Becoming a delivery driver: Qualifications, salary and career progression
DRIVE up your earning power with a driving job.
While the HGV driver shortage has been hitting the headlines recently, there are thousands of vacancies for forklift and delivery drivers too – which pay surprisingly good wages.
Take a look at how much you could earn.
- Delivery Driver, SJC Distributions Limited, Bournemouth
- Class 2 Driver, Extrastaff, Basildon
- Reach Forklift Driver, Indeed Flex, Cardiff
Ready to deliver the goods for a new employer? Here’s all you need to know to secure a driving role, with Sun Jobs.
I don’t want to be a long-distance HGV driver, so what other driving jobs can I do?
The good news is there are plenty of other driving roles you can choose from.
One option is to become a forklift operator.
You’ll be responsible for moving, delivering, loading and unloading a variety of goods in warehouses and on construction sites.
You could also choose to be a local delivery driver or a Class 2 driver.
Class 2 drivers are qualified to drive a small lorry over 3,500kg, including a trailer weighing up to 750kg, also known as a ‘rigid’.
They are normally used for making local and domestic deliveries.
What kind of salary can I make as a driver?
Forklift Operators make an average salary of £28,000 up to £44,000 for a very experienced operative, while Class 2 Drivers average £33,000 but many roles now offer over £40,000.
For delivery drivers, expect to pocket around £32,000 for full-time work, and up to £45,000 for specialist jobs such as medical delivery drivers.
All these jobs offer shift work so you can earn more on overnight shifts.
Also, there are usually part-time positions available, to fit around your other commitments.
What qualifications will I need for a driving job?
This will depend on the type of role you take.
Many delivery jobs do not require any formal qualifications but you must hold a valid driving licence, be punctual, be a good timekeeper and be willing to work hard to deliver great customer service.
Most courier and delivery firms will offer their own tailored training.
To become a forklift operative, it’s helpful to have GCSEs in maths and English and have completed a Level 2 NVQ in Plant Operations – Forklift Trucks.
Again, many companies run their own tailored training and will expect you to attend courses to refresh your knowledge every couple of years.
To become a Class 2 driver, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid car driving licence.
You’ll need to pass your Class 1 test before progressing to Class 2 and to keep your Class 2 licence current, you should also undertake 35 hours of Periodic CPC training every five years.
Find out more at www.nationaldrivingcentre.co.uk/c-lorry-lgv-training-course-2.
What is career progression like in a driving job?
Just like life on the road, there are many destinations your career can take.
You may progress to become an HGV driver, you could specialise and earn more transporting medical or hazardous goods, you could become a driving trainer which offers regular hours and higher pay or you could even set up your courier or driving company.