As a Trainee Bus Driver with Abellio London, you’ll be playing a vital role in keeping the capital moving. You’ll be responsible for safely transporting passengers across London’s busy network, delivering excellent customer service, and ensuring journeys are on time and comfortable. The role is about more than just driving — it’s about representing the company’s brand, upholding safety standards, and being a reassuring presence for passengers. Typical trainee bus driver salaries at Abellio London range from £28,000 to £32,000, with opportunities for overtime, progression, and benefits such as pension schemes and staff travel discounts.
With that in mind, let’s explore 25 interview questions you may face, complete with detailed answers and practical tips so you can walk into your interview confident, prepared, and ready to impress.
1. Tell me about yourself
Answer: Keep it relevant to the role. Example: “I’m a responsible, safety-conscious individual with a passion for customer service. I’ve worked in roles where attention to detail and clear communication were essential, and I’m excited to train with Abellio to build a career in passenger transport.”
2. Why do you want to work for Abellio London?
Answer: Research the company. Example: “I admire Abellio London’s strong reputation for reliability and customer care. I value your investment in training and professional development, and I’d like to be part of a team that serves such a diverse community.”
3. Why do you want to be a bus driver?
Answer: Link personal motivation to the role. Example: “I enjoy driving, I’m calm under pressure, and I take pride in delivering excellent service. Being a bus driver lets me combine my driving skills with helping people in my community.”
4. How would you deal with a difficult passenger?
Answer (STAR method):
Situation: A passenger becomes upset about a delayed service.
Task: Keep the situation calm and resolve it professionally.
Action: Speak calmly, acknowledge their frustration, and explain the reason for the delay.
Result: Passenger calmed down and continued their journey without further disruption.
5. What do you understand about safety on the road?
Answer: “Safety means adhering to all road laws, being aware of hazards, anticipating other road users’ actions, and ensuring passengers board and exit safely.”
6. Can you handle shift work and early starts?
Answer: Be clear and positive. “Yes, I’m flexible with working hours and I understand that public transport requires shifts, weekends, and early starts.”
7. Describe a time you worked under pressure (STAR example given in detail).
Situation: During a retail Christmas rush, queues built quickly.
Task: Keep customers served efficiently and prevent frustration.
Action: Prioritised tasks, stayed calm, and kept communication clear.
Result: Positive customer feedback and smooth queue flow.
8. How would you handle a breakdown during a route?
Answer: “I’d ensure passenger safety, contact the control centre immediately, follow company procedures, and keep passengers informed.”
9. What customer service skills do you bring to this role?
Answer: “I’m approachable, patient, and clear in communication. I understand the importance of being polite and professional at all times.”
10. How do you cope with repetitive tasks?
Answer: “I maintain focus by taking pride in consistency and quality, knowing that each passenger’s experience matters.”
11. How would you ensure your bus is roadworthy before starting your shift?
Answer: “Carry out the required pre-service checks, including brakes, lights, doors, and mirrors, following Abellio’s checklist.”
12. How do you feel about following strict schedules?
Answer: “I see it as part of delivering a reliable service, and I plan ahead to keep punctuality high while staying safe.”
13. What would you do if another road user is aggressive?
Answer: “Avoid escalation, remain calm, maintain safe driving, and focus on protecting my passengers.”
14. How would you ensure good communication with control staff?
Answer: “By giving clear, concise updates, using the correct radio protocols, and listening carefully to instructions.”
15. Describe a time you worked as part of a team (STAR example).
Situation: In a warehouse role, orders needed completing urgently.
Task: Work with colleagues to meet a deadline.
Action: Delegated tasks, supported others, kept morale up.
Result: Orders completed on time and praised by management.
16. How do you handle stress?
Answer: “By staying organised, focusing on the task at hand, and using deep breathing techniques if needed.”
17. What would you do if a passenger asked you for directions outside your route knowledge?
Answer: “Be honest, check resources, or direct them to the right information source without giving incorrect advice.”
18. How do you maintain concentration during long shifts?
Answer: “By taking regular breaks as allowed, keeping hydrated, and using good posture to avoid fatigue.”
19. How would you handle a situation where you are running late?
Answer: “Communicate with control, drive safely without rushing, and inform passengers if necessary.”
20. Tell me about a time you learned something new quickly (STAR example).
Situation: New ticketing system introduced at work.
Task: Learn system within a week.
Action: Practised daily, asked questions, read manuals.
Result: Fully proficient ahead of schedule, trained colleagues.
21. What motivates you at work?
Answer: “Providing a safe, pleasant experience for customers and knowing my work supports the wider community.”
22. How do you ensure inclusivity for all passengers?
Answer: “By being patient, helpful, and respectful, ensuring accessibility features are working, and assisting those in need.”
23. What would you do if you witnessed unsafe driving from a colleague?
Answer: “Follow company policy, report the concern to a supervisor, and prioritise safety.”
24. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Answer: “I hope to be a fully qualified driver with an excellent safety record, possibly mentoring new trainees.”
25. Do you have any questions for us?
Answer: Always have some ready. Examples: “What training opportunities are available after qualification?” or “How does Abellio support career progression?”
The STAR model explained for your Abellio London interview
STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result — a proven framework to answer competency-based questions clearly. Use real examples from your past work or life experience that show you can stay calm, think on your feet, and deliver great results.
Do’s and Don’ts for your Abellio London Trainee Bus Driver interview
Do’s:
Research Abellio London’s values and routes
Dress professionally and arrive early
Speak clearly and confidently
Use STAR examples to demonstrate skills
Don’ts:
Speak negatively about past employers
Ramble without structure
Forget to smile and show enthusiasm
Final encouragement from Jerry Frempong
After 25 years of coaching candidates across the UK transport industry, I can tell you this: success at interview isn’t about having a ‘perfect’ CV — it’s about preparation, authenticity, and showing your potential. Abellio London invests in people who care about service and safety. Show them you’re ready to learn, ready to represent the brand, and ready to take the wheel.
If you’d like tailored one-to-one preparation to boost your confidence and polish your answers, you can book an interview coaching appointment with me today and walk into your interview ready to win that role.
