Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.

Working Life

Van drivers drive a van or light truck to collect and deliver a variety of goods for clients. They may also deal with valuable items in specially adapted vans with time-lock safes.  

The job is rarely just driving. The van driver sorts out the schedule, plans the route and loads the van so that the goods are arranged in order of delivery. They unload the goods at the customer's premises, obtain a receipt and sometimes accept money for the goods.  
 
Sometimes they will have an assistant to help with loading and unloading, but often, they work on their own. They may be expected to set up goods such as furniture for the customer.  
 
Drivers may have to complete records, time sheets and other paperwork. The work may be routine at times but can be pressurised when there are deadlines to meet. Van drivers may be expected to keep their vans clean and do routine maintenance.  
 
Van sales drivers are responsible for sales as well as delivery. They may have an area in which they visit all customers and potential customers, taking orders and delivering goods. They may be responsible for increasing sales and deciding which items to carry and promote.  
 
Some drivers only travel within a local area, while others drive long distances throughout the country and may spend short periods away from home.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Obey traffic laws and follow established traffic and transportation procedures.
• Turn in receipts and money received from deliveries.
• Read maps and follow written or verbal geographic directions.
• Verify the contents of inventory loads against shipping papers.
• Load and unload trucks, vans, or automobiles.
• Drive vehicles with capacities under three tons to transport materials to and from specified destinations, such as railroad stations, plants, residences, offices, or within industrial yards.
• Maintain records, such as vehicle logs, records of cargo, or billing statements, in accordance with regulations.
• Inspect and maintain vehicle supplies and equipment, such as gas, oil, water, tires, lights, or brakes, to ensure that vehicles are in proper working condition.
• Present bills and receipts and collect payments for goods delivered or loaded.
• Report any mechanical problems encountered with vehicles.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Some companies prefer drivers to be aged over 25 years, as insurance premiums for younger drivers may be high.  

Key Skill Certs & Knowledge
 
Drivers need C1 licence CPC competency

The minimum age to acquire one of these is 18

Drivers may need to obtain Manual handling, Hazchem, SafePass, Forklift / Reach / Powerpallet certs

These courses may be available at low or no cost in FET centres nationwide. You can search for these key skills certs, just add the key word via Search our FET CourseFinder

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: rigid, artic, van delivery driver, transport, logistics.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: rigid, artic, van delivery driver, transport, logistics.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Transport and Logistics, Commercial Driver, Logistics Associate / Logistician, Supply Chain Associate, Supply Chain Specialist, Supply Chain Manager.

Search for Apprenticeships

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €23k - €40k

Salaries vary by employer, role, duties, shift pattern, location, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Indeed/ Talent.com/ Excel

Last Updated: February, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Large goods vehicle drivers; Van drivers.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Although employment levels declined annually between 2019 and 2021, 2022 saw an additional 3,500 persons employed, with numbers employed exceeding 2019 levels. At 25%, the share of those aged 55 years and older was above average, as was the share of non-Irish citizens employed. The number of new employment permits issued in 2022 increased and related to HGV drivers.

There was also a high volume of vacancies for HGV drivers advertised through DSP Jobs Ireland although the volume of vacancies in the OVATE data fell. Both the Recruitment Agency Survey and the Skills for Growth data identified issues in filling vacancies for this occupation including for articulated and rigid truck drivers. Given the strong employment growth and the evident demand, a shortage of HGV drivers persists.

• Road Safety Authority (RSA)

  • Moy Business Park, Primrose Hill, Ballina, Co.Mayo
  • (096) 25000 / LoCall 1890 506080
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• SOLAS

  • Castleforbes House, Castleforbes Road, Dublin, 1
  • (01) 533 2500
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Freight Transport Association Ireland (FTAI)

  • Unit 1, Airport Business Park, Cloghran, Co Dublin
  • (01) 844 7516
  • Click Here

• Road Safety Authority (RSA)

  • Moy Business Park, Primrose Hill, Ballina, Co.Mayo
  • (096) 25000 / LoCall 1890 506080
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here