Join GVB as a bus driver

Are you ready for a new challenge? Do you like the vibrant atmosphere and the diversity of Amsterdam and would you like to to help  passengers go places pleasantly, safely and on time? But you don’t have a Category D driver’s licence or experience as a bus driver? No problem! We have a good offer in place for you! Do you already have experience as a bus driver? Check out our vacancy for an experienced bus driver. 

 

We provide the training course to become a bus driver with a Category D driving licence for free.
Earn a good starting salary with generous allowances through the temp agency Olympia
Work flexible, pre-scheduled shifts with a maximum length of 8 hours and 45 minutes
Discover Amsterdam’s unique buzz
MS5A0632

Are you ready for a new challenge? Do you like the vibrant atmosphere and the diversity of Amsterdam and would you like to to help  passengers go places pleasantly, safely and on time? But you don’t have a Category D driver’s licence or experience as a bus driver? No problem! We have a good offer in place for you! Do you already have experience as a bus driver? Check out our vacancy for an experienced bus driver. 

 

We provide the training course to become a bus driver with a Category D driving licence for free.
Earn a good starting salary with generous allowances through the temp agency Olympia
Work flexible, pre-scheduled shifts with a maximum length of 8 hours and 45 minutes
Discover Amsterdam’s unique buzz
GVB-LidianvanMegen-MS5A0961 copy2

Diverse and full of energy

Imagine: in your rear-view mirror, you spot some former school friends who haven’t seen each other for years. You say ‘good luck’ to a student on the bus cramming for an exam. You might even sing along in the evening with people coming back from a concert at Ziggo Dome. Every day and every trip is different. THIS is Amsterdam. Better than that: THIS is your new job. You are a GVB bus driver now! 

As a bus driver, you will meet all kinds of people all day, every day. Tourists, commuters, students, people enjoying a day out from various backgrounds and different age groups hop on the bus. Everyone making their way to their own destination. You will help them get there in a friendly and welcoming professional way, and with your own personal touch. 

MS5A9324

A bus driver is never alone

As a bus driver you’ll usually be the only GVB employee on the bus. But you never stand alone. Our GVB team is there for you. One of our bus drivers even calls it the “GVB Village”. A place where people know each other’s name. Think: traffic control, team management, planners and of course colleagues on the vehicles. You meet your colleagues on the road and during breaks at GVB destinations. We’re proud of GVB’s community spirit. Working together is the only way to build towards an accessible Amsterdam. 

 

 

Useful information

Want more information on GVB training courses and shift schedules? 

What can I expect from the bus driver training course and work experience phase?

To become a trainee bus driver at GVB you need to complete a number of phases:  

  • Selection procedure: During the selection phase you get to know GVB and GVB gets to know you. The procedure includes a medical assessment. After completing the selection procedure, we offer you a one-year employment contract via Olympia temp agency. 
  • Driver training course: You will participate in a driver training course to get the Category D driving  and Code 95 licence. This is part time during the evenings and can take up to four months. During this period you will not receive salary yet.  
  • Internal GVB training course: You then take part in an internal GVB training course for three weeks, where you also learn about the bus lines. The training course is approximately eight hours a day, Monday to Friday between 07:00 and 22:00 hours. You will also have Dutch lessons during this phase. 
Which days do bus drivers work?

Your work days (following training course completion) depend on your employment contract: 

  • You let us know which days you are available and GVB Planning Department schedules your shifts on those days.  
  • You work on approximately seven public holidays a year. 

You receive more pay (an increased hourly rate) if you work on holidays and weekends, and these days are settled in your annual hours. 

What are the workinghours of a bus driver?

A professional bus driver (after completion of the training course) works shifts between 04:30 and 01:00. Each shift lasts at least 3 hours and no more than 8 hours and 45 minutes. Sometimes you may be scheduled to a split shift. This means your shift is divided into two parts and you work two rush hour shifts on the same day. Split shifts are limited as much as possible.  

MS5A9401 copy

What you bring

You have a strong sense of responsibility, are customer-friendly and stress-resistant. Other requirements: 

  • You have a Category B driver’s licence. 
  • You have a residence and work permit for the Netherlands
  • You are between 1.65 and 2 metres tall. 
  • You have a secondary vocational school level or higher. 
  • You speak English well and have good reading comprehension skills in English. 
  • You qualify for a certificate of good conduct (in Dutch: ‘Verklaring Omtrent Gedrag’ or VOG). 
  • You can see colours and signals well (possibly with glasses or lenses). 

What we offer

Get your Category D driving licence for free 

We pay for the training course to become a bus driver with a Category D driving licence! 

