What Is a Local Driver and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

As a local driver, you transport people or packages within a town, city, or region. Your specific duties vary depending on the kind of driving you do; for example, taxi cab drivers pick up and drop off passengers, while couriers deliver confidential or time-sensitive material to clients. However, many responsibilities overlap between different sorts of drivers. All local drivers must know the best local routes to and from common destinations and possess customer service skills. Some local drivers use a company vehicle for work, while others, such as ride-share drivers, may lease a car from the company or use their own.

The requirements to be a local driver depend largely on the type of work you do. All local drivers must have valid driver’s licenses and clean driving records. Operating larger vehicles may require additional qualifications, such as a commercial driver’s license (CDL). If you are required to load and unload heavy packages or equipment, you must have good physical strength and stamina. When working in passenger delivery, you should have strong verbal communication skills. Couriers, particularly those who deliver confidential materials, such as legal documents, may need to be bonded and insured.