Trainee Bus Driver

Arriva UK Bus Ltd; Tunbridge Wells; On-site; GBP 17,509 - 24,617; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Overtime opportunities

CPC training

Career development

Staff discounts

Free bus travel

Job summary

Arriva UK Bus Ltd in Tunbridge Wells is hiring Bus Drivers to serve the local community. You will be at the heart of commuter routes, schools, and shopping trips, delivering a friendly and reliable transport service.

Training begins immediately with paid time while you learn, followed by mentoring and progression opportunities within the company. Flexible shift patterns and potential overtime support a rewarding career in public transport.

Qualifications

• Must be over 18 years of age.
• Driving experience of at least 6 months.
• No more than 6 points on your licence.
• Able to pass a drug and alcohol test.
• Great people and customer service skills.
• Flexibility to work shifts.

Responsibilities

• Drive PCV buses to transport passengers on assigned routes.
• Provide a high level of customer service and assist passengers as needed.
• Complete training including PCV licence through Arriva Training School.

Skills

Customer service

Flexibility

Communication

Job description

Start your bus driving career with Arriva at our Tunbridge Wells depot, where you will be at the heart of your community! Whether it is getting commuters to work, helping customers with popping to the shops or getting children to school - we provide an important service in connecting our customers to what matters to them.

As a Bus Driver, you will get to know the familiar faces on your routes, build relationships and even be the highlight of someone’s day. Did you know that Bus Drivers are one of the most thanked jobs in the UK?

We are proud of our customer service and how we support our community - and we would love to have like‑minded individuals as part of our team.

Rates of pay

During Training (the first 4-6 weeks) – £12.71 per hour

Rates after Training:

Monday to Friday – £12.71 first 9 months, then £16.85 per hour; Weekends and Overtime – £12.71 first 9 months, then £17.87 per hour

Pay rates reviewed via frequent pay negotiations.

What’s in it for you?

• Full paid training where you'll receive your PCV licence – you'll go through our Arriva Training School and learn everything you need to know about being a Bus Driver. The training generally lasts approx. 4 weeks and will take place at our Northfleet depot, before you then work with a mentor for a further few weeks.
• Overtime opportunities – extra shifts, bank holidays, all paid at a premium rate.
• Ongoing CPC training.
• Development and great career opportunities – whether that's into management, support training, or as an expert driver.
• Working for an inclusive and diverse company that put’s our customers at the heart of what we do, and what a responsibility for you to be transporting our precious cargo ensuring they get to their destinations.
• Access to the Mydrive app where you can win a £50 voucher monthly for the top 2 Bus Drivers in the area.

Hours of Work

• 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

• Must be over 18 years of age
• Have been driving for a minimum of 6 months
• No more than 6 points on your licence
• Can pass a drug and alcohol test
• Great people and customer service skills
• Flexibility to work shifts
• Fantastic career progression and training opportunities
• Free to use staff bus operates a route around Leicester in the mornings and evenings to get drivers to and from work at those early start times and late finishes
• Shuttle service from the depot to town to get you to your starting point.
• Access to the 'Arriva Village', where you can take advantage of store discounts and offers
• Free bus travel for you and your family (within the same household) if you do not need to use it then you can nominate someone else
• Enhanced rates of pay
• Long service awards
• Access to the Mydrive app and road safety scheme where you can get rewarded a £50 voucher monthly for being the top Arriva driver

This is an excellent time to start your journey with us, with paid training through our Arriva training school, and rates increasing across the area.

At Arriva we strive for inclusion and diversity, we are a community that brings everyone together…not just our passengers.