1. Check You Meet the Basic Requirements
Before applying for delivery work, make sure you meet the minimum legal and practical requirements. In the UK, you’ll need:
- A full UK driving licence (Category B for car or small van, Category C1 for larger vans).
- To be at least 18 years old (some companies require 21+).
- Access to a roadworthy vehicle with valid MOT and tax.
- Smartphone with mobile data for navigation and app-based work.
If you’re using your own vehicle, make sure it’s clean, reliable, and fuel-efficient. Appearance matters — a tidy van or car helps make a professional first impression.
2. Choose the Right Vehicle for Your Work Type
Your vehicle choice determines what kind of delivery work you can take on. Here’s a quick guide:
- Car: Ideal for local food or parcel deliveries. Flexible and easy to park in busy areas.
- Small Van: Perfect for multi-drop parcel routes or light courier work. Popular models include the Citroën Berlingo and Ford Transit Connect.
- Large Van: Best for long-distance and bulkier loads. Great for same-day deliveries or B2B courier contracts.
If you’re just starting out, use what you already have. You can always upgrade once your earnings become consistent.
3. Get Proper Courier Insurance
Standard vehicle insurance doesn’t cover paid delivery work. To operate legally, you must have:
- Hire & Reward insurance: Required by law if you’re delivering goods for payment.
- Goods in Transit insurance: Covers the items you transport if they’re lost or damaged.
- Public Liability insurance: Protects you if someone is injured or property is damaged while you’re working.
Some courier apps require proof of insurance before approval, so sort this early. You can often pay monthly or use flexible “pay-as-you-go” policies.
4. Register as Self-Employed
Most UK delivery drivers are self-employed, even if they work via apps or companies. This means you’ll handle your own taxes, but you’ll also have freedom to choose your hours and clients.
To register:
- Go to GOV.UK and register as self-employed.
- Keep digital records of your income and expenses (fuel, insurance, maintenance).
- Submit a Self Assessment tax return each year.
It’s a simple process — and you can complete it online in under 10 minutes.
5. Join Courier Apps to Find Your First Jobs
Apps are the fastest way to start earning while gaining experience. Popular UK platforms include:
- Amazon Flex: Flexible delivery blocks paid per route.
- Evri / Yodel / DPD: Consistent parcel routes with set hours.
- Gophr / Stuart / Deliveroo: On-demand courier and food deliveries for urban areas.
Sign up for a few platforms to maximise your options. Once approved, you can usually start working within a week.
6. Set Up Simple Tools and Apps
A few tools will make your first days on the road much easier:
- Navigation: Google Maps or Waze for live traffic updates.
- Route planner: Circuit or RoadWarrior for multi-stop routes.
- Accounting: QuickBooks or Wave for invoices and expenses.
- Fuel tracking: Apps like Fuelio help monitor costs and efficiency.
Keep your phone charged, carry a spare cable, and store all job details in one place.
7. Present Yourself Professionally
Clients and app platforms look for reliability. Present yourself as someone who takes pride in their work:
- Dress cleanly — hi-vis jackets and ID badges help build trust.
- Keep your vehicle clean inside and out.
- Communicate clearly and politely with customers and dispatchers.
- Deliver on time and confirm each drop-off with proof (photo or signature).
Professionalism leads to repeat work — and higher earnings.
8. Track Your Earnings and Expenses
From your first day, keep a record of income and expenses. You’ll thank yourself at tax time. Track:
- Daily earnings per platform or client.
- Fuel, parking, tolls, and repairs.
- Insurance and equipment costs.
Understanding your profit per day or per mile helps you spot the best-paying jobs and manage your time efficiently.
Key Takeaway
Getting started as a delivery driver in the UK is straightforward if you take it step by step. Start with the right vehicle and insurance, register as self-employed, and sign up to trusted courier apps. Once you’ve gained experience and built a routine, you can move towards direct clients or even start your own courier business. Consistency and professionalism are the keys to long-term success.
