£12.52 – £17.87 per hourStart 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 roleEvery day, you’ll:
1. Greet customers warmly and professionally
2. Answer questions and provide journey information
3. Support passengers with additional needs
4. Handle situations calmly and empathetically
5. 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£12.52 – £17.87 per hourDuring training (first 4–6 weeks):
£12.52 per hourAfter training:
6. Up to 7 months’ service: £12.52 per hour | Overtime £13.10 per hour
7. 7+ months’ service: £16.85 per hour | Overtime £17.87 per hour
8. After 8pm on weekdays: +£1 per hour
What’s in it for you?
9. Fully paid training to gain your PCV license — no previous bus driving experience needed
10. Arriva Training School with expert instructors
11. Ongoing mentoring and support once you’re out on the road
12. Overtime opportunities, including bank holidays, paid at premium rates
13. Ongoing CPC training
14. Career development opportunities into management, training, or specialist driving roles
15. Working for an inclusive, community-focused company where looking after customers is a shared responsibility
Hours of work
16. Rotating shift pattern: 5 days out of 7
17. Shifts published 6–8 weeks in advance
18. Morning shifts from 04:00
19. Afternoon shifts from 12:00
20. Evening shifts from 18:00
21. Fixed shifts are not available
22. Overtime available
What we’re looking for
23. Aged 18 or over
24. UK driving license held for at least 6 months
25. No more than 6 penalty points
26. Ability to pass a drug and alcohol test
27. Ability to pass an English comprehension test
28. Proven customer service experience is required
29. A friendly, patient, and approachable manner
30. Confidence communicating with a wide range of customers
31. The ability to stay calm, polite, and professional in challenging situations
32. Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends
Benefits
33. Access to the Arriva Village — discounts and offers
34. Employee Assistance Programme
35. Free bus travel for you and your household
36. Arriva Workplace Pension
37. Fantastic career progression opportunities
38. Long service awards
39. 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.