Logistics Driver CURRENTLY RECRUITING

As a RAF Driver, you will operate many vehicle types, from cars and minibuses to cranes, articulated trucks, coaches and specialist vehicles (such as aircraft refuellers) to ensure RAF personnel, equipment and commodities are in the right place at the right time.

Full-time regular Spare time reserve

Learn more about this role

Pay During First Six Months £16,800+ + Benefits

Pay Until Completion Of Phase Two Training* £21,400+ + Benefits

DAY RATE STARTS AT: £42.29 + Benefits

Earn up to £15,446.64 per year.

Apply as a Reserve


Is this for you?

APPLICANTS MUST:

  • Be aged 17 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)
  • Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth
  • To meet RAF residency requirements, you should have been a UK Resident for a minimum of five years immediately preceding application, and have spent no more than 28 days per year outside the UK within those five years. UK residents of less than five years, or those who have spent more than 28 days per year outside the UK will require more eligibility checks.
  • Commit to minimum 3 years post Phase Two Training
  • Have a provisional UK DVLA driving licence with no penalty points or driving bans - See full details below
  • Meet the fitness and health criteria
  • Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
  • Pass a Fitness test - Details below

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

  • Travelling the world
  • Transport & Vehicles
  • Helping people

APPLICANTS MUST:

  • Be aged 18-54 Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis
  • No qualifications required
  • Commit 27 days per year
  • Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth Citizen since birth
  • Must hold a UK DVLA Driving Licence with full Category B with no endorsements
  • Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
  • Pass a General Fitness Test

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

  • Gaming & Computers
  • Building and Problem solving
  • Travelling the world

Locations

501 Sqn, RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire
502 Sqn, JHFS Aldergrove, Co Antrim (No current vacancies)
504 Sqn, RAF Wittering, Cambridgeshire (Extremely limited vacancies)
505 Sqn, RAF St Mawgan, Newquay (Extremely limited vacancies)
600 Sqn, RAF Northolt, Middlesex (No current vacancies)
605 Sqn, RAF Cosford, Shropshire (Extremely limited vacancies)
606 Sqn, RAF Benson, Oxon
607 Sqn, RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire (Extremely limited vacancies)
611 Sqn, RAF Woodvale, Merseyside
614 Sqn, Cardiff, (Extremely limited vacancies)

VIEW ALL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Drive a range of vehicles throughout the UK, Europe and on worldwide operational deployment or field exercises, both on roads and over rough terrain
  • Train and operate specialist vehicles supporting the RAF’s airfields in the UK and deployed worldwide
  • Transport personnel and goods (incl. hazardous materials) between units using Large Goods Vehicles, coaches and Troop Carrying Vehicles

Logistics (Driver)s are required to drive and operate a wide range of general and specialist vehicles, from Passenger Carrying Vehicles (PCV, which include cars, minibuses and coaches), to both rigid and articulated Large Goods Vehicles (LGV) and mobile cranes; you will also refuel aircraft using tankers, clear runways using specialist de-icing vehicles and move specialist freight with complex trailers. It will be your responsibility to make sure that RAF personnel, equipment and vehicles get to the right place, at the right time to meet Defence's operational output. You will be driving or operating on exercises, operational deployments, on and off airfields throughout the world, both on roads or rough terrain.

You will drive an array of different passengers (including VIPs), LGVs containing equipment, which will include hazardous materials using the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) qualification you gained during your Initial Trade Training. Within your first few years, you will probably be detached overseas from a few days, up to several months.

As a specialist and professional vocational driver, you will be expected to maintain the highest standards of dress, deportment and driving technique. You must work as part of a team, whilst having the capability and confidence to work and make decisions independently. Full training and support is available to the Logistics (Driver) throughout their career

Drivers are required to drive and operate a wide range of general and specialist vehicles, from Passenger Carrying Vehicles (PCVs, which include cars, minibuses and coaches), to both rigid and articulated Large Goods Vehicles (LGV) and mobile cranes; you will also refuel aircraft using tankers.

It will be your responsibility to make sure that RAF Personnel and equipment get to the right place, at the right time and in good condition to meet Defence's operational output.

You will be driving or operating on exercises and on operational deployments, on and off airfields and throughout the world, both on paved roads or on rough terrain.

You will drive an array of different passengers (including VIPs), LGVs carrying an array of equipment, which will include transporting hazardous materials using the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) qualification you gained during your Initial Specialisation Training.

Within your first few years, you will probably be detached overseas for anything from a few days, up to several months.

As a specialist and professional vocational driver, you will be expected to maintain the highest standards of dress, deportment and driving technique.

You must work as part of a team, whilst having the capability and confidence to work and make decisions independently.

Full training and support package is available to Drivers throughout their RAF Reserves career.

WHY JOIN THE RAF?

Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.

