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Van driving is a highly skilled, flexible and rewarding career for many people. However the skill and professionalism involved are not recognised by many as most van drivers can operate on a standard car licence (category B). However, in many ways this puts an even greater onus on van drivers and their employers to keep standards of driving and professional courtesy high in order to dispel the popular prejudice among motorists against "White Van Man". Van drivers are not bound by drivers' hours legislation and do not have to fit tachographs; however speed limiter legislation is now in place for vans.
There are four basic categories of driving licence which can give you access to a driving career. However, only two of them apply if you want to drive vans.
You will also need a clean driver’s licence – no points or disqualifications – good literacy and numeracy skills and usually good people skills. This is because in delivery and courier work the van driver is often the only member of the organization the customer sees and therefore it will fall to you to make a good impression and deal with frontline queries or complaints. If you enjoy driving professionally further qualifications you could pursue are as follows:
Note: In 1997 the old Class system for licences was abolished. However many sites including the DVLA still refer to both the category system and the old class system. This can be confusing so remember – it is the Category that matters. The Class system is obsolete. Good employers will also offer further training to you such as Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving (SAFED). According to some recruitment agencies more employers are now looking for higher levels of qualification even for van drivers, as it gives them higher standards and greater flexibility in their workforce – meaning that investing in an HGV licence may help your employment prospects.
Lots of firms employ van drivers within distribution and mobile services – eg delivery and courier work, plumbers, builders or mobile fitters. A large proportion of the UK van parc is dedicated to self-employed people whose core craft is not driving – the van is simply a tool. This does not mean however that their standards of driving can be lower than any other professional drivers' because a mistake or misdemeanour can not only cost their licence but effectively their livelihood.
You can apply for your driving licence online at the DVLA site. Driving tests include a practical, a theory test and a hazard perception test. How long it takes to get your Category B licence depends upon how naturally you take to controlling the vehicle and anticipating the traffic around you but usually ten hour-long sessions would be a bare minimum. Prices vary from £15-25 a session.
You can apply for your Category B from the age of 17 but employers may have difficulty insuring a newly qualified and young driver in their vans. However, there are many other jobs such as driver’s mate or learning transport management which can allow young drivers to earn money while they gain the necessary experience.
There isn’t actually funding available for licence acquisition. However other training you may need such as polishing up literacy and numeracy skills are often state-subsidised or free.
Your local BusinessLink or Job Centre will be able to advise you about qualifications and vacancies. Jobs can also be found at Totaljobs.com, Careers in Logistics, or Connexions Direct. Skills for Logistics has some case studies of professional drivers which may be of interest.
Van drivers must be fit to be behind the wheel. All drivers are expected to tell the DVLA if they have a medical condition which could affect their driving; however professional drivers are held to a higher standard. You must fill in a questionnaire when applying for your licence which covers such conditions as heart conditions, diabetes and epilepsy, among others. It is also essential that your eye sight is of a sufficient standard, with corrective lenses if necessary. If you have a medical condition DVLA doctors must be convinced that with the correct treatment you are safe behind the wheel.
Salaries are typically between £11,000 and £22,000 depending upon the kind of work.
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