The Job and What's Involved

Van drivers transport consumer goods, including documents, parcels, furniture, washing machines, carpets, computers, milk and other perishable items.

The type and size of the van they drive depends on what they have to carry and the distance they need to travel.

Daily tasks may include:

• Checking the van for faults.
• Making sure the correct items are ready to be loaded according to the paperwork.
• Loading the van and securing the load.
• Planning and timing the route.
• Unloading items at customers' premises.
• Getting signed receipts for the goods that are delivered.
• keeping records of the goods delivered, hours worked and distance traveled.

Drivers might have to help set up items, such as flat-pack furniture, or move heavy or awkward items into place.

Some van drivers sell items from their van, as well as delivering goods that have been ordered. These may be milk, bread, fish and meat, fruit and vegetables, or general groceries. Drivers can also work in fast food, selling food such as fish and chips, baked potatoes or ice-cream, for example. They may travel around an area, attend events, or regularly park in a specific lay-by or car park.

Some van drivers have responsibility for cleaning and maintaining their van.

They usually work alone, but some have a driver's mate to help them.

Starting salaries may be around £11,000 a year.

Working hours can vary. Van drivers usually work between 35 and 40 hours a week. Some companies offer overtime during the evenings and weekends, while others operate a system where drivers can finish work as soon as they have completed their deliveries. Some jobs, such as milk delivery, require a very early start. Part-time work is available.

Van drivers usually have to spend long periods in the van. They normally get in and out of the van many times during the day, and the work involves a lot of lifting and carrying. They also have to drive in all weather conditions.

Depending on the job, they may drive one particular route, or they might have to find their way around new areas.

Most of the work is carried out in towns or cities, although van drivers provide an important service in remote areas as well. For some jobs, drivers have to wear a uniform.

There are around 195,000 van drivers in the UK. The rise in internet shopping has resulted in a large increase in the numbers of home deliveries. This is expected to continue and will lead to even more opportunities for van drivers.

Van drivers may work throughout the country for a wide range of manufacturing, service and retail organisations, including dairies, bakers, security companies, large stores, wholesalers and mail delivery companies. There are also jobs with specialist distribution companies. Some drivers, particularly in van sales, are self-employed or run a franchise.

Vacancies are advertised in local newspapers, Jobcentre Plus offices, recruitment agencies and on employers' websites.

Education and Training

No formal academic qualifications are needed to become a van driver, but applicants should have skills in English and maths, an appropriate driving licence and a good driving record.

Van drivers need either:

An ordinary driving licence (which can be obtained at the age of 17 years and which entitles the holder to drive category B vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes, including its load - most vans fall into this category).

A category C1 licence if the weight of the vehicle and its load is between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes - this can be obtained by taking a further test from the age of 18 years.

Those with several years' driving experience and, in some cases, experience of working with people, may be at an advantage.

Apprenticeships which may be available in England are Young Apprenticeships, Pre-Apprenticeships, Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships. To find out which one is most appropriate log onto www.apprenticeships.org.uk or contact your local Connexions Partnership.

There are different arrangements for Apprenticeships in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. For further information contact Careers Scotland www.careers-scotland.org.uk, Careers Wales www.careerswales.com; and for Northern Ireland contact COIU www.delni.gov.uk.

Adult Entry

There is no upper age limit for entry to the work and there are good opportunities for adults.

Many drivers have previous experience as a driver's mate or warehouse worker. Experience of retail work may also be useful.

Training

Initial training is often provided via short in-house induction courses, covering company rules, paperwork and the types of goods handled. In-house or external training courses may also cover manual handling and health and safety. Drivers often learn routes and other aspects of the job from experienced staff.

Van drivers may work towards NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Carry and Deliver Goods, or Levels 2 and 3 in Driving Goods Vehicles.

Personal Qualities

Van drivers need to:

• Have excellent driving skills.
• Be able to concentrate at all times.
• Be patient and have a considerate attitude towards other road users.
• Have good knowledge of the area, or be good at map reading and navigation.
• Have an awareness of general road safety, and of safety when loading and unloading.
• Be physically fit if lifting heavy items.
• Have good eyesight.
• Be able to work alone or with one other person.
• Be polite to customers when picking up or dropping off deliveries.
• Be able to complete paperwork and meet deadlines.
• Be accurate and trustworthy if dealing with money.

Prospects

Van drivers may move into related areas in transport and distribution. For example, they might move to clerical, administrative or warehouse posts, or become transport controllers, supervisors or managers.

By taking a category C or C+E driving test, they may drive large goods vehicles (LGV's) for a haulage or distribution company.

Get Further Information

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Customer Enquiries (Drivers) Group, Sandringham Park, Swansea SA7 0EE  Tel: 0870 240 0009  Website: www.dvla.gov.uk

Driving Standards Agency (DSA), Stanley House, 56 Talbot Street, Nottingham NG1 5GU
Tel: 0115 901 2500  Website: www.dsa.gov.uk

Freight Transport Association, Hermes House, St John's Road, Tunbridge Wells TN4 9UZ
Tel: 01892 526171  Website: www.fta.co.uk

Skills for Logistics, 14 Warren Yard, Warren Farm Office Village, Milton Keynes MK12 5NW
Tel: 01908 313360  Website: www.skillsforlogistics.org and www.careersinlogistics.co.uk

 

Careers information and vocational qualifications change rapidly. The information in this career note was accurate at the time of going to print, but readers should check it with professional bodies or careers advisers before making decisions.