How to work out which delivery job is best for you

“I’ve been thinking of training to be a delivery driver.”

These are often the words that begin an exciting journey for most of our students when they call us for advice. Because being a delivery driver covers so many different options, informed support can help to set you on the right track.

Local, national, or international. Courier, supermarket, or supply chain. Do you want to head home at the end of the day or travel further afield? Do you have ambitions to specialise and challenge yourself, like ADR driving? What you think will work for you will affect which category of licence you should train for. This breakdown is designed to help you in that process.

What licence category should I train for?

Your first major decision is choosing the right licence. This determines the type of vehicle you can drive and, consequently, the jobs available to you. You’ll need to make this decision first as part of your provisional licence application. There are three main HGV licence categories to consider:

Category C1 Licence

A Category C1 licence allows you to drive vehicles between 3,500kg and 7,500kg. This is a popular entry point into professional driving, perfect for those who want to handle something more substantial than a standard van without committing to the largest trucks on the road.

What kind of jobs can I get?

• Local Courier Services: For example, multiple drop deliveries for companies like DPD or Hermes. You’ll follow a set route, get to know your local area like the back of your hand, and usually be home every evening. It’s a physically active role that suits people who enjoy a predictable routine.
• Supermarket Home Delivery: Driving for major retailers like Tesco or Ocado involves transporting groceries directly to customers’ homes. This role combines driving with customer service, and tends to run to a stable schedule.
• Trades and Light Haulage: Many builders’ merchants and specialist suppliers use C1 vehicles to deliver materials to sites. If you enjoy a hands on job, this could be a great fit.

The C1 is a solid starting point that gives you a taste of the logistics world without the immediate leap to articulated lorries.

Category C Licence

Often called a “Class 2” licence, Category C lets you drive any rigid vehicle over 3,500kg, with a trailer up to 750kg. This is where your options really start to expand, with roles that are often better paid and more varied.

What kind of jobs can I get?

• Regional Distribution: You’ll be the person responsible for moving large quantities of goods from a central depot to regional hubs or large retail stores. These roles often involve longer drives than a local courier but are typically confined to the UK.
• Waste Management and Construction: For example, refuse collection or a tipper truck on a building site. These are vital, secure jobs that require a Cat C licence. They offer good pay and a consistent work pattern.
• Home Removals: This is a varied role that involves a lot more than just driving. You’ll be part of a team, helping people move house. It’s a physical job that offers a lot of variety and customer interaction.

Passing your Category C licence opens doors to a wide range of industries and higher earning potential. It’s a steady and sturdy choice. 

Category C+E Licence

This is the top tier of HGV licences, also referred to as “Class 1”. It allows you to drive articulated lorries or “Artics”; vehicles over 3,500kg with a trailer exceeding 750kg. These are the biggest trucks on the motorway, and the drivers who operate them are in high demand.

What kind of jobs can I get?

• Long-Haul and International Driving: If the idea of travelling across the country, or even into Europe, appeals to you, this is the licence to aim for. You could be away from home for several days at a time, but the salaries reflect this commitment.
• Supermarket Trunking: This involves moving full lorry loads of stock between major distribution centres, often overnight. It’s a role that suits drivers who prefer long, uninterrupted spells on the road with minimal loading and unloading.
• Specialised Transport: With a C+E licence and extra qualifications like an ADR certificate for hazardous goods, you can command the highest salaries. You might transport anything from fuel and chemicals to refrigerated goods or heavy machinery.

The C+E licence offers the highest career and salary potential, but it requires the biggest commitment in terms of training and lifestyle.

How do I get my HGV licence?

The HGV training process is pretty straightforward, but it has to follow the right process, and meet specific timelines. Our advisors at Surrey & Hampshire HGV Training will guide you through each stage, making sure you’re fully prepared.

1. Medical Exam: First, you’ll need to pass a medical assessment to ensure you are fit and well enough to drive an HGV. This is part of your submission of form D4
2. Provisional Licence Application: Once you have your medical form, you’ll send this to the DVLA with Form D2 to apply for your provisional HGV licence. It’s this point when you’ll need to specify which licence category you’re aiming for.
3. Theory Test: The theory part is split into two sections: multiple choice questions and a hazard perception test. You’ll need to revise topics like road safety, vehicle mechanics, and drivers’ hours regulations.
4. Practical Training and Test: This is where you get behind the wheel with your instructor. You’ll learn how to handle the vehicle, perform safety checks, and master manoeuvres which you’ll demonstrate in your practical driving test.
5. Driver CPC: To drive professionally, you also need to complete your Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). The initial qualification is covered by modules 2 and 4 of the HGV testing process. To stay up to date, all drivers must undertake 35 hours of periodic training every five years.

It might sound like a lot of steps, but we’re here to make sure that you hit every milestone along the way.

At Surrey & Hampshire HGV Training, we support our learners from their first phone call to their first day on the job. We offer expert advice to help you choose the best licence category for your goals and provide comprehensive training to get you qualified. Contact us today to discuss your options.