If you currently have a career, but fancy a change, or you don’t know what to do and you’re thinking about something different, then how about testing out a driving career? There are plenty to choose from and each of them comes with their own benefits. Take a look at these driving careers to see where your personality fits.

 

Taxi Driver

To become a taxi driver, you need to have a clean driving licence, and can work for yourself, or with an existing company. Working for yourself will give you the chance to be your own boss and decide how many hours you work, and which days. You will need to have a reliable car, a Taxi sign, and register with your local council to get your operator licence. They will tell you where you can operate from, and where you can't, which must be adhered to.

Some people prefer to work for an existing company as they have job security, and are given the bookings by radio. Vehicle maintenance and liability insurance are usually covered by them, but you will generally give the company a percentage of your takings, or you are given a set wage for set hours. For more information, take a look at national careers service.

 

Driving Instructor

If you are a good driver with patience, good communication skills and the ability to interact with people of all ages, then you have many of the personal skills needed to become a driving instructor. As well as these key personal skills you’ll need a full driving licence, which you’ve had for at least three years, with no more than four points, have not been disqualified from driving - not even for one day - and you must be at least 21 years old.

There are three tests, known as Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) tests you’ll need to pass to become a driving instructor - part one is a theory and hazard perception test, part two a driving ability test, and part three is a test of your instructional ability. This final part of the ADI tests is the most difficult part, you will be assessed whilst you take a pupil through a mock lesson, of course the pupil you choose to take on your part three test is down to you and you can take someone who is already a full licence holder.

There are driving instructor training centres across the UK who provide full training to help you through each stage of your ADI tests. Many of these also provide guaranteed pupils and free advertising when you join their driving school franchise, such as 4wheelz.co.uk. Being a driving instructor can give you a great sense of achievement when each of your pupils passes their test.

 

Store Delivery Driver

There are many supermarket and retail chains throughout the country that use delivery drivers to transport their goods from warehouse to store. Some are employed direct by the store, and others are employed by agencies. Working for an agency as a driver can mean the work you do is more varied, but is not always guaranteed, so you may have days without work.

Direct employment for the store means you will earn a weekly or monthly wage, have holiday pay, and have guaranteed work hours. You often get discounts for any store purchases you make, when you have been employed for a certain length of time. One example of a supermarket that employs delivery drivers is Sainsbury's.

 

NHS Driver

This job is suitable for someone who has patience and understanding; you can either apply for a position or become a volunteer. The job is generally to help transport patients to hospital appointments; however, you may also be asked to deliver medication to patients or transport samples to laboratories. While working, you will meet a variety of people from different cultures and backgrounds. Many of the passengers may be unwell and fragile, so you need to be a safe and responsible driver to get them to the right place on time.

A sound knowledge of the area would be an advantage and an updated map book or sat nav to navigate around. Take a look at NHS.uk for more information.

To have a career as a driver is a rewarding one whichever option you choose.  So long as you are a safe driver, and have a good knowledge of the area you plan to work in, you will be snapped up by any employer!  If you prefer, you can be self employed and start up on your own, but beware of the long hours of work, and unsociable hours you may need to do to get your business up and running!

About the author: Katie is a blogger who absolutely loves writing about everything from business to animals – when she isn’t working, she can usually be found researching and writing a new article.