How to Hire a Delivery Driver for Your Business
A 2026 guide to hiring delivery drivers — verifying licence class and validity, checking driving records and background, and setting clear terms.
By ApnaWorker - reviewed by ApnaWorker Editorial Team - updated 2026-06-16T13:37:58.187813+00:00
A delivery driver represents your business on every doorstep and drives on your behalf, so hiring carefully protects your customers, your goods, and your liability. The right driver is licensed, safe, and reliable.
This guide walks through what to verify before you hand over the keys, the checks that matter most, and how to set up the arrangement clearly.
Verify the licence properly
Start with the licence. Confirm it is valid, active, and the correct class for the vehicle the role uses — a mismatch in class or an expired licence is a serious risk you want to catch before hiring.
Check for restrictions and the expiry date too. A proper licence check confirms the candidate is legally allowed to do the driving the job requires.
- Confirm the licence is valid and active.
- Check the class matches the vehicle used.
- Note restrictions and the expiry date.
Check the driving record
A valid licence is not the whole story — the driving history matters. Review the driving record for accidents, serious violations, or a pattern that suggests risk on the road.
A clean record points to a careful, reliable driver. Where available, a motor vehicle record check gives you an objective picture rather than relying on the candidate's own account.
- Review the driving record, not just the licence.
- Look for accidents or repeated violations.
- Use an official record check where available.
Run background and reliability checks
Because drivers handle goods and visit customers, run a background check and verify insurance. Many businesses also include drug testing for safety-sensitive driving roles.
Contact former employers about reliability and punctuality — a driver who turns up late or skips shifts costs you deliveries and customers. Past behaviour is the best predictor here.
- Run a background check and verify insurance.
- Consider drug testing for safety-sensitive roles.
- Ask former employers about reliability and punctuality.
Test fit for the actual job
Match the driver to the work. A driver for light local deliveries is different from one handling long routes or heavy loads. Confirm they are comfortable with the vehicle, the area, and the daily volume.
A short trial or ride-along shows how they handle the vehicle, treat customers, and manage time. It reveals far more than an interview alone.
- Match the driver to the route, vehicle, and load.
- Confirm comfort with the area and daily volume.
- Use a trial or ride-along to judge real performance.
Agree clear terms in writing
Set expectations in writing: hours, pay, fuel and vehicle responsibilities, what happens with damage or accidents, and how deliveries are tracked. Clarity prevents most disputes.
Keep records of licence and insurance, and re-check them periodically. On ApnaWorker you can view driver profiles, see verified contacts, and message candidates directly to compare experience.
- Put hours, pay, and vehicle responsibilities in writing.
- Agree how damage and accidents are handled.
- Keep and periodically re-check licence and insurance.
Frequently asked questions
What should I check before hiring a delivery driver?
Verify the licence is valid, active, and the correct class for the vehicle; review the driving record for accidents or violations; run a background check; verify insurance; and contact former employers about reliability.
Is a valid licence enough?
No. A valid licence confirms legality, but you should also review the driving record for accidents and serious violations. A clean record points to a careful, reliable driver — use an official motor vehicle record check where possible.
Should I test a driver before hiring?
Yes. A short trial or ride-along shows how they handle the vehicle, treat customers, and manage time. Match the driver to the actual route, vehicle, and daily volume the role requires.
What should a delivery driver agreement cover?
Hours, pay, fuel and vehicle responsibilities, how damage or accidents are handled, and how deliveries are tracked. Keep licence and insurance records and re-check them periodically.