Excellent pay

You will receive a salary of €2896 a month, based on a 40-hour working week. You will also receive a substantial allowance for irregular hours and 8% holiday pay and a thirteenth month salary.  

Clear schedule

When you work for GVB, you know your work schedule well in advance. A shift lasts up to 8 hours and 45 minutes. Clear schedules allow you to manage your work-life balance. 

Free GVB public transport

When you work at GVB, you travel for free on our public transport vehicles, even in your free time. 

Contribute to Amsterdam

Amsterdam traffic is increasingly busy. Public transport is essential for ensuring Amsterdam’s accessibility. As a bus driver, you contribute towards a sustainable and accessible city for everyone. 

Connect the world in Amsterdam

Everyone has their own destination and their own story. Each GVB employee contributes to their own journey. Together we help hundreds of thousands of people travelling in and around Amsterdam: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We connect a world of routes, people and their stories. Our buses, metro trains, trams and ferries are everywhere. But GVB is more than that. Behind the scenes, there’sa bustling world working hard to make sure the city is always accessible. As an employer, GVB wants to link each employee to our mission and vision: making a significant contribution to a liveable and accessible city. Will you join us? 

Come and meet us

Are you interested but would like to meet us first or maybe even join us during a shift? You can! You are welcome to talk to one of the GVB bus drivers, instructors, recruiters or a (team)manager at any of our location. Get in touch today!

Kennismaken
GVB-LidianvanMegen-MS5A0586 copy

Is GVB your next stop?

Enter your details. We will get in touch as soon as possible.

Fill out the application form

Enter your details on the website form.

Telephone call

We will call you within two working days and provide further information on the vacancy and selection procedure. We will also answer your initial questions and schedule an appointment to meet in person.

Preliminary interview

We will meet at one of our locations. During this interview, we will provide further information about working as an experienced GVB bus driver and we will discuss your knowledge and experience to work out what you would need in order to prepare for this job.

Selection day

During the selection day, you and other candidates will visit one of our locations. Several preliminary interviews are held, we discuss your knowledge of the city and the bus lines and you will do a test drive on one of our buses for a short time.

Conditions of employment

We reach an agreement on your employment contract and conditions of employment, your training course and your start date.

In-house training course and starting as a GVB bus driver

You take part in the in-house training course, learn the GVB bus lines and start driving the GVB bus.

Do you have a question?

Do you have any questions about this vacancy or about working at GVB? Our recruiters are happy to help you!

Olympia Inhouse GVB afbeelding
Olympia Inhouse GVB
Recruitment Vervoer

Want more information?

Frequently Asked Questions 

How will you contact me after I’ve applied for a job?

We usually reply to applications within one or two working days, and certainly within a calendar week. One of our GVB representatives or recruitment agents will contact you by phone. If we cannot reach you, we’ll leave you a message, an email or WhatsApp. Keep an eye out for a text, voicemail or email. 

How long will it take me to learn to drive a GVB vehicle?

The length of the selection procedure varies. In general, it will take one to two months from the moment you submit your application to the start of the GVB training course, which takes place when you start working for GVB. However, it can be quicker sometimes. 

Do I receive salary during the training course period?

No, you will receive salary from the moment you finish your training course. We do pay for the costs of the training course.

Can I start working immediately for GVB as a driver?

At this moment it is not possible to work directly for GVB as a non-dutch speaking driver. This is because of regulations from Vervoerregio Amsterdam.

Can I combine driving buses, trams and/or the metro?

Currently, it is not possible to drive more than one type of vehicle, but you may transfer internally from one to another at some point. We are researching whether we can offer a combined position in the future. 

Can I work part-time as a driver?

Yes, you can. There are several part-time options available when you work via Olympia and they include working less than 24 hours a week. Our training courses are always full-time.  

Is it possible to work 40 hours a week as a driver?

If you work via Olympia, you are guaranteed a 32-hour working week. You can work more than 32 hours a week, as long as there are enough shifts available to match your availability. 

Would I drive the same public transport lines? Would I start my working day at a set location?

As a non-speaking Dutch driver, you get to drive two transport lines. We are researching the possibilities to expand this.

Is there a shuttle bus for drivers to get to start locations?

No, we expect you to travel to your start location by your own means. 

 

Do you also employ people over 65 to drive GVB vehicles?

We do. If your skills and competencies match what is needed, and you would like to drive public transport vehicles, we welcome you at GVB. We have several people who have already reached the age of retirement. They are often employed part-time via Olympia and this gives them a flexibility of choice in their work hours. Read Ger’s story for more information.