What does a van driver do?

A van driver is responsible for transporting goods from one place to another by driving a van. Often, van drivers work on their own all day long. However, for the delivery of heavy goods, such as furniture, van drivers may work in a team. Some employers require their drivers to wear a uniform. Being a van driver requires different types of driving licences depending on the size of the vehicle being driven. Van drivers can also be specialised with, for example, the use of special vehicles to transport cash or other types of valuable goods, such as precious metals or works of art. These drivers are often called cash in transit drivers.

Van driver skills and qualifications

A van driver needs to have stamina, to be able to drive for long periods of time, combined with good customer service. Successful van driver candidates have the following skills to be able to fulfil their duties in the role:  

• Customer service skills and good communication
• Punctuality to ensure timely deliveries
• Be an excellent, skilful driver and respect traffic laws at all times
• Be able to stay focused for long periods of time and be detail orientated
• Be comfortable with reading maps and GPS indications
• Ability to manage the process of loading and unloading goods
• Reliability, politeness and trustworthiness
• Knowledge of transport methods, benefits and costs

Van driver experience requirements

In this field, having experience as a driver in previous roles is a plus. Employers will look for candidates who have a good understanding of their responsibilities and who have proven experience of driving in their career. Knowledge of what happens on the road is essential for the role. Employers recruiting for this position understand that navigation skills become more natural with practice.

Van driver education and training requirements

No specific qualifications are required for the position of van driver. Candidates can apply directly with basic English skills, a good driving record and the appropriate licence. The licence required will depend on the van size, for instance, vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes require a driver with a C1 licence. Some candidates might have done an apprenticeship as an express delivery operative or urban driver. These take a minimum of 12 months to complete. The apprenticeship usually requires GCSEs in English and maths. Some drivers of specific vehicles, such those transporting cash and valuable items, need an SIA licence. Employers in this field might also require the completion of the National Open College Network Level 2 Award for Cash and Valuables in Transit Operatives.

Van driver salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a van driver in the United Kingdom is £10.74 per hour. As for many positions, this salary is influenced by experience, employer and location.  

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Van driver job description FAQs

What should you look for when recruiting a van driver?

When recruiting for a van driver role, employers should consider the driver’s historical driving records. These can serve as proof points of the driver’s skills and respect for road regulations. Employers should also look at customer service skills and any other soft skills that they feel are relevant, such as reliability, punctuality, good communication and politeness.

How many hours a week can a van driver work for?

As the role requires constant attention on the road, there are daily and weekly limits for van driver hours. The weekly limit is 56 hours. Furthermore, drivers cannot drive for more than 90 hours in any two consecutive weeks. This means that employers need to find the right balance from one week to the next and ensure that their rotas are well managed and communicated to the drivers in their teams.

How should you personalise your van driver job description?

In a competitive employment market, personalising your van driver job description will attract better candidates. After covering the skills required for the job, the recruiting employer should give information about the company culture, including values. Talking about career progression will also generate curiosity and will entice candidates who are looking for career progression. Lastly, remember to cover any employee benefits, as these can make all the difference.