A driving license can significantly enhance your job prospects, opening doors to a wide range of employment opportunities. Whether you’re seeking part-time work for additional income or full-time employment, having a car can be a major advantage.
To illustrate this point, let’s explore some common driving-related jobs in the UK. While certain industries, such as construction, may benefit from having a driving license, we’ll focus on roles that primarily involve driving. These positions are often accessible to a broader range of individuals as they typically don’t require specialized skills beyond driving proficiency.
Let’s delve into some driving job opportunities available to you with a standard UK driving license.
What vehicles can you drive with a standard UK driving licence?
No problem, here’s the respun paragraph:
Before we dive in, let’s get clear on what a standard UK driving licence lets you operate. Remember, some driving gigs might require you to hold your licence for at least a year.
A manual Category B licence allows you to drive cars and similar vehicles (like vans) up to 3500kg with a maximum of 8 passengers. Towing a trailer is also permitted, as long as the combined weight (including the car) doesn’t exceed 3500kg. If you have an automatic Category B licence, you have the same permissions, but only for automatic vehicles. For more in-depth information on driving licence categories, check out Gov.uk.
Driving jobs
Courier/Delivery driver
As a courier, you’ll be responsible for delivering packages, parcels, and documents to various locations. While many large delivery companies require a Category C driving license, there are opportunities for self-employed couriers using their own cars or vans. If you have a strong knowledge of local roads (or a reliable navigation system) and possess excellent customer service skills, this could be a great way to earn extra income. Such roles are also available with businesses like pharmacies.
Potential Earnings: £8 to £13 per hour / £10,000 to £27,000 per year
Pros: Flexible hours, competitive pay
Cons: Demanding workload, personal responsibility for fuel and vehicle maintenance costs.
Food delivery driver
While similar to delivery driving, food delivery offers a unique opportunity to earn extra income through tips. Your ability to deliver food faster by car can increase your tip potential. In smaller towns or villages, you might work directly with local restaurants. In cities, larger companies like Uber Eats and Deliveroo connect you with various food establishments.
Potential Earnings: Approximately £7 to £15 per hour, with variations based on delivery volume and distance.
Pros:
- Flexible hours
- Potential for bonuses
- Timely payment
- Opportunity to earn tips
Cons:
- Primarily suited for urban areas
- Inconsistent work availability
- No guaranteed minimum wage
Taxi driver
As a taxi driver, you’ll be responsible for transporting passengers to their desired destinations. To work as a licensed taxi driver, you’ll need to obtain a taxi driver’s license and potentially complete additional company-specific tests. Alternatively, you can explore self-employed opportunities with companies like Uber or Lyft. While you’ll still need a private hire license from your local council, these companies can assist with the application process.
Potential Earnings: £14,000 to £35,000 per year
Pros:
- Flexible hours
- Work from the comfort of your own vehicle
- Potential to earn tips
Cons:
- Most profitable hours often fall outside of traditional working hours
- Inconsistent workload
- Personal responsibility for fuel and vehicle maintenance costs
- Potential encounters with challenging passengers
Postal Worker
This role is akin to a delivery driver, but with the added prestige of representing Royal Mail. While you won’t need your own vehicle, you may be required to pass aptitude tests. Post offices often hire temporary staff for the busy Christmas season, which typically starts in September.
Potential Earnings: £11+ per hour / £16,000 to £30,000 per year
Pros: Steady income, job security.
Cons: Unconventional working hours, potential need for additional qualifications or tests.
Where to find driving jobs
Big job boards like Indeed, Reed, and Monster are great tools for narrowing down your search. You can filter by location and keywords like “driving jobs” or “full driving licence.” These platforms also provide insights into company culture, benefits, and employee reviews. LinkedIn is another valuable resource for professional networking.
Don’t overlook local opportunities. Check local newspapers, online forums, and directly approach businesses in your area. A proactive approach, such as emailing your CV to local restaurants, pharmacies, and other small businesses, demonstrates your motivation and initiative. Even if they don’t have immediate openings, your proactive stance could make you a top candidate for future opportunities.
Things to consider if you get a driving job
We hope this has provided you with a clear understanding of the potential career paths that can open up with a driving license. As you embark on this journey, consider the following tips:
- Maintain a Clean Driving Record: A clean driving record is essential for your professional career.
- Prioritize Safe Driving: Practice safe driving habits and maintain high standards.
- Balance Work and Leisure: Be mindful that driving for a living may impact your personal enjoyment of driving.
- Avoid Driving When Tired: Never drive when fatigued, as it significantly increases the risk of accidents.
RD2SuccessFastTrack is here to help you accelerate your driving journey and obtain your license quickly. We offer a wide range of courses and have thousands of qualified instructors ready to assist you.
