Trainee Bus Driver

Arriva Merseyside Limited; Southampton; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free bus travel

Arriva Village discounts

Staff shuttle service

Mydrive rewards

Job summary

Arriva Merseyside Limited in the Southport area is seeking a Bus Driver. This trainee role offers paid training to obtain a PCV licence, with flexible, rotating shifts planned 6–8 weeks in advance and opportunities to progress into management or expert driving roles.

During training you will earn £15.07 per hour, with pay rising after training to £18.30/hr on weekdays, £22.88/hr on weekends, and £27.45/hr on bank holidays after 12 months. Free staff travel and discounts enhance the package.

Qualifications

• Be over 18 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 and demonstrate excellent customer service.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with regular passengers and be a friendly face on the route.
• Ensure safe, reliable, and timely transport for customers.
• Contribute to a positive customer experience through clear communication.
• Support shifts and operate in rotating patterns as required.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Driving experience

Job description

Bus Driver

£15.07 - £27.45 per hour

Start Your Bus Driving Career with Arriva at our Southport 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.
• Great customer service and communication skills.
• 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.