Delivery van driver

Career path and progression

With experience you could:

• become a delivery coordinator and manage a team of delivery drivers
• use your driving skills to work in other types of transport
• do training to become a HGV driver and work in freight transport
• get a Security Industry Association license and do specialist training to drive and deliver cash and high value items

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• customer service skills
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• the ability to work well with others
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• 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 a full driving licence

Your employer might supply you with a delivery van, but if you're self-employed you'll need your own vehicle.

You'll also need to check what type of insurance is required for your vehicle and for the goods you transport, especially if self-employed.

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Mathematics - Delivery van drivers use maths daily to calculate fuel costs, mileage, delivery quantities, and load weights. They also need to manage invoices, record expenses, and ensure their vehicle isn't overloaded – all of which require confident number skills.
• Geography - Delivery van drivers plan efficient routes across towns, cities, and rural areas, often adapting on the go due to traffic or road closures. Understanding maps, road networks, and how to navigate different environments is a core part of the job.

Also relevant

• Business - Delivery van drivers who are self-employed need to manage their own finances, insurance, vehicle costs, and customer relationships. Understanding how to run a small business and price services is important for those working independently.
• English Language - Delivery van drivers communicate with customers, warehouse staff, and coordinators throughout the day. They need to update delivery records clearly, handle queries or complaints, and sometimes explain delivery issues in a professional way.
• Computer Science - Delivery van drivers use handheld devices, GPS navigation, and tracking systems to manage their routes and update delivery records in real time. While they don't build these systems, understanding how digital tools and apps work helps them troubleshoot issues on the road.
• Physical Education - Delivery van drivers spend long hours lifting, carrying, and loading parcels of varying sizes and weights. Good physical fitness and an understanding of safe manual handling techniques help prevent injuries during a physically demanding working day.