Driving Jobs in Ireland

Driving Jobs Overview

Freedom and control are two driving forces for those who just love being at the wheel. Maybe you get motivated by the liberating sensation of the open road. Or do you enjoy arranging packages at an efficient pace, manoeuvring a forklift as deftly as a Waltzer at a funfair? Regardless—if you have mechanical knowledge, can maintain focus for extended periods, possess a knack for navigation, and are truly reliable with a sturdy work ethic, driving jobs may be right for you.

One big issue for employers seeking to find good drivers in Ireland is the lack of proper skillsets and training. Hence, the demand for qualified drivers has increased. That includes the whole spectrum—from lorry drivers and haulage contractors to chauffeurs, bus drivers, forklift operators, and even driving instructors. According to SOLAS—the state agency focussed on the Further Education and Training (FET) sector—job growth prospects are predicted to be higher than the overall national employment growth rate. So now's the time to get the driving job you've always wanted.

And since the intricacies of transportation and distribution invigorate your spirit, you can either expand your search to the larger category of operations and logistics jobs or narrow it down to the following related roles:

• truck driver jobs
• delivery driver jobs
• forklift operator jobs

Driver Training and Skills

To obtain driving jobs, you'll need some training, which will depend on the kind of driving you're aiming to do. If trucking is your vocation, you may be interested in becoming an LGV (large-goods vehicle) or HGV (heavy-goods vehicle) driver. Road haulage is a very common means of freight in Ireland and attracts both school-leavers and graduates, but you do need to be 18 years of age and have a clean driving record and driver's licence.

After acquiring a provisional lorry licence—as well as passing a medical examination—you'll need to get a licence for the category of vehicle you'll be driving and also a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) card. Eventually, you may want to consider joining the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) to benefit from representation as well.

For bus drivers, the process is similar: You'll need to first get the appropriate licence and then your CPC card. As for driving a taxi, hackney, or limo, you'll need to pass the SPSV (Small Public Service Vehicle) Driver Entry Test, pay a €250 licence fee to the National Transport Authority, and complete a PSV15 application form to file with your local Garda PSV office or the Carriage Office (if you're in Dublin).

And if you prefer driving a forklift, you have a few options. You can either complete a Level 2 Certificate or a Certificate in Forklift Operations at college; opt for an apprenticeship with a warehousing or manufacturing company; or if you already have some relevant work experience, you can apply to a full-time job within the industry you're most qualified for since most employers will provide on-site forklift training. But do note that you may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

Meanwhile, consider these four essential skills for any kind of driver:

• responsibility
• high stamina
• self-sufficiency
• superior hand-eye coordination

Update Your Driver CV

Feeling fuelled up to get behind the wheel of a rugged machine? Before applying to driving jobs, make sure to highlight your training, licence(s), and CPC card(s) on your CV. You should also mention your full understanding of road regulations, route planning, loading/unloading requirements, any familiarity with particular goods or raw materials, and your dedication to all safety standards. Monster can further steer you in the right direction with our collection of CV advice articles—including how to organise your CV—along with some CV templates.

For most driving jobs, cover letters may not be crucial, but sending one over can't hurt either, so browse through our nifty career guides, such as our tips from writing pros and free cover letter samples to help get you inspired.

How Much Do Driving Jobs Pay?

Salaries for drivers vary based on the kind of driving job you're going for and on your location in Ireland, so we'll give you some examples specific to Dublin City. The list below features annual median earned-income numbers, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO):

• taxi drivers and chauffeurs: €18,225
• bus and coach drivers: €43,104
• LGV drivers (similar to HGV drivers): €34,643
• forklift truck drivers: €29,872
• van drivers: €26,412
• driving instructors: €30,720

Want to Learn More About a Company You're Interested In?

Monster wants you to find driving jobs that fit your needs. To help you scope out the lay of the land, we have company profiles that spotlight:

• several trucking, manufacturing, building, warehousing, and transportation brands
• corporate summaries and number of employees
• industry trends and top companies that are currently hiring

Already Powered-Up to Find Driving Jobs?

You're at the right place to start your career as a professional driver—and you can soon embark on your journey. But first, create a free profile on Monster so that we can rev up some opportunities and send you personalised alerts for job openings in your area.