How to Apply for a Delivery Driver Job in the UK: 6 Steps (2026)
Apply for a UK delivery driver job in 6 steps: choose employed or self-employed, find official adverts, pass licence checks, get set up and avoid scams.
Advertisement
Step 3 of 3: How to apply
Getting started can be quick: Evri says you apply, pick a local delivery area, download its courier app and start delivering. Employed van jobs take a little longer, with an interview and licence checks. Follow the 6 steps below, then use the next page to see where to apply.
First, what's your goal right now?
What are you looking for?
📋 Before you start: what to prepare
Having these ready makes applying faster and shows employers you're serious.
- Your full UK driving licence, with your licence number to hand
- Your right to work documents, or proof of right to work self-employed
- A smartphone (iOS or Android) for delivery apps
- For self-employed work: a suitable car or van and the right insurance
- Your National Insurance number and bank details
- A short list of the days and areas you can cover
✅ The 6 steps to apply
- Choose your route. Decide between an employed job (van provided, regular wage) and self-employed work (your own vehicle, paid per parcel or per block).
- Find an official advert. Use the company's own site: evri.com for courier jobs, the Amazon Flex app or flex.amazon.co.uk, Royal Mail's careers pages, or jobs.dpd.co.uk. Amazon DSP jobs are advertised by the delivery companies themselves on trusted job boards.
- Apply online. Fill in your details, licence information and availability. Evri says its courier application is quick to complete.
- Pass your checks. Expect a licence check and right to work check. Some roles add a DBS check or an interview.
- Get set up. Employed drivers usually get training and a van. Self-employed couriers register as a sole trader with HMRC, sort insurance and download the delivery app.
- Start your first route. Many companies pair new drivers with someone experienced or give lighter routes at first. Ask what support is available.
Tip: if you go self-employed, keep receipts for fuel, insurance and servicing from day one. Evri notes these can be claimed as allowable expenses to lower your tax bill.
Ready to start? The next page shows where to apply safely, plus other trusted UK job sites.
🕒 What happens after you apply
For employed jobs, you'll usually hear back by phone or email with an interview date. Bring your licence and right to work documents. After you pass your checks, you'll get a start date and some training.
For self-employed courier work, the company checks your documents and vehicle details, then lets you choose an area or book delivery blocks. Amazon Flex says you can see estimated earnings before you accept a block.
💷 Employed or self-employed: which should you pick?
There's no right answer, but it helps to be clear about the trade-offs before you apply.
| Employed driver | Self-employed courier | |
|---|---|---|
| Van | Usually provided | Your own car or van |
| Pay | A wage of at least the minimum wage | Per parcel or per block, before costs |
| Paid holiday | Yes, by law | Not automatically |
| Tax | Taken through PAYE | You file a Self Assessment return |
| Hours | Set shifts | More choice over days |
If you value steady pay, an employed job is often the safer start. If you want flexibility and already have a suitable vehicle, self-employed work can fit around other commitments.
🎄 Applying for Christmas driving work
Parcel volumes peak from late October to early January. Royal Mail said in September 2026 that it was recruiting around 22,000 temporary workers, including about 5,000 delivery and collection roles and 2,100 truck driver roles.
Evri's courier page also advertises extra Christmas bonuses for couriers who join this season, so read its terms if you're interested. Apply early, because the best routes fill fast.
Want more choices? The next page lists top UK job portals so you can compare driving jobs near you.
⚠️ How to avoid fake recruiters
Driving jobs attract scammers, especially on social media. Protect yourself with a few simple rules.
- Use official sites only. Type the company's address yourself instead of tapping links in messages.
- Never pay for a job or a route. Real employers don't charge you to start work. GOV.UK also says recruitment agencies cannot charge you a fee for finding you work.
- Be careful with 'van rental' offers. If someone insists you rent a van from them before you can work, check the deal carefully and get it in writing.
- Protect your documents. Only share your licence and ID through a company's official application system.
🙋 Small habits that make a big difference
- Check your licence record. You can view your points on GOV.UK before an employer does.
- Plan your costs. Work out fuel, insurance and tax before choosing self-employed work.
- Ask about routes. Rural and urban rounds can differ a lot in hours and parcels.
- Keep your phone charged. Delivery apps run all day, so carry a car charger.
❓ Quick answers
How long does it take to start?
Can I drive part-time?
Who do Amazon DSP drivers work for?
On the next page: where to apply safely, the best UK job portals to search, and tips on CVs, right to work and avoiding scams.
🔥 Other jobs hiring now
Driving isn't the only option. These UK jobs also hire people without experience.
Disclaimer: This is an independent information website. We are not Amazon, Royal Mail, Evri, DPD or any delivery company, we are not an employer, and we do not hire anyone or collect job applications. Pay, insurance and hiring rules change often and vary by location, so always check the details on the official careers site or job advert before you apply. Never pay anyone to get a job.