Trainee Bus Driver

Role overview

Arriva is hiring a Trainee Bus Driver for its Coalville depot in Victoria, Australia. In this role, you will be helping people move around their community every day, whether that means taking commuters to work, supporting shoppers on local trips, or getting children to school. The position is centered on reliable service, friendly interactions, and being a familiar, trusted presence on regular routes.

This is a community-focused driving role where customer care matters as much as safe vehicle operation. You will be representing a company that values inclusion, diversity, and service to the public.

Pay and training

The role offers hourly pay that varies by training stage, day of the week, and time of day. Training begins at £13.45 per hour for the first 4 to 6 weeks. During mentoring, weekday pay is £13.55 per hour, rising to £14.05 after 6pm; Saturdays are paid at £14.55 per hour; Sundays and bank holidays are paid at £15.55 per hour. After training and mentoring, weekday pay becomes £15.05 per hour, increasing to £15.55 after 6pm; Saturdays are £16.05 per hour; Sundays are £17.05 per hour; and bank holidays are £33.86 per hour. For Lead Driver duties in Coalville, the rate is £16.55 per hour on weekdays, £17.05 after 6pm, £17.55 on Saturdays, £18.55 on Sundays, and £35.36 per hour on bank holidays.

Pay rates are subject to regular review through ongoing pay discussions.

Training and development

You will receive fully paid training, including support to obtain your PCV licence. The learning path starts at Arriva Training School, where the core skills for the job are taught, and continues with a period of mentoring. Training usually lasts about 4 weeks at the Thurmaston depot, followed by a further few weeks working alongside a mentor.

The company also supports ongoing CPC training and offers development routes into management, training support, or specialist driving roles.

Working pattern

The schedule follows a rotating pattern of 5 working days out of 7, with shifts planned 6 to 8 weeks ahead so you can organize your personal commitments. Start times rotate across mornings from 04:00, afternoons from 12:00, and evenings from 18:00. Fixed early, afternoon, or evening-only shifts are not available. Overtime may be offered based on request and availability.

Requirements

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have been driving for at least 6 months, hold a licence with no more than 6 points, and be able to pass a drug and alcohol test. Strong interpersonal skills, a service-oriented approach, and flexibility for shift work are also required.

Benefits

Arriva offers a range of employee benefits, including progression opportunities, support with training, staff transport options, access to shopping discounts through the Arriva Village, free bus travel for the employee and household family members, a workplace pension, enhanced pay rates, long service recognition, and reward opportunities through the Mydrive app and road safety scheme.

Inclusion statement

Arriva emphasizes an inclusive and diverse workplace culture and says it is a community that brings people together, not only passengers.

Additional information

The role is based at the Coalville depot. A free staff bus operates around Leicester in the mornings and evenings to help drivers reach work for early starts and late finishes. A shuttle service also runs from the depot to town to connect staff with their starting point.