Delivery van driver
Collect goods, load them into a van and deliver them to customers on time.
About the job
What it's like
As a delivery van driver, you'd play an important role getting goods to customers on time.
You could deliver a wide range of items, for example:
supermarket shopping orders
furniture
domestic appliances like washing machines and fridges
money, for example a company’s wages
You would:
collect goods from a depot, warehouse or pick-up point
load the vehicle in an order that matches the deliveries you'll make
plan the route to make sure you deliver everything on time
unload goods at the right addresses
get signatures for goods and give invoices when you deliver
update delivery records, often using a hand-held computer
return undelivered items to your base
record mileage and the fuel that you buy
complete record sheets and paperwork
Your vehicle could vary in size, depending on the load and your licence. Many vans are 3.5 tonnes or less, but you might also drive vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes.
If you work for a security firm and deliver valuables or cash, you'd drive a specially adapted van with a time-lock safe and other security features.
Hours
You'd usually work between 36 and 48 hours a week. Some companies offer overtime in the evenings and at weekends. For safety reasons, there are legal limits on drivers' hours, depending on the type of vehicle. For example, if your vehicle is over 3.5 tonnes, it will have a tachograph fitted. This records the number of hours that you drive, the speed and distances that you travel and the time that you spend loading and unloading.
Environment
You'd spend most of your time in your vehicle, but may be outdoors during loading and unloading.
Travel
On some jobs, you may have to spend nights away from home.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- vehicle inspection
- tax returns
- pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections
- commercial driving
- microsites
- business insurance
- battery pack
- groundskeeping
- process lifecycle
- order delivery
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- reliable
- time management
- problem solving
- resourceful
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
You don't need to study any specific subjects to do this job. It's more important that you have relevant skills and experience.
There are no formal qualifications required for this role.
You may need a satisfactory PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) Disclosure check.
A driving licence.
If you got your licence before 1 January 1997, you can drive vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes without a separate licence.
If you got your licence after 1 January 1997, you can drive vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes with your car licence. To drive vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes, you'll need further training to get a category C1 licence. You'll also need to complete a short course to get a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Delivery van driver'
