Delivery Driver Jobs in the UK with Skilled Worker Visa (2026) – Pay & Eligibility

The UK delivery and logistics sector has grown rapidly over the last decade, driven by e-commerce, food delivery platforms, healthcare supply chains, and increased demand for home deliveries. Supermarkets, courier companies, construction suppliers and medical distributors needs delivery drivers, hence, they are a vital part of the UK economy.

For foreign workers, however, one key question keeps coming up: can delivery driver jobs in the UK offer Skilled Worker visa sponsorship in 2026? The answer is more nuanced than many online posts suggest.

Overview: Delivery Driver Jobs in the UK (2026)

Delivery drivers in the UK are employed across a wide range of industries, including:

• Parcel and courier services
• Supermarket home delivery
• Food and grocery delivery
• Construction and building supplies
• Medical and pharmaceutical logistics
• Commercial fleet and B2B transport

Types of Delivery Driver Jobs in the UK

Understanding job classifications is critical when discussing visa eligibility.

1. Van Delivery Drivers (Small Vehicles)

These roles involve:

• Driving vans under 3.5 tonnes
• Delivering parcels or groceries
• Urban and suburban routes

2. HGV / LGV Drivers (Heavy Goods Vehicles)

These roles involve:

• Driving trucks over 3.5 tonnes
• Long-distance or regional freight delivery
• Higher responsibility and licensing requirements

3. Specialist Delivery Drivers

These include:

• Medical supply drivers
• Hazardous goods (ADR) drivers
• Construction materials delivery drivers

Skilled Worker Visa: Basic Requirements (2026)

To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, a job must meet all of the following:

Employer Requirements

• UK employer must be a licensed Skilled Worker sponsor
• Employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Job Requirements

• Role must meet required skill level
• Role must have a valid occupation code
• Salary must meet the minimum threshold

Candidate Requirements

• English language proficiency
• Valid passport and background checks
• Relevant experience and licences

Salary Thresholds and Pay for Delivery Drivers

Average Pay for Delivery Drivers in the UK

Role Type	Estimated Annual Pay
Van Delivery Driver	£22,000 – £28,000
Supermarket Delivery Driver	£24,000 – £30,000
HGV Class 2 Driver	£32,000 – £42,000
HGV Class 1 Driver	£38,000 – £50,000
Specialist / ADR Driver	£40,000+

Important: The Skilled Worker visa salary threshold typically starts around £26,200–£38,700, depending on occupation code and updates in 2026.

HGV Delivery Drivers and Visa Eligibility

HGV drivers have been a critical focus in the UK due to driver shortages.

Why HGV Roles Are Different

• Require professional licences (Category C or C+E)
• Higher safety and compliance responsibility
• Longer training and testing process
• Greater operational risk for employers

Because of this, some logistics companies have explored overseas recruitment, though opportunities remain limited and competitive.

UK Driving Licence and Qualification Requirements

Foreign drivers must meet UK licensing standards.

Key Requirements Include:

• Valid UK driving licence (or exchangeable licence)
• Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)
• Medical fitness test
• Knowledge of UK road laws

English Language Requirements

Delivery drivers must:

• Communicate with dispatch teams
• Understand safety procedures
• Use digital route and delivery systems

Basic to intermediate English proficiency is essential, especially for visa eligibility.

Working Hours and Conditions

Delivery driving can be physically and mentally demanding.

Typical Working Patterns:

• 40–50 hours per week
• Early starts or late finishes
• Weekend and peak-season work
• Overtime availability

HGV drivers may also face overnight stays and long-haul routes.

Benefits of Delivery Driver Jobs in the UK

Even without visa sponsorship, delivery driver roles offer several advantages:

• Stable demand across the UK
• Clear pay structures and overtime
• Entry into logistics and transport careers
• Opportunities to upgrade licences and skills
• Union representation in many companies

How Foreign Workers Can Realistically Access These Jobs

Pathway 1: Already in the UK

• Graduate visa
• Family visa
• Dependant visa

Many foreign nationals move into delivery driving after securing legal status through other routes.

Pathway 2: Skilled Logistics Career Progression

• Start in warehouse or support roles
• Gain UK licences and CPC
• Move into HGV or specialist driving roles

This approach takes time but improves long-term prospects.

Cost of Living vs Driver Salaries

Delivery driver wages must be considered alongside living costs.

Estimated Monthly Living Costs (Shared Housing)

Expense	Estimated Cost
Rent	£400 – £800
Food	£150 – £250
Transport	£80 – £150
Utilities	£60 – £120

Living outside London often offers better affordability.

Career Progression Opportunities

Delivery driving can lead to:

• Fleet supervisor roles
• Transport planner positions
• Logistics management careers
• HGV instructor or compliance roles

Experience and reliability are highly valued in UK transport.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can delivery drivers get Skilled Worker visas in the UK?

Only certain delivery driver roles—mainly HGV or specialist logistics positions—may qualify. Most standard van delivery jobs do not meet visa criteria.

• How much do delivery drivers earn in the UK?

Salaries range from £22,000 to £50,000+, depending on vehicle type, experience, and location.

• Are delivery driver jobs in shortage occupation lists?

HGV drivers have previously been highlighted during shortage periods, but eligibility changes frequently.