Trainee Bus Driver

£12.71 – £17.87 per hour

Start your bus driving career with Arriva at our Gillingham depot, where customer service comes first, and people are at the heart of everything we do.

This is much more than a driving role. As a Bus Driver, you’ll be a front-line ambassador for Arriva, supporting customers throughout their journeys and helping them feel safe, welcome, and valued. From assisting elderly passengers, reassuring nervous travellers, helping parents and children, to supporting customers with accessibility needs — your people skills will be just as important as your driving.

If you have previous customer service experience (for example in retail, hospitality, care, or any customer-facing role) and enjoy helping others, this could be the perfect career change.

Why customer service matters in this role

Every day, you’ll:

Greet customers warmly and professionally

Answer questions and provide journey information

Support passengers with additional needs

Handle situations calmly and empathetically

Create a positive experience, even when things don’t go to plan

Bus Drivers are one of the most thanked jobs in the UK — and that’s because of the human connection you build with your customers.

Pay Rate

£12.71 – £17.87 per hour

During training (first 4–6 weeks): £12.71 per hour

After training:

Up to 9 months’ service: £12.71 per hour

9+ months’ service: £16.85 per hour | Overtime & Weekend: £17.87 per hour

What’s in it for you?

Fully paid training to gain your PCV license — no previous bus driving experience needed

Arriva Training School with expert instructors

Ongoing mentoring and support once you’re out on the road

Overtime opportunities, including bank holidays, paid at premium rates

Ongoing CPC training

Career development opportunities into management, training, or specialist driving roles

Working for an inclusive, community-focused company where looking after customers is a shared responsibility

Hours of work

Rotating shift pattern: 5 days out of 7

Shifts published 6–8 weeks in advance

Morning shifts from 04:00

Afternoon shifts from 12:00

Evening shifts from 18:00

Fixed shifts are not available

Overtime available

What we’re looking for

Aged 18 or over

UK driving license held for at least 6 months

No more than 6 penalty points

Ability to pass a drug and alcohol test

Ability to pass an English comprehension test

Proven customer service experience is required

A friendly, patient, and approachable manner

Confidence communicating with a wide range of customers

The ability to stay calm, polite, and professional in challenging situations

Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends

Benefits

Access to the Arriva Village — discounts and offers

Employee Assistance Programme

Free bus travel for you and your household

Arriva Workplace Pension

Fantastic career progression opportunities

Long service awards

20 days holiday plus bank holidays

At Arriva, we value diversity, inclusion, and the unique experiences our people bring. By putting customers first, we create better journeys, stronger communities, and a workplace where everyone belongs.