Trainee Driver

Get troops and supplies to their destination – cross-country and through jungle, desert and mountains. Get driving licences and qualifications to kick-off your career as an Army driver.

Everything you need to know about the role, requirements and what you’ll gain.

Age

You can join between the ages of 16 – 36. At the time of your application you will need to be between 15 years & 7 months old and35 years & 6 months old.

You can start your training as a Junior Soldier at the Army Foundation College from the age of 16 years and 3 months.

Unsure about any requirements? Our recruitment team is here to help.

Drive the Army’s HGVs. Carry out vehicle maintenance, fleet management and operational planning

Work as part of the Transport Team within an RLC Regiment

You could be deployed worldwide– wherever the British Army has a presence

Earn your Category B, C and C+E Driving and Hazmat Licences

Gain an apprenticeship in Driving Goods Vehicles

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 and 6 months), you’ll do the basic military training (long) course at Harrogate .

If you join as a Regular Soldier (over 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do the regular adult basic training .

Step 2
Next, you will undertake your Class 3 Driver course at the Defence School of Transport in Leconfield, which will take about 25 weeks to complete. This will include earning you category B and C+E licenses, learning off road driving, driving different vehicles, Hazmat and basic vehicle maintenance.
Step 3
After this, you will begin an apprenticeship in Driving Goods Vehicles which you will complete 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.

You'll earn £27,282 a year from the start of your training, which will go up as you progress throughout your career.

Level 2 Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) Driver C + E Apprenticeship

HGV Driving Instructor

Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor

Access to various university degree courses

From application to training, you can expect a timeline of around 3-6 months.

Timelines can vary based on individual circumstances.

1. 1-2 days

Online application

Complete your application form online. You'll need details about your education, work history, and why you want to join the Army.

2. 1 - 2 weeks

Meet with an Army Recruiter who will discuss your application, answer questions, and guide you through the next steps.

Medical Checks

Next you'll have your medical records checked. This could take some time as it's a really important step to make sure it's safe for you to join.

4. 1-3 months

Assessment centre

Attend a 2-day residential assessment where you'll complete fitness tests, cognitive assessments, medical examinations, and team exercises.

5. 3 - 5 months

Security clearance

Background and security checks are conducted. This can take longer depending on your personal circumstances and history.

Real Army Life

Your accommodation

Take a look inside the accommodation you’ll live in during basic training.

Your money goes further

Learn how your pay, perks and support go further than many civilian jobs.

Off-Duty & Spare time

Discover what you can do in your downtime, on camp and beyond.

Train in modern gyms and facilities built to keep you fit, strong and ready.

Day in the life of a Driver in the RLC

What's life really like serving in the RLC? We head onto camp to find out...

Ask a Soldier

Get honest answers from real soldiers in the roles you’re interested in. Read previously asked questions or ask your own.

The RLC is the largest Corps in the British Army and wherever in the world you find the Army, you’ll find us… Travel, Promotion, Sport, Adventure and Challenge – we’ve got it all.

Life in the RLC is varied and worldwide. You could be training in the UK one month and supporting operations overseas the next. Alongside your trade, you’ll get chances to travel, play sport and take on new challenges.

Heidi

Royal Logistic Corps

There truly is no job like being in the Army, where colleagues become your friends.

You’re living, training and working with the same people, so friendships build very quickly.

Yes. Everyone starts in the same position, learning together and supporting each other. That shared journey makes it easy to form friendships and feel like you belong.

Kelvin R

Infantry

Phase 1 training will gradually push your limits, both physically and mentally, and you learn a lot about what you’re capable of.

Basic training is where you learn the fundamentals of Army life, from fitness and discipline to teamwork and core soldiering skills. It’s challenging, but you’re supported every step of the way as you build confidence and resilience.

Royal Army Medical Services

Every day is different day in the Army, your not going to be doing the repetition of doing the same thing all the time because end of the day we have to adapt, we have to learn.

You could be on exercise for one whole week and the next week you could then be flying to somewhere else to do AT (Adventure Training), ski, snowboard.

Your day will usually follow a routine, with time for training, learning new skills and staying fit. There’s structure to help you progress, but every day brings something a bit different.

Movement Controller

Your future starts here

Every Driver started exactly where you are now. Take the first step.

Get supplies safely into the air and then accurately deliver them to troops on the ground. Enjoy an incredible job, flying with the Army and the RAF.

Keep our regiments in communication. Take charge of crucial communications systems and set them up wherever you are.

Cranes, bridge transporters, Land Rovers; as a specialist Driver, you can drive almost anything. Get trained, qualified and become a key member of our team.

This role is also available in the Army Reserve

Serve part time as a Reserve Driver while maintaining your civilian career. Train on evenings and weekends, with opportunities for overseas deployments and adventure training.