COULD YOU BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DRIVING THE ARMY FORWARD?
THE DRIVER TRADE PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN TRANSPORTING SOLDIERS AND ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES TO HELP KEEP THE ARMY MOVING FORWARD IN BATTLE.
In the Driver trade, we work closely with other trades within the Royal Logistic Corps to ensure all supplies are delivered to the right location at the right time, no matter how dangerous the environment. Our job is diverse and extremely interesting, offering many opportunities to learn new skills and gain an understanding of the transport industry.
As you progress through you career, you can move into the training world and become a Driving Instructor or Examiner. You can also become a Transport Specialist dealing with the operational management of your unit’s fleet.
Training For The Role
Step 1
You'll start with your initial military training which will teach you how to be a soldier - this will cover everything from fieldcraft to handling a rifle.
If you join as a Junior Soldier (under 17 years 5 months), you’ll do a 40-week basic military training course at Harrogate.
If you join as a Regular Soldier (over 17 years 1 month), you’ll do the regular 14-week adult basic training.
Step 2
Next, you will undertake your 15-week Combat Logistician course at the Defence School of Transport in Leconfield. During this, you will earn your Category C+E Driving Licence and study general service driver modules. This training also gives you the opportunity to gain a broader knowledge on the Royal Logistic Corps functions and roles.
Step 3
You will continue at the Defence School of Transport to complete your 25-day Class 3 Driver course. This will include off road driving, driving different vehicles, Hazmat and basic vehicle maintenance.
After this, you will begin an apprenticeship in Driving Goods Vehicles which you will completed alongside your Class 2 Driver course. This takes place in your unit and will take 12-18 months to complete.
Once you reach the rank of Lance Corporal, you are able to take the Class 1 Driver course which takes place over 15 days. On this course, you will learn: fleet management, operational planning and maintenance, supervision and inspecting.
Entry Requirements
Age:
16 years 3 months - 35 years 6 months
Qualifications:
No formal qualifications needed
Fitness:
- Mid Thigh Pull 46kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
- 2km run 11m 15s (11m 30s for Junior Entry)
Qualifications You Could Get After Training
- Level 2 LGV Driver Apprenticeship
- HGV Driving Instructor
- CPC International Road Haulage Manager
- Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor
- ISO 9001 Lead Auditor
- Access to various university degree courses
Rank Progression
Learn about rank progression here.
Pay and Benefits
“I completed my trade training as a Driver, qualifying me to drive civilian and military HGVs. I received my first posting to Germany in early 2009. I took full advantage of all the Adventurous Training opportunities and discovered a talent for skiing, which has seen me compete for the Army on numerous occasions. I deployed on tour to Afghanistan, providing dismounted force protection for six months. This tested my skills as a soldier both physically and mentally, and taught me what being in the Army was really about: doing your job for real and looking after your mates.”
HOW TO APPLY
Once your online application has been approved, you'll meet with a local recruiter. This is your chance to tell us about the role that you're interested in. When you go to the Assessment Centre,you'll take tests - the results will show whether you'd be suitable for this role, or should consider a different role.
Training For The Role
Step 1
You start by training to be a soldier with your Reserve unit.
Step 2
You will continue at the Defence School of transport to complete your 15-day Class 3 Driver course. This will include off road driving, driving different vehicles and basic vehicle maintenance.
Your Class 2 Driver course is then completed within your unit over a period of 36 months. During this course, you will gain the experience of driving HGV’s, off road driving, driving different platforms, maintenance and operating in the field.
Once you reach the rank of Lance Corporal, you are able to take the Class 1 Driver course which takes place over 15 days. On this course, you will learn: fleet management, operational planning and maintenance, supervision and inspecting.
Entry Requirements
Age:
17 years 9 months - 42 years 6 months
Fitness:
- Mid Thigh Pull 46kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
- 2km run 11m 15s (11m 30s for Junior Entry)
Qualifications:
No formal qualifications needed
Qualifications You Could Get After Training
- HGV Driving Instructor
Pay and Benefits
You'll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £40.13 in training and rising to £51.22 per day once you're a Private. This includes being paid for weekly drill nights. Plus, if you complete all of your annual training days, you're entitled to a tax-free lump sum called a bounty.
From the Field
“I haven’t looked back since joining the Royal Logistic Corps. I was a lorry driver in civvy street before I joined, which enabled me to become a military Driver more quickly than most of my colleagues as there was no licence acquisition involved. However, I did gain my LGV C+E licence with the Army Reserve, so my part-time work with the Army is actually complimenting my full-time job! I have been taught to drive military vehicles including LGVs and Land Rovers off-road, which so far has been the most enjoyable part of my training.” – Pte Atkinson
HOW TO APPLY
Once your online application has been approved, you'll meet with a local recruiter. This is your chance to tell us about the role that you're interested in. When you go to the Assessment Centre,you'll take tests - the results will show whether you'd be suitable for this role, or should consider a different role.
