Delivery drivers play a vital role in transporting goods from warehouses, shops, or restaurants directly to customers. The job involves loading and unloading vehicles, planning delivery routes, handling parcels or products, and ensuring timely deliveries. Drivers are required to have a full UK driving licence and a good driving record. They must also have excellent customer service skills, as they represent the company when interacting with customers. The role can be physically demanding, often involving lifting and carrying packages, and can require working in various weather conditions. With the rise of online shopping and food delivery services, the demand for delivery drivers has grown rapidly across the UK.
The average salary for a delivery driver in the UK is between £20,000 and £30,000 per year, depending on experience, employer, and location.
There are over 300,000 delivery driver positions in the UK, with demand increasing due to the growth of online shopping and home deliveries.
Delivery drivers often work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, with full-time and part-time roles available.
Delivering goods and parcels to multiple locations in a single day, often for courier companies or local businesses.
Transporting groceries from supermarkets or local shops directly to customers' homes, ensuring fresh and timely delivery.
Specialising in the delivery of medical supplies, prescriptions, and laboratory samples safely and securely to healthcare facilities and patients.
You need a valid and full UK driving licence for the type of vehicle you plan to drive.
Most delivery driving jobs require a standard Category B licence for cars and vans. If you want to drive larger vehicles, such as lorries, you'll need additional qualifications like a Category C licence (HGV). Check the GOV UK website for information on the type of licence you need and how to apply.
Ensure you meet the minimum age and are fit to drive.
You must be at least 17 years old to drive a car in the UK. For larger vehicles, you must be 18 or older. You may also need to pass a medical exam for certain vehicles, especially if driving professionally. Good eyesight and general health are important.
Practice safe driving and learn how to use navigation tools.
Employers look for drivers with a clean driving record and good knowledge of local roads. Practise using satnav or map apps, and always follow the Highway Code. Consider taking extra driving courses to improve your skills and employability.
Learn how to interact positively with customers.
As a delivery driver, you will often represent the company to customers. Good communication and a polite manner are essential, especially when dealing with queries or complaints. Practise being helpful, punctual, and professional.
Search and apply for jobs with delivery companies, retailers, or food services.
Job opportunities can be found with courier firms, supermarkets, online retailers, and food delivery services. Prepare a CV highlighting your driving experience, qualifications, and customer service skills. You may need to provide references and undergo a background check.
Explore working as an independent courier or delivery driver.
Some drivers work for themselves, contracting with multiple companies or using delivery apps. You will need your own vehicle, insurance, and an understanding of self-employment tax and business management. This route offers flexibility but also requires more responsibility.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Delivery Driver. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A Delivery Driver and a Delivery van driver both involve transporting goods or packages from one location to another using a van or similar vehicle. They require similar driving skills, knowledge of routes, and adherence to safety and delivery schedules.
You can get into this job through an apprenticeship or by applying directly.
You could do an Express Delivery Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship or an Urban Driver Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.
These apprenticeships take at least 1 year to complete.
You'll usually need:
You could apply directly to work as a delivery driver.
Employers will expect you to have:
You'll find it useful to have experience in storage, working in a warehouse or other driving work.
You can find out more about working in logistics from Generation Logistics.
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