Becoming a delivery driver: what do you need to know?

What does a delivery driver do?
A delivery driver’s job involves transporting goods from one point to another, for individual or business clients. It is practiced in a variety of sectors:

restaurants;

e-commerce;
logistics;
food;
pharmacies, etc.
The goods to be delivered can be:

meals;
packages;
equipment;
or documents.
The driver follows a specific route, often determined by an app or delivery platform. They pick up the goods at a starting point (restaurant, warehouse, store) and drop them off at the recipient’s address.

Depending on the type of delivery and the area of ​​operation, different means of transport are used:

a bicycle;

a scooter;

a motorcycle;

a car;

a light commercial vehicle;

or a truck.

A delivery driver can work for:

a transport company;

a digital platform;

or as a freelancer.

In all cases, they organize their route, collect the orders, check their contents, ensure they are in good condition, complete the journey, and deliver the package to the recipient.

Who can become a delivery driver?
Qualities needed to become a delivery driver
Several qualities can be useful for becoming a delivery driver, such as:

organizational skills;
time management skills;
autonomy and rigor;
responsiveness;
good interpersonal skills;
and physical stamina.
Organizational skills
Managing multiple deliveries in a single day often requires logical planning. Reducing unnecessary trips, completing deliveries in the correct order, and respecting schedules requires a certain ability to structure one’s route.

Time management
Meeting the deadlines set by the platforms or clients remains a constant requirement. Between order pickup and delivery to the recipient, the timing is often tight. Anticipating traffic jams, preparation delays, or unforeseen events can make all the difference.

Good work-life balance is often observed among those who have been in the profession for several months.

Autonomy and Rigor
The job is generally done alone, without direct supervision during deliveries. Many drivers organize their own days, prepare their equipment, manage their routes, and resolve minor daily issues.

This autonomy requires a certain rigor in checking orders, following instructions, and managing the application used.

Responsiveness
Delivering in an urban or densely populated environment also means constantly adapting:

unpredictable traffic;
incorrect address;
absent customer;
route change, etc.
The ability to make quick, practical decisions while remaining calm is a real asset for completing the mission.

Interpersonal Skills
Even if interactions are sometimes brief, the relationship with customers remains a real aspect of the job. A pleasant, respectful, and polite attitude contributes to a smooth and positive order delivery experience.

Some professionals take the time to add a personal touch to each delivery, which can strengthen customer loyalty or improve their rating on a platform.

Physical endurance
Depending on the mode of transport used (bicycle, walking, scooter, etc.), the job can be physically demanding.

Making multiple trips, carrying loads, or facing difficult weather conditions requires a certain level of stamina.

Training to become a delivery driver
Several training programs can prepare you to become a delivery driver, especially for salaried positions in the transportation sector.

Among the most common qualifications are:

the CAP (Vocational Certificate) in Goods Delivery Driving;

the Vocational Baccalaureate in Road Freight Transport Driving;

or the Professional Qualification Certificate (CQP) in Beverage Distribution Service Delivery Driving.

Some more comprehensive programs include:

the BEP (Vocational Studies Diploma) in Driving and Services in Road Transport; The BTS (Advanced Vocational Diploma) in Transport and Logistics Services;

or the DUT (University Diploma of Technology) in Logistics and Transport Management offer a broader perspective on the sector, with skills in organization, flow management, and logistics.
These qualifications for becoming a courier are not always required but can strengthen an application, particularly for large delivery companies.

What regulations apply to delivery drivers?
The work of a delivery driver is not limited to the delivery itself: it also involves complying with a specific regulatory framework, which varies depending on the type of vehicle used, the nature of the goods transported, and the work method. Here are the main rules to know:

driver’s license;
health and safety regulations;
professional liability insurance;
vehicle insurance;
the National Register of Carriers (RNT);

andThe certificate of professional competence.
Driving license and associated obligations
Using a motorized vehicle for delivery requires a valid driving license, corresponding to the type of vehicle used:

AM license for mopeds (up to 50 cc);
A1 or A2 license for more powerful scooters or motorcycles;
B license for cars or light commercial vehicles (LCVs), i.e., vehicles with a maximum authorized mass (MAM) of less than 3.5 tonnes;

or C license, which is mandatory for driving a truck over 3.5 tonnes.
In the case of a C license, the activity falls under heavy road transport, with specific requirements such as:

FIMO (Initial Minimum Mandatory Training);

a driver’s card;

and registration in a professional register. Food Safety Regulations
When delivering meals or food products, food safety precautions must be observed.

Professional Liability Insurance
The profession can lead to property damage or bodily injury to third parties during a delivery. This is why many professionals choose to take out professional liability insurance. This coverage protects them against the consequences of an accident or incident that occurs while carrying out their work.

Vehicle Insurance
Whenever a motorized two-wheeler or car is used for deliveries, specific insurance is required. It must be tailored to the professional use of the vehicle, including for self-employed individuals or micro-entrepreneurs.

National Register of Carriers (RNT)
For delivery drivers who regularly use a motorized vehicle for commercial purposes, registration with the National Register of Carriers may be mandatory. This process requires:

proof of good character;

professional competence;

and sufficient financial resources. Certificate of professional competence
Before being able to register, a certificate of professional competence is generally required. This is obtained after completing approved training, followed by an examination, administered by the DREAL (Regional Directorate for the Environment, Planning and Housing).