Salary
Benefits Salary
Civilian Role
RAF Role
  • Rent from £75p/m
  • Free gym
  • Subsidised food
  • Health care
  • World travel
  • 6 weeks holiday

See All Benefits

WHY JOIN THE RESERVES?

The skills you acquire as a Reserve won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they will enhance your work and civilian life.

You might be called up to assist with our operations worldwide for up to six months, during which you may be able to claim a pay award to cover your and your employer’s costs.

  • Training
  • Free gym
  • Subsidised food
  • Paid pension
  • Paid holiday

See All Benefits

TRAINING AND CAREER

INITIAL TRAINING

Your career will start with a 10-week Basic Recruit Training Course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. The course is designed to help you adjust to a military environment. As well as fitness and military training, you’ll also learn about the RAF lifestyle.

SPECIALIST TRAINING

Your next step will be the specialist driving course at the Defence School of Transport at Leconfield in East Yorkshire, which takes up to four months. During this course you will be trained to pass driving tests in Categories B, C, C+E and D; you will also learn additional military
driving skills such as Vehicle Loading and Restraint, Off Road Driving, Skid Avoidance and Recovery Techniques as well as the procedures and regulations for carrying dangerous goods by road (ADR).

At the end of the course, you will have passed your driving tests (if you haven’t already done so before you join) and earned the SQA ADR Driver Training Certificate for Carrying Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR).  You will also be well on the way to achieving an Intermediate Apprenticeship (L2) in Driving Goods Vehicles .

More Details +

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES

Opportunity to gain further qualifications and advanced driver training with such courses as Tanker Anti-Rollover, requalification in ADR every 5 years and Digital Tachograph training. As you progress through the ranks, there are opportunities to advance your skills; Corporals gain Instructional, Leadership and Management qualifications; opportunities exist for instructors to complete recognised civilian training such as Certificate in Education (Cert Ed) at a reduced cost. In addition, there is a Foundation Degree (BA/BSc) Level 5, BSc (Honours) Level 6 in Logistics Management available through Lincoln University and further opportunities for a Master’s
Degree (Level 7) with the use of your Enhanced Learning Credits.

ONGOING TRAINING/DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

As your career progresses, we will continue to train you in new skills. As your experience grows, you will be trained to drive/operate more specialist vehicles and, from Corporal onwards, be required to instruct on many vehicle types. You may be required to drive emergency response vehicles, specialist heavy lift trucks and work with cranes as an operator, Supervisor and Appointed Person for Lifting Operations.

YOUR FIRST TOUR

Your first assignment will probably be at an RAF Main Operating Base. You will drive the vehicles for which you hold licences that you achieved during Initial Trade Training; this will consolidate your experience and enhance your professionalism. You will also be given the opportunity to complete your Apprenticeship in the workplace. Tasks will include the movement of loads and personnel coupled with the associated processes that must be followed in order to achieve
these both legally and safely; everything from initial tasking, driver's brief from the Controller, documentation, vehicle checks, loading and load restraint, load checks on route, driving hours and rest breaks, the final off-load/delivery, documentation processes and customer feedback. Dependent upon the Unit's role, you may also be trained in aircraft refuelling using the aircraft refuelling vehicles / tankers.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER PROSPECTS/PROGRESSION

Further promotion to the rank of Corporal and beyond is on merit by competitive selection and demonstration of your abilities in both driver and general service skills. The more effort and enthusiasm you put into the RAF and your Trade, the easier you will find it to progress. Progression is the individual's responsibility however, support, direction, guidance and mentoring will be afforded to assist those who wish to progress, gain more experience and ultimately
further promotion.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

The qualifications you can earn are as valuable in civilian industry as they are in the RAF, which means that whenever you decide to leave the RAF, you will be well placed to find a new job.  For example:

  • Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) Driver (Cat C+E)
  • Petroleum Tanker Driver (Airfield and Road)
  • Chauffeur / VIP Driver
  • Coach / Bus Driver
  • Driver of hazardous loads (with ADR Driver Training Certificate in Packages and Tanks, Classes 1 - 6 and 8 - 9)
  • Fork Lift Operator
  • Vehicle Dispatch Clerk / Transport Controller
  • Driving Instructor (Cpl and above)
  • Mobile Crane Driver / Operator (Cpl and above)
  • Transport Management or Transport Operator (Cpl and above)

TRAINING AND CAREER

INITIAL TRAINING

Your training will start with a Basic Recruit Training Course consisting of 4 weekends at your chosen RAF Reserves Squadron, followed by a 15-day residential training course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. As well as military training, you will learn about the core values, code of conduct and history of the RAF, as well as its unique lifestyle.

SPECIALIST TRAINING

Training is achieved by the engagement of Contract Driver.

