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

• £14.80 per hour while training

• £16.01 per hour once qualified, with clear milestones to reach higher pay brackets as you progress.

• Up to £02.01 per hour for overtime and unsociable hours

• Overtime paid at 1.25x for:

  • Hours worked after 9pm

  • Weekends

  • Hours beyond your regular shifts

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

Get Behind the Wheel of Your New Career

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.