Driver Recruitment: How to Hire (and Keep) the Best Drivers

Finding the best commercial drivers isn’t just about filling seats. It’s about hiring reliable, safe, and skilled people who can stay safe, keep up compliance, and keep your business running smoothly. 

Whether you're managing a large fleet or just need a few solid drivers for your small business, we’ve got some tips to help you encourage drivers to apply and bring top talent to your team.

Let’s get going!

Figure out what you’re looking for

You can’t find the cream of the crop if you don’t know what you’re looking for. 

Here are a few things you can keep in mind when searching for potential candidates:

Licences and certifications

Before you start hiring new drivers, make sure they have the right paperwork to hit the road legally and safely. 

• HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) or LGV (Large Goods Vehicle) Licence: Required for driving large trucks over 3.5 tonnes.

• CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence): A must-have for professional drivers to ensure they meet safety and efficiency standards. Whether your drivers need the International Driver CPC or the National Driver CPC depends on where they’ll be driving. The National CPC is for UK-only travel, while an International CPC is required for trips across both the UK and the EU.

Special qualifications

If your industry handles hazardous material transportation, be sure to list valid ADR training and licencing in your job description.

If your business focuses on construction, forestry, or waste management, you’ll want HIAB-certified drivers. This certification ensures that drivers can safely operate lorry-mounted cranes, making it easier to load and unload heavy materials efficiently. 

Experience and skills

Whether you’re looking for experienced drivers who’ve been on the road for years, or you’re open to bringing on newly qualified drivers is completely up to you.

Seasoned drivers are typically more attractive as potential employees, due to their experience.

That doesn’t mean you should discount new drivers completely! Everyone starts somewhere, and with the right skills, training, and guidance, they can quickly become valuable members of your team.

Soft skills can be just as important as years spent behind the wheel. After all, it’s no use having a driver with years of experience if they’re always late, or they don’t communicate well.

Be sure to include these skills when putting your next job description together:

• Communication: Clear and effective communication is key. Drivers need to keep everyone in the loop, whether it's updating the team on delays or communicating with customers.

• Time management: Being on time is crucial. Drivers should know how to manage their routes and stick to the schedule.

• Customer service: A friendly, professional attitude goes a long way, especially if drivers are interacting with customers.

Don’t rely on one recruitment channel

When you’re recruiting drivers, it’s important to cast a wide net. By using different platforms and networks, you increase your chances of reaching the best candidates for the job.

Online job boards and industry-specific platforms

Online job boards like Indeed, Monster, or Totaljobs are great, but don't forget about specialised platforms designed for the transport industry. 

Websites like HGV Drivers and ADR Network focus specifically on logistics and driving jobs, helping you connect with candidates who have the exact skills and experience you need.

Social media and networking

Social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram can be great for finding potential drivers. A lot of driver groups and communities are active on these platforms, posting job openings, tips, and industry updates. Networking in these groups can help you connect with drivers already looking for work.

Team up with driver recruitment agencies

Working with a driver recruitment agency can make your life a whole lot easier. These agencies already have a pool of pre-vetted candidates. They’ve done the heavy lifting of checking qualifications, verifying licences, and making sure drivers meet all the necessary standards. 

This means you won’t have to spend ages sifting through CVs for the right fit. And agencies like ours know the industry inside and out, so we can quickly find drivers who are the perfect match for your business.

Simplify the hiring process

When it comes to interviews, it’s all about focusing on what really matters: skills and safety knowledge. 

Keep these 3 steps in mind when hiring:

1. Prep: Set up a structured interview process where you can dig into their driving experience, understanding of safety protocols, and how they handle tricky situations on the road.

2. Don’t skip the background checks! Make sure their licences are valid, review their driving history, and ask for references to get a sense of how they perform on the job. You want to make sure they’re reliable and safe behind the wheel.

3. Test drive: If you really want to see how they handle the job, offer a practical driving assessment. It’s the best way to evaluate their real-world performance and ensure they’ve got what it takes to do the job right.

Offer competitive salaries and perks

To attract the best drivers, make sure your pay rates are in line with (or exceed!) industry standards.

But don’t stop there. Drivers want to know they’re taken care of, both now and in the future. To keep them around for the long haul, offer extra perks like training and promotion opportunities, health benefits, and flexible schedules.

Keep your drivers happy

Hiring the right drivers is only half the battle. Here’s how to build lasting relationships with your drivers:

Positive work environment

Create a workplace where open communication is the norm, respect is given no matter your job title, and everyone feels like they’re part of the team. A friendly atmosphere goes a long way in keeping morale high and employees happy.

Ongoing training

Keep your drivers up to speed with the latest rules, safety standards, and any new technology. This shows you care about their safety, growth, and professional development.

Recognition and rewards

Make sure to show your drivers how much you appreciate them. A simple thank you, small tokens of appreciation, or performance bonuses can make drivers feel valued and motivated, strengthening loyalty and boosting driver retention.

Make hiring easier with Driver Require

Hiring the right drivers doesn’t have to be a headache. We thoroughly screen and vet all our drivers before assigning them to any jobs. 

We also provide ongoing resources, and support to ensure all drivers meet the highest standards and always perform at their best.

What are you waiting for? Find your next driver today!