DRIVER

The Job

RLC Drivers operate, maintain and service most military vehicles, including all variants of Land Rovers, load-carrying trucks, trailers and rough-terrain forklift trucks. They work in all types of conditions from the Arctic to the desert because overseas postings are common.

The Right Job For Me?

Drivers are reliable and practical with a mechanical aptitude and a genuine interest in driving and keeping their vehicles in tip-top shape. Applicants should be alert, conscientious, with good coordination, road sense and a keen eye for detail.

What Skills Will I Learn?

Operating and driving a wide variety of vehicles safely and efficiently in varying conditions, both day and night.Servicing and repairing vehicles both in barracks and out in the field.Working as part of a team to ensure the RLC runs smoothly.

What Training Will I Do?

Initial trainingEvery RLC soldier is first and foremost a fighting soldier. Your military career will start at ATR (Army Training Regiment) Pirbright, Surrey. During the 14-week course you will learn military skills such as foot drill, how to handle and fire a weapon, how to live and work in the open and how to tackle an assault course, as well as developing your stamina and fitness. You will be stretched further than you thought possible and toughen up both physically and mentally. Having successfully mastered these basic military skills, you will take your place in the Passing Out parade in front of an invited audience of parents, relatives and friends. After completing your basic military training you will attend a one-week induction course at St Omer Barracks in Aldershot, Hampshire, where you will learn about the RLC and its history. Further trainingDriver training takes place at the Defence School of Transport at Leconfield in East Yorkshire. This training, which is self-pacing, lasts up to 11 weeks and includes Driver RLC Class 3 employment qualification and a Category C+E licence plus ADR Certificate. You will then be posted to a unit in the UK or overseas, where you will be employed in a large Logistics or Transport Regiment. Here you will gain driving experience and take part in field exercises. As you gain experience and improve your basic skills, opportunities will come up to obtain further qualifications, such as Fuel Tanker Operator, and to earn promotion, which could lead to training and employment as a Driving Instructor or in MT management. Every graduation of Class is accompanied by an increase in both salary and responsibility.

What Qualifications Could I Get?

Promotion prospects are good. RLC soldiers are considered for promotion on a Corps-wide basis and promotion is determined by merit, qualification and recommendation (based on performance and potential). All driving qualifications obtained in the Army are relevant in civilian life. These and many other qualifications gained during your career as a Driver, together with your experience and rank held at the end of your service, will all be recognised and valued by prospective employers.

Future Prospects

There is always a need for Drivers to volunteer with the Commando and Parachute forces. The RLC also provides many opportunities for Drivers to improve their skills and attain qualifications in other employment. These include:Driver Tank TransporterDriving tank transporters with trailers, and carrying all types of armoured vehicles and heavy equipment.Staff Car DriverAssigned to an Army Officer with the rank of 1 Star or above. The role includes driving your Officer to and from their place of work.