Every crash, stall and emergency stop will be broadcast on television tonight in a documentary about trainee London bus drivers.

Transport for London and Arriva London have allowed television cameras behind-the-scenes at Edmonton and South Norwood bus garages for a documentary series that shows the challenges faced by bus drivers.

ITV's Double Decker Driving School reveals what it takes to join the ranks of London’s 24,500 bus drivers, who are responsible to the safety of up to 80 passengers while negotiating the streets of London.

Each programme of the six-part series will focus on candidates from a recent intake of drivers at Arriva’s bus driving schools as they undertake a six-week training programme.

Leon Daniels, TfL’s managing director of surface transport, said: “London buses are internationally recognised icons, but they of course owe their fame to the men and women who expertly pilot them through our busy streets.

“These programmes show how tough it is to be a bus driver in London and how much effort goes in to ensuring the safety and comfort of our customers.

“The accessible services the bus network provides to every corner of the Capital, in many cases 24-hours a day, 364 days of the year, is a key element in keeping London the thriving place it is."

The series begins tonight at 8.30pm and will be broadcast in the same slot over the next five weeks.