Training at your chosen Sqn or attendance at the Defence School of Transport in East Yorkshire. Vocational driver training takes approximately three years to achieve. During this you will be trained to pass driving tests in categories C, C+E and D; you will also learn additional military driving skills such as Vehicle Loading and Restraint, Off Road Driving, Skid Avoidance and Recovery Techniques as well as the procedures and regulations for carrying dangerous goods by road (ADR).

More Details +

SPECIALIST DRIVER TRAINING

Once promoted to LAC, and depending on your civilian experience, with the Trade Sponsor’s dispensation you may be authorised to drive articulated vehicles and/or large coaches unsupervised; otherwise, you will be supervised until deemed competent. Once promoted to Senior Aircraftsman, driving these vehicles is routinely unsupervised. With experience and once holding the rank of Senior Aircraftsman, you will progress onto more specialist platforms such as Battlefield Ambulance, Trauma Management Vehicle, Airfield Sweeper, Airfield Snow and Ice clearing and Anti-Icing equipment, Forklifts both Industrial and Rough Terrain, leading up to aircraft refuelling vehicles.

 

ONGOING TRAINING/DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

As your career progresses, you will continue to train and learn new skills. There are also opportunities for management and leadership training, and to complete an extensive range of additional driving courses, such as driving instruction, Defence Driving Examiner and Master Driver, all subject to rank progression.

OPERATIONAL FLIGHTS

Within your Squadron there will be ‘Operational Flights’. Here you will consolidate your training on Flight weekends, either as an individual or as a member of a small team, by supporting your regular counterparts at your parent Station or at an operational Unit nearby. Other opportunities will be available during Squadron-initiated exercises, such as support to Air Shows or Range work. You will also have the opportunity to undertake taskings in support the RAF Transport Fleet worldwide.

 

CAREER PROSPECTS/PROGRESSION

You will initially join the RAF Reserves for a period of 12 years. After approximately 2 years, and following successful completion of your basic Trade Ability Tests, you’ll be eligible for promotion to Senior Aircraftsman. Further driver training, subject to recommendations from your Flight Commander, will make you eligible for promotion to the rank of Corporal and beyond; this is by competitive selection and subject to you obtaining positive annual appraisals.

 

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

The qualifications you will gain are as valuable in the civilian world as they are in the RAF Reserves, which means that whenever you decide to leave, you’ll be well placed to find a new job, for example:

  • Large Goods Vehicle Driver (LGV CAT C, C+E)
  • Petroleum Tanker Driver
  • Vehicle Dispatch Clerk
  • Chauffeur / VIP Driver
  • Coach / Bus Driver Cat D
  • Driver of Hazardous Loads
  • Fork Lift driver/operator
  • Defence Licence Acquisition Instructor
  • ‘Appointed Person’ for Crane Lifting Operations

Commitment and location

You will have to commit to 27 days per year.


Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

Be a UK national or UK/other dual nationality.

Be aged between 17 and 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday).

*Until at least you have completed one year of service and successfully completed Professional Workplace Assessments on first posting.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth Citizen since birth.

Be aged 18-54. Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday. Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

No GCSE requirements.

You must have, at least, a UK DVLA provisional driving licence. You must not have any
endorsements (penalty points) or a driving ban which would prevent you from holding an LGV
licence, if you are under the age of 21. A maximum of 3 penalty points for Minor Traffic
Offences (such as SP30) will be accepted for over 21 years of age. Any serious driving
convictions (such as DR 10 to DR 30) are not acceptable due to the limitations on the type of
employment you will undertake.

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth (with ‘right to work’ immigration status). Employment restrictions may be imposed within the Logistics Branch and Trades in relation to the rapid and effective deployability of RAF personnel to countries that apply travel restrictions to non-UK personnel. Non-British personnel applying for these fields of employment are required to certify that they have been advised of the nationality imposed employment limitations and the consequences of not naturalizing as a British citizen.

Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application. However, candidates with a minimum of 3 years will be considered.

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. To check your fitness levels, we put every candidate through at least two separate fitness tests as part of the application process.

The first of these is the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) which takes place at a fitness centre local to you. This consists of the following:

  • 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
  • Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
  • Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds

The second fitness test will take place at RAF Halton on day one of your initial training. This consists of the following:

  • Achieving the required score on the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT or Bleep test)
  • Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
  • Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds

How fit you need to be to pass these tests can vary depending on role, age and gender. The requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).

MALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Multi-Stage Fitness Test Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (Score) (No.) (No.)
15-16 11.39 9.03 20 35
17-29 11.11 9.10 20 35
30-34 11.36 9.04 19 32
35-39 12 8.09 18 29
40-44 12.26 8.03 17 26
45-47 12.54 7.07 16 23

 

FEMALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Multi-Stage Fitness Test Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (Score) (No.) (No.)
15-16 13.54 6.07 10 32
17-29 13.23 7.02 10 32
30-34 13.47 6.08 9 29
35-39 14.13 6.04 8 26
40-44 14.48 5.08 7 23
45-47 15.19 5.04 6 20

You can see the protocols for Press Ups & Sit Ups here:

PJFT/PRFV Protocols

You can download an MP3 file of the Multi-Stage Fitness Test below, listen to the introduction file first:

RAF MSFT: Intro

RAF MSFT: Bleep Test

You can see a video demonstration of the PRFV Fitness Test here:

RAF PRFV Fitness Test

A 12-week fitness plan with detailed information to help you get ready for all of the fitness tests can be downloaded here.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

BEFORE YOUR APPLICATION:

There are health requirements that must be met by all applicants:

  • Body Mass Index requirements:
Age Male and female minimum Male and female maximum Male maximum with additional assessment Female maximum with additional assessment
18 + 18 28 32 30
16 to < 18 17 27 27 27
  • Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.

Get in touch if you have any questions about the health criteria, or would like to find out if any additional health requirements apply to your role of interest.

DURING YOUR APPLICATION:

The Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

YOU MUST:

  • Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
  • Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
  • Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:

  • Have been or are a member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence
  • Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles
  • Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits
  • Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive. 
    Any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, must not be obscene or offensive (eg, racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drug related or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos may be worn on the side and back of the neck but tattoos on the back of the neck must not extend above the natural hairline (scalp tattoos are not permitted). In addition, tattoos must not be visible below the sleeve cuff while wearing uniform, although a single finger (not thumb) tattoo that could be covered by a ring may be permitted
  • Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
  • Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt

Beard Policy: A revised facial hair policy has been agreed by the Air Force Board which will allow serving personnel to wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard whilst maintaining high standards of appearance. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm). The wearing of beards during Phase 1 and Phase 2 training is currently under consideration and details will be advised when available

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants will be expected to achieve the required Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) score for the Logistics (Driver) Specialisation.

Additional Requirement

You must hold, at least, a UK DVLA Driving Licence with full Category B, You must not have any endorsements (penalty points) or a driving ban which would prevent you from holding a vocational driving licence, if you are under the age of 21.

A maximum of 3 penalty points for Minor Traffic Offences (such as SP30) will be accepted for over 21 years of age. Any serious driving convictions (such as DR 10 to DR 30) are not acceptable due to the limitations on the type of employment you will undertake.

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth Citizen since birth (with ‘right to work’ immigration status).

Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application. However, candidates with a minimum of 3 years may be considered.

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. To check your fitness levels, we put every candidate through at least two separate fitness tests as part of the application process.

The first of these is the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) which takes place at a fitness centre local to you. This consists of the following:

  • 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
  • Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
  • Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds

How fit you need to be to pass the test can vary depending on role, age and gender. The requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).

MALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (No.) (No.)
15-16 11.39 20 35
17-29 11.11 20 35
30-34 11.36 19 32
35-39 12 18 29
40-44 12.26 17 26
45-47 12.54 16 23

 

FEMALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (No.) (No.)
15-16 13.54 10 32
17-29 13.23 10 32
30-34 13.47 9 29
35-39 14.13 8 26
40-44 14.48 7 23
45-47 15.19 6 20

You can see the protocols for Press Ups & Sit Ups here:

PJFT/PRTC Protocols

A 12-week fitness plan with detailed information to help you get ready for all of the fitness tests can be downloaded here.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

BEFORE YOUR APPLICATION:

There are health requirements that must be met by all applicants:

  • Body Mass Index requirements:
Age Male and female minimum Male and female maximum Male maximum with additional assessment Female maximum with additional assessment
18 + 18 28 32 30
16 to < 18 17 27 27 27
  • Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.

Get in touch if you have any questions about the health criteria, or would like to find out if any additional health requirements apply to your role of interest.

DURING YOUR APPLICATION:

The Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

YOU MUST:

  • Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
  • Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
  • Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:

  • Have been or are member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence
  • Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles
  • Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits
  • Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive. 
    Any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, must not be obscene or offensive (eg, racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drug related or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos may be worn on the side and back of the neck but tattoos on the back of the neck must not extend above the natural hairline (scalp tattoos are not permitted). In addition, tattoos must not be visible below the sleeve cuff while wearing uniform, although a single finger (not thumb) tattoo that could be covered by a ring may be permitted
  • Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
  • Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt

Beard Policy: A revised facial hair policy has been agreed by the Air Force Board which will allow serving personnel to wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard whilst maintaining high standards of appearance. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm). The wearing of beards during Phase 1 and Phase 2 training is currently under consideration and details will be advised when available

If you don’t have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information contact your local AFCO.

GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

Apply here and receive an email that invites you to your full online application.

Apply as a Regular

GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

Apply here and receive an email that invites you to your full online application.

Apply as a Reserve