

At Arriva, you’ll be at the heart of your community, helping commuters get to work, children to school, and neighbours to the shops. Whether you’re an experienced PCV Driver or looking to start a new career as a Trainee Bus Driver, we have a role for you.

As a Bus Driver, you’ll build relationships with regular passengers, be a friendly face, and play a vital role in connecting our customers to what matters most. Did you know Bus Drivers are among the most thanked professionals in the UK?

We’re proud of our customer service and the support we provide to the community. If you’re a like‑minded individual with a passion for people, we’d love to have you on our team!

Pay Rates

Trainee Driver – £15.07 per hour (3 weeks)

After Training (Trainees):

• Monday to Friday – £15.07 per hour (rising to £18.30 after 12 months)
• Saturday & Sunday – £18.84 per hour (rising to £22.88 per hour after 12 months)
• Bank Holiday – £22.60 (rising to £27.45 per hour after 12 months)
• Overtime: Flat rate

What’s in It for You?

• Trainee Drivers: Full paid training, including obtaining your PCV licence through our Arriva Training School.
• Ongoing CPC training for all drivers and professional development opportunities.
• Career progression into management, support training, or becoming an expert driver.
• Flexible and rotating shifts planned 6‑8 weeks in advance.
• Free bus travel for you and your family (or a nominee).
• Access to the Arriva Village for store discounts and offers.
• Free staff bus and shuttle services to and from work.
• Monthly rewards through the Mydrive app for top‑performing drivers.

Shift Patterns

• 5 out of 7 rotating shift patterns, planned up to 6‑8 weeks in advance so you can plan around shifts.
• Mornings starting from 04:00, Afternoons start from 12:00 and Evenings from 18:00 on a rotational basis.
• We cannot offer fixed early, afternoon or evenings separately.
• Overtime available at request / availability.

Requirements

• Be over 18 years old with at least 12 months of driving experience.
• Hold a valid UK driving licence with no more than 6 penalty points.
• Pass a drug and alcohol test.
• Demonstrate excellent customer service and communication skills.

Why Join Arriva?

At Arriva, we’re not just connecting passengers; we’re creating a community that values inclusion and diversity. Whether you’re an experienced driver or starting your journey as a trainee, you’ll enjoy paid training, enhanced pay rates, and a supportive team environment where you can thrive.

Take the wheel of your future—apply today and become part of the Arriva family at our Runcorn depot!