Get to know the different UK driving job roles, how much they pay and just how much demand there is in today’s jobs market for new and experienced professional drivers.
With good rates of pay and a recent spike in demand for professional van delivery drivers across the UK, this could be a great way for you to embark on a driving career.
What types of driving work is there?
When considering taking on driving jobs, UK licencing requirements can vary depending on the type of vehicles you will be driving.
There are a wide variety of driving roles and no matter which role you choose there will be some duties that are consistent. A driving role of any type will usually involve the loading and securing of goods within your vehicle, and checking your routes for safety restrictions, planned road works and traffic density, to ensure your journey will be smooth and efficient. You will no doubt be liaising with customers about delivery times, completing paperwork and sometimes working with other drivers or a Drivers Mate.
Below we have listed the types of driving jobs in the UK with the associated vehicles size and weight categories:
- Forklift Truck Driver – uses a forklift truck to deliver, move, load and unload a variety of goods.
- Final Mile Courier – usually drive cars or small vans up to 3.5 tonnes on a standard category B driving licence.
- Van/Delivery Driver Category B – usually drives vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes on a standard category B car driving licence or up to 7500 tonnes with a C1 licence.
- Vehicle Mounted Crane Operator (HIAB Driver) – drives LGV weighing up to 7,500kg/7.5 tonne that have a crane either at the rear or just behind the cab, used to load and unload goods.
- Large Goods Vehicles (LGV) Class C – drives articulated vehicles in excess of 7,500kg/7.5 tonne with trailers weighing up to 750kg.
- Large Goods Vehicles (LGV) Class C+E Driver – drives articulated vehicles in excess of 7,500kg/7.5 tonne with trailers weighing more than 750kg.
- LGV C1 Driver – drives large good vehicles weighing up to 7,500kg/7.5 tonne.
- The European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) – drives vehicles with tanks, certain tank components and can carry dangerous goods in packages. Can be articulated vehicles in excess of 7,500kg/7.5 tonne or rigid vehicles weighing over 7,500kg/7.5 tonne with trailers weighing up to 750kg with a Class C or C+E licence and an ADR Certificate.
- Class 1 / 2 Moffett Driver – drives vehicles which are equipped with MOFFETT truck mounted forklifts. These are to safely and efficiently load and unload products into or from the trailer.
- Tanker Driver – drives LGV weighing up to 7,500kg/7.5 tonne carrying bulk materials or liquids.
See our infographic for a full explanation on Commercial Driving Licences.
Pay by job role
Largely due to the increasing use of online shopping and home delivery services, the demand for professional drivers to fill positions across most driving roles in the logistics industry is steadily increasing. For example, September 2020 saw a 19% increase in the demand for Delivery Drivers and LGV/HGV Drivers compared to September 2019 [1].
Where next?
If you are new to driving, you may want to start out in a delivery van driving job to gain valuable experience. If you are in the driving sector, and you’re serious about a driving career, work towards the highest licence you can and where possible gain a specialist licence such as an ADR licence. With experience, you can drive all vehicles that fall within or below your licence range, keeping your employment options wide open.
If you are ready to shift gear and steer your own driving career to success, you can find detailed information about LGV/HGV Driver training here and full driving career prospects and career path information here.
Jobseekers
We have a range of tools to help you with your job search. Click here to find out how to get a job through Blue Arrow and click here to view our latest driving jobs.
References:
- Skills and Employment Report 2020. 2021. Skills and Employment Report 2020. [ONLINE] Available at:https://logistics.org.uk/campaigns/forms/skills-and-employment-report-download-form. [Accessed April 2021].
- Europe’s driver shortage to rise by 10% in 2021. IRU survey: 08.03.2021 [ONLINE] Available at:https://trans.info/en/iru-survey-europe-s-driver-shortage-to-rise-by-10-in-2021-226644 [Accessed April 2021].
