Trainee Bus Driver

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
£16.26 per hour once qualified, with a continuous milestone of salary progress based on your years of service
Overtime:
£17.88 per hour for standard overtime
£19.51 per hour for weekend overtime
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