The driving licence that you require for driver jobs will differ depending on the exact role for which you are applying. If you are a taxi driver, for example, you will need to have held a full driving licence for at least twelve months (or for three years if you are working in London). If you wish to work as a bus or a coach driver, meanwhile, you will need a PCV license in addition to a full EU driving licence.
Alternatively, you may be interested in working as a delivery van driver. For this role, a standard driving licence will be sufficient to drive vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes if you gained your car driving licence before 1 January 1997. If you gained your car licence after 1 January 1997, you can drive vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, but will require a separate category C1 licence to drive vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes. You must be at least 18 to gain this licence, and are required to pass medical, theory and practical tests.
Alternatively, you may want to become a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) driver, which involves driving commercial vehicles over 7.5 tonnes. For this role, you will need a valid LGV licence. To get this, you need to be competent in English and Maths so that you can take the LGV theory test. You will also need to be 18 or over to hold such a licence, in addition to having good eyesight and a good driving record. You will also need to pass a medical as part of the LGV test.
There are several ways to get a LGV licence. If you are already employed by transport operator, for instance as a clerk, then you may receive training from them. If you do not work for a transport operator, you could pay for training through a driver training school before looking for work. The LGV licence is divided into two categories. These include the aforementioned category C1, as well as category C, which allows you to drive rigid vehicles over 7.5 tonnes. This would be followed by a further test that would allow you to drive vehicles with trailers.
If you wish to work as a community transport driver, meanwhile, you will only require a full driving licence as long as you are only driving smaller minibuses or cars. You will need a Category D licence, however, if you intend to drive larger passenger carrying vehicles with more than nine seats.
Bob Blazel writes for a range of job related topics, including skills needed for driver jobs.