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Delivery van driver

Alternative titles for this job include Van driver, multi-drop driver

Delivery van drivers collect a wide range of items and deliver them to customers.

Average salary (a year)

£14,000 Starter

to

£27,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

44 to 46 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

How to become a delivery van driver

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

Apprenticeship

You may be able to start in this job through an intermediate apprenticeship as an express delivery operative with a delivery company.

This apprenticeship will take a minimum of 12 months to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More information

Direct application

You could apply directly to work as a delivery driver. Employers will expect you to have:

  • basic English and maths skills
  • a good driving record and the correct licence

More information

Career tips

Having experience in storage or warehousing could be useful.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in parcel delivery from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • customer service skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

  • have colour-normal vision
  • have good eyesight
  • have a full UK or EU driving licence, held for at least 12 months

You'll need a licence for the type of vehicle you'll be driving and a good driving record. Your employer may supply you with a delivery van, but if you're self-employed you'll need your own vehicle.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

  • collecting goods from a depot, warehouse or pick-up point
  • loading the vehicle in an order that matches the deliveries you'll make
  • planning the route
  • greeting customers, getting signatures and giving invoices when you deliver
  • recording mileage and fuel you buy
  • updating delivery records
  • returning undelivered items

Working environment

You could work from a vehicle.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could complete training for a large goods vehicle (LGV) licence for opportunities in freight transport and tanker driving.

If you take specialist training, like defensive driving and personal security, you could drive vehicles containing cash and valuable items. You'd also usually need a Security Industry Association (SIA) licence for this.

Training opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

BT Apprentice programme - Distribution Driver

  • Wage : £16,179.00 Annually
  • Location: Lutterworth LE17 4XW

BT Apprentice programme - Distribution Driver

  • Wage : £16,179.00 Annually
  • Location: Northallerton DL6 2PJ
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a delivery van driver?

Search for training courses near you.

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