Looking to hire a professional driver or become one? This driver hire guide covers hiring tips, certification processes, and franchise opportunities. Understand what driver hire involves and how it benefits you.
Key Takeaways
- Driver Hire is the UK’s largest logistics recruitment agency, offering both temporary and permanent roles with a comprehensive support network.
- To pursue a career as a professional driver, obtain a driving licence and Driver CPC, ensuring compliance with safety standards through ongoing training.
- Driver Hire provides diverse career opportunities in logistics beyond driving, including roles in warehouse operations and administration, with training support for career development.
Understanding Driver Hire
Driver Hire stands as the largest logistics recruitment agency in the UK, specializing in both temporary and permanent roles. With over 100 offices nationwide, Driver Hire is easily accessible for job seekers across the country, providing a robust network that supports the hiring needs of various logistics companies. This extensive reach ensures that both employers and job seekers can find the right match efficiently.
For those interested in community impact, franchise ownership with Driver Hire presents a unique opportunity. Owning a franchise allows you to run your own business and help individuals find meaningful employment, positively impacting your community. Driver Hire’s support and training help franchisees succeed and make a difference.
The establishment of the Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) underscores Driver Hire’s commitment to enhancing road safety and compliance. This framework ensures professional drivers receive ongoing training, staying updated with the latest safety protocols and industry standards. This not only benefits the drivers but also enhances the overall safety and reliability of the logistics sector.
Becoming a Professional Driver
To become a professional driver in the UK, you begin by obtaining your driving licence. Aspiring heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers must pass a medical assessment, a theory exam, and a practical driving test. These steps prepare you to handle the responsibilities and challenges of driving large vehicles.
After securing your driving licence, the next step is to obtain a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), crucial for aspiring heavy goods vehicle drivers. CPC training includes initial and periodic sessions to keep drivers updated with safety standards and best practices. Completing the required 35 hours of periodic training maintains your Driver Qualification Card, essential for professional standing.
Aspiring taxi or private hire vehicle drivers must hold a full driving licence for at least one year before starting training. This prerequisite ensures that you have sufficient driving experience before taking on the additional responsibilities of transporting passengers. After securing your driving licence, applying for a digital tachograph card to record driving hours is mandatory for compliance and safety.
Government-funded vocational qualifications and Skills Bootcamps provide valuable opportunities for aspiring drivers, especially in England. These programs, lasting up to 16 weeks, offer comprehensive training at no cost, helping you gain the skills and qualifications to start your career. Taking advantage of these resources enhances your employability, setting you on a path to success in logistics.
Creating Your Driver Hire Account
Creating a Driver Hire account simplifies your job search and application process. Registering on the Driver Hire website gives you access to numerous job listings, allowing you to apply quickly and efficiently. This streamlined process saves time and effort, letting you focus on preparing for interviews and securing your desired role.
Agree to the terms and conditions on the Driver Hire website to create an account. Upon successful registration, a confirmation email will be sent to the address provided. This email verifies that your account is active and ready for use.
Your Driver Hire account lets you save job listings, review previous applications, and manage your profile easily. This feature-rich platform enhances your job search experience, simplifying the process of finding and applying for positions that match your skills and interests, allowing you to be your own boss.
Training and Licence Upgrades
Continuous training and licence upgrades are essential for maintaining professional standing and enhancing career prospects in logistics. Driver Hire provides comprehensive Driver CPC training, including initial and periodic sessions to ensure compliance with industry regulations. This ongoing training is crucial for maintaining your Driver Qualification Card, required for all professional drivers.
Upgrading from Category C (Class 2) to Category C+E (Class 1) is a significant step for advancing your career. Driver Hire offers tailored training packages to help you achieve this upgrade. Choose between a four-day package with 14 hours of training or a five-day package with 17.5 hours, both including practical on-road training to build confidence and experience.
Driver Hire’s training programs cover essential skills like reversing maneuvers, critical for passing the C+E driving tests. These hands-on sessions prepare you well for the DVSA tests, increasing your chances of success.
The JAUPT upload ensures that your training hours are accurately recorded and uploaded to the DVSA. This step is crucial for maintaining your Driver Qualification Card and staying compliant with industry standards. Keeping up with periodic training and licence upgrades enhances your employability and career prospects in logistics.
Opportunities Beyond Driving
Driver Hire provides a wide range of non-driving job opportunities in the logistics industry, catering to various skills and interests. These roles include warehouse operatives, logistics coordinators, and administrative support staff. Driver Hire’s diverse job options ensure that individuals who cannot drive or seek a change can still find fulfilling careers in the industry.
Aside from driving jobs, Driver Hire recruits for various non-driving roles, offering comprehensive training programs for career development. Whether interested in a warehouse, office, or administrative position, Driver Hire provides the necessary training and support for success.
Exploring non-driving roles in logistics can open new career paths and growth opportunities. Taking advantage of Driver Hire’s training and support can help you build a successful career in logistics, even if you cannot drive or seek to transition into a different role.
