In 2025, making a driving CV that stands out requires more than just stating your licence type and past jobs. The recruiting market has changed, and so have the needs of logistics companies, delivery services, and employment platforms that focus on drivers.
If you’re applying through Driving Recruitment Agencies, your CV needs to do more than just tick boxes. It needs to communicate your narrative, show why you’re a good fit for the job, and show that you know what the industry needs right now.
This guide is a brief and useful tip on how to make your driving CV stand out in a crowded employment market.
Understanding What Employers Look For in a Driving CV
Many companies and hiring managers now use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to sort through CVs before they get to a real person. You need to match appropriate job titles, skills, and experience with the job description to get past the first round of screening.
But beyond keyword matching, employers value:
- Clarity and relevance: Only include experience that directly relates to driving or logistics. Highlight your experience in different vehicle classes, such as HGV, LGV, or van delivery roles.
- Up-to-date qualifications: Ensure your CPC, digital tachograph card, and any specialised certifications are listed and valid.
- Proof of reliability: Driving roles demand punctuality, safety awareness, and reliability. Including achievements or responsibilities that highlight these traits makes a real difference.
At Starting Point Recruitment, we’ve seen that candidates who tailor their CVs to the type of driving role they’re applying for often secure interviews faster than those who use a generic document.
Key Formatting and Content Tips for Driver Applications
The layout of your CV matters. Recruiters often skim-read before they make a decision. A professional, easy-to-scan document shows attention to detail and respect for the hiring process.
Use a Logical CV Structure:
- Header with name, contact number, email, and home address
- Personal Statement (3–4 lines summarising your experience and goals)
- Licences and Certifications
- Work History (most recent first)
- Education and Training
- References (optional or “available on request”)
Keep formatting clean and avoid clutter. Use bullet points for duties and achievements, and stick to a standard font like Arial or Calibri at 11 or 12 pt size.
Tailor the CV for Each Role:
While you don’t need to start from scratch each time, make small changes to reflect the job advert’s requirements. Driving Recruitment Agencies often recommend using job-specific keywords such as “customer-focused driver“, “forklift certified“, or “multi-drop delivery experience” when these are relevant to the post.
Be Concise but Detailed:
Hiring managers don’t want long paragraphs. Use short statements that convey outcomes. Instead of saying, “Responsible for driving and delivering parcels,” you might write:
- Delivered an average of 120 parcels daily in urban areas with a 98% on-time rate.
- Carried out vehicle safety checks before each shift to ensure legal compliance.
These statements show value, not just duties.
The Importance of Soft Skills and Attitude
Since drivers represent a company to the public, recruiters are giving soft skills like communication, dependability, and timekeeping greater weight this year. When you can, be careful to illustrate these qualities using concrete examples.
Examples to include:
- “Recognised by the team leader for consistent early starts and shift coverage”
- “Praised for customer service attitude during home delivery work”
Avoid vague claims. Use short examples that back up your point. Agencies like Starting Point Recruitment look for candidates who are not only competent but also dependable.
Mistakes to Avoid on Your Driving CV
Even skilled drivers can miss opportunities by making basic CV mistakes. Here are a few to steer clear of:
- Including outdated contact information: Always double-check your phone number and email.
- Not updating your work history: If you’ve changed roles or earned new qualifications, update them.
- Typos and grammar issues: Use spell-check or ask someone to review it for you.
- Listing irrelevant experience: Keep your CV focused on driving and related logistics work.
- Missing key documents: If applying through an agency, have digital copies of your licence, CPC card, and proof of right to work ready.
Digital Readiness in the 2025 Job Market
With the rise of automated application systems and digital shortlisting tools, your CV needs to be machine-readable as well as human-friendly. Use clear headings, avoid using images or tables, and submit it in Word or PDF format.
Recruiters are also looking at your digital presence. If you have a professional profile on LinkedIn, keep it updated and aligned with your CV. More agencies, including Starting Point Recruitment, are using online platforms to pre-screen candidates.
Local Knowledge and Flexibility
Working with a recruitment agency in Walsall or another region means being aware of local routes, peak delivery zones, and employers’ expectations. Mentioning this local insight, especially if you’re based nearby, can give your CV an edge.
For example:
- “Strong knowledge of the Walsall to Birmingham corridor and surrounding logistics hubs”
- “Flexible availability for local shifts, including short-notice driving jobs”
The Road to Landing Your Ideal Driving Role
A stellar driving CV is more than just a list of past jobs in the tough job market of 2025. Your resume is a professional summary of your skills, attitude, and willingness to contribute. Customise your CV, make it easy to read, and highlight real results over general tasks.
Hiring managers at Driving Recruitment Agencies want people who are clear and sure of themselves. Your CV is the first thing that shows you are that person.
Whatever way you apply, directly or through a local recruitment agency, your CV should show what kind of driver and worker you are. Paying extra attention to detail will help you get the part you deserve.