Delivery van driver

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, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

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

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.

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

You'll need to:

• have a full driving licence

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.

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

You could work from a vehicle.

You may need to wear a uniform.