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Delivery Driver

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A delivery driver is responsible for transporting goods from warehouses, shops, or restaurants to customers' homes or businesses. The role involves loading and unloading vehicles, planning routes, and ensuring that all deliveries are made on time and in good condition. Delivery drivers may drive cars, vans, or larger lorries, depending on the type of goods being transported. Good customer service skills, a clean driving licence, and the ability to work independently are important for this job. The rise in online shopping and food delivery services has led to a steady increase in opportunities for delivery drivers across the UK.

Delivery Driver

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📊 Statistics

Average salary

Delivery drivers in the UK typically earn between £20,000 and £30,000 per year, depending on experience and employer.

Job openings

There were around 330,000 delivery driver positions in the UK in 2023, with demand increasing due to growth in online shopping.

Working hours

Full-time delivery drivers often work 35 to 48 hours per week, with some roles requiring early mornings, evenings, or weekends.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Courier Van Driver

Delivers parcels and packages for courier companies, often working to tight delivery schedules in specific local areas.

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Grocery Delivery Driver

Transports groceries from supermarkets to customers' homes, often working for large retailers or independent shops.

Pharmacy Delivery Driver

Delivers prescriptions and medical supplies from pharmacies to patients, focusing on timely and safe delivery of sensitive items.

Gain the Right Qualifications

Obtain a Full UK Driving Licence

Make sure you have a full UK driving licence appropriate for the vehicle you want to drive.

For most delivery driver jobs, you need a full UK Category B (car) licence for vans or cars, or a motorcycle licence for bike deliveries. For larger vehicles, such as lorries, you will need additional categories and may need to pass extra tests. Always check the job requirements to see what kind of licence is needed.

Improve Basic Maths and English Skills

Employers often require good basic skills for record keeping and communication.

Many employers ask for a minimum of GCSEs in Maths and English at grades 3 to 4 (D to C), or equivalent. These skills are important for reading delivery instructions, communicating with customers, and handling paperwork. If you do not have these qualifications, you can take Functional Skills or GCSE resits at your local college.

Get Essential Experience

Practise Safe and Efficient Driving

Develop your driving skills and gain experience on the road.

Consider taking an advanced driving course or volunteering for local delivery work to build your experience. Employers value safe, reliable drivers with a good understanding of routes and traffic laws. You can also work in part time or temporary delivery roles to build up your CV.

Familiarise Yourself with Local Areas

Learn about local road networks and delivery routes.

Knowing your local area will help you deliver parcels more efficiently and avoid delays. Use online maps, sat navs, and route planning apps to improve your knowledge. Some employers may test your local knowledge during the interview process.

Apply for Delivery Driver Jobs

Prepare Your CV and References

Write a CV highlighting your driving experience and relevant skills.

Focus on your driving licence, any experience with delivery or customer service, and your familiarity with local routes. Include references from previous employers or driving instructors if possible. There are many CV templates online specifically for delivery drivers.

Search and Apply for Jobs

Look for delivery driver vacancies online and in your local area.

Popular job sites include Indeed, Reed, and the websites of major delivery companies such as Royal Mail, DPD, and Amazon. You can also check local newspapers and recruitment agencies. Be prepared for an interview and a driving assessment as part of the application process.

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🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Delivery Driver. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

A Delivery Driver and a Postperson both involve transporting items from one location to another, often over similar distances. Both roles require good knowledge of routes, driving skills, and the ability to handle packages or mail efficiently and safely.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an Express Delivery Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in delivery or sorting, with a courier or postal firm.

These take around one year to complete and combine on-the-job learning with time at a training centre.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

More Information

Work

Royal Mail often recruit temporary staff. This can be a useful way for you to get some experience in the job before applying for a permanent role.

Direct Application

You can apply directly for postal delivery work. You'll need to be physically fit, a good timekeeper and be friendly and approachable.

You will also need a full driving licence if you want to work on van deliveries.

Further information

You can get more details about careers and training in postal work from Royal Mail Group.

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