Franchise Opportunities with Driver Hire
Since 1987, Driver Hire has offered franchise opportunities, making it one of the UK’s leading recruitment franchises with a strong track record of success. Joining Driver Hire as a franchisee allows you to run your own business while benefiting from the company’s extensive support and training. This support includes a structured onboarding process for setting up and managing your franchise.
As a franchisee, you join a network offering opportunities for collaboration and sharing best practices through forums and meetings. This collaborative environment keeps franchisees informed and motivated, contributing to their success.
Financially, owning a Driver Hire franchise can be very rewarding. Franchisees can expect an average annual turnover of around £1.3 million, with a typical net profit margin between 10% and 15%. This financial potential, combined with the opportunity to positively impact the community, makes franchise ownership with Driver Hire attractive.
Career Growth in Logistics
The logistics industry offers numerous career opportunities beyond driving roles, catering to diverse skills and interests. Driver Hire offers job placements in various sectors, including public services, operations, and managerial roles in logistics. These placements help candidates find fulfilling roles that align with their career goals.
Setting clear career goals helps navigate your career path and measure progress over time. Exploring different roles in logistics and leveraging Driver Hire’s support can lead to career success and fulfillment.
Driver Hire supports career growth in non-driving positions, helping individuals find rewarding roles in different areas of logistics. Whether interested in public services, operations, or managerial roles, Driver Hire provides the support and resources needed to succeed.
Online CPC Training
Online CPC training offers a convenient and flexible way for drivers to complete required training hours. Driver Hire offers a 7-hour online Driver CPC course at £24.75, including VAT and the DVSA upload fee. These courses are available on weekdays, weekends, and evenings, accommodating different schedules.
Participants can attend online courses via Zoom, joining from the comfort of their homes. This flexibility helps drivers balance training with other commitments. After completing the course, candidates receive a certificate of attendance, and their training hours are uploaded to the DVSA.
Candidate feedback indicates high satisfaction with the interactive nature of online sessions. The convenience and effectiveness of online CPC training make it an excellent option for maintaining qualifications and staying compliant with industry standards.
Renewing Your Licences
Renewing your driving licence ensures compliance with legal requirements. In the UK, renewing a driving licence online costs £14, while applying at a Post Office costs £21.50. Residents of Great Britain can complete the renewal process online; a different service is available for Northern Ireland.
Renew your photocard driving licence every 10 years to keep your information up-to-date. If your name has changed, apply to renew your driver licence by post. When applying online, send your existing driving licence to the DVLA upon receiving the new one.
Medical or personal details may sometimes cause delays in receiving the renewed licence. If referred to a doctor, the application processing time may be extended. You can continue driving while waiting for your new licence, provided your current licence is valid and no medical restrictions are imposed.
What to Do If Your Application is Refused
If your driving licence application is refused, it could be due to various reasons such as insufficient qualifications, compliance issues, or discrepancies in your application. The DVLA will notify you in writing, indicating any waiting period before you can reapply. You can reapply for your driving licence up to eight weeks before the end of the stipulated waiting period.
To appeal a refusal, you need to submit your appeal within a specified timeframe, typically within 28 days of receiving the refusal notification. If your appeal is unsuccessful or you need assistance, consulting with a legal professional who specializes in driving licence issues can help you understand your options and navigate the process effectively.
Summary
In summary, pursuing a career as a professional driver in the UK involves several critical steps, from obtaining the necessary licences and completing required training to exploring various career opportunities within the logistics sector. Driver Hire offers a comprehensive range of services and support, making it easier for individuals to navigate this journey successfully.
By leveraging the resources and opportunities provided by Driver Hire, you can enhance your career prospects, achieve your professional goals, and make a positive impact on the community. Whether you’re looking to drive, manage a fleet, or own a franchise, the logistics industry offers a wealth of opportunities for growth and success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Driver CPC, and why is it important?
The Driver CPC is vital for professional drivers as it mandates continuous training and adherence to safety standards, enhancing road safety and ensuring compliance with current industry regulations. This qualification is crucial for maintaining a high standard of professional driving.
How do I create a Driver Hire account?
To create a Driver Hire account, simply register on their website, agree to the terms and conditions, and verify your email through the confirmation message you receive. This ensures a smooth setup for your account.
What are the benefits of upgrading my driving licence from Category C to C+E?
Upgrading your driving licence from Category C to C+E enables you to operate larger vehicles, significantly improving your job opportunities in the transport sector. This change can lead to higher earnings and greater demand for your skills.
What should I do if my driving licence application is refused?
If your driving licence application is refused, you can appeal the decision within the designated timeframe. It’s advisable to consult a legal professional specializing in this area for expert support and guidance.
Are there non-driving job opportunities available with Driver Hire?
Yes, Driver Hire provides a range of non-driving job opportunities in logistics, including positions for warehouse operatives, logistics coordinators, and administrative support staff.
