Trainee Bus Driver

Overview

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.

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.

• Full Bus Driver Training – we’ll teach you everything, from the basics to the advanced
• A structured, supportive learning environment
• All you need to bring is motivation
  , reliability
  , and a willingness to learn

• Paid Training: £13.85 per hour
• After Training (0 - 24 months of service): £15.54 per hour and £17.16 per hour overtime
• 25 - 48 months of service: £16.41 per hour and £18.28 per hour overtime
• 49+ months of service: £17.77 per hour and £18.95 per hour overtime

• 20 days holiday + 8 bank holidays (1- 3 years of service)
• 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays (after 3 years of experience)
• Free travel on the TfL network for you and one household nominee
• 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

• 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

• 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

At Arriva, we value inclusion, community, and growth. We don’t just recruit drivers — we help people build careers. If you’re ready to learn, we’re ready to train you.

Apply today and take the first step toward becoming a qualified Bus Driver with Arriva London.