Urban drivers work for businesses that rely on road transport, like retail, moving, construction, farming, and manufacturing. Their job differs from large truck drivers, who usually travel longer distances in bigger trucks. Urban drivers have time-sensitive tasks, often serving multiple customers in busy areas, so providing excellent customer service is crucial. They interact with customers to coordinate arrival times, with warehouse staff, and with support personnel to update on progress. Regular vehicle checks are also required to keep their vehicle in good condition during their apprenticeship.
What you’ll learn
On a urban driver apprenticeship:
- Understanding how to maintain and prepare urban vehicles within your own responsibilities.
- Knowing what kinds of goods are transported by large trucks with fixed axles.
- Choosing and using personal protective equipment correctly.
- Understanding how weight is distributed on heavy trucks with fixed axles.
- Learning safe handling techniques, like using machinery for tasks such as waste collection.
- Knowing the capabilities and limitations of heavy trucks, including how they manoeuvre and any legal restrictions.
- Understanding the rules and laws that affect professional driving, like limits on driving hours.
- Knowing the road laws for certain types of driving licenses.
- Learning various driving techniques for heavy trucks.
- Knowing how to deal with different road and weather conditions while driving heavy trucks.
- Being aware of urban features like traffic congestion, pedestrians, and road signs.
- Understanding how to read maps for driving in the UK, especially in urban areas.
- Recognizing hazards while driving, especially in urban settings.
- Knowing what to do in case of accidents or incidents.
- Considering environmental concerns while driving in cities.
- Learning how to protect goods both during transport and when the vehicle is parked.
- Understanding the use and limitations of technology inside truck cabins for safety and compliance.
- Recognizing the importance of branding in urban delivery.
- Understanding how customer service affects both customers and the organization in urban delivery.
- Knowing different ways to communicate, like email, writing, and speaking in person.
- Learning methods to assess and report risks as they change.
- Understanding the rules and safety requirements when working at different locations.
- Learning techniques for maintaining physical and mental health while working in urban delivery.
- Understanding the different types of organizations involved in urban delivery.
- Knowing about the products and services your organization offers and where they’re used.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- Depend on employer, but likely GCSEs or equivalent qualifications or relevant experience. You must hold a valid driving licence and need to pass either a category C or C1 licence before completing your apprenticeship.
Assessment methods
The programme is assessed in various ways before completing the End Point Assessment, including multiple-choice test, practical assessment and interview.
Duration, level, subjects and potential salary upon completion
- Duration: 12 months
-
Level: 2 – Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Relevant school subjects: Geography
- Potential salary upon completion: £25,000 per annum
Apprenticeship standard
More information about the Level 2 Urban Driver standard can be found here.
Apprenticeship end point assessment
For more information about the End Point Assessment Process, please read the Institute of Apprenticeships’ information page.