Top 5 Driving Jobs in the UK

Driving jobs are a vital part of the UK economy, with a wide range of opportunities available across different sectors. Whether you are interested in delivering goods, transporting passengers, or driving heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), there are plenty of options to consider. In this article, we will explore the various driving jobs available in the UK, as well as some statistics about the industry.

Delivery drivers are responsible for transporting goods from one location to another. This could involve delivering food, packages, or other items to customers' homes or businesses. In recent years, the growth of online shopping and home delivery services has led to an increase in demand for delivery drivers. According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of people working as delivery drivers and van drivers in the UK increased by 57% between 2011 and 2020.

Bus drivers transport passengers to and from various locations, often working for public transport companies or local authorities. They must have a commercial driver's license and be able to handle a large vehicle. Bus drivers also need to have excellent customer service skills, as they are often the first point of contact for passengers.

Taxi drivers transport passengers from one location to another, often working in urban areas or tourist destinations. They must have a good knowledge of the area they are working in and be able to provide excellent customer service. In addition to working for taxi companies, some taxi drivers are self-employed and work for themselves.

HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) drivers transport goods across the country, often working for logistics companies or manufacturers. They must have a commercial driver's license and be able to handle large, heavy vehicles. HGV driver jobs are higher paid than you’d think. HGV drivers often work long hours and may need to spend several nights away from home.

Courier drivers are responsible for delivering documents, packages, and other items to various locations. They may work for a courier company or be self-employed. Courier drivers often work flexible hours and may use their own vehicles to make deliveries.

According to the UK government's Labour Force Survey, there were around 285,000 people working as drivers in the UK in 2020. The average annual salary for a delivery driver in the UK is around £21,000 ($28,000), while the average annual salary for an HGV driver is around £32,500 ($43,000).

The UK road haulage industry employs around 600,000 people and is worth an estimated £124 billion ($165 billion) to the UK economy. In 2019, there were over 280,000 licensed taxi and private hire vehicles in England alone, with the majority operating in London.

Looking ahead, the UK government is aiming to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030. This is likely to have a significant impact on the driving jobs market in the coming years as more electric and hybrid vehicles are introduced.

Driving jobs offer a range of opportunities for people looking for a career on the road. Whether you are interested in delivering goods, transporting passengers, or driving HGVs, there are plenty of options available. With the growth of online shopping and home delivery services, the demand for delivery drivers is likely to continue to rise in the coming years. As the UK transitions towards electric and hybrid vehicles, it will be interesting to see how this affects the driving jobs market in the years to come.