Driving Jobs UK
Every UK driving role from van driver to Class 1 HGV — with salary ranges, licence requirements, demand by sector, and how to land more callbacks. Plus how to apply at volume overnight.
Driving roles in the UK — salaries and demand
Salary figures are 2026 UK market rates. Remote = regularly available as remote/hybrid.
| Role | Salary | Demand | Remote? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Driver (Van) | £24–32k | Very High | Usually on-site |
| Multi-drop Delivery Driver | £26–34k | Very High | Usually on-site |
| Class 2 (LGV Cat C) Driver | £30–40k | High | Usually on-site |
| Class 1 (HGV Cat C+E) Driver | £35–55k | Very High | Usually on-site |
| Tanker Driver | £42–60k | High | Usually on-site |
| Refuse Collection Driver | £30–42k | High | Usually on-site |
| Bus / Coach Driver (PCV) | £28–38k | High | Usually on-site |
| Forklift Driver | £24–32k | Very High | Usually on-site |
| Logistics Driver Manager | £40–58k | Medium | Usually on-site |
| Courier Owner-Driver | £28–45k | High | Usually on-site |
What each driving role actually involves
Delivery Driver (Van)
Amazon Flex, Royal Mail, courier companies. Cat B licence. Often subcontracted.
Multi-drop Delivery Driver
50–100 stops/day. Cat B. Postcode knowledge less important since Sat Nav.
Class 2 (LGV Cat C) Driver
Rigid lorry. Local or regional routes. Licence cost £2,500–3,500 but opens better-paid roles.
Class 1 (HGV Cat C+E) Driver
Articulated lorry. National trunking or tramping. Driver shortage = premium wages.
Tanker Driver
Petrol, chemicals, food-grade. ADR certification adds £4–8k. Most sectors paying above-average.
Refuse Collection Driver
Local council or waste management. Cat C, stable hours, pension.
Bus / Coach Driver (PCV)
PCV licence. City bus, school bus, or private hire coach.
Forklift Driver
RTITB/ITSSAR FLT licence. Warehouse-based. Often available on same-day start via agency.
Logistics Driver Manager
Fleet management, tachograph compliance, driver scheduling.
Courier Owner-Driver
Self-employed. Own van often needed. Flexible but no employment rights.
Which sectors are hiring UK drivers
| Sector | Demand | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| E-commerce & Last-mile Delivery | Highest | Highest — Amazon, Evri, DPD, Yodel, Royal Mail. Massive volume but high turnover. |
| Food & Drink Distribution | Very High | Very High — Brakes, Bidvest, supermarket own-fleet. Regional routes, unsociable hours. |
| Construction & Building Materials | High | High — Aggregate Industries, Travis Perkins, Jewson. Materials delivery, hiab operation. |
| Fuel & Chemical Tankers | High | High — Certas, Hoyer, Suttons. ADR pays 15–25% above standard HGV. |
| NHS / Public Sector | Medium | Medium — sterile supplies, patient transport. Lower pay but pension, stability. |
How to get callbacks in driving job applications
Upgrade your licence
Cat C+E (Class 1) earns £8–15k more than Cat B. Driver shortage means agencies will often fund training in exchange for a 6-month contract.
List your digital tachograph card
Mention your digi tacho card, CPC card expiry date, and driver number on your CV. Operators need this before interview.
Apply same day
HGV jobs go in 48 hours. Autoply detects new driving job postings and applies the same night.
ADR adds immediate value
ADR (hazardous goods) certification takes 4 days and costs £800–1,200. Petrol tanker and chemical roles pay £5–10k more.
The driving job market in the UK — 2026
The UK has a structural shortage of HGV drivers — the Road Haulage Association estimates a shortfall of over 60,000 drivers. That shortage keeps Class 1 wages high and means experienced HGV drivers can often negotiate above advertised rates, particularly in fuel distribution and refrigerated transport.
At van driver level, the market is saturated — Amazon Flex and courier sub-contracting means high volume but variable pay. The smart move is to use van driving as income while training for Cat C or C+E, which immediately doubles your earning potential and gives you access to stable, permanent employment.
Agency vs direct for driving jobs
Driver agencies (Driver Hire, Master Drivers, Staff Solutions) place at all levels and often have same-day starts. For HGV class 1, direct applications to hauliers, supermarket distribution centres, and tanker operators often pay 10–15% more than agency rates for the same work. Apply both routes simultaneously — most roles go within 48 hours.
Apply while you sleep
HGV jobs go in 48 hours. Autoply detects new driving job postings and applies the same night.
Start free — 10 applications →